How to Keep Your Granite Showers Clean

Granite showers are luxurious, elegant and long-lasting. Installing a granite shower in your bathroom will not only increase its beauty, but also increase the value of your home. Granite is expensive and must be protected from generic cleaners, abrasive materials and daily deposits in the shower. With regular cleaning and maintenance, you can keep your granite shower sparkling like new and also make it last much longer.

Ensure that the Shower is Properly Sealed and Grouted

Having a professional seal your granite is critical to ensuring is longevity, whether it is installed on your floor, kitchen counter top or shower stall. When the shower is being installed, talk to the concerned professionals and ensure that your granite shower is properly sealed. Also remember that sealant wears off with use, especially in a heavily used area such as the shower. Look for signs of water absorption in the granite. When water does not bead on the surface, it is time to reseal your granite shower. It is best to leave these jobs to professional stone companies, so that you can avoid accidents and damage to your expensive granite.

Grouting is another crucial aspect. Always inspect the grout regularly and look for signs of wearing out or looseness between tiles. Reapply missing grout and caulk as soon as you notice these signs. Failing to do so will cause damage to the granite and contribute to water damage and mold growth in your home.

Clean and Wipe the Shower Every Day

To minimize hard water deposits in your granite shower, it is recommended to use a shower filter that removes most of the hard particles in the shower water. This will also reduce the amount of time you have to spend on cleaning or sponging the granite surface. Make it a practice to clean the granite shower every day. Do this after the entire family has finished using the shower, either in the morning or at night. To simplify the job, use a squeegee with a handle to apply manufacturer recommended stone cleaner on the entire surface. Wash off with water. Wipe down the shower with a soft cloth to avoid leaving deposits and water marks.

Use Stone Cleaners Recommended by Manufacturer

One of the most important aspects of maintaining and caring for granite shower surfaces is avoiding the use of generic bathroom cleaners and soap scum removers. Most of these products are abrasive and not intended for use on stone surfaces. The chemicals in such products can cause permanent pitting, scarring or staining on your granite shower. Only use a stone cleaner that has the approval of the manufacturer or installer of your granite shower. Also inquire about compatible soap scum removers that are specially formulated for granite. Before first use, test any cleaner on a small, inconspicuous area of the shower. If there is any sign of discoloration or damage, discontinue use of the product.