BEST PRACTICES FOR CLEANING GLASS SHOWER ENCLOSURES

A glass shower’s design and materials impact how easy it will be to clean and how long it will stay looking nice. Consider these pro tips as you choose options for your shower enclosure.

• Order glass that’s been coated for protection against water spots, soap scum and corrosion. Permanently coated glass stays fresh longer and demands less cleaning time.
• Select glass with a smooth surface – clear, low-iron, or tinted – because this also makes cleaning easier and more effective.
• Take care with the design and avoid creating an uncleanable gap between the glass and another bathroom installation.
• Ensure that your contractor gives the shower floor appropriate slope toward the drain to avoid standing water and the mold and mildew problems it can cause

If you already have an enclosure with standard glass, apply a protective coating like Rain-X, Invisible Shield, or TPC Surface Protector at recommended intervals. While these temporary coatings do not equal a permanent solution, their regular use can be very helpful in maintaining beautiful shower doors.

One of the best practices for keeping a glass shower enclosure clean and sparkly is removing the water from the glass after each shower. Small, low profile squeegees are available at a reasonable price from online retailers. Keep one in the shower to make water removal as convenient as possible. (If you also squeegee the walls and floors while you’re at it, this will help the entire shower area stay fresh.) 
Shower hardware is also susceptible to water spots, corrosion, and soap residue, so it’s helpful to dry this as well. Keep a basket of soft towels handy or do this job with your shower towel once you’ve dried off.

Shower glass is susceptible to permanent damage from improper cleaning supplies, so steer clear of:

• Harsh chemicals
• Abrasive scrubbing powders
• Scratchy brushes or scrubbing pads.

It can be tempting to attack problem spots on the glass with something harsh or coarse, but this is counterproductive if you end up scratching the glass. Keep in mind that some problem spots cannot be cleaned away – if tap water has been allowed to remain on the glass, corrosive elements within it may have already permanently etched the glass. (If this is ruining the look of your enclosure, it might be time to schedule a free consultation with a glass professional and consider ordering a new unit.) If the problem area is NOT the result of scratches or etching, read on for cleaning tips.

Families today want a sanitary house without exposing themselves to irritating and potentially harmful chemicals, so best practices include green cleaning techniques. A 50/50 solution of water and vinegar is an effective glass cleaner that pairs well with paper towels or a soft rag or sponge. It is recommended to clean a glass shower weekly (or as needed) with this compound or with another solution of mild cleanser and water. If the vinegar and water solution is not removing some of the grime, other acceptable cleaning agents include:

• Windex
• Damp Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• Kaboom Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner
• Clorox Green Works Glass Cleaner
• Sprayway Ammonia Free Glass Cleaner

You may find some websites recommending a baking soda paste for removing tough spots from shower glass. It may in fact take off the spot, but as this Taste of Home article points out, baking soda is abrasive and can scratch the glass, so it should be avoided.

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On a frameless glass enclosure, the metal components are minimal, but you still want to keep them clean and free of spots. Drying the hinges, clips, and handles after you shower is the best way to prevent mineral deposits and staining. On cleaning day, wash the hardware with a gentle mixture of dish soap and water and then rinse and dry it. However, if the hardware has a brass finish, it should only be buffed with a damp cloth – no soap or cleaning agents.