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alynnd_gw

Marble shower cleaning input needed.

12 years ago

My husband and I remodeled our 1950 master bath about 18 months ago. We have a beautiful marble (Carrara) shower. IMO, the grout color is too light but that's neither here nor there at this stage of the game. The whole thing is sealed with 511 sealer. I have had some problems with mold/mildew buildup on the grout and on the caulking that runs along the bottom of the shower. Also, over time, this yucky yellow buildup develops on the shower floor under the shower head. I think it's build up of shampoo/conditioner. I thought it was a stain until I scraped it off with my fingernail. (I know- Ewww gross!)
Anyway, do not bite my head off here, but I broke down and scrubbed it with a bleach cleaner which got everything looking brand new. I did at least test the cleaner out on some extra tiles I had to make sure it wouldn't stain.

So here's my question: Has any one used cleaners you're technically not supposed to use and what is your experience? Couldn't I just use what works and seal the shower more frequently? I was spending a fortune on the Miracle Sealer Cleaning products, which didn't get rid of the mold/mildew entirely. Is the only answer to rinse out and wipe down after every shower? I don't have a problem with that but my husband would never do it. Is really love some thoughts on this. Thank you in advance!

Comments (4)

  • 12 years ago

    Better ventiation should be a priority. If you are getting mold and mildew, there is too much residual moisture remaining in the shower too long after use. Mold doesn't grow on dry surfaces. It's that simple. That means a better fan and the use of a squeegee are needed.

    As far as the soap scum buildup, you need to change bathing products to a liquid soap and when you do wash and condition your hair, the shower needs to be well rinsed and possiby cleaned immediately afterwards when you use the products. As well as explore products that have less buildup in the first place.

  • 12 years ago

    I used to have a large white marble shower with a bench
    seat for 2 people and some glass. I would wash my big dog,
    Let him shake, then I would take a shower. I really didn't have
    Any problems keeping it clean. I used Scrubbing bubbles
    cleaner. About once a month or two I would polish the sides
    and surfaces EXCEPT the floor.I used regular marble polish.
    It would get too slippery on the floor. On the glass while it was
    wet with windex I would use a razor blade. DO Not do this dry!
    It will scratch the glass. Also dont polish any surface you hold
    on to such as bathtub bottom or edges where you grab
    or walk. Sorry about my formatting I am on a cell.

  • 12 years ago

    Thank you both, for your input. Our shower is a walk in (no door) and I thought the fan we installed was a good one, but I will admit that I like to take long hot showers. I'm okay with the rinsing and drying and will just start doing that.
    As far as the polishing goes, I never considered a marble polish. All of the marble is honed. The shower floor is small honeycomb (hex) tiles so it's not going to get super slippery. Should I pursue the polishing?

  • 12 years ago

    I am looking for input here. I wipe the crema marfil shower and open the window, but still get some grout mold and this is after I had shower regrouted and sealed. Cleaning people recommend bleach and Bona.
    They use Bona also on the floors, also crema marfil. So yesterday they were washing the windows with hot water and some drops of liquid soap. After they were gone I noticed many large water spots across the floor. I called the service owner and he said the water melted the surface the Bona builds up. To fix this I was to get some 0000 steel wool, lightly sand the spots and then drip in the Bona to cover the spot holes.
    OK. So does anyone know if this makes sense or should I hire a stone person to come in and resurface the shower and vanity?
    And if Bona is not recommended, what is?