We have branches across the South Coast of England, including Poole inDorset, Winchester, Tadley, Romsey and Portsmouth in Hampshire. Internal showrooms are available to viewin Poole and Portsmouth and external displays are available at Portsmouth, Poole, Winchester and Tadley. Some hearths are more susceptible to cleaning damage than others. Before trying any new cleaning method, test it on an inconspicuous corner of your hearth. Slate floors are a great addition to any home. However, they need to be maintained if you want to keep them looking fresh. Use The Original Slate Oil™ as often as you like to refresh, maintain, and protect your slate counter-tops.

Alternatively, use a water/vinegar mixture. Mix one part vinegar (either apple cider or white vinegar) to one part warm water. 4. Time to mop For more detail, we have a specific article on how to clean a marble fireplace. How to clean a fireplace surround made of ceramic tiles After many years of testing and research, Garden State Soapstone, Slate & Wood Countertops developed a natural and organic slate oil. Our slate oil enhances the natural beauty of slate. Although slate is impervious, slate has a slightly porosity at its top surface. Our original slate oil will penetrate, protect, and enhance the natural beauty of slate. Superdrug adds new 'VIP Rewards' offers to its existing loyalty scheme – here's what you need to know Hotspot Slate Oil seals and protects tired looking slate, enhancing its natural beauty. It may slightly deepen the natural colour. The sealer repels dirt and water whilst still allowing the slate to breathe. How to use Hotspot Slate OilYou have two options when it comes to bedding down your fire place hearth, you can go for traditional sand and cement mortar mixed at a ratio of 4 parts sand to 1 part cement or alternatively you can use a pre-mixed powered tile adhesive. If you need build up one end of the hearth to help with levelling, it sometimes might be easier with sand and cement mortar, as tile adhesives have a maximum depth. Where are you located? After the bubbles have stopped, you can top the stain with the paste you’ve created. Leave it for 5-10 minutes then wipe off with a clean cloth. 5. Use shaving cream on coloured grout You might as well work on the surround while you’re cleaning the hearth. Mix warm water with a little washing-up liquid; if you’re cleaning a slate or granite hearth with soapy water, you can use the same solution. Dip a soft scrubbing brush in the mixture, then start cleaning the tiles. Try it on a corner first to make sure it won’t cause damage, though, especially if the tiles are very old. Rinse and dry afterwards. You don’t want to be bleaching anything coloured! Not to worry though, shaving cream is an alternative option and can be used on coloured grout.

Find an empty spray bottle and fill it with half water and half hydrogen peroxide. Spray onto the stained area and leave for a few minutes before using a soft brush or sponge to give the floor a scrub. 4. Use hydrogen peroxide and bicarbonate of soda For any stains that are more oil-based, layer on a one-part bicarbonate of soda, one-part water paste, and leave to dry. Slate hearths can quite easily be scratched, these scratches are more visible on honed surfaces compared to natural riven, but they will just fade and disappear to some extend over time, or if you apply a coat of slate oil this will keep you hearth looking perfect even if under heavy use. Is slate good for a fireplace hearth? Lithofin MN Slate Oil is for initial treatment of newly installed surfaces such as stairs, table tops, window sills, etc. Achieves a fresh look and protects the surface. It suitable for regular maintenance work. Lithofin MN Slate Oil is a special product from the LITHOFIN-Range for marble and natural stone (MN). It is a ready-to use protective and care treatment that contains high quality waxes and resins in CFC free solvents.In the UK market by far the most common material for Fireplace Hearths is Slate, we source our slate from Brazil as it offers an excellent surface finish and is strong enough to withstand the punishment of everyday use. How to measure for a fireplace surround? Choose a soft towel or cloth to lightly wipe any excess water off the slate tiles. Then leave the slate to air dry on its own. 6. Use a smidge of teak or slate oil It will also rejuvenate old slate and help to protect the surface of both new and old slate hearths against staining and water marking and will disguise any unsightly scratches that many be present on the surface of the hearth. When you have transferred these measurements onto the plywood, cut this out carefully and then test this template in the fireplace opening to ensure you have correctly measured. When this is correct the template can be used to mark out the Slate ready for installation. How to level a fireplace hearth?

Remove with warm water and a soft cloth or towel. If you’re nervous about trying this for the first time then spot test before you get going! 6. Pour absorbent material on oil stains Lithofin MN Slate Oil is suitable as a maintenance product due to its cleaning properties. In case of stubborn dirt deposits, use MN Power Clean. For regular maintenance, we recommend MN Wash & Clean or EASY CARE.Shake bottle before use. Newly installed surfaces: the surface to be treated must be completely dry. Evenly and generously apply the product with a sponge or cloth and allow it to dry. Dirty and pre-treated surfaces: Apply generously and, after a few minutes, remove the dissolved residues with a cloth. Then apply again and allow to dry. Please Note: always try the product in an inconspicuous area prior to use. The gloss level can be increased through polishing. If you are not satisfied with the result, apply again ensuring even distribution. In temperatures below 10°C, the product may separate or discolour. In this case, store the bottle in a warm place and shake until the product has turned clear again. Using a soft bristle brush, sweep the floor for any loose dirt. Ensure not to use a brush with hard bristles—they will damage the slate. 2. Dust the floor We would always recommend creating a plywood or cardboard template before starting to cut your Slate hearth blank. You need to fully measure all sides of the opening and establish what over hangs you are going to need to meet current building regs, link to guide below: Use a clean mop to wipe the sealer across the slate floor – it’ll help to prevent stains from forming. Most hardware shops will sell stone and tile sealers.