Many homeowners choose glass shower doors for their new or renovated bathroom due to their many benefits. Their clean aesthetic gives any bathroom a simple yet modern look. Their uncomplicated design allows easy access to the shower and is part of a stylish layout for bathrooms both large and small.
They do however require some upkeep to stay clean. If you have a glass shower door (or are planning to get one), it’s important to keep it clean. Prevent soap scum and mineral build-up with these tips to clean your shower door.
How to Keep Your Glass Shower Door Clean
Keep your glass shower door area pristine by following these tips to prevent and remove residue.
How do glass shower doors and enclosures get dirty?
Hard water typically contains high levels of minerals like magnesium carbonate and calcium. These leave deposits on glass surfaces. Since glass is porous, these minerals can seep into the glass, resulting in corrosion.
Additionally, soap scum can stain your glass shower door. And mildew, which grows in damp and dark places like bathrooms, can be harmful to everyone’s health.
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Natural Cleaning Products
The best way to guarantee your glass shower door stays clean without harming you or your family is to use natural cleaning products. You’ll likely find most of these items around your home.
- Vinegar
Put a 1:1 cleaning solution of water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply to both sides of your shower door. Let it sit for a couple of minutes and rinse with warm water. Using a dry soft cloth, wipe the glass to ensure the solution is properly removed. Since vinegar is acidic, it can dissolve hard water deposits better than other products.
- Baking Soda
Use a damp cloth to apply the baking powder all over the glass shower door. Let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse with warm water via a detachable showerhead or small bucket.
- Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice is useful for removing minerals. Either use the juice directly or dilute it with water in a 1:1 ratio and put it in a spray bottle. Next, apply it all over the glass and let it sit for a few minutes. Then wipe it with a soft, dry cloth. Alternatively, you can cut a lemon in half, wipe it on the glass surface and then rinse.
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Commercial Cleaning Products
Many glass cleaning products can clean the tough stains that regular and natural cleaning products can’t get rid of. Check your local department or grocery store, or consult a shower glass company for high-performing products. Your best bet is to purchase a cleaner with a pH between seven and eight to ensure the glass isn’t damaged.
Before using these products, thoroughly dry the door. Certain products may advise you to leave the cleaner on for several minutes before lightly scrubbing the surface with a soft lint-free cloth or sponge. It’s best to avoid acid-based cleaners, scouring pads and sharp instruments as these can damage the glass. Also, make sure you wear gloves to prevent chemicals from coming in contact with your skin.
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Non-Commercial Cleaning Products
Other substances you may find in your home can be used to clean glass shower doors.
- Essential Oils
Many essential oils, including tea tree oil, can clean glass shower doors. You can either use them alone or mix them with other cleaners.
For instance, mix a few drops of tea tree with peppermint oil and hydrogen peroxide. This will create a cleaning solution that works well against mould and mildew but may not be as effective on hard water stains. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and mist it evenly over the glass. Once the entire surface is covered, let the solution sit for at least 60 minutes before rinsing with warm water.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to clean glass shower doors by mixing it with an equal measure of water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Spray the mixture onto the glass door and let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with water. Use a dry cloth to wipe off excess water from the door. This method of cleaning is considered best for ongoing maintenance.
The only way to prevent hard water and soap scum from ruining the beauty of your glass shower door is by cleaning and maintaining it on a regular basis. Whether you’re looking to clean it regularly or every few weeks, these tips can help. However, the cleaner or method you choose is up to you. Remember, it’s better to routinely clean your glass shower door to prevent heavy build-up which will be harder to get rid of. But if you are running low on both energy and time, you can always get in touch with a nearby shower glass provider to do the job.
