how to properly navigate the cleaning of natural stone pebble shower floors.
Various types of flooring tiles, including porcelain and ceramic, are available in the market for installation on your shower floor. However, for those desiring a more natural aesthetic reminiscent of a flowing river, natural pebble stone is a popular choice.
While a natural river's current keeps its stones clean, your shower's pebble stones will not clean themselves. Pebble stone floors have a significant amount of grout and gaps where dirt, grime, mold and mildew can build up. Thus, it's important to understandhow to clean natural stone pebble shower floors to maintain their aesthetic shine.
The cleaning process is relatively simple. Start by scrubbing the pebble stone with a soft nylon brush and mild detergent. For more stubborn stains and mold, a solution of one part vinegar to 16 parts warm water can be effective. Once you've removed the stains, rinse the floor thoroughly with clean water and dry it thoroughly..
This article will show you 4 possible ways to clean your shower tiles without doing any damage. We also share some exclusive tips on how to maintain pebble shower floors. So, let’s dive into the discussion.
| Step | Cleaning Method | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweep or vacuum | Remove any loose debris, dirt, or dust from the pebble shower floor using a soft-bristle broom or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. |
| 2 | Prepare a cleaning solution | Mix a mild, pH-neutral stone cleaner with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid using acidic or abrasive cleaners that can damage the natural stone. |
| 3 | Apply the cleaning solution | Use a spray bottle or a clean mop to apply the cleaning solution onto the pebble shower floor. Make sure to cover the entire surface evenly. |
| 4 | Scrub gently | Use a soft-bristle brush or a non-abrasive scrub brush to gently scrub the pebble shower floor in circular motions. Pay extra attention to any stained or soiled areas. |
| 5 | Rinse thoroughly | Use a clean, damp cloth or mop to thoroughly rinse the pebble shower floor with clean water. Make sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution to prevent residue buildup. |
| 6 | Dry the surface | Use a dry, clean cloth or a towel to wipe down the pebble shower floor and remove any excess water. Allow the surface to air dry completely before using the shower again. |
| 7 | Seal the natural stone | If desired, apply a stone sealer to protect the natural stone and prevent future stains and damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application and drying time. |
| 8 | Regular maintenance | Regularly sweep or vacuum the pebble shower floor to prevent dirt and debris buildup. Clean up spills and stains immediately to prevent staining. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools that can damage the natural stone. |
Remember to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for cleaning and maintenance of your specific natural stone pebble shower floor.
How To Clean Pebble Shower Floor?
You have to keep in mind some crucial information about the stone. Such as whether the stone is sealed or not. Whether the floor grouts are concrete or epoxy. Because depending on that, the cleaning methods, ways, and steps will vary.
Moreover, many people think it is hard to clean pebble shower floors. That’s why it is important to know the answer to this question to mentally prepare for your DIY job.
Are Pebble Shower Floor Hard To Clean?
One word answer is yes; it is harder to clean the pebble stone shower floor than other tiles. Here are some of the reasons
- Installing natural pebble stones on your shower floor contains multiple pebbles, grout, and gaps. But, all the stones, grouts, and gaps are not equal. So, you will find it hard to move the scrubber between the stones and grouts when scrubbing.
- As the floor has a lot of grout, the dirt, water stain, mold, and mildew will easily build up there. Even the germs find the place a heaven to increase their propagation.
- This type of floor requires extra time, elbow grease, and patience to clean the floors properly.
That’s why the stone pebble shower floors are harder to clean. But, if you regularly clean the floor and know the right process, then there is nothing to worry about. So now it is high time to check out the different natural stone pebble shower floor cleaning methods.
Method 4: Using a Steam Cleaner
First, we like to share a homemade solution to clean the shower floor because this doesn’t cost you any bucks. The ingredients and tools that you need to make this homemade natural stone shower cleaner are available in your home.
The list of things you need
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 16 tablespoon warm water
- A middle-size spray bottle
- Soft bristle scrubbing brush
- One bucket of clean water
- Long headed mop
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
Step 1 – Prepare the cleaning solution:
Pour one tablespoon of white vinegar and 16 tablespoons of warm water into the spray bottle. Then shake the bottle to mix the ingredients properly to make the cleaning solution.
Step 2 – Apply the solution
Now, spray the solution in a thin layer on the floor. If your floor has extremely water skid marks or stubborn stains, spray a double or triple layer of solution. Keep the solution on the floor for 5-10 minutes to set and loosen the specks of dirt.
Step 3 – Scrub the floor
Take the scrubbing brush and scrub the floor gently with little elbow pressure. When you complete full floor scrubbing, wet the mop into the bucket’s water and rinse the floor. Lastly, dry the floor with a microfiber cloth.
Method 2: Using Mild Dishwashing Detergent
If the first method doesn’t work well to clean your stone shower floor, then you can follow the second method because it is slightly stronger than the first one. You can use vegetable formulated or alkaline-based mild detergent to serve your purpose. This type of detergent doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals that damage or reduce the stone’s shine.
The list of things you need
- ⅓ cup of mild detergent
- ⅔ cup of warm water
- A middle-size spray bottle
- Soft bristle scrubbing brush
- One bucket of clean water
- Long headed mop
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
Step 1 – Make soapy water
Pour ⅓ cup of alkaline-based mild detergent and ⅔ cup of warm water into the spray bottle. Then start shaking the bottle to make soapy water with the ingredients.
Step 2 – Scrub the grout
The next step is to apply the solution to the stone and grout and scrub them to remove all stains and spots.
Step 3 – Clean soapy residue
Simply dump the mop into the water and rinse the floor to clean the soap scum and solution’s soapy residue. Lastly, wipe the floor with a sponge.
Method – 3 Using Stone Cleaner
You can also clean the stone with stone cleaner instead of a homemade solution or detergent. You will find different kinds and sizes of stone cleaner depending on stone types. Some stone cleaners are formulated for limestone, granite, pebble, or marble. Some are even manufactured for general purposes, which you can use to clean every stone.
So we suggest you, if you know the stone types, then it is good to choose that specific stone cleaner. But, if you don’t know your shower floor stone types, it is better to choose a general stone cleaner. On top-notch, the stone cleaners are not that much expensive.
The list of things you need
- Stone cleaner
- Soft bristle scrubbing brush
- One bucket of clean water
- Long headed mop
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
Step 1 – Spray stone cleaner
You will find the stone cleaner in a can or spray bottle. Just spray the stone cleaner on the floor, let the liquid rest for some minutes to set in, and scrub the stone with the scrubbing brush.
Step 2 – Rinse and dry the floor
Now, rinse the floor with clean water two to three times. So, the cleaner’s odor and residue will leave the floor. Wipe the floor to dry.
Best cleaner for stone shower floor
| Brand & Product Name | Type of Cleaner | Suitable Stone Types | pH Balanced | Biodegradable | Size (fl. oz / ml) | Price ($) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| StoneTech Revitalizer | Daily Cleaner | Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine | Yes | Yes | 24 fl. oz / 710 ml | $15.99 |
| Black Diamond Stoneworks | Heavy-Duty Cleaner | Marble, Granite, Slate, Limestone, Travertine | Yes | Yes | 32 fl. oz / 946 ml | $19.95 |
| Granite Gold Daily Cleaner | Daily Cleaner | Granite, Marble, Travertine, Quartzite, Slate | Yes | Yes | 24 fl. oz / 710 ml | $12.95 |
| Method Daily Shower Spray | Daily Cleaner | Marble, Granite, Limestone, Travertine | Yes | Yes | 28 fl. oz / 828 ml | $7.49 |
| Better Life Natural Stone Cleaner | All-Purpose Cleaner | Marble, Granite, Limestone, Slate, Travertine | Yes | Yes | 32 fl. oz / 946 ml | $9.99 |
Method – 4 Using a Steam Cleaner
When your shower floor is covering a large space, following any of these three methods will be a very laborious, time-consuming, and tedious job. In that case, using a steam cleaner may be the best option for you as it offers you chemical-free natural cleaning that is not harmful. But, it will also be very expensive if you don’t have a steam cleaner.
If you have a steam cleaner in your home, then luckily, you can use that one to serve this purpose. Or we will recommend choosing any options from the three methods unless you have a steam cleaner.
The list of things you need
- A hand-held steam cleaner
- One bucket of clean water
- Long headed mop
- Sponge or microfiber cloth
Step 1 – Setting steam level
Take the handheld steam cleaner and set the steam level at low to medium heat. Because high heat will discolor the stone and reduce its shininess.
Step 2- Identify stubborn satin
Divide your shower floor into some small sections depending on the stubborn satin. It will help you determine which space needs how many minutes of heat to remove the stains properly.
Step 3 – Apply steam
Apply steam heat from 3-6 inches above from the floor for 2-4 minutes or until the dirt will remove. Do the same thing as long as you don’t cover the full shower floor.
Step 4 – Rinse the floor
Here, use the mop to rinse the floor and clean the loose dirt. After that, dry the floor with a sponge.
These 4 simple methods are highly effective in cleaning the stone shower floor. So keep in mind these simple solutions to answer your question of how to clean river rock flooring.
Some Useful Tips On How To Clean Pebble Rock Flooring
- When you notice the stones need sealant, don’t delay. Try to use sealer as early as possible. Otherwise, the stone’s joint will loosen.
- After taking a bath, leave the shower door open to pass natural air to dry the excess moisture.
- Be careful about the shower inside humidity level.
- Thoroughly clean the floor every week and deep clean every two weeks.
- Never use a hard scrubbing brush and sponge when cleaning. Don’t over rub the stones; it will scratch the stone and notice a white film on your shower floor after drying.
- Never use any harsh chemical-based cleaners to clean the shower floor.
- You don’t need to take any professional cleaner’s service for cleaning the pebble stones unless there are extremely tough stains. Because appointing any professional cleaner unnecessarily costs you.
Best cleaner for pebble shower floor
| Brand & Product Name | Type | Suitable Surfaces | Cleaning Action | Eco-Friendly | Scent | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Method Daily Shower Cleaner | Spray | Pebble, Tile, Stone | Preventative | Yes | Eucalyptus Mint | $8 – $12 |
| 2. Black Diamond Stoneworks | Concentrate | Pebble, Tile, Stone | Deep Cleaning | Yes | Citrus | $15 – $20 |
| 3. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day | Spray | Pebble, Tile, Stone | Gentle & Effective | Yes | Lemon Verbena | $7 – $10 |
| 4. Granite Gold Shower Cleaner | Spray | Pebble, Tile, Stone | pH Balanced Formula | Yes | None | $6 – $9 |
| 5. Better Life Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner | Spray | Pebble, Tile, Stone | Plant-Based Formula | Yes | Unscented | $5 – $8 |
Related Questions
Question: How to clean mold from pebble shower floor?
Answer: You should clean the pebble shower floor every week to keep it free from mold and mildew build-up. Throw any pH-neutral bleach on the floor and sprinkle some warm water. Now, scrub the floor to remove mold and rinse the floor.
Question: How do you clean a natural stone shower floor?
Answer: The first and foremost condition to clean the natural stone is to use pH neutral based cleaning formula. That means you have to use a cleaner whose pH level is 7. Because this cleaner will easily dissolve with water and effectively remove soap scum, shampoo residue, grease, dirt, and debris from the stone. Spray the liquid cleaner, scrub the floor, and rinse.
Question: Is a pebble shower floor a good idea?
Answer: Yes, installing pebble stone on the shower floor is a good idea because its non-slip surface will offer you excellent traction. As a result, you can easily avoid slippery bathroom falls and unexpected injury. So pebble stones are a good choice for your shower floor.
Question: How long does a pebble shower floor last?
Answer: The pebble shower floor will last at least 15 years with the proper installation, care, and maintenance. You can also enhance the lifespan if you regularly clean the floor and use the right cleaners.
Question: How often reseal pebble shower floor?
Answer: The experts of pebble shower floors recommend resealing the shower floor every 6 months to one year. The time will vary based on the usage of the floor. If you use the floor daily many times, you should reseal after 6 months, and for light use, it can be one year.
Question: Can you use baking soda on the pebble shower floor?
Answer: Yes, you can use baking soda with white vinegar on the pebble shower floor. You have to make a paste with equal parts of baking soda and vinegar and apply the paste on the floor. Next scrub the floor to remove the water skids and stubborn satin. Then rinse the floor with plain water.
Question: What can I use to clean natural stone?
Answer: Homemade cleaner, mild detergent, and specific stone cleaners are available to clean natural stone. You can use any one of the three options as per your requirement. If you use a stone cleaner, you have to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation that you will find on the level to use the cleaner efficiently.
Conclusion
Finally, we have come to the last word of our discussion on how to clean natural stone pebble shower floors.
Hopefully, you will like all the 4 methods as they require less equipment, less preparation, less elbow grease.
No matter which method you apply on your river rocking floor, try to be mindful about its steps to get the maximum results.
