How To Clean Marble Shower in 4 Easy Steps
Marble showers are a sophisticated, classically beautiful addition to any bathroom. However, if the showers are not cared for correctly, they can become an unfortunate eyesore. This how-to guide will teach you everything you need to know about how to clean a marble shower. By following this guide, you can keep your shower looking new for a lifetime.
What You Will Need
Warm Water
Towel
Marble Cleaner
Chamois or Microfiber towel
Squeegee
Marble Cleaner Bathroom Set
Our Recommended Marble Shower Cleaners
The Best Way to Clean Your Marble Shower
It’s important to be diligent and regularly follow these steps. By doing so, you’ll prevent any serious marble problems and preserve your investment for the future.
1
Spray or wipe marble cleaner on the shower marble
Spray the marble surface down thoroughly with a marble cleaner.
If you have a concentrated solution of marble cleaner, add the recommended amount to a clean bucket of water. Then, wet a clean towel with the marble clean and rub the marble surface completely.
After conducting an extensive study to determine the best performing marble shower cleaner, we recommend using MarbleLife’s Marble Cleaner. Check out our buyer’s guide on marble shower cleaners.
2
Wipe the entire surface down with a clean cloth
Wipe the entire surface, including the marble shower walls, marble seats, and marble shower floors, with a clean cloth. Be sure to cover the entire surface with the microfiber cloth and marble cleaner.
3
Spray or wipe the surface down with clean water
Spray or wipe down the surface with clean water. Be sure to remove the marble cleaner from the surface completely. Do this with a clean towel and clean water.
4
Dry the surface
Once you’ve finished cleaning the marble surface, wipe the surface down with the dry chamois, microfiber towel, or squeegee. Be sure the marble shower is completely dry. Water left standing on the marble surface can cause water marks.
If you’ve conducted these steps and there are still lingering stains left on the marble shower, you may have permanent stains that cannot be removed with ordinary marble cleaner. If foreign substances are not removed from your marble surfaces quickly, these substances, especially liquids, will enter the pores of the marble surface and create a permanent stain. See our 6 steps to marble stain removal.
Marble stains are relatively uncommon in showers since users don’t typically use many products that could stain marble while showering. For example, you’re unlikely to be drinking coffee while taking a shower.
However, common marble shower stains happen because of shampoos, soap scum, and even rust.
Rust stains are common when you have white Carrara marble in your shower. Carrara marble contains metallic particles inside the stone, and over time water from the shower will penetrate the marble surface and rust the metallic components of the stone. For Carrara marble shower care, we’ve created a specialized article about Carrara marble in the shower.
Below we address removing stains from shampoo and soap scum.
Removing Soap Scum from a Marble Shower
Unfortunately, soap scum is inevitable in a shower, and marble showers are no different. But there are steps you can take to keep your marble pristine. Follow these steps to easily remove soap scum and keep your marble looking fresh and sparkly.
Check out this simple video that details this process.
What you will need
Clean Towel
Soft Bristle Brush
Sqeegee
Marble Cleaner
Our Recommended Marble Soap Scum Remover
Steps to Soap Scum Removal
When you’ve gathered your supplies, follow these steps:
1
Add marble soap scum remover to towel
Add Soap Scum Remover to your microfiber towel
Add the soap scum remover to the towel or spray soap scum remover over the soap scum on the marble. Be sure to completely cover the stain.
If you would prefer, make your own homemade soap scum remover by combining 1/2 cup of ammonia to one gallon of clean water. This mixture is recommended by the Marble Institute of America if you choose not to use a marble soap scum remover.
After conducting an extensive study to determine the best performing marble shower cleaner, we recommend using MarbleLife’s Marble Soap Scum Remover. Check out our buyers guide on marble shower cleaners.
2
Clean the surface with soap scum remover
With a clean towel, wipe the soap scum remover over the soap scum stain until it is gone. You can use a small, soft-bristle brush to aid in the removal of the soap scum. Do not apply too much pressure since it can scratch the marble. However, scrubbing quickly in a circular motion at high frequency will be most effective in removing the soap scum.
3
Rub the soap scum away
Wipe up the soap scum remover and dry the surface
Completely remove all the soap scum remover with a clean towel and water.
After the soap scum remover is wiped away, spray a marble cleaner over the area and re-clean the area with the marble cleaner.
After the area is clean, dry the surface with a clean white towel or use a squeegee.
Pro Tip:
To prevent Soap scum, use a squeegee after you use your shower. This small extra step will save you a lot of trouble later, and will eradicate the need to remove soap scum.
Check out this excellent video from the Marble Institute of America. It details these easy methods to marble shower cleaning and care.
Removing Mold and Mildew from your Marble Shower
Mold and mildew are also a very common problem with marble showers. Follow the steps below and your mold will be gone in no time.
Check out this video that details this simple process.
What you will need
White Towel
Soft Bristle Brush or Old Toothbrush
Squeegee
Marble Cleaner
Our Recommended Marble Mold and Mildew Remover
Spray marble mold and mildew remover over the stain
Completely cover the mold stain with the marble mildew remover.
Don’t be scared to apply a lot of mildew remover! This will only help the mildew remover do the work for you.
If you don’t have a marble mildew remover, you can use bleach to try and remove the mold or mildew. In our experience, bleach is not quite as effective; however, oftentimes homemade marble cleaner can be made with items from around the house.
Add 2 quarts of bleach to one gallon of water and follow the steps just as if you had the marble mildew remover product.
Be very careful with the use of bleach! It’s a very powerful chemical. We recommend first trying the bleach in an inconspicuous area to ensure it will not damage your marble. If you’re concerned, we suggest making the investment on a marble mildew removal since it is a cost-effective investment toward protecting your pricier marble investment.
2
Let the mildew remover sit for 5-10 minutes
Let the marble mildew remover soak into the stain. You should begin to see the mildew stain start to wash away.
3
rub softly with an old toothbrush
Remove the rest of the mildew
If there’s still mold and mildew left over after the 5-10 minutes of the mildew removal soak, softly brush the mildew stain with a soft-bristle brush.
Brush the stain softly until the stain is gone.
4
Clean up
After the mildew is gone, wipe away the excess mildew remover. Then, spray a marble cleaner over the area and re-clean the area with the marble cleaner.
After the area is clean, dry the surface with a clean towel or use a squeegee.
Pro Tip:
Mold and mildew are common in showers because there is always moisture left over after use. Mold needs these wet areas to grow, so help prevent mold by using a squeegee to wipe up the water after you use your shower. This little amount of work will save you a lot of trouble later.
Removing Shampoo Stains From Marble Shower
Shampoo stains in a marble shower occur when a shampoo is spilled and left to sit on the surface for an extended period of time. The oils in the shampoo will evaporate and leave behind the dyes in the shampoo as a stain.
These stains are very difficult to remove with an ordinary marble cleaner. However, a marble poultice will do the trick.
We have a special article for stain removal. This article tells you everything you need to know to remove all kinds of stains. For your shampoo stain, follow the instructions for ink-based stains.
If you’re looking to learn about how to care for your marble floors in your bathroom, please see our article on the ultimate guide to how to clean marble floors in bathrooms.
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