If you’ve recently fixed up your shower door with some new hinges or handles from us at Bathroom spares or you haven’t given it some TLC in a while, why not treat your shower screen and door to a good clean!
Achieving a sparkling surface can be an incredibly satisfying task and keeps it looking its best. Eliminating grime and stubborn water stains can provide a therapeutic experience, making it highly recommended to perform this task on a regular basis. So, how exactly should you go about cleaning your glass shower door? What essential cleaning tips should you bear in mind
Preventing Soap Scum
To combat the formation of soap scum and the subsequent streaks on your shower's glass. An immediate solution would be to switch from using a bar of soap to a liquid soap, which will promptly eradicate any soap scum residue in your shower. Additionally, it is crucial to thoroughly dry your entire shower after each use and rinse it with water. This prevents the accumulation of minerals, which can lead to stubborn stains that are difficult to remove. Another highly recommended approach is to use a water softener to treat your water.
Using a Scraper
Utilizing a scraper specifically designed for cleaning windows can effectively eliminate soap scum from your shower door. While bar soap and other cleansing products are generally effective in removing stains, they can cause issues if not thoroughly rinsed. By using a window scraper, you can easily remove any leftover residue.
What you’ll need:
It’s essential to gather all the necessary supplies for concocting your homemade shower scrub. Take a moment to inspect your cupboards and ensure you have vinegar or bicarbonate of soda readily available, as these ingredients can prove highly effective when it comes to shower cleaning.
Baking soda
Baking soda is an exceptional ingredient that can be effectively utilized to cleanse all types of shower doors. When combined with a liquid like vinegar or water, it forms a remarkable shower spray that effortlessly eliminates even the most stubborn soap scum.
Mix baking soda with water and transfer the mixture into a spray bottle. Once the water and baking soda are thoroughly blended, simply spray it onto your shower enclosure to effortlessly clean the glass shower doors. Allow it to sit for approximately 15-20 minutes, then use a towel or sponge to wipe away any remaining water and baking soda residue.
Vinegar
Consider utilizing vinegar as a highly effective cleaning agent, despite its pungent odour. Vinegar, particularly the white variety, when combined with a cleansing detergent, can effectively eliminate almost all types of stains present in your shower. One of the major advantages of vinegar is its liquid form, which allows for easy application using a spray bottle, even in hard-to-reach areas. After applying the vinegar solution to your shower screen, allow it to penetrate and dissolve any grime or soap residue for approximately 30 minutes. However, be cautious not to leave it for too long, as its acidic properties may result in streaks on your glass shower door. Once the vinegar has completed its task, gently remove it using paper towels or a sponge, and ensure any remaining vinegar residue is thoroughly dried using microfiber cloths. Expensive shower scrubbing solutions are unnecessary when you can make use of readily available kitchen cupboard products.
Ammonia
Did you know that ammonia, often associated with hairdressers, can also be utilized for cleaning shower doors? By combining ammonia with warm water in a spray bottle, you can concoct your very own potent shower cleaner. However, it is crucial to avoid mixing ammonia with any bleach, as this can result in the production of highly hazardous toxic fumes. Prior to spraying the mixture onto your shower glass, ensure that you open windows or provide adequate ventilation in your bathroom, as ammonia tends to emit a strong odour. Once your bathroom is well-aerated, simply employ the spray bottle to treat your shower glass and allow it a few minutes to work its magic. After leaving it on for approximately 10-15 minutes, confidently eliminate any remaining residue using a sponge or cloth. Additionally, it is advisable to dry any water stains using a paper towel or a regular towel after wiping down your shower.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a highly effective cleaning solution that is likely to be found in your kitchen on pancake day. It is particularly useful for eliminating grime and mineral deposits from shower doors. Additionally, lemon juice is excellent for eliminating streaks and marks on glass shower doors. For optimal results, it is recommended to combine lemon juice with baking soda. The acidic properties of lemon juice react with baking soda to form a foam, which is perfect for cleaning various parts of the bathroom, not just the shower door. Next time you plan on deep cleaning your shower, consider utilizing a mixture of lemon juice and baking soda.
Regular cleaning product
If the stains on your glass shower doors are not too severe, regular cleaning products can do the job effectively. Simply take a sponge and utilize any standard cleansing solutions available in your utility cupboard, as they can often be sufficient. After completing the cleaning process, make sure to thoroughly wipe down your shower using a paper towel or a similar drying item. It is important to prevent excessive moisture accumulation, as this can promote the growth of mould.
Utilize Your Spray
After selecting a shower cleaner solution that meets your satisfaction, proceed to combine the solution in a spray bottle. Generously spray the entire surface of your shower glass screen with the mixture. The spray bottle proves to
be an invaluable tool, allowing you to effortlessly reach and clean those hard-to-reach spots located higher up that would typically pose a challenge.
Allow It to Soak
An essential but often overlooked step is to let your cleaning mixture soak in. Wiping it away too soon will prevent it from effectively eliminating all the soap scum on your glass. To achieve that dazzling shine, most solutions require a soaking time of 10-15 minutes. However, for mixtures like vinegar and water, you can leave it for up to 30 minutes. Avoid leaving acidic cleansing agents on your glass door for too long, as it may leave streaks.
After approximately 15 minutes, it is now time to eliminate any remaining cleaning mixtures from your glass door. Gently wipe away the solutions, avoiding excessive scrubbing which may result in streaks. It is advisable to use a soft sponge instead of a scouring pad to prevent any potential damage to your shower. Alternatively, if available, a glass window scraper can be used. Acquiring a scraper is highly recommended as it is specifically designed for shower screens and glass doors.
Rinse thoroughly to eliminate any residue.
it is highly recommended to utilize water for rinsing. Simply fill a bucket with water and carefully pour it over the glass surfaces in your shower. This will help maintain the pristine appearance of your shower door. Additionally, this step is particularly crucial if you have employed a potent solution like white vinegar or ammonia. A final rinse with water serves to neutralize any strong Odours, preventing them from overpowering your bathroom.
Final Step!
It is essential to effectively eliminate any remaining watermarks by utilizing a paper towel or microfiber cloth. This precautionary measure is equally crucial even after using the shower. Consistently ensuring the drying of your shower glass after each use is a highly effective technique to maintain the cleanliness of your bathroom.
Conclusion
Regularly cleaning your shower door is crucial due to the combination of high temperatures and water vapor, which creates humidity. Failing to clean it can result in the accumulation of mould and a dirty appearance. Ideally, you should aim to scrub your shower door at least once a week, particularly if it is made of glass. Take a sponge and remove any scum build-up on your glass door, while also ensuring that you continuously clean your bathroom surfaces to prevent the formation of grime.