Clean Your Glass Shower Doors So They Sparkle!
Do you find yourself steering clear of your beautiful, spacious shower with its glass door simply because you can’t bear to break out the squeegee after every use? Although using a squeegee after taking a shower does keep mineral and soap scum at bay, it’s not the only method to clean your glass shower doors so they sparkle.
Hard water and the build up of soap residue can permanently mar glass, leaving it with a foggy, slightly opaque appearance. Once this happens, no amount of cleaning can remove the resulting etching. So, it’s best to get into the habit of cleaning your glass enclosures to combat this unsightly and irreversible cloudiness. This little bit of daily effort will ensure your gorgeous master bath shower stays stunning.
Wipe Off Water With a Squeegee or Microfiber Cloths
Pick your tool of choice, but both do the same job of removing water from the glass in question. Water left of the glass over time will result in accumulation of soap scum as well as minerals from water, both of which can cause corrosion. A squeegee acts like a windshield wiper, using a rubber blade to swipe away moisture. Many cleaning pros prefer the microfiber cloths because they absorb excess water quickly and easily and are perfect for getting into tight spots like in and around door handles, where squeegees normally fall short.
Shower Cleaning Sprays
Shower sprays don’t take the place of step one but do help reduce the need for deep cleaning your shower. There are many daily spray cleaners to choose from, or you can concoct one of your own by adding ½ cup hydrogen peroxide, ½ cup rubbing alcohol, 1 tablespoon of dishwasher rinse aid in a 32 ounce spray bottle. Fill the remainder of the bottle with water and swish gently to combine.
Magic Erasers & Dryer Sheets
Should soap scum happen, either on your doors or elsewhere in your shower enclosure, the Magic Eraser is a great tool that removes stubborn built-up product easily without scratching surfaces. (There is even a special bath version.) You can also use dryer sheets—they work just as well. Just wet both and wipe, but we recommend wearing gloves as both of these products do contain chemicals. If the soap is extra tough, add a little CLR or a baking soda paste (in a plastic container, add water until your get a toothpaste like consistency), add to surface, scrub and finish with a rinse of white vinegar to remove the cleaning products. Viola! With minimal elbow grease, your tub or shower surfaces sparkle like new.
Speaking of Vinegar
Ever notice how the metal tracks get pretty grungy even if you are fastidious about daily shower maintenance? When this occurs, plug up the small drainage holes in the tracks and pour in white vinegar, letting it sit overnight. In the morning, remove the temporary plugs and easily wipe away any remaining residue.
Water Repellent
Products like Rain-X and Water Armour are used on car windshields to help wipers do a better job. They basically create a super slick surface, literally repelling water. You can do the same with your shower door. If water, minerals and soap residue can’t stick, they are much less likely to create a film.
Here’s how: Make sure your glass enclosure is clean and dry. Cover the bottom of your shower with an old towel (this stuff is slippery after all) and apply directly on the glass, being sure to avoid tile and metal. If you reapply these products every three or four weeks, you just might be able to kiss that squeegee goodbye.
