How to Clean a Cultured Marble Shower Base

Cultured marble is not a natural marble, although it does contain 75 percent natural marble dust. Cultured marble has the advantage of being more durable and less prone to scratching than natural marble. Additionally, it is easy to maintain when cleaned regularly. Other than a non-abrasive cleaner, vinegar is an excellent cleaner for cultured marble, especially for hard-water stains in a shower base according to Tim Carter, syndicated newspaper columnist from "Ask the Builder."

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves
• Squeegee
• Non-abrasive cleaner
• Sponge
• 32 oz. empty spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Non-scratch scrub brush
• Cotton cloths
• Surface cleaner and polisher
• Buffer cloth

Instructions

1. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and check that the shower area has good ventilation. Use a squeegee to remove any excess water around and on the shower base.

2. Clean the shower base with a non-abrasive shower cleaner, and wipe with a sponge.

3. Fill an empty 32 oz. spray bottle with white vinegar, then spray the cultured marble base. Allow the vinegar to soften any hard water stains or soap scum in the shower base, then wipe with a sponge.

4. Rinse off the marble shower base and check for any remaining hard-water stains. Reapply vinegar to any stubborn stains, scrub with a non-scratch scrub brush, then rinse again.

5. Allow the cultured marble show base to air dry or dry with a cotton cloth.

6. Apply a surface cleaner and polisher formulated for cultured marble with a clean cotton cloth. Wait until the applied cleaner dries to a haze, then polish the surface with a buffer cloth.

Tips & Warnings

• Squeegee the cultured marble shower base and walls after every shower to minimize water spots.

• Use the straight white vinegar spray on shower base weekly to prevent hard-water stains.

• Use the surface cleaner and polisher at least every few months to maintain the shine and reduce hard-water staining on the cultured marble.

• Never use an abrasive cleaner, which may cause scratches or discolor cultured marble.

References

• Ask the Builder: Cultured Marble
• American Marble: Care, Cleaning And Repair Of Cultured Marble
• Superior Home Products: Cultured Marble Cleaning & Care Instructions