Cultured Marble Shower Pan: Cleaning And Maintenance Guide

Cultured marble is a man-made material used for countertops, sinks, bathtubs, and showers. It is made from resins, particles of stone, and different pigments, and is more durable than regular marble due to its gel coating. While cultured marble is sturdier than regular marble, it requires constant care and the use of proper cleaning products to keep it in good condition. This includes using non-abrasive cleaning products and soft cloths or sponges to avoid scratching the surface.

Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap

To clean a cultured marble shower pan, use a soft cloth or sponge—microfibre cloths work great—and mild soap. You want to avoid any abrasive cleaners and pads, as these can scratch the surface and damage the seal on your cultured marble.

When cleaning, be sure to prevent soap scum, dirt, and stains from settling into the marble. While some colours may hide these issues better than others, you want to keep it looking new and fresh.

Use a spray bottle to avoid excess solution sitting on your marble. Once you have sprayed the surface, immediately wipe it down with a soft cloth. Then, rinse with water and wipe again.

If you are dealing with water stains, use the same process but be prepared to put some extra effort in, as some water stains can be more stubborn than others. To prevent water stains, always dry the shower area after use. If the water stains do not come off immediately, repeat the process.

For regular cleaning, a pH-neutral cultured marble cleaner is ideal. Using a soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge, wipe down the surface and buff dry to eliminate streaks.

Avoid abrasive cleaners

When cleaning a cultured marble shower pan, it is important to avoid abrasive cleaners. Abrasive cleaners can cause serious damage to the surface of the marble, including discoloration and dullness. The soft gel coating of cultured marble is more durable than regular marble, but it can still be scratched and damaged by harsh cleaning products.

Abrasive cleaners such as Comet, Ajax, and Soft Scrub contain hard abrasives that will scratch the marble. Other products to avoid include cleaning pads, steel wool, putty knives, and scrapers. These can all damage the surface of the marble and may result in the need to replace the item.

It is also important to avoid using harsh chemicals on cultured marble. Nail polish remover, paint strippers, and bleach can all damage the surface. If these products come into contact with the marble, they should be immediately cleaned with warm soap and water.

To clean a cultured marble shower pan, it is best to use a soft sponge or cloth and a non-abrasive cleaner. Mild liquid dish soap or a marble-specific cleaning product is ideal. It is also important to keep the marble sealed and to wipe up spills immediately to prevent staining.

By avoiding abrasive cleaners and taking a gentle approach to cleaning, you can keep your cultured marble shower pan in good condition for many years.

Remove hard water droplets with vinegar

To remove hard water droplets with vinegar from a cultured marble shower pan, follow these steps:

Prepare a 50/50 Vinegar and Water Solution

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and shake well to combine. White vinegar is commonly used, but apple cider vinegar or cleaning vinegar (which is more acidic) can also be effective.

Spray the Solution onto the Hard Water Stains

Apply the vinegar and water solution generously to the affected areas of the cultured marble shower pan. Ensure that all hard water stains are coated with the solution.

Let the Solution Sit

Allow the vinegar and water solution to remain on the surface for at least 5 to 15 minutes. This gives the vinegar time to break down the minerals in the hard water stains. If the solution starts to dry up, reapply it to keep the surface moist.

Scrub the Area

After the solution has had sufficient time to work, use a clean, damp cloth or sponge to gently scrub the area. For tougher stains, a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush can be used. Be careful not to scratch the surface of the cultured marble.

Rinse and Dry the Surface

Rinse the shower pan thoroughly with water to remove any remaining vinegar solution and loosened mineral deposits. Finally, use a clean, dry soft cloth to dry the surface.

It is important to note that vinegar is acidic and can damage certain surfaces, such as natural stone, marble, and granite countertops. Therefore, always test the solution on a small, inconspicuous area first before applying it to the entire surface.

Avoid hair dye and other staining products

Cultured marble is resistant to most stains, but it is always good to be cautious. Hair dye and other staining products can cause discolouration and damage to the surface of your cultured marble shower pan. It is best to avoid using hair dye or any similar dyes around your cultured marble shower pan. If you must use hair dye in the bathroom, place an old towel or cloth over the cultured marble to protect it from any spills or splashes.

If you do happen to spill hair dye or other staining products on your cultured marble, it is important to act quickly. First, use a soft cloth or sponge to wipe up as much of the spill as possible. Then, use a mild soap or detergent and warm water to clean the area. Be sure to rinse and wipe the area with clean water to remove any residue. If the stain remains, you may need to use a stronger cleaning product, such as turpentine or paint thinner. Always test these stronger products on a small, hidden area of the cultured marble to ensure they do not cause further damage.

To prevent stains from occurring, it is important to regularly clean your cultured marble shower pan. Use a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap or detergent to wash away any grime or buildup. You can also use a non-abrasive foam cleaner or a pH-neutral cultured marble cleaner. Be sure to avoid abrasive cleaners and pads, as these can scratch the surface and damage the seal.

By following these tips, you can help keep your cultured marble shower pan looking its best and avoid any staining from hair dye or other products.

Buff out scratches with wax polish

Buffing out scratches is a great way to restore the shine on your cultured marble shower pan. This process can be done with wax polish and a soft, clean cloth. Here are the steps you can follow:

Step 1: Clean the Surface

Before you begin buffing, it's important to clean the cultured marble surface thoroughly. Use a mild detergent or a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap to remove any dirt, residue, or soap scum build-up. Ensure that you rinse and wipe the surface dry with a lint-free or soft cloth.

Step 2: Prepare the Area

As marble is prone to scratches, it's important to take precautions to avoid damaging other surfaces during the buffing process. Wrap the faucet base with painter's tape to protect it. Additionally, cover the walls and floor with plastic sheeting to catch any dust or compound residue. Don't forget to wear protective gloves and a dust mask for your safety.

Step 3: Apply Polishing Compound

Once the surface is clean and prepared, you can start addressing the scratches. Apply an automotive polishing compound, such as Meguiar's Medium-Cut Cleaner, to the surface using a lint-free or soft cloth. Work the compound into the surface using even, light pressure and small, circular motions. Pay close attention to the scratched areas.

Step 4: Buff the Surface

After applying the polishing compound, use a motorized automotive buffer or a handheld buffer/polisher for the buffing process. Ensure that you keep the buffer moving at all times to avoid causing burns on the surface. If you don't have a power buffer, you can also use a soft cloth to buff the surface manually.

Step 5: Rinse and Wipe

Once you've finished buffing, thoroughly rinse the surface with water and wipe it down with a microfiber or soft cloth. This will remove any remaining compound residue.

Step 6: Apply Wax Polish

Finally, apply a thin coat of cream wax polish, such as Gel-Gloss, using a lint-free or soft cloth. This step will protect the surface and enhance its shine. Be careful not to apply too much wax, as it can result in a cloudy finish.

By following these steps, you can effectively buff out minor scratches and restore the luster of your cultured marble shower pan. Remember to always test any products on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure they won't cause discolouration or further damage.

Frequently asked questions