grime build up on slate

I live in a house that was built 13 years ago, with slate tile installed in the shower. Over the years, the hard water has built up on the slate, so that it looks grimy and dirty all the time. I have tried stripping and resealing the slate, but that has not worked. Is it possible to grind down the slate, then re-seal it?

Hi Ms. Hagerty,

I do not recommend grinding the slate down. First off it is a natural stone, which is # one problem in a shower.

What I will suggest is that you contact Aqua Mix. They have a web site, and their phone information is online for tech support.

They have a deep clean stone cleaner for natural stones, that works great. They also have a sealer called sealers choice gold, that will re enhance the colors in the slate, as well as put a coating on it that will last up to 3 years before having to be redone.
The biggest issue is the cleaners that we use fro mthe supermarket. They are way too harsh, and strip the sealers off every time we clean.
Once you get it restripped, resealed, use the Aqua Mix Tile and stone cleaner. A quart runs around 12 -15 dollars, and diluted in a spray bottle, can last up to 3 months or more.
If I can be of more assistance, please feel free to ask me.

Linda

PS I am an installer, and have been on the other side of the counter as well. I have taken many seminars to be the best I can be, as well as to help home owners.