08/06/2026
🚿 The prettier the shower… the harder it is to clean.
The 3 Toughest Shower Materials to Maintain:
🥉 3. Textured Fiberglass
The textured bottom loves to grab onto dirt and soap scum. It can take a lot of scrubbing, but unlike stone, you don’t have to worry as much about damaging the material if you’re using a gentle cleaner and a non-scratch brush.
🥈 2. Natural Stone (Travertine, Marble, Slate)
These aren’t necessarily difficult because they’re dirty, they’re difficult because you have to be careful. You can’t use acidic cleaners like vinegar or many commercial bathroom cleaners because they’ll etch the stone. Plus, they’re porous and require regular sealing.
🥇 1. Pebble/River Rock Showers
These are usually the worst. Every stone has edges and grout lines that trap soap scum, hard water, body oils, and mildew. If they’re not sealed properly (or haven’t been resealed in years), they stain easily and are extremely time consuming to clean.
The safest routine for any shower:
* Clean weekly with a pH-neutral soap or stone safe cleaner (avoid vinegar, bleach, and acidic cleaners, especially on natural stone).
* Use a soft microfiber cloth or soft-bristle brush to loosen buildup without scratching.
* Rinse thoroughly to remove soap residue.
* Dry the surfaces with a towel or squeegee after each shower to reduce hard water spots and discourage mold and mildew.
* Keep the bathroom well-ventilated by running the exhaust fan for 20–30 minutes after showering or opening a window if possible.
