Slate countertops, also known as Slate worktops, offers an attractive work surface for kitchens. Being one of the classic worktop materials that won’t fade with the passage of time, the natural stone is a stone surface for busy kitchens.

Planning to design or renovate your kitchen? Consider choosing a natural stone such as slate for the kitchen countertop. Slate worktops have many advantages over other countertops and can easily make a very attractive addition to any kitchen.

Why Chose Slate Countertops?

Slate is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock and is one of the prettiest natural stones to work with. Available in myriad colours, but predominantly used in the shade of Black Slate, slate kitchen worktops can suit traditional, as well as modern, kitchen designs well. Being heat resistant and scratch resistant, slate worktops also offer an eco-friendly option for green homes. When taken care of properly, slate countertops can last a lifetime without any issues.

Regular Cleaning

Slate worktops require minimal cleaning and maintenance. Warm water and mild soap can be used to clean slate worktops regularly. You can also choose to clean the surface with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, grit and other loose debris collected on the surface of the worktop. It is considered wise to use a damp cloth along with a mild cleaner, as abrasive cleaners can scratch the surface of a black slate worktop. Also, stay away from products that contain vinegar and lemon, along with oily sprays, as they can etch the surface of the slate worktop. Leave the damp cloth on hard stains for about 20 minutes and rub it off with mild soap. It is also considered wise to wipe the slate kitchen worktops immediately after cooking and food preparation, so the surface remains free from water sports and mineral deposits. Natural slate will show age and use in time, and it is not a stone for those who always wish to have a pristine worktop.

Taking Care Of Spills

It is wise to blot out kitchen spills on worktops, rather than trying to wipe them with a cloth. Spills tend to spread over the countertop when wiped and can increase the chances of the stain spreading over a larger area on the slate worktop. Make use of a poultice usually used to clean stone countertops to clean the slate worktop surface.

Taking Care Of Scratches

While slate is naturally resistant to scratches, you might encounter an incident where the surface contracts a small scratch or chip. In this case, simply make use of fine steel wool to rub over the scratch until it disappears.

Polishing the Slate Surface

Slate worktops can lose their shine with time and rigorous use. Therefore, it may be deemed imperative to preserve the surface’s natural shine with the help of mineral oil or organic oil. Use a soft cloth to rub the organic oil on the worktop to impart a natural glossy finish to the surface. The organic oil tends to remain just below the worktop surface and adds an enhanced layer of protection to the countertop.

Sealing The Worktop Surface

Although resistant to scratches and stains, slate kitchen worktops can require sealing occasionally to retain their original look. Sealing the slate countertop immediately after installation is highly recommended. Once this is done, you need not worry about the black slate worktops losing their sheen for a very long time. The right time to reseal can be ascertained when water droplets on the worktop surface fail to form beads like they used to before.

Published by Jesus Alberto Mouzo on August 19, 2019