Figuring out how to care for glass shower doors might seem like a never-ending task, but it’s entirely manageable if you approach it correctly and follow some practical tips from the experts.
Regular maintenance keeps your bathroom looking good and extends the life of your shower doors.
How to Care for Glass Shower Doors 101
Here’s how to keep your glass shower doors shining for years.
Regular Cleaning After Every Use
One basic but effective habit is wiping down your shower doors each time the shower is used. This is a good time to do it because the steam from your shower softens grime.
Wiping down the glass while it’s still hot from the water and before soap scum and mineral deposits have a chance to form can go a long way toward maintaining spotlessness.
A squeegee is great for getting water off the glass, too, and a bit of extra effort will buy you a lot of time before you need to tackle a more intense cleaning session.
The Power of a Vinegar Solution
A solution of vinegar and water is your secret weapon for tougher stains and thoroughly cleaning your shower doors. But vinegar’s natural acidity is great at dissolving mineral deposits and soap scum.
Spray the solution on the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with baking soda and salt paste.
This combo works well for water spots that won’t come off with routine cleaning. Scrub, rinse, and dry your glass with the microfibre cloth. This will clean your shower doors and also leave them sparkling.
Microfiber Cloths for Daily Maintenance
Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down your glass shower doors daily to prevent water spots and scummy soap film from building up between cleanings. Microfibres are absorbent and soft—the cloth that brings your glass back to a streak-free shine.
After cleaning the glass, you can buff it with a microfibre cloth to add a layer of shine and keep it looking new.
This daily ritual will make a very evident difference to the appearance of your glass over the years.
Switch to Non-Talc Soap
Another factor that’s easily overlooked in the war on soap scum is the nature of the soap you use.
Soaps containing talc are exceptionally difficult to remove and never cease to leave white, cloudy residue on your glass. Switching to a non-talc soap or body wash will dramatically reduce the amount of soap scum that builds up in your shower doors.
If you’ve changed your soap and still have an issue with soap scum, your glass might be etched.
Don’t Forget the Shower Door Tracks
Although the glass is the star of the show, the tracks of your shower door will also accumulate grime and mildew if not kept clean.
Clean them by pouring some vinegar into the tracks and let it sit overnight. The vinegar should help break up any buildup.
In the morning, clean the tracks with a toothbrush. Brush away any remaining buildup, and dry the tracks completely.
Consider Installing a Water Softener
Does your home have hard water? Then, your shower glass doors will be especially prone to mineral deposits and water spots. The main culprits in hard water are calcium and magnesium.
A water softener will remove some of these minerals from your water, easing your cleaning burden and reducing the frequency you need to wash your shower doors.
A water softener ensures your glass will stay cleaner longer and with less effort.
Apply a Hydrophobic Coating
A hydrophobic material repels or does not mix with water, making it an excellent option for maintaining your glass shower doors.
Hydrophobic coating is applied to the glass after it’s manufactured and creates an invisible layer that repels water so soap scum, mineral deposits, and other contaminants don’t get stuck.
For those who want to ‘set it and forget it,’ this is the coating to get.
This not only makes cleaning easier but also ensures your shower doors stay cleaner longer. The coating should be reapplied regularly so your glass will always be protected and sparkling.
Additional Tips for Maintaining Shine
Beyond the tips above, there are a few other tactics you can employ to take good care of your glass shower doors:
Use Lemon Juice to Clean Lightly: If you have a small spot or a build-up of soap scum and don’t want to scrub the entire door, lemon juice is a great natural option. It will cut through grease like vinegar and leave a fresh scent.
Clean Shower Heads Regularly: A clean shower head means a cleaner shower. Minerals can build up in your shower head, reducing water flow and creating more grime. Soak your shower head in a bowl of vinegar once a month for a few hours to help it work properly.
Set a Schedule: Follow a regular schedule to keep your glass shower doors clean. Wipe down your doors daily, clean them thoroughly weekly, and perform maintenance tasks like reapplying the hydrophobic coating or cleaning the door tracks monthly.
This simple daily effort will save you from having to do lots of elbow grease in the long run and keep your shower doors crystal clear.
How to Care for Glass Shower Doors: Frequently Asked Questions
1. How often should I clean my glass shower doors?
If you want to prevent the formation of soap scum and water spots, try to squeegee or wipe the glass shower doors down every day after using them.
Once a week or so, you can perform a more thorough cleaning with vinegar or a glass-specific cleaner.
2. Can I use regular household cleaners on glass shower doors?
Although some household cleaners can work on glass, try to avoid stronger or more abrasive chemicals that harm the glass or the protective coating.
Vinegar and baking soda are natural, easy to use, options that can suit regular use.
3. What should I avoid when cleaning glass shower doors?
Do not use an abrasive scrubbing pad that can scratch the glass, and do not use cleaners that contain ammonia or bleach, as they will damage the glass and any metal or tile surfaces around it.
4. Is a hydrophobic coating necessary?
Although not required, a hydrophobic coating is recommended to extend the time between cleanings and to keep your glass shower doors shiny.
It also keeps water from running down the glass, so soap scum and mineral deposits will not stick to the glass.
5. How do I clean the shower door tracks effectively?
Pour a bit of white vinegar into the tracks and let it sit overnight to soften the grime. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the tracks. Dry the tracks with a microfiber cloth to ensure no new grime develops.
6. What is the best way to prevent soap scum on glass shower doors?
Use a non-talc soap or body wash, quickly clean the glass after each shower, and apply a hydrophobic coating to prevent scum.
Get Expert Help for How to Care for Glass Shower Doors
Keeping your glass shower doors sparkling takes a little elbow grease, but the results are worth it. Consider adding these simple pro tips to your regular cleaning routine.
With some minor maintenance, you can have a fresh-looking, clean shower that enhances your bathroom’s style and can be a shining centerpiece for years to come.
If you’re looking for expert guidance on all things glass shower doors, contact Coastal Closets and Showers. As the custom shower experts in Stuart, FL., they have all of the answers, products, and services you’re looking for.
