The Top 4 Ways to Properly Clean Your Shower Doors

Are you constantly searching for ways to improve the elegance and aesthetic appeal of your bathroom? If the answer is yes, one way to acquire such pleasantries is by implementing a glass shower door. This isn’t a typical set-it-and-forget-it type of project, though. Just like any other bathroom fixtures and/or equipment, glass shower doors have the potential to get dirty, grimy or opaque, thus requiring a regular cleaning and maintenance schedule.

Hard water is rich in calcium and magnesium carbonates. When water on glass doors comes into contact with limestone deposits, the minerals will appear. A mixture of hard water and soap results in the formation of stains on glass shower doors, known not-so-lovingly as soap scum. These stains can damage the glass and have a negative effect on the overall look of a shower door. Since glass is porous, it can allow mineral deposits to seep in and cause corrosion in the long run.

Cleaning and Maintenance Tips for Utah Shower Doors

Here are some tips to help keep your shower doors clean and maintained so they stay in excellent condition for years to come:

1. Coating – When you are shopping for glass shower doors, look for coated products that offer increased protection from soap and hard water. Most glass doors do come with a protective coating. However, the type of coating on your shower doors largely depends on where dealers source the glass materials. Without a coating, you will need to clean a glass shower door more frequently.
2. Using a Squeegee – This is a must-have item whether your glass shower door has a coating or not. All types of shower doors require regular maintenance. When you use a squeegee, you will prevent the accumulation of soap stains on glass shower doors. Using a squeegee to clean your shower door is a relatively quick process and should be a consistent implementation after every shower user, shortly after taking a shower. The procedure is simple: begin by cleaning the door from one of the top corners and drag the equipment down the glass. When you pull the squeegee down, the water will also run down. Clean the doors until there are no water droplets visibly residing on your glass doors. Ensure that you dry the rubber blade after every pull to avoid leaving streaks or unattractive marks.
3. Mix Vinegar and Water – This is an eco-friendly option for cleaning your glass shower doors. The ingredients are non-toxic, the method to mix and use is easy, and it is highly affordable and typically effective for regular maintenance and cleaning. Mix one unit of white vinegar with three units of water and add the solution in a bottle. Spray the solution on the glass shower doors. If the stains appear to be tough, apply the solution and wait for roughly five minutes to allow the mixture to sit and infiltrate the residue. Spray more solution if needed, then thoroughly rinse the solution using warm, distilled water. Alternatively, you can wipe using a rag, newspaper or paper towel.
4. Use Commercial Cleaners – If a mixture of vinegar and water is ineffective when cleaning your shower doors, you could then attempt using the wide variety of commercial cleaners that are available in most markets or grocery stores today. If you are uncertain about which products to buy, consider consulting the glass shower door company you hired for installation. *Pro tip: To ensure high effectiveness of commercial cleaners, dry glass shower doors and use non-abrasive cleaners with a pH of 7 or 8.* Some experts may also recommend leaving the cleaning solutions on glass doors for a predetermined time period. Avoid using acidic cleaners or sharp equipment during light cleaning exercises as they may damage the coating on your glass doors. Warning: If you decide to use commercial cleaning agents, ensure that you wear gloves to protect your skin and allow for proper ventilation during cleaning.

Depending on the age of your shower door, the wear and tear and maintenance schedule, there may come a time when you’ll need to consider replacement. There are several signs indicating an impending replacement is on the horizon. One of the most common signs that you need a new door is the presence of chips or cracks. And since the bathroom is arguably one of the most frequently used rooms in any home, glass shower doors get pretty good use over time. As a result, even with the best of care, you may notice breakages, chips or cracks. While it’s not a cure-all or hard guarantee, regularly scheduled maintenance can help to ensure their durability while simultaneously prolonging life and vibrancy. And we are your go-to expert in Salt Lake City for shower door information. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have!