How can I refresh my shower floor: clean with a solution or re-tile directly on top of the current tiles?
Asked by Hilda Dean 
2 months ago
Last Updated: November 2, 2024
Hey, check out my shower floor. It could use a little pick-me-up. Any ideas on how to spruce it up? If I decide to clean it, what’s the best way to get rid of that calcium build-up? And if I want to re-tile it, do I have to tear up the old tiles first or can I just lay new ones on top?
I’m dealing with calcium build up too. CLR works but it keeps coming back. I tried scraping with a razor blade and resealing the tile, but it’s still not completely gone. I also have calcium build up on my faucets. I switched some dark faucets to a nickel color and that helps cover it up a bit. I also have a water softener and filters on my well.
My guess is the softener isn’t working properly. They usually can be adjusted. This is just my opinion. The issue is that it builds up in layers and comes off in layers. It might take a few attempts or try using lime away, which is much stronger. However, if it’s not rinsed very well, it can be harsh on slate.
Do you have hard water? Most people do. You should definitely consider getting a water softener. If it’s lime scale, you can try CLR, which stands for calcium lime rust remover. Start with a small spot and rinse well. It looks like slate tile. Once again, rinse well. This should remove the white lime scale. I used to work as an ecolab floor guy and trust me, it will look brand new once it’s clean. After cleaning, try using a sealer.
CLR
Suggests spraying WD40 on the drain before applying it.
CLR is my go-to for ceramic tile cleaning. Just keep in mind that it can strip away any sealant on the tile and grout. So, make sure to reseal after a thorough rinse and ample drying time. Usually, for showers, aim for a minimum of 3 coats of sealer with at least 8 hours between each.
When it comes to tiled walls, I’ve discovered that using Turtle Wax paste (yes, the car wax) simplifies maintenance. However, I haven’t tried it on a shower floor since I worry about it being too slippery and causing accidents.
Gotta get a good look at the whole shower before making a decision..
Try using Wet n Forget shower cleaner
CLR is not worth the money. Instead, visit a reputable tile distributor and inquire about an acid wash (a mild acid cleaning solution, though I’m not sure of the specific name). Use that in combination with a brass brush and a regular scrub brush. Avoid tiling over the existing surface, as it will lead to more issues beyond just dirty tiles.
We had a similar type of flooring in our shower – shale, right? When they removed it, it came out in large sheets, completely wet. It was extremely porous. We ended up replacing it with porcelain tile.
If you’re dealing with slate tile, try using muriatic acid mixed with water in a 1:2 ratio. Wear gloves and use a nylon brush for application. After cleaning, re-grout and seal the tiles with a stone sealer for a fresh look.
Hey there, Langston! Using Muratic Acid can actually end up etching and weakening the grout, regardless of how much water you try diluting it with.
Hey , be sure to wear a respirator when working with this. The fumes can be harmful to your lungs, especially in tight spaces.
Do you know where the drain is located?
Hey Serge! Just so you know, the water is flowing down from above the area in the picture, and the drain can be found behind where the camera is positioned. I wish I was there to capture more photos.
Understands it perfectly.
Definitely not the right material for a shower floor. It’s best to replace it with something sturdier.
Keeping this type of slate clean in a shower is such a hassle.
Try using something like this. It’s generally safe for most stone and grout. Make sure to rinse well.