how to clean slate tiles in shower
When it comes to cleaning, tiles manufactured from natural stone, such as slate, present a one-of-a-kind set of problems that must be overcome. Slate, which is naturally porous, has a greater capacity than other materials to take in grime, debris, soap scum, and stains when they are present.
In addition, showers are particularly susceptible to the accumulation of gunk. Even if you opt to periodically seal and polish the tiles in your shower, a slate shower still needs to have frequent professional cleaning done on it. This is because slate is porous and may easily absorb water and other liquids.
What is the Proper Way to Clean a Slate Shower?
The use of slate tile to tile around the shower enclosure gives the complete bathroom a more appealing appearance. This is because slate tile is slip resistant. However, you need to be aware that slate is a porous stone, which means that it requires suitable maintenance when it is installed in a damp area. This is something you need to keep in mind. This is due to the fact that it is able to swiftly absorb unclean water in the restroom, which is something that you might not understand. As a consequence of this, it would be to your advantage to acquire the knowledge necessary to clean a slate shower in order to preserve its luster and attractiveness.
Method 1: Clean With Neutral Soap & Water Solution
At the very least, every household ought to have a single bar of mild soap on hand. Consequently, using soap and water to remove dirt from the slate shower surface is a quick and easy approach to clean up any mistakes that may have been made, and this method is recommended for use in the event that any messes have been made. The following is a list of the things that you are required to do:
Step 1: Get the Supplies
- Buy a neutral pH soap. (Ivory liquid, hand soaps, dishwashing soap)
- Get a bowl of water
- Get a scrubbing brush
Warning!
Prefer not to use harsh commercial cleaners, as they might contain alkaline or acidic products. In addition, natural stones like slate can experience damage by using such cleaners as they can cause etching on natural stone tiles.
Step 2: Prepare the Soap & Water Solution
- Bring a bowl of water to the table.
- Mix up neutral pH soap into it.
- Simply combining all of the ingredients into one pot is not the correct way to make the cleaning solution.
Step 3: Scrub the Slate Shower Surface
- You will need to make use of a scrub brush in order to complete this task.
- Take it out and submerge it in the remedy.
- Scrub the stained surfaces to remove the dirt and soap scum that has built up in the cracks and crevices of the stone.
- Scrub the entire surface in great detail, paying additional attention to the areas that have the most tenacious stains, and then go on to the next section.
- When you are cleaning, make sure that you scrub in a circular motion rather than in a straight line.
- Indicating the numerous different parts that need to be worked on one at a time is required.
Step 4: Rinse the Surface With Clean Water
- Make use of a pail of clean water or a hand shower to rinse off.
- Cleanse the surfaces of the shower made of slate.
- It will clean the surface by removing any dirt or debris that is loose on the surface.
- Examine the outcomes, and if necessary, carry out the procedure once more.
Method 2: Clean By Using Commercial Cleaners
Stone can be cleaned with a wide number of commercial chemicals, the majority of which are available both offline and online for purchase. Stone can be cleaned in either of these two ways. Look for stone cleaners that were primarily made for cleaning slate tiles, and give those some serious consideration as an option. If you purchase one, you will have no trouble at all beginning the process of cleaning your slate shower once you’ve done so.
Step 1: Apply the Commercial Cleaner
- Get your hands on the stone cleaning solution that is available for purchase.
- It is to be poured onto a brush that will be used for scrubbing.
- Scrub the areas of the slate shower’s surfaces where stains need to be removed with a stiff bristle brush.
- Scrub the area with your fingers in a circular motion.
- Be absolutely certain that you do not overlook any of the crannies or nooks that are located in the region.
Step 2: Rinse the Slate Tile Surface
- To wash off, you should use either a bucket filled with clean water or a hand shower.
- Utilize it to clean the surface of the slate tiles in a comprehensive manner.
- It is imperative that the shower enclosure made of slate be well cleaned.
- If you are not satisfied with the outcomes, you will need to begin the procedure again from the beginning. Also, when you attempt to scrape it this time, make sure to apply a little bit extra pressure to the areas that are problematic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Steps Can I Take to Avoid the Buildup of Soap Scum in the Slate Shower?
One of the most essential preventative actions that you can take to limit the amount of soap scum that builds on slate shower walls is to make sure that there is always a squeegee present in the shower. It is recommended that you use it after each use in order to clean the surface of the slate tile.
You could also consider keeping an old towel around that you can employ for the identical function in case you end up needing it. You can learn more about how to remove soap scum from slate showers and how to prevent it from forming in the first place by reading the material that has been provided here.
When I am cleaning the shower in my slate bathroom, what should I make every effort not to do?
When it comes to cleaning slate showers, you should avoid using scouring powders and other very abrasive cleaners of a similar kind. These types of cleansers can scratch the surface of the slate and cause damage. In addition to this, when cleaning the slate tiles, you should not use brushes with rough bristles or metal wools. When it comes to cleaning slate tiles, the best option is to use a cloth made of microfiber rather than any other kind of fabric.
Is it okay to use bleach when cleaning the slate shower, or is it not recommended?
The answer to your question is yes, you may use bleach to clean slate showers. But be careful! With the use of a gentle bleaching product such as hydrogen peroxide, the stains that are on the slate shower can be cleaned relatively well.
In addition, the use of this gentle bleach on the surface of the tile while utilizing a combination of hydrogen peroxide and water in proportions that are equal does not result in any kind of damage being done to the tile.
It will take around ten minutes for this solution to become stable after it has been exposed to air. After that, give it a thorough cleaning with a sponge or a brush to ensure that it is fully clean. When it comes to cleaning the slate shower, you should steer clear of utilizing any of the other strong bleaches that are on the market.
Why is using vinegar on the tiles in my slate shower not something that is encouraged to be done?
Vinegar should not be used on slate shower tiles since doing so would lead the stone to become more porous, which is a condition that is strictly prohibited. Vinegar and lemon juice are often regarded as the two most efficient natural cures for eliminating soap scum from showers and bathtubs, respectively.
Both lemon and vinegar include components that are classified as acidic; when allowed to come into touch with the surface of natural stones such as slate, these acidic components will cause the surface of the stone to deteriorate. The appearance of slate tiles will deteriorate over time as a result of this, and the stone will become more brittle as a result of this.
What are some natural methods that may be used to clean showers that are tiled with slate?
The following is a list of some of the natural cleaning methods that can be utilized for slate tile showers:
-While you are in the shower, mix up one cup of white vinegar and one gallon of water, and then dump the resulting combination. When cleaning the floor and the walls, use a scrub brush on both surfaces. To complete the process, rinse the items with icy water. – In a bucket, combine one cup of baking soda and five gallons of boiling water. After it has been soaked for 10 minutes, the tile should be rinsed off with cold water. This step comes after the soaking step.
Which types of cleaners are safe to use on slate?
A solution of water or white vinegar that has been diluted can be utilized for the purpose of clearing the slate.
What cleaning method do you recommend for the slate-colored tiles in the bathroom?
You will need to make use of a cleaner that has been developed expressly for the purpose of cleaning black slate bathroom tiles in order to get the desired level of cleanliness. When it comes to cleaning black slate tiles, the three types of cleaning products that are used the most frequently are tile cleaner, glass cleaner, and grout cleaner. In order to effectively clean the top surface of the tile, you will additionally require the utilization of a cloth.
What should you avoid using in order to begin completely fresh?
You should never start again with certain areas of your life, such as the people you’ve dated in the past, the families you come from, the circle of friends you have, or the line of work you’re currently in.
What cleaning method should be used on a slate shower that has not been sealed?
When it comes to cleaning a slate shower that has not been sealed, there are a few various ways that can be taken. After pouring boiling water from a kettle onto the floor of the shower, one technique entails cleaning the surface with a scrub brush in order to remove any residue left behind. An other option involves pouring a pot of cold water over the surface of the shower floor and then scrubbing it with a bristle brush after the water has been left to sit for a while.
How can the stains that are left behind by hard water be removed from a slate shower?
There are a few different strategies that may be utilized in order to remove stains from slate bathrooms that have been produced by hard water. Utilizing a solution that is comprised of equal parts vinegar and water is one method that can be used to remove the stain. There is also the possibility of removing the stain by scrubbing it with soap and water using a scrub brush until the stain is eliminated.
If slate were to be cleaned using baking soda, how well would it work?
Baking soda is an extremely useful cleaner that may be used on slate. The slate can be cleaned well by first submerging it in water and then applying a coating of baking soda. You can wipe the baking soda about the slate with a cloth or your hand, and then you can rinse it off to remove it completely.
Would WD40 be effective in erasing the previous entry?
WD40 is not the most effective cleaner that is currently available, but it is capable of producing satisfactory results when used to clean slate. There is a wide variety of cleansers that you may choose from, each of which is more effective and causes less damage to your gadget.
How exactly does one remove the limescale that has been deposited on slate?
Using a solution that is comprised of baking soda and water, limescale can be removed off slate by utilizing this cleaning method. After applying the solution to the slate with a piece of cloth, you should then allow the slate to sit in the solution for a few minutes so that it can fully absorb it. After that, you need to give the slate one more rinsing with some clean water so that it is completely clean.
Is slate able to withstand the application of bleach?
Bleach can erode slate if it is applied to a large enough area over an extended period of time. It is advisable to do a test on a small area of the surface first in order to ensure that the bleach will not harm the slate in any way. This can be done by cutting out a small square.
When cooking on slate, is olive oil allowed to be used?
Olive oil is safe to use on slate; there will not be any issues there. Olive oil, on the other hand, will not stop the slate from deteriorating with time and will need to be reapplied frequently in order to maintain its effectiveness. Remembering this pivotal point is of the utmost importance.
How come the slate on my table is starting to become white?
The most common cause that contributes to the whitened appearance of slates is the use of chalk or other writing utensils on a slate; however, this is not the sole one. If the slate is used for writing in addition to drawing on it, the chalk will ultimately erode the surface of the slate until it turns white. However, this will only happen if the slate is used for writing rather frequently.
What can I do to get rid of the spots that were left behind by the hard water in the natural stone shower that I have?
If the stains are on the walls of the shower, you could try removing them with a solution consisting of equal parts water and white vinegar. If the stains are on the porcelain, you will need to use a cleaner that is specially developed to remove stains caused by hard water. This type of cleaner may be found at any store that sells cleaning supplies.
Would taking a shower on slate be risky?
There are no safety considerations associated with utilizing slate in showers. The surface of the material can be damaged if you scrub it with hard things, so you should try to avoid doing that.
What kind of maintenance is required for a shower built of natural stone? What method do you employ?
When washing the dishes, you should use a mild dish soap in conjunction with hot water.