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- 1). Instruct the tile installer to seal the stone tile and grout every six months. Blue Monarch, a stone and tile cleaning company, claims porous stone is the most difficult material to care for as a shower floor. Because of its porous nature, it absorbs soap, scum and hard-water minerals. While sealing natural stone isn't always effective, stone retailers such as Madison Flooring and Design still recommend it as a preventative measure. The sealer should be a penetrating sealer to prevent staining. It will also help prevent reactions such as oxidation (rust) and deterioration, despite the stone's porousness. Additionally, some flooring companies can apply a "special impregnating" sealer.
- 2). Wipe stone surfaces with a soft, absorbent cloth after each shower. If you see discolorations occurring, use a pumice stone to rub out hard water, cleaning agent and mold stains. Use a light touch. A pumice stone sands away stone surface the way it sands away dry skin on your foot. You don't want to create wells and grooves in the stone.
- 3). Wash porous stone with a neutral cleaner or mild hand soap. Many tile and stone retailers carry a recommended line of cleaners. Natural stones are sensitive to the acids and alkali's common in many household cleaners. These can etch and discolor surfaces. While etching on porous stone is not as visible as it is on polished stone surfaces, it still happens.
- 4). Use a bleach solution to treat dirty grout. Mild solutions work well on tumbled marble but should not be used on polished stone surfaces. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth. Additionally, many stone installation companies carry a poultice that bleaches out stains. Spread the poultice across all stone surfaces. Work into natural wells, holes and grout with a soft brush and cover with plastic until it sets. Rinse well and dry with a soft cloth.
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