Soft clothes will be the gentlest on the finish of your stone. Rough fabric, over time, could cause the surface of your stone to pit or cloud.
Because grout is often dirtier than the tile itself, clean the grout first to prevent it from spreading to the tile. Avoid using general grout cleaners when cleaning the grout of natural stone tile. These often have ingredients that can damage your stone. Stiff bristle brushes can harm the finish of your stone and cause scratches. Only use soft bristle brushes and soft cloths when cleaning.
Soaps that are formulated for the natural stone used in your shower can be found at most hardware stores. Cleaners that are acidic can damage your stone tile. Only use cleaners that are pH neutral (a 7 pH rating), which should be indicated on the cleaner’s label information. Using more soap isn’t always better. Too much soap in your solution could result in streaks or a film remaining on the tiles after cleaning.
Using ammonia to clean your stone too frequently can negatively impact its appearance, causing it to dull. Stay on top of general cleaning to prevent soap scum from building up. This way, you’ll only have to infrequently use ammonia. [2] X Research source
If detergent and ammonia fail to remove the stain, try mineral spirits or acetone. Use these sparingly and as a last resort. Flush these cleaners with water after applying, then dry the area.
Never mix bleach and ammonia. Doing so will create toxic fumes that can result in serious harm or death.
In some cases, you may be able to get rid of an organic stain just by removing its source. After removal, wait a few days to see if the stain disappears. Hydrogen peroxide may fade or lighten the color of your stone. Test it on an out of sight location before you use it. Only use this technique occasionally to prevent color loss.
For severe stains, you may have to reapply the poultice a few times before it is fully removed. Some stains may take five applications or more. Stain removing poultices can be purchased from your local hardware store or home center. Look for it among stone care products. Some kinds of poultice are sold as pre-made strips of treated paper. These are generally applied to stains similarly to paste poultices.
Use light to moderate pressure when buffing your countertop. Too much pressure may harm the appearance of your stone.
Knowing the source of a stain will make it easier for you to eliminate later if general cleaning techniques don’t work.
Cleaners that are specially formulated for the kind of stone used in your shower will likely be the safest to use.
Many squeegees come with suction cup hangers that you can attach to the wall of your shower. This way, your squeegee will be easily accessible after showering.
Clean mats at least once a month to prevent stains from hiding underneath them and increasing in severity over time.
Some of your shower products may contain acids. Take care to keep these off your stone to prevent etching. Etching that is especially deep may be impossible to remove with polishing powder. In these cases, call a stone repair or maintenance professional.
Persistent stains or blemishes that are difficult to treat may require an expert. Call a stone care professional, installer, or restoration specialist to treat problems like these.
