Naturally, you want your glass shower doors to sparkle. But you may have heard that keeping them free of water spots, streaks and soap scum can be a challenge. So much so, in fact, that it discourages many homeowners from installing glass tub enclosures or shower doors.
Fortunately, this task is much simpler than you may think. Keeping today’s custom glass shower doors sparkling and spotless doesn’t have to be a dreaded chore at all.
Prevent Build-Up On Glass Shower Doors
Prevention is key to keeping your tub or shower enclosure spotless. Your shower will be easier to keep clean if you take a minute to wipe down the doors after your shower.
A small handheld squeegee – designed expressly for this purpose – is inexpensive and easy to use. It can be stored near or inside the shower on a wall-mounted hook. Using it will help prevent hard water deposits and soap scum from drying and accumulating on the surface.
Or, grab a microfiber cloth instead. Many customers prefer this option, as the cloth can get into hard-to-reach places, around the corners and door handles. Get in the habit of wiping the doors down after every shower, and you’ll significantly cut down your cleaning time — you won’t have to scrub those spots later on.
Clean Glass Shower Doors Frequently
Using a squeegee can save you from having to pull out the elbow grease. But, to keep your glass looking its best, do more frequent quick cleanings.
Any hard water or soapy buildup that isn’t removed can cause damage to the glass, giving it an etched or cloudy look. Plus, frequent cleanings can help stop the growth of mold and mildew.
Take care, however, because what you clean with is almost as important as how often you tackle this task.
Use a Natural Cleaner for Glass Shower Doors
To keep your shower looking crystal clear, try to fit in a quick cleaning whenever you can. Every day would be ideal, but doing the job every few days should be enough to clear the spots and residue.
Cleaning right after finishing a shower speeds up the chore, as the hot water and steam has loosened up any grime or film on the glass doors. But, stay away from abrasive or acid-based glass cleaning products. With regular use, these powerful cleaners can damage your enclosure.
Instead, opt for a natural solution. Many homeowners swear by vinegar and water, applied with a spray bottle and wiped with a microfiber cloth. Others recommend a paste of baking soda and liquid dish detergent, scrubbed onto the glass with a soft sponge. Either method works, but go with the latter if you have natural stone tile, as vinegar could damage your stone.
Need a deeper clean? Try a handheld steam cleaner. Steam cleaning is an easy way to remove dirt and grime buildup, and it won’t harm your glass shower.
Apply a Protective Coating to Glass Shower Doors
If you don’t want to bother with the squeegeeing, you can add a protective coating that prevents the build-up of hard water spots. For a DIY approach, many handy homeowners swear by Rain-X. Applying a coat of this product (or another water repellent glass treatment) will prevent water spot build-up for up to six months.
You can also talk with a professional company that applies protective polymer glass coating. Some companies guarantee their treatments for several years, and will do the cleaning for you before applying the coating.
One word of warning: never use or apply any product to your glass tub enclosure or frameless shower doors without first talking to your contractor. Some custom glass contractors add special finishes or coatings to the glass. You could ruin your shower doors – or void your warranty – if you use unapproved products for cleaning or treating the glass surface.
New Concepts Glass Design, Utah’s leader in custom glass tub enclosures and shower doors, has lots of tips and tricks to keep your shower and tub enclosures clean and sparkling like new. Call our Salt Lake City office or visit us online today to learn more about the beauty and ease of custom glass shower doors.