Regardless of where you have natural stone in your home, it needs to be sealed to prevent damage to the stone from elements like moisture and dirt. In the shower, your tiles are even more at-risk for water damage. For this reason, it is important that you seal these tiles often.
While stone is a hardy and durable material for use in and around your home, you will need to be mindful of the cleaners you use and the way in which you keep it spotless. Fortunately, it's not actually too difficult and our step-by-step guide will break down everything you need to know about stone shower cleaning.
Over time, the water can weaken the stone, which can lead to fissures or cracks in the tile. Eventually, the water can penetrate to the subfloor, and once it does that, it can spread to other parts of your home. Water can trap bacteria in the tile, and it can contribute to the growth of mold and mildew in the subfloor.
Stone should be sealed when used in bathrooms that receive daily use. “We recommend a penetrating sealer once a year,” says Tabbah. “It helps repel water so it beads up instead of soaking in and turning the stone darker.”
Best for Natural Stone: Aqua Mix Sealer's Choice Gold
Since this sealer is water-based and penetrating, it's appropriate in most scenarios, including bathrooms and shower surrounds. It will maintain the look of porous stone without changing its look or finish.
A – On average, a stone sealer will last between 3-5 years before it will need to be reapplied. The quality of the sealer used and the porosity of the stone will all have an effect on just how long your sealer will last.
The simplest answer is no, it is best to avoid bleach when cleaning any type of natural stone. Many home cleaning products, particularly bleach and vinegar, are too harsh or acidic to be on natural stone. These cleaners strip down the stone and leave it in a weak, damaged state.
Impregnating sealers (also known as penetrating sealers) are designed to penetrate below the surface and protect from within the stone while still allowing the miniscule pores of the stone to allow moisture vapor to escape.
Naturally-occurring salts found in soil, water, sand, gravel and cement are dissolved by rain and groundwater. This moisture is drawn to the surface of the stone where it evaporates, leaving the salts behind as a white haze. Although unattractive, the process is completely natural and in no way damages the stone.
White vinegar spritzed onto the tile will do a great job if you let it work for about 30 minutes and then scrub and rinse. Yes, there may be a slight odor, but your pebble-stone shower floor will look good for years.
If you see a white, powdery residue on your stone, it may be a sign of efflorescence. It's a clear indication of water damage. The sooner you catch it, the fewer repairs you'll have to do.
For lower traffic areas, like a kitchen backsplash or bathtub surround, you should re-seal your natural stone tiles every few years. Depending on the amount of traffic, some installers choose to re-seal their natural stone tiles every 18 months, while others choose to re-seal their tiles every 4 to 5 years.
Water Will Discolor Them
Even something as simple as leaving a cold glass with condensation on your unsealed counters can change them. That's because water can penetrate the stone and leave behind water marks, permanently altering the appearance of your counters and potentially making them look dirty.
All natural stone tiles, whether polished, honed, or tumbled, are porous and require sealing before grouting. This essential step fills the pores with a protective sealer, preventing grout particles from causing a hazy surface appearance on your tiles.
Clean stone surfaces with warm water and a mild soap such as a clear Dawn Liquid Soap. Do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on marble or limestone. Rinse the surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change the rinse water frequently.
DON'T: Use harsh or abrasive cleaners and sponges.
Windex; acidic cleaners, like vinegar, lemon, lime; or anything with ammonia or bleach should be avoided. Frequent use of these chemicals will dull and weaken the sealant over time.
Keep It Simple to Clean Natural Stone
You can use any type of mild soap detergent, such as dish or hand soap, and mix it with a little water. Wet the stone first, and then use a bristle brush and soap solution to wipe the stone clean. The last step is to make sure you rinse thoroughly.
Apply a drop of water 1 inch in diameter to the stone surface. Allow the water to stand on the stone for 5-30 minutes. If the surface is unsealed, the water will absorb into the stone and darken the surface (absorption speed will depend on porosity of the stone).
There is a misconception that stone stains easily. It may stain easier than ceramic or porcelain, but timber would have the same issues. It's like if you drop something on your carpet, you will clean it up quickly so it doesn't soak in and stain. The same concept applies for natural stone.
Clean EEZ Stone & Grout Sealer
That's why the Clean-Eez sealer which works on both stone and grout is the best option for sealing your shower. You can apply it using a brush by hand or with a long pole. It does need to cure for five minutes, after which you'll have to wipe up any extra sealer.
Cleaning your stone shower once a week can help reduce grime, water deposits, and mildew build-up. Use stone-safe products, rather than vinegar or ammonia. Such products are too harsh on stone; their acids break down sealants and discolor surfaces.
We recommend purchasing a neutral PH stone cleaner and apply a few drops to the stone. If you cannot find a stone cleaner with this kind of PH level, then a mild dishwashing detergent will work. Mix it with warm water to get the best results. Clean your stone before applying seal to maximize results.
Protect, restore, and extend the life of your home with Rainguard Water Sealers Premium Stone Sealer. This sealer is formulated with a water-based silane and siloxane blend to provide superior protection against wind-driven rain, mold, mildew, and other moisture damage.