With so many different options, modern glass shower enclosures are growing in popularity around the world. If you’ve just installed a beautiful glass shower enclosure in your home, we understand that you want to do everything you can to keep it looking brand new. That’s why we’ve written this guide to help you keep your new investment looking good-as-new every day.
What to Use
When cleaning your shower enclosure, you need to make sure you are using the right products. Cleaning products should be both safe for you and your family and not damaging to the shower enclosure itself. Since safety is always a concern, many homeowners opt to use natural and safe household cleaners on their shower enclosures.
If your shower enclosure is already dry and just has a few water marks, you can use a standard glass cleaner to make it really shine. While this is a great way to make it look nice, it will not remain clear after someone takes a shower. For that reason, some shower owners opt to use glass sealants like Rain‑X® Shower Door Water Repellent. This product will help prevent the formation of soap scum by causing all water to bead up and roll off the glass, leaving it clean after numerous uses. Some homeowners have also found that lemon essential oils can have a similar polishing effect on shower glass.
If you already have soap scum and hard water stains, you can get rid of them using household items. By mixing distilled vinegar with some standard dish soap, you can create a sudsy mixture that will leave your shower looking spotless. If you have any stone in your shower enclosure, be sure to avoid using vinegar around these areas as it can damage the material. If you have stone tiles in your shower, use a paste-like mixture of baking soda and dish soap to scrub all of the grime away. Always remember that it’s best to use a soft sponge that will not scratch the glass.
Once the glass has been scrubbed and rinsed, wipe away excess water using a squeegee. A standard one is typically no more than $5 and is very useful in wiping away excess water from your shower doors. A squeegee is perfect for keeping your shower clean because the more moisture that is present, the more mold and bacteria that can grow on your shower doors. Your squeegee will wipe away excess moisture, preventing mold growth. You’ll also notice that it can help you avoid hard water stains on the glass. If you have particularly difficult stains, you may want to purchase a Magic Eraser to help scrub away the tough spots.
How Often Should You Clean?
If you really want to keep the glass looking brand new in your shower enclosure, you should try to stick to a strong cleaning routine including daily, weekly and monthly cleaning regimens.
- Daily: After each use of your shower, you should use your squeegee to wipe away any excess water on the glass of your shower enclosure. Once you’re finished, leave the shower door open to help it dry off faster. Since this is a daily task, many individuals keep the squeegee in their shower or on a nearby hook, that way, they can multitask and wipe down the enclosure while drying off after a shower. It’s important to remind your family to wipe down the enclosure once they finish taking a shower as well. Leave your bathroom vent fan on and prop the bathroom door open to the rest of your home so that fresh, dry air can enter your bathroom to dry out your shower.
- Weekly: This is where you’ll focus on areas that may have water stains or ones that you may not be able to reach as effectively with a squeegee. Give your whole shower a wipe down once a week with a sponge or Magic Eraser to eliminate hard water spots and soap scum as it forms.
- Monthly: This is when you’ll deep-clean your shower. Use a non-toxic cleaner or the mixture from above to scrub away any mold or bacteria that may be forming in your shower. Thoroughly scrub your entire shower, being sure to get in any nooks and crannies.
If you are looking for help remodeling your bathroom with a new glass shower enclosure contact us today. More Than Glass has the right glass option for your specific needs. Our team of seasoned professionals is here to help you find and install the best glass product to fit your personal style. More Than Glass is available by phone at (804) 746-3086 or online at www.morethanglass.com.