How To Clean Onyx Showers (Easy Guide)

If you've got an onyx shower, you know how beautiful it looks, but it does require a bit of extra care. 

Onyx is a natural stone, and it’s softer and more porous than some other materials, so you want to be careful with how you clean it. 

But don’t worry, it’s not as complicated as it sounds. 

In this guide, I’ll show you how to clean onyx showers quickly without the stress.

#1 Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you start scrubbing, make sure you've got everything you need:

  • Mild dish soap or a pH-balanced cleaner

  • Soft cloth or sponge (microfiber recommended)

  • Bucket of warm water

  • Optional: Squeegee

Also Read: How To Remove A Soap Stain On Granite

#2 Rinse The Shower

Now that you’ve got your supplies ready, it’s time to start rinsing the shower. 

Just spray the walls and floor with warm water.Just want to wet the surfaces and rinse off any dust or debris that might be sitting on the stone.

This quick rinse helps loosen up any grime that might be stuck and prepares the surface for the cleaner. Plus, it makes the whole cleaning process less messy by getting rid of the loose stuff before you dive in with the actual cleaner. 

You don't need to go crazy here—just a light spray is all it takes to get things ready for the next step.

Cleaning Onyx Showers

#3 Mix A Gentle Cleaning Solution

Next up, make a simple cleaning solution. 

Mix a little mild dish soap or a pH-balanced cleaner with some warm water. You want the mixture to be gentle, so avoid anything with bleach, vinegar, or harsh chemicals. Those can seriously damage onyx and cause discoloration.

A tablespoon of soap mixed into a gallon of water is usually the right ratio. 

This mixture will be strong enough to clean, but not so strong that it harms the stone. 

#4 Wipe With A Soft Cloth Or Sponge

Now that your cleaning solution is all set, grab your soft cloth or sponge and start wiping down the shower walls and floor. 

Keep it light—onyx is delicate, and you don’t want to press too hard. 

Gently scrub away any soap scum, grime, or water spots that have built up. It’s best to work in small sections so you don’t miss any spots or leave streaks behind.

Also Read: Bar Keepers Friend On Quartz

Don’t forget the corners and edges! That’s where soap scum loves to hang out and build up. Take your time with this step—there’s no need to rush. 

The more thorough you are, the better the results will be, and your onyx will thank you for it. 

#5 Rinse Thoroughly

Once you’ve given the shower a good wipe-down, it’s time to rinse everything off. This step is super important—make sure you rinse thoroughly so there’s no cleaning solution left behind. 

The last thing you want is to leave any residue on the stone. It can dull the surface and leave streaks, which will make your beautiful onyx look less shiny and fresh.

Use plenty of warm water to rinse everything off. It’s best to rinse the shower in sections, so you can be sure you’re getting every corner, from the walls to the floor. 

Take your time and just keep rinsing until the water runs clear. 

When you’re done, you’ll know you’ve removed all the cleaner, and your onyx will look as good as new!

#6 Dry Immediately

The final step is drying. This is a really important one because water spots can be a pain to remove if you leave them too long. 

Grab a clean microfiber cloth or a soft towel, and give everything a quick wipe down. Focus on the walls and floor, but don’t forget the corners where water tends to collect.

If you’ve got a squeegee handy, use it to quickly wipe down the walls to remove excess water. 

It makes a big difference in preventing water spots and soap scum from building up again. Plus, it’ll help your onyx maintain its gorgeous shine.

Also Read: How To Wash Off Silicone Lube

Deep Cleaning For Stains & Soap Scum

Soap scum and stains can sometimes be difficult to remove with your usual cleaning routine. 

If you’re dealing with tough stains or buildup, you might need a deeper clean. 

For stubborn soap scum, try mixing baking soda with water to form a paste. Gently rub the paste onto the affected areas with a soft cloth. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse it off.

If you’ve got any stains that are a little more stubborn, you can make a paste with a mixture of baking soda and a few drops of dish soap. 

Apply it to the stained area, let it sit for a bit, and then scrub gently. 

Just remember, avoid any harsh scrubbing because you don’t want to scratch your onyx.

Tips To Take Care Of Your Onyx Shower

Taking care of your onyx shower doesn’t just mean cleaning it. Here are a few simple habits you can build into your routine to keep it looking its best for the long haul:

  • Wipe down your shower after use.

  • Don’t place heavy or sharp objects on the surface to avoid scratches or cracks.

  • Use a shower mat to help keep things clean and prevent buildup in high-traffic spots.

  • Make sure your shower’s well-ventilated so moisture doesn’t stick around too long and cause issues.

  • Don’t leave wet towels or anything sitting on the onyx for too long—moisture can seep in.

  • Don’t use super high-pressure water settings—they can cause damage over time.

  • Consider using a water softener if you live in an area with hard water.

Bottom Line

Cleaning an onyx shower doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right supplies and a gentle approach, you can keep it looking beautiful without too much effort. 

Just remember to be careful with what you use on the surface, and always rinse and dry thoroughly. Always avoid harsh chemicals.

A little time and effort go a long way when it comes to preserving that beautiful stone.

Tessa BrownComment