Marble is a very popular stone and has been used for centuries as the material of choice in many temples, monuments, and buildings.
The good news is that with some care and attention, your precious marble will be able to retain its natural beauty for years without any deterioration or stains which could make it look old-fashioned or outdated.
In this article, you'll discover how to clean your marble shower so that it is consistently clean and beautiful.
Let's dive deep into this topic.
What to think about while cleaning marble
Marble is a very porous stone, which means it can easily absorb dirt and oils from everyday use. While cleaning it, you have to take special care because too much moisture can damage the stone.
This is why we will use very minimal water and what little water we do use will be cleaned up as soon as possible. Furthermore, marble contains dolomite, magnesium carbonate, and calcium carbonate which are harder minerals.
If you have an unsightly dull area, it's likely the calcium carbonate has been worn away. This is a problem that can be solved by sealing your marble with wax to provide a protective barrier between it and the elements. You may also want to consider using a sealant on any cleaned surface to further protect which will help prevent water stains.
Also, remember that granite is another type of stone and not marble. They might look quite similar; however there are some differences: Granite contains feldspar, quartz, and mica which are much harder minerals than those found in marble.
This is why marble can often be softer and more fragile, while granite is stronger and tougher. They're indeed both soft stones, but it's also important to realize that granite isn't a type of marble. It's an igneous rock formed from fusing molten lava at high temperatures deep inside the earth.
If you have a piece of granite in your bathroom, then it will need to be cleaned with different techniques to clean marble.
Do Marble and Acidic Products Mix?
When you're cleaning marble (or any other soft stone for that matter), remember not to leave any acidic products on the surface for too long. Acidic chemicals such as bleach may cause some damage to your tub by causing etching of the material.
Be sure to rinse off this type of chemical at once if it accidentally splashes onto your marble surfaces in the bathroom because it can destroy its beauty in just one application.
When performing bathroom renovation, remember that most natural stones are extremely porous so they have to be sealed to protect them from water damage and staining. Sealing your marble will double its life expectancy, not just because the sealing acts as a barrier but also because it prevents them from absorbing stains and is much easier to clean.
Also remember that most of the time, you don’t need expensive cleaners or chemicals for good results. There are many methods available that are efficient, easy to do yourself, and inexpensive. Most of these home remedies can also be used safely on all types of stone including marble and granite.
Steps needed to clean marble
Tools needed: dust brush, bucket, sponge, and a clean rag
1. Turn off the water supply
While cleaning your marble shower, you have to make sure that all sources of running water are turned off before starting so that any excess moisture can be removed promptly. All showers should be left for a minimum of three to six hours after they're used to dry thoroughly and prevent the growth of mold or fungal stains.
If you do want to take a shower within this cycle then soak up as much excess water with a towel as possible first. As well as turning off the faucet it is important to also close the drain stopper so that splashes from dirty mop heads, sponges, etc. don't fall into the drain.
2. Make sure your tools are clean before starting to clean your marble surface
Before you start, make sure that all the cleaning utensils are soaked in warm soapy water and rinsed thoroughly. Any drops or abrasive particles may scratch the stone surface while you're cleaning it. It is also important to choose a soft-bristled brush for any dusting/cleaning on marble surfaces because they will not damage it at all.
3. Clean up as you go along
Here is how I would suggest cleaning one section of your shower (or tub): First use a dry microfiber cloth to clean off any excess debris which has settled onto your granite shower walls. DO NOT use any soap yet.
Once the surface is cleaned, wet a sponge in water and wring it out until no excess water remains. For better results, wipe your marble from top to bottom with one stroke in one direction only (do not scrub the surface).
In case you don't know how to clean marble properly then remember that rubbing against the grain or using too much pressure can permanently damage its appearance. Once finished cleaning, rinse off your microfiber cloth and sponge thoroughly after use and store them in an airtight container so they won't get mildewed.
4. After rinsing: allow 24 hours to dry before sealing
It's important to note that once you've cleaned your marble shower/tub, you must let it dry for at least 24 hours before sealing it as this will prevent the pores from clogging up. Some people prefer to place a fan or use a hairdryer to speed up this process.
5. Moisture control
When cleaning your marble shower, remember that excessive moisture is another reason why mold can grow (mold spores are always present even inside the best-kept homes). You should also avoid using any warm air blowers as they may cause streaks on the surface of your stone. If possible, seal off all vents and open windows where there is excessive humidity after showering because otherwise, water vapor may remain trapped behind the walls which could cause mold growth.
6. Avoid using any abrasive cleaners or products on your marble shower/tub
Always keep in mind that harsh chemical cleaners and acidic substances may damage the surface of the stone if they remain there for a long time. If you want to remove soap rings from your marbled shower, vinegar is a great solution (as it's non-abrasive and will not cause any damage).
Just pour a little into the affected area or spray with white vinegar mixed with water and leave it until completely dry before wiping clean. You can also use baking soda to restore luster without destroying the appearance of your stone in any way as well.
Alternatives to Harsh Chemicals
Marble shower surfaces should be cleaned with a mild detergent or an unscented baby shampoo. Dish soap (no lots of suds) seems to work well and is easily available in any supermarket. A mild abrasive cleaner can be used if you need one, but make sure it's rinsed off thoroughly before drying the surface.
Do you need a sealer when it comes to cleaning marble showers?
Many people wonder whether they have to seal their marble showers once every few months or not.
The answer is not really. It all depends on your living conditions and how much you tend to “work” on your marble surface. If you've followed the above steps correctly, there is no need to reseal unless you're seeing signs of wear (in which case I would suggest using a polish for stone).
If however, you live in an area where winters are harsh or your shower gets wet more than it should, then be sure to seal it at least once every year.
Lastly, if the floor of your shower is sealed but has not been cleaned regularly, it could easily become coated with soap scum over time that accumulates creating hard water stains. It's fairly easy to clean up after this if you catch it early enough and dissolve the soap scum with a mild caustic liquid like vinegar.
For those of you who don't wish to seal your marble shower, remember that by having it professionally cleaned every six months you can avoid any problems related to mold. All in all, if you clean and maintain your marble shower properly then there is no reason why you should ever see this problem again.
Also, keep in mind that knowing how to clean marble can save you money by avoiding costly repairs/replacements down the road (there are many people out there who needlessly choose to have their stone surfaces replaced when they could have been easily maintained for less). In addition, sealing your stone regularly protects against staining and will restore the shine and luster of your marble or granite without any problems.
Final thoughts on how to clean marble shower
In conclusion, cleaning your marble or granite surfaces with vinegar is a great way to remove soap scum and hard water stains without damaging the surface of your stone.
Remember never to use abrasive cleaners as well. Also, remember that sealers are also harmful to your floor if they're not properly applied (not enough or too much). We recommend hiring professional help when it comes to applying a tile grout sealer because it's very easy to get wrong.
Finally, if you’d like to try your hand at a great DIY bathroom project, here’s a step by step guide to installing a walk-in shower.
