Walk In Shower Restoration

The problem.

A couple from Brigantine contacted us after noticing increasing discoloration and buildup on a flat river rock shower pan. Despite regular cleaning, the shower floor continued to look dirty and stained.

Their problem was that the mortar between the stones had become noticeably discolored. And despite routine cleaning efforts, the mortar in the shower pan continually looked aged and unsanitary.

Why do some river rock shower pans respond better to steam cleaning?

Because the installation style matters.

Some river rock shower pans are installed with the stones set relatively flat, creating a more uniform surface. Others are installed with the stones in their natural shape and height variations, producing a more textured walking surface.

Many homeowners prefer the latter because it recreates the sensation of walking through a shallow riverbed. The natural contours of the stones can provide a spa-like feel underfoot, adding both visual appeal and a more organic shower experience.

So this couple’s main problem was the mortar in the shower pan. It looked aged and unsanitary.  Like to know more? Discover why river rock shower pans are nearly impossible to clean…

Installation styles that create a spa-like feel can also trap buildup.

In dissimilar installations, the height variations can make professional cleaning more challenging. This is because the mortar sits below the raised stones. Therefore, the specialized steam tools cannot maintain consistent contact with every surface, which may limit the level of improvement that can be achieved.

Moisture retention can also be a problem. It can contribute to staining, organic buildup, and efflorescence, a surface buildup that can not only look unsightly but it can also be uncomfortable to stand on.

For their style, the shower pan was flatter. So our tools had better contact with the surface.  In another shower and master bath restoration, we had a disclaimer that we reviewed with the client, promising limited results. (While using hot water at 1200 psi, it would stand to reason that steam cleaning would improve the sanitization of the surface.)

Our assessment.

After inspecting the shower, our hard brush scrub followed by steam rinsing would likely improve the shower pan.

Meanwhile, the shower walls required restoration as well, so we diamond-ground the wall surfaces to remove wear and restore their appearance.

The solution.

For the shower pan, we took a different approach.

First, we agitated the mortar joints using specialized grout brushes to loosen embedded contamination. Next, we employed our mechanized steam cleaning wand, delivering approximately 1,200 PSI with water temperatures approaching 212°F.

Unlike conventional cleaning methods, the steam system penetrated deep into the porous mortar joints, helping break down years of accumulated soap residue, body oils, and mineral deposits.

Consequently, contaminants that ordinary scrubbing could not remove were safely extracted from the surface.

The outcome.

The transformation was immediate. The discoloration throughout the shower pan was dramatic.

Think it’s permanently stained? Let us bring your shower back to life! Call us at 609.953.0472 or CONTACT US ONLINE.