Cleaning an ancient slate sink

[Norman Verona]

We have an ancient slate sink in the bathroom. It's a bit grotty and I've scrubbed it with a wire brush and hot soapy water. It has cleaned it up a bit but it could do with more.

 

Anyone got any ideas how I can get it looking better?

 

I'll see if I can get a decent picture.

 

and here it is:

 

[Paul Morcom]

Give it to a Welsh person to do! :-)

[bhouse]

Never mind the sink, it's the tiling underneath that worries me!

 

For slate floors, I've used this with good results

[IanG1]

WD40 and wire wool

[peterg]

You need to avoid using anything acidic on slate (ie no lemon jiuce, vinegar etc), try and get hold of an alkaline cleaner and mix it with a little cream cleaner (like Jif/Cif) and make sure it doesn't dry out - work it in with a Scotchbrite pad and leave it for a few minutes but thoroughly rinse off before it starts to dry.

If that fails you could try sanding it down and then resealing the 'new' surface to prevent further staining...

[Graham0127]

The gear I use is Lifothin slate seal.....use a lint free cloth to apply and use sparingly.It`s like magic.....will make you slate look amazing .Really works........If you can`t get it in France I`ll send you some..

[s2rrr]

Can you not use some oil on it, I seem to recall that works on hearths and things.

 

Bob  

[Norman Verona]

I'll try all the remedies that I have the stuff for first. Then, if still not right, I'll order some Lifothin and pick it up when we go to my daughter's

 

Thanks chap.

[Graham0127]

Now you`ve got that sorted.......what about those tiles ?        

[bioman]

Once you have renovated try maintaining with     http://www.selden.co.uk/products/product_assistant_information.asp?section=4&pil_id=6. To renovate (if its staining) try the following. A 50/50 solution of hydrogen peroxide and water. Spray the stain directly with the solution and allow it to sit for 15 minutes. After it has had a chance to work, wipe the slate off with a damp rag. If this is ineffective, try straight hydrogen peroxide for 15 minutes. Soak a towel or wash cloth in the liquid and lay it on the stain. Cover the towel with plastic to prevent quick evaporation of the hydrogen peroxide. If the stain still persists, mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda to form a paste. After the mixture stops bubbling, put it on the stain and allow it to sit. Always try a test area first Norman.

[Norman Verona]

Bioman, it isn't actually stained, it's just dirty all over from being outside for a very long time. If the other methods  first and if they don't clean it up I'll try yours.

 

Many thanks.