How to Clean a Marble Shower
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Marble is a beautiful, luxurious material, but it can be tricky to keep clean. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to clean a marble shower.
The biggest challenge is making a mistake, and damaging the marble is easy. You must use suitable types of cleaning products. Just because your marble shower looks clean doesn’t mean it is. If you’re not cleaning it properly, you could do more harm than good.
Fortunately, cleaning a marble shower is a breeze with the right tools and techniques. Follow these simple tips, and your shower will look shiny and new in no time!
The Challenge with Cleaning a Marble Shower
Marble is a porous material, which means that it requires special care when cleaning. Porous materials like marble can be damaged if you use the wrong cleaning products. This is because they absorb liquid, which can stain or damage the material.
When knowing how to clean a marble shower, it’s important to use products specifically designed for marble and natural stone. Many household cleaning products can be too harsh and damage the surface of the marble.
Cleaning products made specifically for marble and natural stone are designed to clean and protect porous materials. They won’t damage the surface or leave behind any harsh chemicals.
How Frequently Should You Clean a Marble Shower?
You should lightly clean your marble shower daily to prevent soap buildup and water spots. You can do a weekly or biweekly deep cleaning for a more thorough cleaning.
The daily cleaning will allow you to go longer between more thorough cleanings, and it will help to prevent soap scum and grime from building up. The deep clean will help completely remove any soap scum, mold, and mildew.
Drying the marble or using a squeegee may be necessary if you have hard water. This is because hard water can leave mineral deposits on the surface that bond to the marble and become very difficult to remove without damaging the marble tiles.
How to Clean a Marble Shower Daily
Daily marble shower maintenance is easy and only takes a few minutes. All you need is a simple microfiber cloth. We recommend the general purpose cloth from E-Cloth, but you can see more options in our list of the best microfiber cloths.
After the shower is used. Gently dry the marble tiles with the microfiber cloth. By drying the tiles, you’ll help to prevent water spots, soap scum, and mildew. This removes not only the standing water but also the soap residue and any loose dirt.
If you have hard water, you may need to squeegee the shower after each use or dry the marble with a towel. This will help to prevent mineral deposits from bonding to the surface of the marble.
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How to Thoroughly Clean a Marble Shower
For more thorough cleaning, you’ll need to use a little elbow grease, a specialized stone cleaner, or a DIY solution.
We recommend using Better Life Granite and Stone Cleaner. This cleaner is specifically designed for marble and other natural stone surfaces. It’s gentle enough that it won’t damage the stone but tough enough to remove soap scum and result in a thoroughly clean shower. It’s also eco-friendly, safe for your family, and not tested on animals.
Better Life Natural Granite and Stone Cleaner
Alternatively, you could create your own DIY cleaning solution using natural dish soap and water. You can see our list of non-toxic dish soaps for options, but be sure to choose something that is pH-neutral with no acidic ingredients like vinegar or lemon. It’s also good to avoid cleaning products that contain dye.
To create the solution, fill a spray bottle with warm water and add a teaspoon to a tablespoon (depending on the size of the spray bottle) of dish soap.
To clean your marble shower, start by spraying the entire surface with the stone cleaner or DIY solution. Let the cleaner sit on the surface for a few minutes to break down the soap scum and grime.
Next, use a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire shower. Be sure to rinse the cloth frequently in warm water to avoid spreading dirt and grime around.
Start at the top of the shower and work your way down. If you have any stubborn spots, you can use a soft-bristled brush to scrub them away. Just be sure that the bristles are soft enough that they won’t damage the marble surface.
Once you’ve scrubbed away all of the soap scum and grime, rinse the shower with clean water. Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to dry the surface and prevent water spots.
You should thoroughly clean your marble shower at least once a week or biweekly. This will help prevent soap scum build-up and ensure that your shower looks new.
| Image | Product | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Most Versatile  | Dr. Bronner’s - Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Peppermint)
| 9.9 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Eco Me Dish Soap
| 9.4 | Check Price on Amazon |
 | Better Life Sulfate Free Dish Soap (Pomegranate)
| 9.3 | Check Price on Amazon |
How to Remove Mold and Mildew from a Marble Shower
Mold and mildew can be a problem in any bathroom, but they’re especially troublesome in showers because of the warm, humid environment. Mold and mildew can cause discoloration and staining, making them difficult to remove once they’ve taken hold, and one of the essential reasons to know how to clean a marble shower.
If you’re using a store-bought cleaner, be sure to use a mold removal product that is specifically made for marble or natural stone.
You can also use DIY methods to remove mold, but you must be very careful with marble. Remember to avoid anything acidic, like vinegar. You can use baking soda, but be very careful not to use it gently to avoid damaging the marble.
If you have light-colored marble, you can test hydrogen peroxide in an inconspicuous area to ensure that it does not damage or discolor the marble. Do not attempt to use hydrogen peroxide with medium or darker colored marble.
How to Remove Stains from a Marble Shower
You may notice mineral stains on your marble shower if you have hard water. These stains can be difficult to remove, but there are a few methods that you can try.
To remove hard water stains, start by making a paste with equal parts water and baking soda. Rub the paste into the stains using a soft-bristled brush. Be sure to scrub very gently because baking soda is abrasive and can damage the marble if it is scrubbed too forcefully. Let the paste sit for a few minutes before rinsing it away with clean water.
Better Life Granite and Stone Cleaner is also very effective at cleaning stains, and it’s safe to use.
What to Avoid When Cleaning a Marble Shower
When cleaning your marble shower, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing the steps to follow. Be sure to avoid the following.
Acid-Based Cleaning Products
Avoid using acidic cleaners like vinegar or lemon juice when cleaning your marble shower. These cleaners can damage the marble and cause it to discolor. Instead, use pH-neutral dish soap or a cleaner specifically made for natural stone.
Bleach
Bleach can also damage your marble shower. If you have mold or mildew, use a mold removal product that is specifically made for natural stone instead of bleach.
Any Cleaning Product Not Made for Natural Stone
Be sure to use a cleaner specifically made for natural stone or marble. Other cleaners may contain chemicals that can damage the surface of your marble shower.
Hard Brushes, Coarse Sponges, and Scrapers
Never use a hard brush, coarse sponge, scrubbing pad, or scraper on your marble shower. These can all scratch the surface of the marble and damage it over time. Instead, use a soft microfiber cloth or soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the surface.
How to Keep a Marble Shower Clean
Now that we’ve covered the steps you need to take to clean your marble shower, it’s also a good idea to talk about simple steps to help your shower stay clean and look great for many years to come.
Clean Frequently
The best way to keep your marble shower clean is to clean it regularly. You should aim to clean your shower at least once a week or biweekly, in addition to drying the tiles after each use. This will help prevent soap scum build-up and ensure that your shower stays looking like new.
Avoid Household Cleaners
In general, you should avoid using any household cleaners on your marble shower. These products may contain chemicals that can damage the surface of the marble over time. Instead, use a cleaner that is specifically made for natural stone or marble.
Use Soft Cleaning Materials
When cleaning your marble shower, be sure to use soft microfiber cloths, sponges, and brushes. Anything too abrasive can damage the surface of the marble.
- High-quality microfiber
- Affordable
- Clean with just water
Our favorite microfiber cloths for use around the home are the general purpose clothes from E-Cloth. Whether you're wiping down the kitchen table, countertops, or scrubbing just about any other surface in your house, these clothes are effective, durable, and affordable. Over the course of a year, you'll save a huge amount of money on paper towels and cleaning solutions, plus you can keep the chemicals out of your home.
Keep Your Marble Sealed
If your marble shower is sealed correctly, it will be much easier to keep clean. Be sure to seal it every one to two years. A sealant will help protect the marble’s surface from stains and damage.
Install a Water Softener
If you have hard water, using a water softener can help to reduce mineral deposits and stains. A water softener will also make cleaning your shower much easier because soap and cleaners will work more effectively in soft water.
Related: The Best Marble Cleaner for the Floor and Bathroom
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Marble Showers Hard to Clean?
No, marble showers are not hard to clean. However, it is important to use the right cleaning products and avoid any damage to the marble’s surface.
Can I Use Vinegar or Lemon Juice to Clean My Marble Shower?
No, you should not use vinegar or lemon juice to clean your marble shower because these cleaners can damage the surface of the marble. Instead, use pH-neutral dish soap or a cleaner specifically made for natural stone.
Can I Use Bleach to Clean a Marble Shower?
If you have mold or mildew in your marble shower, use a mold removal product that is specifically made for natural stone instead of bleach. Bleach can damage the surface of your marble shower.
What is the Best Cleaner for a Marble Shower?
The best cleaner for a marble shower is one that is specifically made for natural stone or marble. Other cleaners may contain chemicals that can damage the surface of your marble shower. We recommend Better Life Granite and Stone Cleaner.
Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe for Marble?
Yes, it is. But we recommend a natural alternative like Better Life Dish Soap.
Why is My Marble Shower Floor Discolored?
If your marble shower floor is discolored, it may be due to hard water stains or mineral deposits. You can remove these stains by using a product specifically made for natural stone or marble.
How Often Do You Have to Seal Marble Shower Tiles?
You should seal your marble shower tiles every one to two years. This will help protect the marble’s surface from stains and damage.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Marble Shower
Cleaning your shower may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple if you know how to clean a marble shower step-by-step. Be sure to clean regularly and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. With just a little care, your marble shower will look like new for years to come.