Use stone-safe products, rather than vinegar or ammonia. I am trying this today! Hard water is comprised of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonates that form unsightly water spots on the surface after evaporation. Also, check out our comprehensive guide on cleaning glass shower doors for an additional method for your shower door if it is coated!! Not if used properly. We installed a new shower a few years after this post was written, and I went with coated shower door. Thanks! After spraying, gently scrub the area with a bristle brush, let soak for 10-15 minutes, and rinse with warm water. If you only used it a few times or over a short period of time, it should be okay. We use hot-water extraction steam cleaning methods to give your stone shower an impactful deep clean. This also means that you need to reseal your natural stone more often to prevent hard water stains and other residues. Ive tried everything on internet. Cleaning your stone shower once a week can help reduce grime, water deposits, and mildew build-up. Chemist, rheumatoid arthritis warrior, wife, mom sharing chemistry secrets for cleaning, skincare, gardening, health, and more! It will eat away overtime and also eat away any finish you have on top. It works wonders on ALL surfaces. This is such a life changer for cleaning . That is what we have in our master bathroom and it can be pretty tough to clean correctly. Hard water residue from stone showers can be removed easily using a specialty cleaner. Hi Alexis, I used vinegar to clean my stone bathroom tiles before learning that I shouldnt have. These tools act like abrasives on stone, especially when combined with elbow grease. Its so hard to keep them look & feel clean. Will I be able to print my purchased copy? This is so great for all those stones like granite, marble or travertine! Hope it will come in handy for you . Probably just the DIY granite/stone cleaner from the book would be fine for thatif they get really dirty or have something hard to remove, you can use the DIY magic eraser too , This is so very cool. Although many homeowners find it much easier to remove stains or etches using a brush or scrubbing pad, it usually makes the problem worse than it is. Hope this helps! Oh I know! One of our goals is to make sure we help you find the best products that work, and save you from making something dangerous to you or your surfaces. It starts out subtle and just keeps building. Use no more than every 4 months! You can do anything you like with the PDF file after you download it Many readers print it out, and some even take it to Staples or another place to get it printed. We talk about this more in the ebook, but this sponge targets soap scum specifically. I hope this can help you , Amazing! However, this is not a guarantee that things may work out the way you want to. These help support this website. This has to be the greatest tip ever! It has been a lifesaver around our home . For the glass, it works the same way. With all your great solutions, Im going to need to invest in (1) Dawn (2) spray bottles (3) vinegar (4) hydrogen peroxide!!! While stone tile can last for a long time, it requires ongoing maintenance. I have tested dozens of methods over the years since we bought this house, and today I want to share with you how to clean your stone shower tiles. Give us a call today! I have the hardest time cleaning tile like this. What a Life changing moment for me! in this really effective bathroom cleaner, please use this all-purpose bathroom cleaner, Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window). I was so stressed out about the glass doors in my house. It is advisable to use cleaners that are suited for natural stone whether you are doing the work by yourself or using a professional cleaning service. This is perfect! This would definitely work on quartz! Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners as they cause more damage than good. Most cleaning experts recommend using a pH-neutral, stone safe cleaner. If you are not using this DIY granite cleaner that also doubles as a glass cleaner, please use glass cleaner for the shower door after using the magic eraser. To learn more about those pinterest cleaning myths, check out this post. The dried mineral deposits are not only a nuisance but can also lead to unhygienic conditions as they trap germs and bacteria. It can definitely be tricky cleaning this type of surface! 3 bathroom. It is important to choose a cleaner that is purposely designed for your stone type since there are a variety of stones that can be used in showers. Many, actually most, of our readers on Chemistry Cachet really love making their own cleaning solutions. Follow on Facebook | Bloglovin | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Hometalk, Filed Under: Cleaner Tagged With: chemistry hacks, DIY, glass shower door cleaner, natural stone cleaner, shower, shower tile cleaner. And nothing worked as I hoped. I cant believe how long it took me to discover this product. Should I just reseal it? Regular cleaning and care can easily mitigate the buildup caused by hard water. Using this method, will make your tiles really brighten up! <3, Pamela Sequins & Sea Breezes. Copyright 2022, Chemistry Cachet. Disclaimer: This post was researched and written by a chemist from a chemistry standpoint. It doesnt take more than that! If you want the clear spot-less glass door this is it. Green Fashionista, It works so good!! If you keep up with cleaning, you wont have to do this often at all. In addition to this build-up, our many hygiene products can damage the stones sealant. Lemon, vinegar, car wash window cleaning product, etc. 1338 Grand Ave. Suite 236 Glenwood Springs, CO 81601. When we first bought the house, I never realized the dull look the tiles had overtime was actually soap build up. I mentioned that you must not use it on natural stone surfaces, Make Your Own Stone Cleaner from the Book, reference our ultimate DIY cleaning guide, I love using the stone/granite everything cleaner, keep one of these squeegees in the shower, 8 Super Cool Reasons to Save Coffee Grounds (You Probably Dont Know! Natural stone is the ideal shower choice and many of us already have it! Any tips on what to do next? Regardless of how often you clean, your stone tiles will need sealing occasionally. Do not attempt to buff out stains but instead, use a soft cloth for daily cleaning. After scrubbing the area with the magic eraser, wipe off with a damp towel. What Are The Best Ways to Clean High Rise Windows. The DIY version in the book is going to be a little safer than store-bought, but when used occasionally, both are safe. Although some homeowners consider sealing their stone, professionals deliver the best results that are long lasting. Always test small areas of your home before using homemade solutions. I actually keep a small bottle of my DIY stone/granite cleaner. Todays chemist tip can be a cheap DIY or you can buy the items, either way this is how to clean shower tile the RIGHT way. Plus these easy recipes make it super quick and easy Thanks Sally! The hardest part about stone tiles is how the soap scum forms a whitish, almost cloudy like residue on the the tiles. Boiling is the easiest and most affordable way to break the calcium and magnesium content in hard water. Since the stains were caused by hard water, you need to rinse the surface using soft water. When we renovated our bathroom, we splurged & put in marble but I have since learned that is is so hard to clean just because so many products cannot be used on marble. I think if you start cleaning with some better stuff now you will save them . If you have our ebook, the granite cleaner doubles for both. You always have the BEST tips! Fiberglass shower surround. If you want to make things easier, use a squeegee on your stone shower after every use to remove excess water from the surface. Hi Alexis, sorry, to clarify when you said used a few times do you mean use vinegar to clean a few times, or used the shower post-vinegar clean a few times? After scouring the area, rinse using hot water. I always recommend cleaning showers right after youve taken one since it will be nice and hot, all that steam allows the scum to be loosened already. Always consult a professional before use on your surfaces if you are wondering about use. Next, spray your stone cleaner all over the surfaces. Vinegar is highly acidic, so it does cut down on soap scum well, but cant be used on natural stones. If you have hard water stains on another surface like acrylic, porcelain, or other bathroom surfaces, please use this all-purpose bathroom cleaner. If you have only used vinegar to clean a few times or over a short period of time, then it is okay, Your email address will not be published. I hate cleaning my shower because the tiles are so difficult to get clean. This is something we do every few months. Ready to have a perfectly clean stone shower? However, spraying a one-to-one bleach-to-water mixture directly on mildew/mold will kill the bacteria almost instantly. Such products are too harsh on stone; their acids break down sealants and discolor surfaces. Another tip is to keep one of these squeegees in the shower, and use it when you are done running the shower. This is the best, safest way to clean natural stone shower tiles, but will also work on other surfaces. Make sure your towel is damp when following up from the magic eraser! Using wrong chemicals on calcium-based stones can cause etching and the finish on your soft stones can end up getting scratched if the scrubbing pad is too rough. I love my quartz countertops just as nice a granite, but so much easier to clean up! Right after taking a hot shower, this works awesome! Exclusive recipes and tips straight to your inbox each month! Youre terrific! Plus, our team will seal your stone to make your clean last longer! If you own Chemistry Hacks for Home and Outdoors. Just make sure to use glass cleaner for the shower door and granite/stone cleaner for the shower tiles. Not only does this help get rid of water stains but also eliminates soap scum, mold, and other unwanted substances. I love that you give such great info and ways to clean without a lot of harsh chemicals. Ten years of cig smoke buildup. Sealing is part of a recommended general maintenance routine for many stones used in showers. Yes it will. Apply with scrubber side of kitchen sponge, and rinse. Dont forget to mention the $75 off ad when booking your next appointment! I printed a copy for my grandmother a few years ago at staples and they put it into a spiral. The chemical component in vinegar, bleach, and other acidic cleaners can break down sealants applied to the stone causing more damage. So true, It makes it not worth trying sometimes. I want to blow it up.. With a sponge, scrub the area. It will help this solution work much better. Learn how your comment data is processed. Vinegar does such a great job on things like ceramic or plastics! Yes it can, that is why you will follow up with the cleaner and damp towel. I get emails all the time with questions about certain homemade products and surfaces to use them on. I use white vinegar for most of my cleaning but I dont have natural stone surfaces. Thanks for linking up to #homemattersparty. Your email address will not be published. I recommend using our 2-ingredient mold remover! Hard water stains and soap scum can be a nightmare in stone tile showers, as they make your bathroom look dingy and untidy. I always recommend doing this only when you have a very bad soap scum residue. For marble/granite like surfaces, also be careful and use according to directions. Just FYI. My parents have a large glass shower and this is what they do. While taking a shower, I spray the door, then wipe it off when I am done with a shower. This makes it difficult for water-based mineral deposits such as calcium and magnesium to leave their mark. Steam loosens up the stone pores and makes cleaning easier, try cleaning your stone after using the shower. It keeps soap scum away! Use a soft cloth or a non-scratch pad to rub and scour the area as it helps to even the surface. It was fine after that. You should be okaySome stone surfaces are a little hardier than others, so it doesnt effect it as fast. Hard water residue will continue to be an issue if your water supply is primarily comprised of hard water. Vinegar may seem to work great on other surfaces but is considered harsh when used on natural stone. Try to keep up with cleaning the stone tile with your stone cleaner as often as possible. But you can do anything youd like with the download . When we moved into our home, the previous owners had used vinegar for years on everything, so we had to reseal our counters. Alexis, I would like to purchase your e-book. While bleach is a standard cleaning product for most showers, it can be too harsh if excessively used on stone. Chemistry Cachet is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. Using the DIY granite cleaner or store-bought stone cleaner can be used as much as everyday. I have been using a homemade solution that contains vinegar on my stone tiles for a while now, I hope Ive not done a lot of long term damage to them! You may be tempted to use a heartier scrubbing pad or a stronger cleaning agent for stubborn residue. I am better with hard copy. That is the only bad thing about those natural stones.how hard they can be to clean! Love that its natural So, what about those stone tiled showers? Thanks girl! I hope you get some use out of it . Can I use this cleaner on my quartz kitchen countertops? Pinned for future reference! The best thing you can do at this point is to call stone care professionals as they have better skills and experience in dealing with stubborn hard water stains. Increase steam cleanings effectiveness by calling the R&S experts. Steam looses all the soap scum and buildup on the tiles and glass. With the magic eraser, rub the areas of bad soap scum. Hey Girl! Magic Erasers have a special sponge formulated to remove most build ups. My shower looks brand new again! Thanks for always posting such useful stuff. Thanks so much for this tip! I am on a cleaning rampage these days. This one in our post was the older one that didnt have anything like that. It will help the stone cleaner to work better. The only things that barely work are magic eraser and triple strength TSP. While, the chemicals in a magic eraser target the soap scum, you still need a nice stone cleaner to clean up the rest of the residue. When rinsing the stone tiles in your shower, make sure it is dried up thoroughly to avoid new water spots from forming. If you have regular bathroom tiles, ceramic, acrylic, or anything of that nature, you can use this bathroom cleaner. It was nice for her! This is so helpful! Thanks. You name it. ), How to Host the Sweetest Valentines Day Party for You and Your Girlfriends Guest Post, My Favorite Aluminum-Free Deodorant With Effective Ingredients, Baseboard Cleaning Hacks That Save Time and Money, Water Resistant Tinted SPF 30 Moisturizer Thats Also Skincare. Vinegar is one of the main components in this really effective bathroom cleaner. I NEED to get your book. Thats fine! I always recommend to follow up with a dry cleaning towel at the end. As always, LOVE your homemade and safe cleaning solutions/tips. It keeps the glass nice and sparkly. Again, you should only be using the magic eraser to rub over the area gently once or twice. This post may contain affiliate links. Chemistry Secrets for Healthy Living, Beauty, Gardening & Cleaning. All Rights Reserved. The magic eraser method should be done only when soap scum is very thick. I could so use this for our master shower. My house just got out of control with me being busy teaching a lot. Feel free to contact us with any questions you have! Use the exact same method (You might not even need to sponge it, just the damp towel will do), but you may need to rinse it with hot water if any soap scum residue remains. The best tip I have for keeping up with your shower glass, is to keep up with it. Glass shower doors: Barkeepers Friend (liquid cook-top cleaner, NOT powder form) for shower doors. We test and research all of our chemist tips for months or years, so everything is safe and effective. You can repeat this procedure several times until you are satisfied with the outcome. It is important to use the right approach when cleaning hard water stains from natural stone or stone tiles as it could damage the surface and worsen the existing problem. Required fields are marked *. To avoid excessive grime, follow R&Ss quick tips for stone shower cleaning, and for a limited time, receive $75 off any stone cleaning of $250 or more (including your shower!). Thank you so much! To avoid detrimental scratches, clean tile and stone with softer sponges. But now I know how. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. This is awesome, how helpfuland safe! You can also keep a microfiber towel near the shower to easily soak-up and remove excess water after each use. So glad to read about this. When I talked about vinegar a couple of months ago, I mentioned that you must not use it on natural stone surfaces because it can harm surfaces like this. Similar to the stone, use soft bristles, such as an old toothbrush. Rinse with warm water. Due to the porous nature of natural stone, combined with the showers humidity and sitting water, your shower can quickly start harvesting mold and mildew. It is so fun to go on a cleaning rampage and get everything back in order! Notify me via e-mail if anyone answers my comment. Nylon, microfiber, and soft brushes will help clean stone without damaging its sealant. This article gives a guide on how to clean hard water residue from a stone shower. Spray the product onto the surface and allow some time for it to break down the compounds of the residue. This works so well on marble! You can always try out a professional-grade stone cleaner for better results. If you notice dullness or it isnt cleaning well, than you might need to reseal it. When youre cleaning your natural stone, dont neglect the grout. However, this only worsens the existing problem and causes more damage to your stone tiles. Thanks Nancy!! Using a glass cleaner or our DIY granite cleaner will get rid of the magic eraser residue, plus the rest of the soap scum. This works the best out of all the methods and cleaners I have tried! With a stone-safe grout cleaner, gently scrub to lift and clean the grime. The stone cleaner doesnt seem to get the residue off as well, am I doing something wrong? The best way to clean your stone shower is with steam. If this does not seem to deliver satisfactory results then consider calling a professional to have it honed and restored.