Pebble shower floors are a stunning addition to any bathroom. We used to have one at our last house before the recent move – and boy do I miss it.
Their natural look and spa-like feel can instantly elevate your space. But when it comes to cleaning them, they can be a little… challenging. The uneven surface and grout lines tend to collect dirt, soap scum, and mildew, making it harder to keep them spotless. And I remember how annoying it was to have it get dirty.
Whether it’s mold, grout, or soap scum, you’ve gotta keep that thing clean!
So I put together a guide on the exact steps I used to take to keep mine looking nice and clean.
What Makes Cleaning Pebble-Floored Showers Different from Cleaning Typical Showers?
Pebble shower floors bring a natural, spa-like vibe to your bathroom that’s hard to beat. Their unique texture and earthy look make them stand out compared to smooth tile or fiberglass floors. The small, rounded stones provide a soothing, massage-like feel underfoot, adding a touch of luxury to your daily routine. Plus, the grout between the pebbles adds grip, making the floor slip-resistant—an excellent safety feature.
However, cleaning pebble floors is a bit different than cleaning a standard shower floor. The uneven surface and numerous grout lines make it easier for dirt, soap scum, and mildew to build up over time. Unlike smooth tiles, you can’t just wipe them down quickly with a sponge. Pebble floors require a gentle but thorough cleaning approach to avoid damaging the grout or stones. With the right care, they’ll stay beautiful and functional for years to come!
First, Gather Your Cleaning Supplies
Before you dive into cleaning, make sure you have everything you need. Pebble floors are delicate, so it’s important to use tools and products that are gentle yet effective. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A soft-bristle brush or sponge: Perfect for scrubbing without scratching the stones or grout.
- A pH-neutral cleaner or mild dish soap: Harsh cleaners can damage the grout and stones, so stick with gentle options.
- Warm water: Helps loosen dirt and grime.
- A spray bottle (optional): Useful for applying the cleaner evenly.
- A towel or microfiber cloth: For drying the floor and preventing water spots or mildew.
Why these supplies? Pebble floors need a delicate touch. Using the right tools protects the surface while still giving you a deep clean. Once you’ve gathered everything, you’re ready to move on to the first step—rinsing and prepping the floor!
Step 1: Rinse and Remove Loose Debris
Start by giving your pebble shower floor a good rinse. This step helps wash away loose dirt, hair, and soap scum, making the deeper cleaning process much easier.
If you have a handheld showerhead, use it to direct water over the entire floor. If not, a bucket of warm water works just as well. Pay attention to corners and grout lines, as these areas tend to trap the most debris.
Rinsing first is important because it prevents dirt and grime from spreading around when you start scrubbing. Once the floor looks clear of loose debris, you’re ready to move on to applying a cleaner.
Step 2: Apply a Gentle Cleaner
Pebble shower floors need a gentle touch, so avoid harsh cleaners that could damage the grout or stones. A pH-neutral cleaner or mild dish soap mixed with warm water is ideal.
If using a spray bottle, fill it with your cleaning solution and spray evenly across the floor. For larger areas, you can pour the solution directly onto the surface or apply it with a sponge. Let the cleaner sit for 5–10 minutes to break down soap scum and loosen grime.
This waiting period allows the cleaner to do most of the work, so you don’t have to scrub as hard later. Once the cleaner has had time to soak in, you’re ready to scrub.
Stone cleaners can be effective. I’ve used them a time or two. They’re a special product used to clean stones and is harmless yet very effective for pebble stones.
They come in different sizes and are also suitable for different types of stones, so make sure you choose a cleaner specifically for pebble stones.
If you want, you can also use vinegar!
Step 3: Scrub Gently
Grab your soft-bristle brush or sponge and begin scrubbing the pebble floor. Use small, circular motions, focusing on grout lines and any stained areas. Be gentle—scrubbing too hard can loosen grout or scratch the stones.
Work in sections to ensure you clean every inch of the floor. If you notice stubborn spots, don’t be tempted to use abrasive tools or harsh chemicals. Instead, apply a little extra cleaner and let it sit for a few more minutes before scrubbing again.
This step might take a bit of time, but the results are worth it. Once the floor looks clean, it’s time to rinse away the residue.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly and Dry
After scrubbing, rinse the floor thoroughly with warm water to remove all traces of cleaner and loosened grime. A handheld showerhead makes this easy, but you can also use a bucket to pour water over the surface.
Make sure to rinse every corner, as leftover cleaner can dull the stones or attract dirt. Once rinsed, use a towel or microfiber cloth to dry the floor. This step is crucial for preventing water spots and mildew growth.
Drying also helps maintain the grout and keeps your pebble floor looking its best. Once everything is clean and dry, your shower is ready for use!
Have Mold?
Mold can sometimes develop in the grout or between the stones of a pebble shower floor, especially in damp conditions. Cleaning it requires a gentle but effective approach to avoid damaging the surface. Here’s how to tackle it:
- Mix a Cleaning Solution: Combine warm water and a pH-neutral cleaner in a spray bottle. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or vinegar, as these can harm the grout and stones.
- Apply to Affected Areas: Spray the solution directly onto the moldy spots, making sure to saturate the area. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to loosen the mold.
- Scrub Gently: Use a soft-bristle brush or an old toothbrush to scrub the mold away. Focus on the grout lines and any crevices where mold tends to grow.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Wash away the residue with warm water, ensuring all traces of the cleaner and mold are gone.
- Dry Completely: Use a towel or squeegee to dry the floor, as moisture encourages mold to return.
To prevent future mold growth, dry the shower floor after each use and keep the area well-ventilated. Regular cleaning and resealing the grout can also help keep mold at bay.
How Often Should You Clean a Pebble Shower?
It is very important to understand how often you need to clean the entire shower enclosure along with the shower door and pebble shower floor. Of course, it is best to ensure that there is no soap scum on the floor after every shower, but you can not wash the shower thoroughly, simply clean the soap scum with warm water.
Thorough cleaning of pebble shower floors is recommended once a week or two weeks, since in this case, on the one hand, you keep the floor clean, and on the other hand, do not spoil the surface of the stones.
Maintaining the Pebble Shower Floor
To suffer as little as possible from breakdowns associated with pebble shower floors, you need to understand what are the tips for maintaining your floor, so that at any time during your shower you will not run into trouble and ruin your shower cabin as a whole.
First, always try to keep an eye on your pebble shower floor cleaning schedule, as cleaning once a week is not just a desirable process, it is a necessary thing to ensure that your shower lasts as long as possible.
Secondly, try not to resort to desperate methods of cleaning pebble floors, such as the help of professionals.
They will use materials that can damage your floor stones, especially if they don’t have a lot of dirt on them that you could clean up yourself.
Thirdly, it is very important to always avoid the use of harsh chemicals, as not only will they ruin the surface of your stones and pebble shower floor in general, but they will also be difficult to wash off and can harm you. Always look at the ingredients of the cleaners you use and the range of things they can clean.
