Walk in shower enclosures and frameless shower doors have been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to their sleek and stylish designs. However, as beautiful as they are, they do require proper maintenance to keep them looking their best. One of the most crucial aspects of maintaining the visual appeal of your glass shower doors is by ensuring their cleanliness at all times.
In this blog post, we will provide tips and tricks how to clean and maintain glass shower doors, including framed shower doors, sliding shower doors, and even those manufactured by different companies. So, be sure to read on and follow these steps to keep your shower enclosure looking brand new for years to come!
Types of Shower Doors
When it comes to shower doors, there are a few different types to choose from based on your preference and bathroom layout. The most common types of shower doors include framed, frameless, and sliding.
Framed shower doors come with a metal or plastic frame around the glass, providing additional support and stability for the glass. Frameless shower doors, on the other hand, have no frames. Instead, the glass is held in place using clips or channels, giving a more seamless look. Lastly, sliding shower doors have two or more panels that slide along a track, perfect for bathrooms where isn’t enough space for a door to swing open.
No matter which type you choose, cleanliness and maintenance are key to making sure your shower doors look good as new for years to come.
Why Should We Clean & How Often?
It’s essential to regularly clean your shower doors to prevent the buildup of soap scum and mineral deposits, which can be challenging to remove once they accumulate. Not only do dirty shower doors look unsightly, but they can also create a breeding ground for bacteria that can be harmful to your health.
How often you should clean your shower doors will depend on factors such as how frequently the shower is used, the hardness of your water, and whether you have hard water buildup.
In general, it’s a good idea to wipe down your shower doors after each use to prevent the buildup of soap scum and mineral deposits. If this isn’t feasible, aim to clean your shower doors at least once a week. However, suppose you notice any signs of buildup or discoloration. In that case, you may need to clean your shower doors more frequently to prevent any permanent damage from occurring.
Regular cleaning doesn’t have to be a tedious task. By using the right cleaning products and implementing a cleaning routine, you can keep your shower doors looking new. Plus, regular maintenance will save you time and money in the long run because you won’t have to replace your shower doors as frequently.
Materials and Tools You Will Need
Glass shower doors are a popular choice for modern bathrooms. Whether you have a walk-in shower enclosure or a traditional framed or frameless shower door, keeping your glass clean and well-maintained is essential. In this blog, we’ll show you how to clean and maintain glass shower doors using readily available materials and tools.
Non-Abrasive Cleaners
When cleaning glass shower doors, it’s important to use non-abrasive cleaners to prevent any scratches or damage to the surface. There are many commercial non-abrasive cleaners available on the market specifically designed for cleaning glass surfaces. Look for cleaners that are labeled “glass-safe” or “non-abrasive.” Alternatively, you can also make your own cleaning solution using ingredients like vinegar or baking soda.
Microfiber Cloths or Sponges
Use a soft microfiber cloth or sponge to clean the glass surface gently. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool or scrubby sponges, which can scratch the surface.
Squeegees
Removing excess water from your shower door after every use is essential to prevent the buildup of hard water stains and soap scum. A squeegee is an excellent tool for this job, and it’s easy to use. Simply run the squeegee over the glass surface after you’ve finished showering to remove any water droplets.
White Distilled Vinegar or Rubbing Alcohol
Hard water stains can be a common problem in areas with high levels of minerals in the water. If you notice hard water stains on your glass shower door, you can use white distilled vinegar or rubbing alcohol to remove them effectively. These two substances can dissolve the minerals and leave your glass looking clean and clear.
Optional Lemon Oil or Other Glass Protectant
Applying some lemon oil or other glass protectant can help to repel water and prevent the buildup of mineral deposits and soap scum on your shower door.
Maintaining your glass shower door doesn’t need to be a dreaded chore. Using the right materials and tools will ensure that your shower enclosure stays sparkling clean and functional for years to come. And if you’re ever unsure about the best way to clean your shower doors, consult your shower door manufacturer for their advertises.
Step-by-step Guide
Following these seven simple steps should help you keep your glass shower doors looking clean and clear for years to come:
- Pre-treat the glass surface: Soak a cloth or sponge in white distilled vinegar or rubbing alcohol, and wipe it along the glass surface. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before removing it with a clean, damp cloth.
- Gather supplies: Microfiber cloth, squeegee, white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, spray bottle.
- Remove loose debris: Use the squeegee to clear any loose debris from the glass surface.
- Mix cleaning solution: Combine equal parts water and white vinegar with a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Apply cleaning solution: Spray the solution onto the glass surface and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Scrub glass surface: Gently clean the glass using a microfiber cloth or sponge, and sprinkle baking soda on tough stains for added scrubbing power.
- Rinse and remove excess water: Thoroughly rinse the glass surface with warm water and use a squeegee or clean microfiber cloth to remove excess water.
- Dry glass surface: Use a microfiber cloth to dry the surface and prevent water spots.
- Optional – Apply glass protectant: Use a product like lemon oil to help repel water and soap scum, keeping the glass shower door looking clean and new for longer.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Shower doors need to be cleaned regularly with a mild cleaning solution, but if you want your doors to stay beautiful and functional for a long time, you’ll need to take some preventative measures.
Here are some suggestions:
- Use a squeegee after every shower or bath. If you have sliding glass shower doors, use the squeegee on them as well as on the inside of the door frame to keep water from building up.
- Clean your shower door with a household cleaner once every month. This will help prevent soap scum and hard water spots from building up on your door.
- If you have an older or especially dirty shower door, try using vinegar in hot water or baking soda in hot water to clean it up before using the household cleaner.
- Use silicone lubricant on rubber seals and tracks once every six months to prevent sticking and cracking from occurring prematurely.
Repairs and Maintenance
Glass shower doors come in a variety of styles, but they all require regular maintenance and cleaning to keep them looking their best.
Shower doors are made from tempered glass that is strong and durable, but they can still be damaged by scratches or chips. If you have a frameless shower door, you may want to consider installing a glass protector on the inside of your shower enclosure. This will help prevent damage if something falls onto the glass while you’re bathing.
The following are some tips for cleaning and maintaining glass shower doors:
- Clean with mild soap and water
- Use a squeegee after each shower or bath to remove water from the surface of the door and frame
- Wipe down with distilled vinegar once per month
- Use a soft cloth or sponge with warm water to wipe down your door daily
Conclusion
Cleaning glass shower doors isn’t as tedious as many people make it out to be. It can get a little dusty and grimy, but it’s not exactly rocket science either. If you have the right supplies, and you follow a few simple directions, you’ll be able to keep your shower doors in tip-top shape—no matter how long they’ve been around!
