Lime Buildup on Granite Showers

Lime Buildup

• Lime buildup is the byproduct of high contents of dissolved minerals in your water supply. As the water splatters off the person showering and mixes with residual soap and dirt, it reaches the shower walls where it stays. As it dries, it leaves behind a white film or stubborn deposits on your granite shower.

Eliminating Buildup

• Stubborn lime buildup cannot simply be wiped away, and since it isn’t safe to use acidic cleaners that cut through it, a razor blade can be a very handy tool. Wear gloves to protect your hands as you gently scrape away the lime buildup from your granite shower. Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and distilled water in a spray bottle once the hard deposits of lime have been scraped away. Saturate the granite with the solution. Follow up with a squeegee to remove the excess moisture.

Prevention

• Keep a squeegee near your shower, and squeegee the shower after each use. Water that has the opportunity to sit on the granite has a better chance of leaving deposits and film behind. Spray the shower walls down, and clean them with the alcohol and water solution once a week to keep the shower clean. Consider using a water softener to help stop lime buildup.

Considerations

• Many lime removal products contain chemicals and acids that will damage granite, so avoid these products unless they specifically say on the label that they are safe to use on granite. Products that contain acids may etch the granite, and scouring powders such as Comet and Bar Keepers Friend are too abrasive and may leave scratches behind. Bleach or products that contain bleach will fade the color of the granite and should also be avoided. In addition to avoiding harsh chemical cleaners, use only soft or dull cleaning materials on your granite to avoid scratching it.