Best Cleaner for Stone Showers [Ultimate Buying Guides]

Stone showers can add an elegant, high-end look to any bathroom. However, without proper care and cleaning, stone showers are susceptible to damage from soap scum, hard water deposits, mold, mildew and more. Using the right stone shower cleaner is key to maintaining the beauty and integrity of natural stone showers.

This article will overview the best cleaners for stone showers to simplify your decision making process. We’ll explore the unique cleaning considerations for different stone types, review factors for choosing an effective stone shower cleaner, provide recommendations of top products for granite, marble and limestone, detail proper use and application, and more. Follow these tips and you’ll be able to easily keep your stone shower sparkling clean.

Our top 5 picks

Best Cleaners for Stone Showers

Now that we’ve covered key considerations when selecting a stone shower cleaner, next we’ll recommend some top products for granite, marble and limestone showers.

1. Granite Cleaners

The dense, resilient composition of most granites allows using a more powerful cleaner thathelps lift soap scum and oils compared to what would be advised for more sensitive marble or limestone. These top granite cleaners help maintain shine.

StoneTech Revitalizer Cleaner

• Specifically designed for routine maintenance cleaning of granite along with other tougher stones in showers
• Contains a cleaning agent derived from coconut oil to cut through grime and oils
• Helps enhance the natural look by improving water beading
• Biodegradable and pH neutral
• Safe for use on polished, honed or textured granite

Pros

• Specifically made for granite
• Contains coconut cleaning agent
• Enhances water beading
• pH neutral
• Safe on all granite finishes

Cons

• Higher cost
• Needs rinsing

Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Cleaner – [Best for travertine bathroom sinks and countertop]

• Daily cleaner formulated just for granite, engineered quartz and porcelain
• Removes soap scum, hard water deposits and dirt buildup
• Contains hydrogen peroxide for extra cleaning action but won’t bleach or discolor
• Seals to prevent new staining or etching
• Natural ingredients like lemon and jojoba oil refresh shine
• Green certification for environmental preferability

Pros

• Formulated just for granite
• Removes soap scum
• Contains hydrogen peroxide
• Seals to prevent staining
• Natural lemon and jojoba oils
• Green certified

Cons

• Can leave residue if not rinsed well

 2. Marble Cleaners

The crystalline structure of marble makes it prone to etching and staining if harsh cleaners strip its finish or penetrate porous areas. A gentle marble cleaner maintans its beauty.

Method Daily Granite & Marble Cleaner

• Specifically designed for natural stone countertops but works well for marble showers too
• Plant-based formula avoids harsh chemical ingredients
• Olive oil base helps lift away grime gently
• Mint essential oil leaves a fresh scent
• Greasecutting suds rinse cleanly without residue
• Green seal certified for sustainability

Pros

• Plant-based formula
• Uses olive oil to clean gently
• Mint oil leaves fresh scent
• Greasecutting suds
• Green seal certified

Cons

• Need to avoid applying directly on textured marble

Granite Gold Daily Cleaner

• Biodegradable and pH neutral daily cleaner approved for use on marble, travertine, limestone and other delicate stones
• Does not contain ammonia, bleaches or soaps which can leave sticky residue
• Helps prevent streaks and filming
• Certified safe when properly diluted for septic tanks
• Economical concentrate makes many gallons

Pros

• Approved for delicate stone
• Biodegradable
• pH neutral
• Helps prevent streaks
• Septic safe
• Economical concentrate

Cons

• Need to rinse off thoroughly

3. Limestone Cleaners

Limestone requires a gently cleaning approach to avoid disturbing its natural patina etched by exposure to moisture and acids. Simple mild cleaning solutions prevent erosion.

Limestone Concrete Cleaner

• Environmentally safe cleaner specifically designed for limestone concrete surfaces
• Restores mineral lose from exposure to pool water chemicals, lawn fertilizers and other elements
• Contains Magna fw which strengthens structural integrity
• Improves resistance to deterioration and staining
• Will not alter slip resistance

Pros

• Environmentally safe
• Restores mineral loss
• Strengthens integrity
• Improves stain resistance

Cons

• Higher cost
• Limited availability

TriSodium Phosphate Cleaners

Often abbreviated as TSP, trisodium phosphate is an alkaline cleaner safe and effective for delicate limestone and travertine stone when diluted properly. It tackles:

• Hard water scale buildup
• Soapy grease and mineral deposits
• Rust and other tough stains
• Mildew and algae discoloration

Pros

• Safe for limestone
• Removes variety of stains
• Tackles mildew and algae

Cons

• Can etch at higher concentrations
• Needs heavy rinsing

Types of Stone Used in Showers

There are various natural stone options used to construct stylish showers, each with their own properties, maintenance needs and best cleaners. Common stones include:

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Marble

Known for its elegant veining patterns, marble makes a beautiful statement in bathrooms. However, it is a softer, porous stone that requires extra care as it can scratch and stain easily. Using a gentle cleaner without acids or bleach is key for marble showers.

Travertine

Travertine is a form of limestone avec natural pits and holes, giving great texture. But travertine is quite porous, making sealing and gentle cleaning important. Harsh chemicals can erode travertine.

Limestone

Offering soft earthy tones, limestone exudes rustic charm. Yet it too is prone to etching and erosion from acids. Thus, a cleaner with a neutral pH is ideal for maintaining limestone showers.

Slate

Slate’s layered stone look has bold appeal. This metamorphic stone is less reactive than marble or limestone, but slate can also bepenetrated by harsh cleaners over time.

Granite

Granite is a popular choice as it’s harder and dense crystalline structure resists scratching. Reputed as low maintenance compared to other stone, granite can handle stronger cleaners, yet still benefits from gentle care.

The unique properties of each stone type inform what cleaning solutions are suitable to maintain their integrity. Next we’ll explore key factors to consider when selecting an effective stone shower cleaner.

What is the best homemade cleaner for stone showers?

Some popular homemade cleaners for stone showers include:

• Vinegar solution – Mix equal parts white vinegar and water. Vinegar helps dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits. Use for granite and tougher stones. Avoid with marble or limestone as the acidity can etch or damage those more sensitive surfaces.
• Baking soda paste – Make a paste with baking soda and water. Gently scrub and let sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Baking soda is a mild abrasive to lift dirt.
• Dish soap and water – For simple cleaning, combine a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Use a soft cloth when wiping down stone surfaces.
• Hydrogen peroxide – Mix hydrogen peroxide with baking soda and warm water to boost cleaning action against soap scum and mildew. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.

Be sure to spot test homemade cleaners first in an inconspicuous area as natural stone can react to ingredients differently. And always thoroughly rinse the surface after cleaning to prevent any residue buildup over time.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Stone Shower Cleaner

Selecting the right stone shower cleaner involves taking into account the unique properties of your stone type along with considerations of finish, cleaning purpose and ingredients.

Stone Type

The mineral composition and porosity of different natural stones means some cleaners that work well for granite could potentially scratch or damage marble surfaces. Checking that a stone cleaner is approved for your specific stone ensures it’s safe and effective.

Finish

The surface finish also influences the cleaning approach. Polished stone can shine but shows etching or scratches more. Honed stone has a matte look, helping disguise marks but requiring a gentler cleaning approach. Understanding how the finish interacts with the cleaner preventspossible damage.

Purpose

Consider the cleaner’s purpose. Is it meant to give a routine light cleaning? Remove deeper set stains or soapy residue? Address mold and mildew issues? Or add protective qualities? The cleaner has to match the need at hand.

Ingredients

Look at what’s in the bottle. Cleaners may contain acids, alkalis, solvents or soaps. Harsh ingredients like hydrochloric or phosphoric acid can etch delicate stone. An ingredient like ammonia cuts through grime, but it also poses health and environmental risks with improper use or disposal. Milder soap-based cleaners often prove effective for stone’s routine cleaning needs.

Using the Cleaner

To achieve best results, be sure to use your stone shower cleaner properly:

Dilution

Check the product label for recommended dilution ratio and follow explicitly. Using too strong a concentration risks stripping stone finishes or altering surface color. Start with the lowest dilution rate and increase cautiously if needed.

Application Method

Apply cleaner evenly distributed across stone walls and floor with a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Avoid using stiff brushes or abrasive pads which could scratch stone. Let cleaner soak if directed for a few minutes so it can fully penetrate and lift stains from porous stone.

Rinsing

Thoroughly rinse all soap and cleaning residue away after application. Any leftover residue could attract more dirt buildup or interact with stone minerals causing discoloration. Failing to rinse properly is a common mistake.

Frequency

Clean stone showers regularly to prevent heavy soap scum, hard water deposits and mildew buildup over time which becomes harder to remove. However avoid over-cleaning stone too often as that can wear down protective finishes as well. Striking the right balance is key.

Follow these best practices when putting your stone shower cleaner to work so you achieve maximum cleaning power without posing harm to stone surfaces.

Maintaining Stone Showers

Proper ongoing maintenance habits prevent stone shower damage down the road and reduces harsh cleaning needed. Two key maintenance tips include sealing and avoiding nick damage.

Sealing

Applying a quality stone sealer to shower walls and floors provides an added layer of protection by sealing porous areas prone to staining. Reapply sealer periodically as directed. Choosing a water-based breathable sealer formulated especially for stone showers optimizes performance.

Avoiding Damage

Exercise some care to avoid scrape marks, chips or cracks appearing on stone surfaces which become permanent eyesores. Don’t let metal shower caddies or loofahs bang against the walls. Squeegee water off after use to prevent standing water penetration. Avoid knocking sharp falling bottles or containers against the stone.

Following these simple maintenance steps enhances the longevity of your investment in elegant stone showers so you can enjoy their beauty for decades.

FAQs

Still have some lingering questions on aspects of cleaning and caring for stone showers? Here we tackle some frequently asked questions for helpful answers:

How often should I clean my stone shower?

Ideally aim to quickly wipe down stone shower walls after each use to remove any soap film and let them fully air dry. Deep clean stone floors and walls with your specialized stone cleaner about once a week or more often if you notice heavy buildup of grime, soap or minerals.

Can I use bleach to clean my stone shower?

Bleach and other harsh chemicals like tile cleaners, lime removers or acid based cleaners should not be used on natural stone as they will likely etch, corrode and degrade softer surfaces over repeated exposure. Stick to cleaners specifically designed for natural stone.

What happens if I don’t properly maintain my stone shower?

Lack of routine cleaning and sealing can lead to permanent hard water stains, soap scum buildup, mildew growth staining grout and stone finish erosion from exposure damage to delicate surfaces. Staying on top of regular maintenance keeps stone showers glistening like new.

Should I reseal my stone shower periodically?

Yes – it’s advised to reapply quality stone sealer to shower walls, floors and grout lines about once a year or more frequently if you notice stone darkening from moisture penetration or well used areas lightening from finish wearing off. Resealing maintains protection.

Conclusion

Caring for elegant stone showers requires using the proper specialty cleaner and techniques tailored to the unique properties of the natural stone. For resilient granite, StoneTech Revitalizer Cleaner and Black Diamond Stoneworks Granite Cleaner both earn top recommendations for their stone-safe formulas lifting soap scum without posing harm.

 For softer marble surfaces, Method Daily Granite & Marble Cleaner gently cleans with plant                          oils while Granite Gold Daily Cleaner pulls ahead as a pH neutral cleaner safe for all delicate stones. Environmentally safe cleaners like Limestone Concrete Cleaner or diluted TSP remove etching and restore limestone’s natural appearance.

Always pay close attention to following the manufacturer’s stone type approval, dilution directions and application methods to achieve cleaning results without the risk of scratching or eroding stone surfaces. Take steps to routinely seal and protect your stone shower walls and floors as well. Follow these best practices and you’ll be able to safely maintain the sophisticated style of stone showers for years of enjoyment.