The Ultimate Guide To Clean Onyx Shower Pan

Onyx showers are simple to clean but require a different approach to other bathroom materials. As onyx is sensitive to abrasive cleansers, you should use a cleaner designed for natural stones. Here's how to clean an onyx shower pan and keep it in good condition.

Prepare the shower area

To prepare your onyx shower for cleaning, start by gathering all your cleaning equipment and bringing it into the bathroom. Next, remove all accessories and personal products from the shower area, including shampoo bottles, bar soap, razors, and shower caps. It's a good idea to check the bottoms of bottles for mould and place any affected items aside to disinfect later with a cleaning solution or diluted bleach. If you have a shower curtain, remove it before you start cleaning.

You can then generate steam in the shower to help loosen any hard water stains, soap scum, and grime. Turn on the shower and set it to the hottest water setting. You may want to ventilate the bathroom by opening a window and the door. Alternatively, consider taking a hot shower from beginning to end. Simply turn on the hot water and wait a few minutes. The moisture will make dirt and stains more fragile, making it simpler to scrub the shower's walls and floor clean.

Combine vinegar and water

To clean an onyx shower pan, a 50:50 mix of white vinegar and water is recommended. This vinegar and water solution is a fantastic cleaning product that can be used on all parts of your shower. The mild acidity of the vinegar will remove any soap scum and/or limestone that remains after rinsing. It will also clean any mildew or mould that has started to form, especially around the edges of your shower pan where the silicone is.

To use the vinegar and water solution, wipe it onto the surface of your shower pan to dissolve soap scum and kill mildew. If you want to use it to remove hard water deposits, you will need to give it more time to work. Spray the solution onto your shower pan and wait 10 to 20 minutes before rinsing it off with plain water.

If you have very hard water and don't clean your shower pan often, you may have ugly white streaks. In this case, the vinegar and water solution will need even more time to dissolve the streaks, perhaps an hour or two. Because this solution will evaporate too quickly to be effective in this case, make a paste using laundry detergent or borax (not baking soda). Spread the paste on the streaks and keep it wet by spraying it periodically with the vinegar and water solution. After a few hours, rinse it off; the streaks should be gone.

Always remember to rinse your shower pan well after using the vinegar and water solution. This is particularly important if your shower pan has a coating. Vinegar is a very effective cleaner and can cause damage if left on for extended periods.

Clean shower walls

Onyx is a beautiful natural stone that can make a unique addition to your home. However, it requires careful cleaning due to its porous and delicate surface. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to clean your onyx shower walls:

Prepare the Shower Area:

Remove all accessories, such as shampoo bottles, razors, and shower caps, from the shower. This is important because these items can obstruct the cleaning of the walls. It is also a good idea to check for any mold on the bottom of bottles and disinfect them separately. If you have a shower curtain, remove it before beginning the cleaning process.

Generate Steam:

Turn on the shower and set it to the hottest water setting. The steam will help loosen any hard water stains, soap scum, and grime on the shower walls, making it easier to clean. You may want to open a window or door for ventilation during this step.

Prepare a Cleaning Solution:

Onyx is sensitive to abrasive and acidic cleaners, so it is best to use natural or stone-specific cleaners. You can create a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water, which will help eliminate soap scum and mildew. Alternatively, you can use a commercial cleaner designed for natural stones, such as marble or granite.

Clean the Shower Walls:

Instead of spraying the cleaning solution directly onto the wall tiles, spray it onto a sponge or cleaning cloth. Start on the left side of the shower and work your way to the right using circular motions to cover the entire surface. After cleaning the walls, use a soft sponge or cloth to clean the metal hardware, such as the showerhead and knobs. Be sure to use a different cloth if you have a shower door to avoid transferring any residue.

Rinse the Shower:

Finally, turn on the shower to warm water and use your cloth or sponge to rinse off the walls, shower head, and floor. If you have used a mold or stain remover, you may need to let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing. Make sure to thoroughly rinse away any residue from the cleaning solution.

By following these steps, you can effectively clean your onyx shower walls, maintaining their beauty and ensuring a healthy space for your family, especially those with allergies or asthma.

Clean shower floor

Once you have prepared the shower area by removing all accessories and products, and have generated steam to loosen any stains, it's time to clean the shower floor.

Start by preparing a cleaning solution. For onyx showers, a commercial cleaner designed for natural stone is best. Alternatively, a homemade solution of vinegar and water can be used. A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water will remove soap scum and fight mildew.

When you are ready to clean the floor, start on the left side of the shower and work your way to the right using circular motions. Be sure to begin at the back of the shower and work your way towards the entrance. If there is grout between the stone, use a soft-bristled brush or a disposable toothbrush to apply your cleaner to these areas.

If your shower is large, you may want to use a steam mop to help clean and sanitise the floor.

Finally, rinse the shower floor with warm water.

Rinse the shower with warm water

Rinsing your onyx shower with warm water is the final step in the cleaning process. Before you begin to rinse, it's important to prepare the shower area by removing all accessories and personal products, such as shampoo bottles, bar soap, razors, and shower caps. You should also generate steam in the shower by turning on the shower to the hottest setting, helping to loosen any hard water stains, soap scum, and grime.

Once you've prepared the shower, you can mix your cleaning solution. For onyx showers, it's best to use a commercial cleaner designed for onyx or other natural stones or a homemade cleaning solution. You can then begin to clean the shower walls and floor with your chosen cleaning solution, using a soft cloth or sponge.

After cleaning the walls and floor, it's time to rinse. Turn the shower on to a warm setting and use your cloth or sponge to rinse off the walls, showerhead, and floor. Ensure you thoroughly rinse your cleaning solution to avoid leaving any residue. Rinsing your onyx shower with warm water will help to remove any remaining soap scum or grime, leaving your shower clean and fresh.

It's important to note that onyx is sensitive to abrasive cleaners, so always use a non-abrasive commercial or natural cleaner. Additionally, onyx is a porous stone, so it's crucial to rinse off any cleaning solutions to prevent them from being absorbed into the stone and causing potential damage.

Frequently asked questions