Help! How do I clean a slate shower?

[Klokamoto]

I bought a house with a slate tiled shower...and need to know how to clean it. There is a lot of soap scum on the tiles, and I was wondering what I should use to remove it. Are regular soap scum removers safe to use on the slate?

Please help...

Thanks!

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[Brian in San Diego]

What you need if your are going to use chemicals or commercial type cleaners is a pH neutral cleaner. Many cleaners are acidic and will damage the stone. I have a tank type steam cleaner and even though my shower is porcelain, I use the steam cleaner to clean it and it really works well. You can't go wrong with steam IMO.

Brian

[doitright]

Hi Klokamoto, Welcome! :)

It really depends how bad your slate shower is, and which type of slate was installed.

It's not uncommon that some damage to the slate is almost irreversible once it is created. After you make a few more posts, you'll be allowed to post a photo. A picture is worth a thousand words. :nod:

Many times a neutral cleaner (as Brian suggested) used with a white or blue pad is sufficient. Next would be a tile & stone specific alkaline cleaner. This will also all depend on exactly whats wrong with the slate.

It is not uncommon for the very best professionals to disagree on the solutions to this very volatile topic.