Tips on How To Clean a Natural Stone Shower

Most homeowners in Melbourne who have the desires of giving their showers unique and artistic looks tend to go for natural stones. These stones have the power of turning your bathroom into an elegant little haven. When it comes to the looks, they are far much better than the regular ceramic tiles and fibreglass. However, there is a cost that accompanies the stylish designs of such bathrooms as you have to take good care of them. Here is how you can take care of your natural stone shower:

Do Regular Cleaning

Just like ordinary bathrooms, stone showers are also affected by various elements like dirt, mould, mildew among others. One and probably the most natural ways of keeping this room in a pristine condition is by carrying out a regular cleaning exercise. But if it is at the end of lease cleaning in Melbourne, special care has to be taken. You can also hire a professional cleaning company like Bond Cleaning in Melbourne to get the job done. The bright side of things is that you don’t need special tools or skills to carry out this task. The first step of a cleaning routine is to wipe out any loose buildup that may have accumulated in the shower. Use a wet piece of cloth to wipe the surface of the natural stone tile. Do not leave out the grout as some dirt tends to accumulate here. A soft piece of cloth may not be sufficient for cleaning the grouts as some gaps are very thin and leave little space for the fabric to penetrate. In such places, it is wise to use a toothbrush and detergents. Scrub the grout using the brush, then rinse the area with warm water. Repeat the process until these gaps look perfect. It is also important to note that in most cases, grout is dirtier than the surface of the tiles. So, start by cleaning them first to prevent dirt from spreading over onto the tiles as you may have to repeat the task. Be careful with the grout cleaners that are on the market since some of them are rich in dangerous chemicals that can cause some severe damage to the surface of the stone. You should also discard brushes that have stiff bristles because they can also damage the tile surface making it look rough and ugly. Instead, go for the gentle ones as they will leave the stone in a perfect condition. Same applies to the type of cloths used for cleaning.

Use Mild Detergent

Mix a mild detergent with warm water, then spread the solution on the surface of the tiles. Using a soft rag, wipe and rinse the tiles till they achieve your desired results. Stone soaps are also ideal for doing the job, and the good news is that most hardware stores in Melbourne stock them. However, you need to be cautious with the soap that you purchase. Ensure that they are not acidic as they may end up eroding the stone surface. Check on the label of the container to ensure that its pH level is 7 (neutral).

Using Ammonia Solution

A solution made of ammonia and water can also do the job efficiently. It is the most recommended method for getting rid of stubborn soap scum on the stone tile surface. All you need is to pour some solution on the tile, then wipe gently using a soft cloth. However, do not use ammonia on a regular basis as it can reduce the tile’s elegant look. Getting rid of soap scum before will eliminate the use of ammonia solution.

Getting Rid of Stains from Your Natural Stone Shower

Stains change the original colour of the stone shower and give the room an ugly countenance. You need to eliminate them before they become a permanent feature in your bathroom. Before you embark on a stain removal process, try to investigate its source to determine the type of solution to use. Some of the methods for routine cleaning can be used to get rid of stains. For instance, some stone soap brands are capable of clearing mild blemishes. Apart from ammonia solution, acetone and mineral spirits are also good stain removers.

Getting Rid of Mildew, Moulds and Algae

Just like ceramic showers, natural stone showers also offer ideal conditions that promote the growth of algae, mould and mildew. One way of removing them is by using mildew remover. It contains ingredients that can remove these growths without causing any damage to the stone wall. Sprinkle the solution on the affected wall and let it stay there for not less than 40 minutes. After that, rinse the area using plenty of water. Another safe and effective way of removing mildew is by applying a degreaser on the affected parts of the wall. Mix the degreaser with water in a ratio of 1:10 then apply using a soft brush.

Getting Rid of Organic Stains

Organic stains originate from various sources, including urine, tobacco, food and even paper. The brown appearance of the stone surface is an indicator of the presence these stains. Although most organic stains fade with time without the application of chemicals, some tend to be stubborn. One effortless way of removing them is by eliminating their source. For the tough ones, you will have to use ammonia solution and hydrogen peroxide. However, excessive usage of hydrogen peroxide can fade the surface of your natural stone shower. An experienced and reliable cleaning company like Bond Cleaning in Melbourne can help you in the maintenance of your stone shower. They have all the tools, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies, best suited for the job and their experienced cleaners can restore the original look of your stone shower. Also, if you are a tenant and you plan to move from the house that you have been living, it is vital that you leave it in clean condition. The same applies to the property owner. A clean house will win the hearts of prospective tenants, and they won’t hesitate to occupy it. One area that deserves particular attention is the natural stone shower. It should have high hygiene standards to lure anyone who lays their eyes on it.