How to Clean a Stone Tile Shower: A Comprehensive Guide

Stone tile showers are a beautiful and durable addition to any bathroom, but they also require proper care and maintenance to keep them looking their best. Stone tile can be made of natural stone, such as marble, granite, slate, or travertine, or man-made materials, such as ceramic, porcelain, or glass. Each type of stone has its characteristics and needs, so it is important to know what kind of stone you have and how to clean a stone tile shower safely and effectively.

In this article, we will cover the following topics:

• How often should you clean a stone tile shower?
• What are the best products and tools for cleaning a stone tile shower?
• How to do routine cleaning of a stone tile shower?
• How can stains, soap scum, mold, and mildew be removed from a stone tile shower?
• How to maintain and protect your stone tile shower?
• How to seal your stone tile shower?
• What are some common mistakes and myths about cleaning a stone tile shower?
• What are some tips and tricks for making your stone tile shower sparkle?
• What are some benefits of having a clean stone tile shower?
• Where can you find more information and resources on cleaning a stone tile shower?

How Often Should You Clean a Stone Tile Shower?

The frequency of cleaning your stone tile shower depends on several factors, such as how often you use it, how hard your water is, how humid your bathroom is, and how much soap and shampoo you use. However, as a general rule, you should clean your stone tile shower at least once weekly.

Cleaning your stone tile shower regularly will help prevent the buildup of dirt, grime, water deposits, soap scum, mold, and mildew that can damage your stone and make it look dull and dirty. It will also make cleaning easier and faster, as you won’t have to deal with stubborn stains and heavy soiling.

You can also do daily maintenance after every shower to make your weekly cleaning easier. This includes:

• Wiping down the shower’s walls, floor, and door with a squeegee or a soft cloth to remove excess water and moisture.
• Drying the shower with a towel or letting it air dry by leaving the door or curtain open.
• Turning on the bathroom fan or opening a window for 10 to 15 minutes after the fog on the mirror clears to reduce humidity and prevent mold growth.
• Spraying the shower with a daily cleaner that is safe for your stone tile and rinsing it off.

Best Products and Tools for Cleaning a Stone Tile Shower?

The products and tools you use for cleaning your stone tile shower can make a big difference in the results you get. Using the wrong products or tools can damage your stone, cause discoloration or etching, or leave behind residues or streaks.

The best products for cleaning your stone tile shower are specially formulated for your specific type of stone. You can find these products at most hardware stores or online.

Look for pH-neutral products (have a pH rating of 7), non-abrasive, non-acidic, non-bleach, and non-ammonia. These products will be gentle on your stone and won’t harm its finish or color.

Some examples of products that are safe for most types of stone tiles are:

• STONETECH® Stone & Tile Cleaner
• Aqua Mix® Concentrated Stone & Tile Cleaner
• Miracle Sealants® Tile & Stone Cleaner

You can also make your natural cleaner by mixing warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap or castile soap. However, avoid using vinegar or lemon juice as they are acidic and can etch your stone.

The best tools for cleaning your stone tile shower are soft and non-scratchy. You don’t want to use anything that can scratch or scrape your stone surface or grout lines. Some examples of tools that are safe for most types of stone tiles are:

• Microfiber cloths
• Nylon scrubbing pads
• Soft-bristled brushes
• Sponges
• Squeegees

You can also use an old toothbrush for scrubbing the grout lines between your tiles.

How to Do Routine Cleaning of a Stone Tile Shower?

Routine cleaning of your stone tile shower involves removing loose dirt and grime from your tiles’ surface and grout lines. This will make your shower look fresh and clean and prepare it for deeper cleaning.

To do routine cleaning of your stone tile shower, follow these steps:

1. Wet a clean microfiber cloth with warm water and wring out the excess water.
2. Wipe down your shower’s stone tiles and grout lines with the cloth. This will remove any loose dust, dirt, hair, or debris from the surface.
3. Mix warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap or castile soap in a spray bottle. Alternatively, use a safe commercial cleaner for your type of stone.
4. Spray the solution onto one section of your shower at a time. Don’t spray too much, which can cause water spots or streaks.
5. Scrub the tiles gently with a nylon scrubbing pad or a soft-bristled brush. Pay special attention to areas with soap scum or hard water stains.
6. Scrub the grout lines with an old toothbrush dipped in the solution. Be careful not to damage the grout by scrubbing it too hard.
7. Rinse the tiles thoroughly with clean water using a sponge or another microfiber cloth.
8. Dry the tiles with a clean towel or let them air dry by opening the door or curtain.
9. Repeat steps 4 to 8 for each shower section until all tiles are clean.

Removing Stains, Soap Scum, Mold, and Mildew From Stone Tile Showers?

Sometimes routine cleaning is insufficient to remove stubborn stains, soap scum, mold, and mildew from your stone tile shower. These problems can make your shower look unsightly, unhealthy, and unhygienic. They can also damage your stone over time by causing discoloration, etching, or erosion.

To remove these problems from your stone tile shower, you must identify what kind of stain or growth you have, what caused it, and what treatment suits it. Different types of stains require different cleaners, methods, and precautions.

Here are some common types of stains, their causes, and how to remove them :

Soap scum

Soap scum is a white, gray, or yellowish film that forms on your tiles when soap residue reacts with hard water minerals. It can make your tiles look dull, cloudy, or dirty. It can also harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew.

To remove soap scum from your tiles, you can use one of these methods :

Method 1: Use an ammonia solution

Ammonia is an alkaline cleaner that can cut through soap scum effectively. However, it has a strong odor, so ensure you ventilate your bathroom well before using it.

Also, never mix ammonia with bleach, vinegar, or other acidic cleaners, as this can produce toxic fumes.

To use ammonia to remove soap scum, follow these steps :

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Mix one part of ammonia with three parts of water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution onto the affected tiles.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the tiles with a nylon scrubbing pad.
6. Rinse well with clean water.
7. Dry with a towel.

Method 2: Use baking soda

Baking soda is another alkaline cleaner that can help dissolve soap scum. It is also gentle on your tiles and has no odor.

To use baking soda to remove soap scum, follow these steps :

1. Wet a sponge with warm water.
2. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the sponge.
3. Scrub the affected tiles with the sponge.
4. Rinse well with clean water.
5. Dry with a towel.

Mold and mildew

Mold and mildew are fungi that grow in moist and dark areas, such as your shower. They can appear as black, green, pink, or white spots or patches on your tiles or grout.

If inhaled or touched, they can cause health problems like allergies, asthma, or infections.

To remove mold and mildew from your tiles, you can use one of these methods:

Method 1: Use bleach

Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that can kill mold and mildew spores and remove stains. However, it can also damage your stone, grout, and metal fixtures if used too often or concentrated.

It can also emit harmful fumes, so ensure you ventilate your bathroom well before using it.

To use bleach to remove mold and mildew, follow these steps:

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Mix one part bleach with four parts water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution onto the affected tiles and grout.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the tiles and grout with a soft-bristled brush.
6. Rinse well with clean water.
7. Dry with a towel.

Method 2: Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another disinfectant that can kill mold and mildew spores and remove stains. It is also safer and gentler than bleach, as it does not damage your stone, grout, or metal fixtures. It also has no odor.

To use hydrogen peroxide to remove mold and mildew, follow these steps:

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Pour some 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution onto the affected tiles and grout.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the tiles and grout with a soft-bristled brush.
6. Rinse well with clean water.
7. Dry with a towel.

Stains

Stains are discolorations or marks on your tiles due to various substances, such as food, drinks, cosmetics, oil, rust, or minerals. They can make your tiles look unsightly and unclean. They can penetrate your stone and cause permanent damage if not treated promptly.

To remove stains from your tiles, you must identify what kind of stain you have and what cleaner suits it. Different types of stains require different cleaners, methods, and precautions.

Here are some common types of stains, their causes, and how to remove them:

Oil-based stains

Oil or grease substances, such as cooking oil, butter, lotion, makeup, or tar, cause oil-based stains. They can make your tiles look dark or shiny.

To remove oil-based stains from your tiles, you can use one of these methods:

Method 1: Use ammonia

Ammonia is an alkaline cleaner that can dissolve oil-based stains effectively. However, it has a strong odor, so ensure you ventilate your bathroom well before using it.

Also, never mix ammonia with bleach, vinegar, or other acidic cleaners, as this can produce toxic fumes.

To use ammonia to remove oil-based stains, follow these steps:

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Mix one part ammonia with three parts water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution onto the stained tiles.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the tiles with a nylon scrubbing pad.
6. Rinse well with clean water.
7. Dry with a towel.

Method 2: Use baking soda

Baking soda is another alkaline cleaner that can help absorb oil-based stains. It is also gentle on your tiles and has no odor.

To use baking soda to remove oil-based stains, follow these steps:

1. Wet a sponge with warm water.
2. Sprinkle some baking soda onto the sponge.
3. Scrub the stained tiles with the sponge.
4. Rinse well with clean water.
5. Dry with a towel.

Water-based stains

Water-based stains are caused by substances that contain water or are soluble in water, such as juice, coffee, tea, wine, soda, or ink. They can make your tiles look dull, faded, or stained.

To remove water-based stains from your tiles, you can use one of these methods:

Method 1: Use vinegar

Vinegar is an acidic cleaner that can neutralize and remove water-based stains effectively. However, it can also damage some types of stone, such as marble, limestone, or travertine, by causing etching or dulling.

So, you should only use vinegar on stone tiles resistant to acid, such as granite, slate, or ceramic.

To use vinegar to remove water-based stains, follow these steps:

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Mix one part vinegar with two parts water in a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution onto the stained tiles.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the tiles with a nylon scrubbing pad.
6. Rinse well with clean water.
7. Dry with a towel.

Method 2: Use hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is another acidic cleaner that can effectively bleach and remove water-based stains. It is also safer and gentler than vinegar, as it does not damage most types of stone.

To use hydrogen peroxide to remove water-based stains, follow these steps:

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Pour some 3% hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle.
3. Spray the solution onto the stained tiles.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Scrub the tiles with a nylon scrubbing pad.
6. Rinse well with clean water.
7. Dry with a towel.

Rust stains

Rust stains are caused by iron or metal objects that come in contact with your tiles and react with moisture and oxygen. They can make your tiles look brown, orange, or red.

To remove rust stains from your tiles, you can use one of these methods:

Method 1: Use lemon juice

Lemon juice is an acidic cleaner that can dissolve rust stains effectively. However, it can also damage some types of stone, such as marble, limestone, or travertine, by causing etching or dulling.

So, you should only use lemon juice on stone tiles resistant to acid, such as granite, slate, or ceramic.

To use lemon juice to remove rust stains, follow these steps:

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice onto a cotton ball or a paper towel.
3. Place the cotton ball or paper towel onto the rust stain and press gently.
4. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
5. Wipe off the lemon juice with a damp cloth.
6. Rinse well with clean water.
7. Dry with a towel.

Method 2: Use oxalic acid

Oxalic acid is a strong acidic cleaner that can remove rust stains effectively. However, it can also be very dangerous if ingested or inhaled, so wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask when using it. Also, keep it away from children and pets.

To use oxalic acid to remove rust stains, follow these steps:

1. Put on protective gloves, goggles, and a mask.
2. Mix one tablespoon of oxalic acid powder with one cup of warm water in a plastic container.
3. Dip a cotton ball or a paper towel into the solution and wring out the excess liquid.
4. Place the cotton ball or paper towel onto the rust stain and press gently.
5. Let it sit for 10 minutes.
6. Wipe off the oxalic acid with a damp cloth.
7. Rinse well with clean water.
8. Dry with a towel.

How to Maintain and Protect Your Stone Tile Shower?

Maintaining and protecting your stone tile shower involves preventing dirt and stains from accumulating on your tiles and grout lines and sealing your stone to enhance its durability and appearance.

To maintain and protect your stone tile shower, you can do the following :

• Dry your shower after every use with a squeegee or a soft cloth. This will prevent water spots, soap scum, mold, and mildew from forming on your tiles.
• Use mild and pH-neutral cleaners that are safe for your type of stone. Avoid using acidic, abrasive, bleach, or ammonia cleaners, as they can damage your stone, grout, or metal fixtures.
• Use soft and non-scratchy tools like microfiber cloths, nylon scrubbing pads, soft-bristled brushes, sponges, or squeegees. Avoid using steel wool, scouring pads, wire brushes, or hard-bristled brushes, as they can scratch or scrape your stone surface or grout lines.
• Clean your shower at least once a week or more often if needed. This will prevent dirt, grime, soap scum, mold, and mildew from building up on your tiles.
• Remove stains as soon as possible before they penetrate your stone. Identify the type of stain and use the appropriate cleaner and method for it.
• Seal your stone tile shower once a year or more often if needed. Sealing your stone will create a protective barrier that will repel water, oil, dirt, stains, mold, and mildew. It will also enhance the color and shine of your stone.

How to Seal Your Stone Tile Shower?

Sealing your stone tile shower involves applying a sealant product specially formulated for your type of stone. A sealant will fill in the pores and cracks of your stone surface and grout lines, making them less porous and more resistant to water, oil, dirt, stains, mold, and mildew. It will also enhance the color and shine of your stone.

Choose the right sealant product for your type of stone to seal your stone tile shower. Different types of sealants are available in the market, such as penetrating sealers, topical sealers, enhancing sealers, color-enhancing sealers, etc. You can find these products at most hardware stores or online.

Look for products that are specifically designed for your type of stone.

Some examples of sealant products that are suitable for most types of stone tiles are :

• STONETECH® BulletProof® Sealer
• Aqua Mix® Sealer’s Choice® Gold
• Miracle Sealants® 511 Impregnator

You also need to prepare your shower before sealing it.

This includes :

• Cleaning your shower thoroughly with a mild and pH-neutral cleaner. Remove dirt, grime, soap scum, mold, mildew, stains, or residues from your tiles and grout lines.
• Drying your shower completely with a towel or letting it air dry for at least 24 hours. Make sure there is no moisture left on your tiles or grout lines.
• Protecting any metal fixtures or surfaces that are not meant to be sealed with painter’s tape or plastic wrap. This will prevent them from getting stained by the sealant.

To seal your stone tile shower, follow these steps :

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Shake the sealant bottle well before using it.
3. Pour some sealant onto a clean cloth or sponge applicator.
4. Apply the sealant evenly onto one section of your shower at a time. Make sure you cover all the tiles and grout lines.
5. Let the sealant sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Wipe any excess sealant with another clean cloth before drying.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 for each shower section until all tiles are sealed.
8. Let the sealant cure for at least 24 hours before showering.

Cleaning Mistakes and Myths for Stone Tile Showers?

Cleaning a stone tile shower can be tricky if you don’t know what you are doing. Some common mistakes and myths people make when cleaning their stone tile showers can cause more harm than good.

Here are some of them :

Mistake #1: Using vinegar or lemon juice to clean stone tile

Vinegar and lemon juice are popular natural cleaners that many people use to clean their showers. However, they are unsuitable for cleaning most stone tile showers.

Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic cleaners that can etch or dull the finish of some types of stone tile showers, such as marble, limestone, travertine, mold, mildew, stains, or residues from your tiles and grout lines.

• Drying your shower completely with a towel or letting it air dry for at least 24 hours. Make sure there is no moisture left on your tiles or grout lines.
• Protecting any metal fixtures or surfaces that are not meant to be sealed with painter’s tape or plastic wrap. This will prevent them from getting stained by the sealant.

To seal your stone tile shower, follow these steps :

1. Put on protective gloves and goggles.
2. Shake the sealant bottle well before using it.
3. Pour some sealant onto a clean cloth or sponge applicator.
4. Apply the sealant evenly onto one section of your shower at a time. Make sure you cover all the tiles and grout lines.
5. Let the sealant sit for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Wipe any excess sealant with another clean cloth before drying.
7. Repeat steps 3 to 6 for each shower section until all tiles are sealed.
8. Let the sealant cure for at least 24 hours before showering.

Mistakes and Myths About Cleaning a Stone Tile Shower?

Cleaning a stone tile shower can be tricky if you don’t know what you are doing. Some common mistakes and myths people make when cleaning their stone tile showers can cause more harm than good.

Here are some of them :

Mistake #1: Using vinegar or lemon juice to clean stone tile

Vinegar and lemon juice are popular natural cleaners that many people use to clean their showers. However, they are unsuitable for cleaning most stone tile showers.

Vinegar and lemon juice are acidic cleaners that can etch or dull the finish of stone tile showers, such as marble, limestone, travertine, or onyx. They can also damage the grout and metal fixtures in your shower.

Instead of using vinegar or lemon juice, use a mild and pH-neutral cleaner safe for your type of stone tile. You can also use baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, or ammonia for some stains, but test them on a small and inconspicuous area first.

Mistake #2: Using bleach to clean stone tile

Bleach is another common cleaner that many people use to clean their showers. However, it is only suitable for cleaning some stone tile showers.

Bleach is a harsh and corrosive cleaner that can damage your stone, grout, and metal fixtures. It can also cause discoloration, fading, or yellowing of your stone.

Instead of using bleach, use a mild and pH-neutral cleaner that is safe for your type of stone tile. You can also use hydrogen peroxide or oxalic acid for some types of stains, but wear protective gloves, goggles, and a mask when using them.

Mistake #3: Using abrasive cleaners or tools to clean stone tile

Abrasive cleaners or tools have rough or sharp edges that can scratch or scrape your stone surface or grout lines. These include steel wool, scouring pads, wire brushes, hard-bristled brushes, or cleaners that contain sand, pumice, or grit.

Instead of using abrasive cleaners or tools, use soft and non-scratchy ones, such as microfiber cloths, nylon scrubbing pads, soft-bristled brushes, sponges, or squeegees. These will be gentle on your stone and won’t harm its finish or color.

Mistake #4: Using too much soap or cleaner to clean stone tile

Using too much soap or cleaner to clean your stone tile shower may be a good idea, as it may make your shower look cleaner and smell fresher. However, it can cause more problems than it solves. Too much soap or cleaner can leave residues or streaks on your tiles, attracting more dirt and grime. It can also clog your stone’s pores, making it less breathable and more prone to staining.

Instead of using too much soap or cleaner, use just enough to cover the surface of your tiles. A few drops of mild dish soap or castile soap mixed with warm water should be enough for most types of stone tiles. You can also use a safe commercial cleaner for your type of stone tile, but follow the instructions on the label carefully.

Mistake #5: Not sealing your stone tile shower

Sealing your stone tile shower is an important step many must remember. Sealing your stone tile shower will create a protective barrier that will repel water, oil, dirt, stains, mold, and mildew from penetrating your stone. It will also enhance the color and shine of your stone and make it easier to clean.

You should seal your stone tile shower once a year or more often if needed. You can tell if your stone needs sealing by doing a simple water test. Sprinkle water onto your tiles and see if it beads or soaks in. If it beads up, your sealant is still working. If it soaks in, your sealant has worn off, and you need to reapply it.

To seal your stone tile shower, choose the right sealant product for your type of stone and follow the steps outlined in the previous section.

Tips and Tricks for Making Your Stone Tile Shower Sparkle?

Making your stone tile shower sparkle is more than cleaning it properly and regularly. It is also about adding extra touches to make your shower look more inviting and luxurious.

Here are some tips and tricks for making your stone tile shower sparkle:

• Polish your tiles with a soft cloth after cleaning them. This will remove any water spots or streaks and give them a nice shine.
• Add some plants or flowers to your shower. They will add color and freshness to your bathroom and create a spa-like atmosphere.
• Use aromatherapy oils or candles to create a relaxing and soothing scent in your shower. You can choose scents that match your mood or preference, such as lavender, mint, citrus, or vanilla.
• Play some music in your shower. You can use a waterproof speaker or a radio to play tunes to make you feel happy and energized.
• Treat yourself to luxurious bath products, such as body wash, shampoo, conditioner, scrub, lotion, or mask. They will pamper your skin and hair and make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.

Benefits of Having a Clean Stone Tile Shower?

A clean stone tile shower is aesthetically pleasing and beneficial for your health, comfort, and happiness.

Here are some benefits of having a clean stone tile shower :

• It will prevent the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, and germs that can cause allergies, asthma, infections, or odors.
• It will protect your stone from damage, discoloration, etching, erosion, or cracking.
• It will enhance the beauty, value, and longevity of your bathroom.
• After every shower, you feel more relaxed, refreshed, and energized.
• It will save you time, money, and hassle in the long run.

More Information and Resources on Cleaning a Stone Tile Shower?

You can find more information and resources online about cleaning a stone tile shower. Some websites that offer useful tips, advice, products, and services on cleaning a stone tile shower are :

• How to Clean a Stone Tile Shower. wikiHow
• How to Clean Stone Shower Tiles. Homeaglow

You can also consult with professional cleaners specializing in stone tile showers. They can provide expert guidance, quality service, and guaranteed results. You can find them online or in your local area.

This article has helped you learn how to clean a stone tile shower. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your clean stone tile shower for years to come.

Happy cleaning!