How to clean the wax off genuine slate tile floors in kitchen?

Linda Ball
by Linda Ball
I think they have been waxed with floor wax or with something akin to "mop & shine" for many years. I've been wanting to re-tile or lay hardwood over them, until I realized they were genuine slate tile squares. It's not what I would choose, but I'm going with it anyway. They just look awful and the ridges have built up residue in them. Looks nasty.
  4 answers
  • Hamtil Construction LLC Hamtil Construction LLC on May 01, 2013
    Usually an acid wash is what we would use to clean off residue. Not certain it would work for wax, but may be worth investigating. It's a chemical process, so care must be used when attempting an acid wash.
  • Linda Ball Linda Ball on May 02, 2013
    Thank you so much for the response! I will be tackling this as soon as I finish repainting the cabinets. I can see now that I should have done the floor before the cabinets. Thanks again!
  • Try Zep floor cleaner, home depot or lowes carries it. I also feel a degreaser will get that wax removed. Good luck!
  • Linda Ball Linda Ball on May 02, 2013
    Thank you so very much!! I don't feel quite so dismayed about the task ahead!!