Let’s be honest, pebble shower floors sure look amazing when they’re newly installed. There’s something about those smooth stones underfoot that feels so luxurious, almost like you’re at a spa. The natural texture and colors really upgrade the whole look of a bathroom too. It’s easy to get excited when renovating a shower and choosing a pebble floor.
But here’s the thing – it doesn’t take long before some not-so-spa-like buildup starts happening between those pebbles. The grimy soap scum and water spots can be a bummer. No matter how much scrubbing happens, it just keeps coming back. And some cleaning products can actually make it worse!
It’s normal to start worrying that maybe a pebble floor just isn’t practical for real-life showers every day. But with some trial and error, it is possible to figure out a good cleaning routine. A pebble shower floor can stay looking fabulous even with a family traipsing through day after day.
Want to know how to get a pebble floor all sparkly again? Let’s walk through exactly what supplies are needed, which cleaners to avoid, and step-by-step techniques for cleaning and maintenance. With a little diligent care, anyone can enjoy a pebble stone floor that looks as good as the day it was installed.
Why Cleaning Pebble Shower Floor Regularly is Important
It’s easy to think a pebble shower floor can handle anything since it’s meant to get wet on the regular. But the truth is, it still needs consistent care and cleaning to look its best.
When soap scum, oils, dead skin cells, and hard water deposits sit on those pebbles day after day, it creates a dull, dirty film. Gross, right? That buildup just traps more dirt over time too. Not only does it get unsanitary, but soon those pebbles get slippery and hazardous to walk on.
Some folks also use cleaning products or scrub too aggressively, which can actually damage the integrity of the stones. The pebble finish starts eroding away over time. And if cleaning is put off for too long, the job becomes 10x harder to get that floor sparking again.
It’s kinda like when the dishes pile up in the sink for days. The caked-on food gets gross and so much harder to wash off. But if you tackle them each day, it only takes a few minutes. Same goes for keeping pebble shower floors looking their best.
A little regular care prevents major buildup down the road. Think about cleaning the pebble floor like brushing your teeth. If you do it consistently, it stays fresh and clean. But when you skip it, grime builds up and leads to bigger problems. Get into a good routine and those pebbles will be shining like new for years to come.
How to Clean Pebble Shower Floor
Supplies You Will Need
Cleaning a pebble shower floor does not require a lot of specialized tools. Chances are, you already have most, if not all, of what you need:
- Broom or dry mop – First, you need a broom, soft-bristle brush, or dry mop to sweep up any loose dirt or debris. This prevents scrubbing soils into the crevices.
- All-purpose cleaner – Look for a natural, non-abrasive all-purpose cleaner. Avoid harsh chemicals like ammonia or bleach.
- Scrub brushes – Soft nylon scrub brushes in a couple different sizes are useful for scrubbing the pebbles and grout lines.
- Microfiber cloths – These pick up and absorb cleaning solutions without leaving lint or streaks.
- Bucket – Use this to mix your cleaning solution and water.
- Grout brush – For periodic deep cleaning, a grout brush helps scrub the crevices.
- Rubber gloves – Gloves protect your hands and give you a better grip on brushes.
Cleaning Solutions to Avoid
It’s vital to be mindful of which cleaners you use on a pebble shower floor. Some products can actually cause damage over time:
- Bleach – This harsh chemical can discolor and eat away at stone surfaces and grout.
- Vinegar – While fine for cleaning some areas, vinegar’s acidic nature makes it risky for use on pebble stone.
- Ammonia – Another potent chemical that can damage natural stone.
- Abrasive cleansers – Avoid anything with grit or that claims to be an abrasive cleaner.
- Alcohol – Chemicals like rubbing alcohol can dull and dry out natural stone.
- Hydrogen peroxide – This can bleach and fade pebble stone over time with regular use.
Technique for Routine Cleaning
Regular cleaning keeps a pebble shower floor looking its best with minimal effort. Follow these steps for routine maintenance:
Sweep Away Debris
- Use a dry broom or mop to sweep up any loose dirt, hair, or debris. This prevents it from getting ground into the pebbles and grout lines.
- Pay special attention to corners and along the edges of walls and fixtures. Debris tends to collect in these areas.
Mix All-Purpose Cleaner
- Fill your bucket halfway with warm water. Check the all-purpose cleaner label for exact dilution instructions.
- In most cases, you’ll mix a small amount (a few capfuls or 1⁄4 cup) into the water.
- Stir to fully combine the solution.
Apply Cleaner and Let Soak
- Use a soft scrub brush or microfiber mop to apply the all-purpose cleaner over the entire shower floor.
- Let it soak for 5-10 minutes. This gives the cleaner time to penetrate and lift soils from the pebbles.
Scrub and Rinse
- Use a scrub brush to gently scrub the pebble floor and grout lines. Apply light pressure and avoid aggressive scrubbing.
- Use a grout brush periodically to loosen buildup in the crevices.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove all cleaner and loosened dirt.
Remove Remaining Residue
- Wipe the entire surface with damp microfiber cloths to pick up any remaining dirt and cleaning solution residue.
- Work in sections and use fresh cloths as needed.
- Flip cloths over and remake cleaning solution to tackle stubborn areas.
- Rinse once more with clean water and squeegee excess moisture.
Allow to Dry
- Let the pebble floor air dry completely to prevent mineral deposits. Wipe up any puddles.
- A box fan can speed up drying time.
Inspect and Repeat
- Inspect the floor when dry to see if any sticky spots remain. Spot clean as needed.
- Stick to this routine cleaning every 1-2 weeks to prevent major buildup.
How to Deep Clean Pebble Shower Floor
For periodic deep cleaning to revitalize the look of your pebble shower floor, follow these additional tips:
Use a grout brush – To loosen staining or dirt trapped deep in the grout lines, use a stiff grout brush in combination with the all-purpose cleaner. Really work it into the crevices.
Use baking soda – For stubborn staining or buildup, make a paste with baking soda and water. Apply to affected areas, let sit 5 minutes, scrub, and rinse. The gentle abrasion lifts dirt without damaging the stone.
Clean fixtures – Remember to clean metal fixtures, corners, tracks, and any textured surfaces where buildup commonly occurs.
Check for mildew – Inspect for areas of mildew growth, especially in humid climates. Use a mildew remover after initial cleaning and rinse thoroughly.
Shower head filter – Replace any dirty shower head filters to improve water pressure and flow, and also cut down on mineral deposits.
Reseal grout – Periodically applying a grout sealer will help protected grout lines stay cleaner longer.
Deep clean seasonally – Do a thorough deep cleaning 2-4 times per year to prevent heavy buildup.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you notice certain problems, try these troubleshooting tips:
Cloudy residue – Rinse with distilled white vinegar and water. This helps remove stubborn mineral deposits from hard water.
Dingy look – Scrub with baking soda paste. For tougher stains, spray with hydrogen peroxide, let bubble up, then rinse.
Mold or mildew – Use a mildew remover and brush to clean affected areas. Improve bathroom ventilation.
Etching – Unfortunately etching of the pebbles from acidic cleaners can’t be reversed. Avoid using acidic products going forward.
Worn or damaged pebbles – Replacing chips or cracked pebbles can help restore the floor’s even appearance. Use stone epoxy to reaffix loose pebbles.
Slippery conditions – Try regrouting pebbles if excessively smooth. Etching or resurfacing products can help add traction.
How to Maintain a Beautiful Pebble Shower Floor
A pebble shower floor offers a unique visual appeal and pleasant feel underfoot. With proper care and regular cleaning, you can maintain the natural beauty of your pebble shower floor for years of enjoyment. Be sure to sweep away debris before cleaning, use non-abrasive cleaners, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly. Deep clean periodically to keep pebbles and grout looking fresh. Follow these tips and you can prevent major buildup and damage, while keeping your pebble floor’s style shining through.
To expand further on maintaining a pebble shower floor:
Inspect grout lines – Periodically inspect the grout lines for any cracks or damage. Cracked or missing grout can allow water to seep underneath and cause problems. Regrouting pebble floors every 2-3 years helps keep them waterproof.
Reseal regularly – Applying a penetrating grout sealer to cement-based grout every 6 months to a year will help prevent staining and make cleaning easier. Epoxy grout is more stain resistant but still benefits from occasional resealing.
Limit harsh products – Try to use bath products and cleaners that are pH neutral whenever possible. Acidic or alkaline products can damage grout and stone surfaces over time, especially if residues are left to sit.
Wipe spills quickly – Don’t let spills like hair dye, nail polish, or oils sit on the pebbles. Blot up immediately to prevent staining. Mix a bit of acetone-free nail polish remover into warm water to clean dye or polish spills.
No walking for 24-48 hours – After deep cleaning or resealing, avoid walking on the pebble floor for a full 24-48 hours. This gives sealers time to fully cure and prevents tracking residue.
Avoid abrasive tools – Never use abrasive brushes or scouring pads during cleaning. Soft nylon brushes are ideal to safely scrub pebble floors.
Rinse thoroughly – Be diligent about rinsing away all cleaning solutions completely. Leftover residue can deposit minerals or interact with sealers over time.
Dry thoroughly – Allow pebbles to dry fully before using the shower again. Lingering moisture can contribute to mildew growth in humid climates.
Ventilate space – Improving bathroom ventilation and moisture control helps prevent mildew issues on pebble floors and other surfaces.
Say no to sodas and oils – Rinse any spills of darker sodas, cooking oils, or liquid fats right away as they can stain grout if left to sit.
Clean shower door tracks – Remember to scrub shower door tracks and any textured fixtures where buildup commonly occurs.
Bottom Line
With the right routine maintenance and cleaning methods, a pebble stone shower floor can stay looking like new for many years. Be gentle yet thorough in your cleaning approach. Check for any damage or wear periodically. Reseal and regrout as needed. Then you can continue to enjoy your pebble floor’s natural elegance and decorative style for decades to come.