Cleaning shower doors is easy when you know the best shower glass cleaner for your situation and take steps to prevent the build up of hard water spots and soap scum on the shower door. Your recipe for achieving a clean shower door is:
See Also: Everything There Is To Know About Frameless Glass Shower Doors
Homeowners who know how to clean glass shower doors understand the importance of protecting the glass from hard water, soap scum, and the like. This is why many people take the first step toward an easy-to-maintain shower before their new doors are even installed. ABC Glass and Mirror offers two choices for customers who want their shower glass protected prior to installation: ShowerGuard and EnduroShield.
ShowerGuard, by Guardian Glass, takes the stress out of cleaning bathroom glass. As ShowerGuard glass is being manufactured, ion beam technology is used to seal its surface. This is achieved by closing all the microscopic pores that naturally occur on the exterior of glass. In themselves, these pores do not mar the appearance of glass, but they collect soap residue and minerals when the glass is used in a shower setting. Since the surface of ShowerGuard glass is permanently sealed, you never have to worry about reapplication of a protective coating. This glass will always resist grime, corrosion, and scum, and will be easier to clean than normal shower glass.
Utilizing an EnduroShield coating is another way to cut down on the time spent cleaning shower doors. The ABC team will apply this environmentally friendly coating to your shower glass before we install it. EnduroShield forms a lasting bond with the surface of the glass, and it also closes the pores where soap scum and mineral residue build up. It is formulated to resist both water and oil and will keep your shower glass looking fresh longer. EnduroShield is a long-lasting protectant backed by a 5 year limited warranty.
If your shower glass is already installed, you can still take steps to protect it. After thoroughly cleaning the bathroom glass, apply a spray-on protectant such as Rain-X, Invisible Shield, or TPC Surface Protector. These will make the glass more resistant to hard water and soap scum so that the shower door keeps its shine longer. To maintain this line of defense against grime and corrosion, be sure to reapply in accord with label instructions.
Keeping the glass dry is equally important for enjoying a clean shower door because shower water harbors soap scum and minerals. Especially in areas with hard water, these minerals can stain and even corrode the glass. Drying the shower enclosure after each use removes these harmful elements and cuts down on the amount of cleaning you have to do. Keep a squeegee or basket of soft, absorbent towels near the glass shower and make sure that all family members form the routine of drying the glass immediately after showering. This may seem inconvenient at first, but it is one of the best ways to make shower door cleaning easy and successful.
Note that, depending on the mineral content of your tap water, you may be able to skip this step if you have ShowerGuard glass or glass with an EnduroShield coating. Otherwise, make drying the glass a priority!
What’s the best shower glass cleaner for you? The answer depends on various factors including water quality and how your glass is protected. However, an easy-to-make bathroom glass cleaner that is approved for all our shower glass – ShowerGuard, EnduroShield, standard – is a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. This is often effective even in areas with hard water and should be applied with a micro-fiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge.
Additional shower glass cleaner options that are safe for all our glass types are:
For standard shower glass, we also recommend environmentally friendly glass cleaners including Seventh Generation’s Glass and Surface Cleaner, Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Glass Cleaner, and Sun and Earth Glass Cleaner. (The ShowerGuard – http://na.en.showerguardglass.com/CareCleaning/index.htm – and EnduroShield – http://www.enduroshield.com/en/care-instructions/ – websites offer additional information on approved cleaning agents for their respective products.)
When cleaning shower doors, always keep in mind that harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning supplies must be avoided. Cleaning agents such as Comet powder or sharp/rough cleaning tools can permanently damage protective coatings and the glass itself. Instead of resorting to these extreme and damaging measures, stay on top of shower care by following these handy steps:
Your home’s glass showers add style and functionality to your bathrooms, so keep them looking their best with this simple regimen!
