How to Remove Calcium Buildup on a Shower Floor

Regular contact of water on shower floors results in in a white calcium buildup that looks shabby and untidy. This generally occurs more if you have high calcium content in your water, and if not cleaned in a timely manner, it gradually becomes very difficult to clean off and can even leave permanent marks. It is therefore important to clean calcium buildup on regular basis to avoid changing the entire flooring of the bathroom when it becomes too ugly. Undertaking this task on your own can be quite easy if it's carried out systematically, and there are both home remedies and chemical compositions easily available in almost all households for this project.

Step 1 - Get Ready

Wear rubber or latex gloves so that you don’t harm the skin on your hands while cleaning. It is recommended to also wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty.

Before you can focus on the calcium deposits themselves, remove any excess dirt or debris with a quick mopping.

Step 2 - Mix Salt and Vinegar

Next, formulate a mixture from salt and vinegar. Apply it to the floor and let it sit for some time. Don't allow it to dry, however, as dried vinegar can leave its own mark on the floor. Wiping it wet will clean the floor, and the salt will help in breaking up the calcium itself. Salt is also a whitening agent, so use it in any cleaning application you want.

Step 3 - Use Baking Soda

Calcium bicarbonate, commonly known as baking soda, is also a chemical composition that has deep cleaning properties. Apply a coat of it on the affected floor with the help of a toothbrush and rub it in gently.

Step 4 - Scrub and Scour

Because calcium buildup is adamant and hard, it will not be possible to simply wipe it clean with a mop. You will need to really scrub to lift the stains from the floor. To do this, get a soft scrub cleaner and a long-handled scrub brush.

If this does not help get rid of the deposits, then try using a pumice stone. Wet it in soapy water and scrub the floor gently. Hard scrubbing might scratch your tile, so it is very important to take extra gentle care during this step.

Step 5 - Rinse Thoroughly

When the stains, marks, and deposits have been scrubbed off the shower floor, rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water to find sparkling clean and calcium-buildup-free tile.

Make it a habit in future to scrub the floor gently at least once a week to prevent more buildup from occurring.