Tips for How to Clean Soap Scum From a Slate Shower

Soap scum accumulates on slate tile showers as soap lather dries on bathroom surfaces. The soap scum hardens, making it difficult to remove. A stone surface, slate tile requires a stone cleaner to remove soap scum and dirt. Using a non-stone or acid-based cleaner on the slate may result in damage to the tile surface. Clean with alkaline-based stone cleaners to remove soap scum and bring back the luster to slate tile.

Things You'll Need

• Bath towel
• Alkaline stone cleaner
• Spray bottle
• Soft-bristle brush
• Sponge
• Cloths

Instructions

1. Remove any moisture from the slate tile shower walls with a clean bath towel.

2. Mix the stone cleaner with hot tap water. Pour the recommended amount of alkaline stone cleaner and hot water into a spray bottle. Read the instructions on the cleaner for exact measurements. Shake the bottle to distribute the cleaner evenly.

3. Spray the cleaner generously over the slate tile. Allow the cleaner to remain on the tile for 20 minutes, or as long as recommended on the cleaner instructions.

4. Scrub the cleaner gently into the tile with a soft-bristle brush. Work the brush in circular motions to dislodge soap scum.

5. Wipe the cleaner and the soap scum from the slate tile with a damp sponge. Rinse the sponge with hot water and continue wiping the tile, removing all soap residue.

6. Dry the tile with a clean cloth to reduce water marks on the slate surface.

Tips & Warnings

• Wipe slate tile with a damp sponge after taking a shower to reduce soap scum buildup.

• Purchase alkaline stone cleaners at home improvement stores.

References

• Tile Cleaning: How to Clean Slate Tile and Grout