Natural stone showers bring elegance and a unique aesthetic to bathrooms, but they require specific care to retain their beauty and durability. Understanding how to clean natural stone showers properly is essential, as they can be prone to damage from moisture, soap scum, and harsh chemicals. In this guide, we’ll walk through a comprehensive cleaning routine, preventative tips, and best practices to help you keep your natural stone shower looking pristine.
1. Understanding Your Natural Stone Type
Before diving into cleaning, it’s important to understand the type of stone in your shower. Common natural stones include marble, granite, travertine, and limestone, each with its unique properties. For example:
- Marble: Known for its luxurious look, marble is porous and can easily etch or stain if exposed to acidic cleaners or harsh chemicals.
- Granite: Durable and resistant to scratching, granite can handle more robust cleaning than softer stones but still requires a pH-neutral cleaner.
- Travertine and Limestone: These stones are relatively soft and highly porous, making them sensitive to acidic substances and prone to water absorption.
Understanding your stone’s specific care needs helps prevent accidental damage and prolongs the life of your shower. Tip: Marble requires particularly gentle care and may need more frequent resealing than granite.
2. The Essentials: Regular Cleaning Routine
Creating a consistent cleaning routine is key to maintaining your natural stone shower’s beauty. Here’s a step-by-step guide for regular upkeep:
Step 1: Gather Supplies
- Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically formulated for natural stone. Avoid products with vinegar, bleach, or ammonia as they can damage the surface.
- Soft microfiber cloths, soft-bristled brush, and a squeegee.
Step 2: Rinse the Shower
- Start by rinsing the entire shower area with warm water to remove loose debris and prevent scratching during cleaning.
Step 3: Spray and Scrub
- Apply a pH-neutral cleaning solution. If you prefer DIY, mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a spray bottle filled with water. Spray generously over the stone surface.
- Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub areas with visible soap scum or buildup. Scrubbing should be gentle to avoid scratching the stone.
Step 4: Rinse Again
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to wash away any cleaner or dirt left on the surface. This step ensures no residue remains, which can attract more grime.
3. Preventing Soap Scum and Hard Water Buildup
Soap scum and mineral deposits from hard water are common issues in natural stone showers, especially in areas with high mineral content in water.
Daily Tips:
- Use a squeegee after every shower to remove excess water from the walls and floor, reducing the risk of water spots.
- Wipe down any visible water with a microfiber cloth for added protection.
Weekly Care:
- Once a week, sprinkle baking soda on problem areas and scrub lightly with a soft brush. Baking soda is non-abrasive and effective at loosening soap scum without scratching.
- For tough stains, create a paste with baking soda and water, apply it to the area, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Preventing soap scum and mineral buildup not only keeps your shower clean but also protects the stone from long-term damage.
4. Avoiding Harmful Cleaning Products
Using the wrong cleaning products can irreversibly damage natural stone. Acidic or harsh chemicals can cause etching, dullness, and in severe cases, permanent discoloration.
- Avoid: Vinegar, bleach, ammonia, and general-purpose cleaners. These products can break down the stone’s sealant and corrode its surface over time.
- Use Instead: Stick to pH-neutral cleaners specifically labeled as safe for natural stone. These products clean effectively without stripping the stone’s protective sealant.
5. Dealing with Mold and Mildew
Bathrooms provide a perfect environment for mold and mildew growth due to high humidity levels. Natural stone showers, especially those in humid climates, are susceptible to this issue.
Step-by-Step Cleaning:
- Step 1: Mix a gentle solution of water and 3% hydrogen peroxide. Spray it onto any moldy areas, taking care not to oversaturate the stone.
- Step 2: Let the solution sit for 5–10 minutes, then gently scrub the area with a soft-bristled brush.
- Step 3: Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Mold can discolor natural stone if left untreated, so it’s essential to tackle it as soon as possible. Increasing ventilation and running an exhaust fan during and after showers can help prevent mold and mildew growth.
6. Sealing the Stone for Long-Lasting Protection
Natural stone showers are typically sealed to protect against moisture and stains. Over time, this seal can wear down, leaving the stone vulnerable.
When to Seal: Check every 6–12 months to see if water beads up on the surface. If it doesn’t, it’s time to reseal.
How to Seal:
- Clean the stone thoroughly and ensure it is completely dry.
- Apply a stone-safe sealer according to the product instructions, typically using a soft cloth or applicator.
- Allow the sealer to absorb, then buff the stone with a dry cloth to remove any excess.
Sealing creates a barrier that repels moisture, soap, and other substances, reducing the risk of staining and mold growth. For more information on types of stone sealers, visit the Building Stone Institute’s guide on stone maintenance.
7. Additional Tips for Maintaining a Natural Stone Shower
A few simple steps can go a long way in keeping your natural stone shower looking new:
- Ventilation: Keep the bathroom well-ventilated by using an exhaust fan or opening a window after showers to reduce humidity.
- Avoid Abrasives: Never use steel wool or other abrasive materials that can scratch and damage the stone.
- Protect the Stone: Use a small shower mat or shelf to keep soap bottles and personal care items from sitting directly on the stone.
Keeping up with these maintenance tips helps protect your natural stone shower from daily wear and tear, extending its beauty and lifespan.
Maintaining the elegance of a natural stone shower requires the right cleaning products, a consistent routine, and preventive care. Knowing how to clean natural stone shower surfaces will help keep your shower spotless, mold-free, and as beautiful as the day it was installed. By following these steps, you’ll ensure that your natural stone shower remains a luxurious focal point in your bathroom for years to come.
For professional cleaning or additional assistance, check out Greenwood Cleaners.
