Smudges, streaks, water spots and soap scum are just a couple of the challenges involved with cleaning glass shower doors. Factor in mold and mildew growth and keeping up a sparkling shower frequently becomes a dreaded domestic task. A variety of techniques — from natural methods like vinegar to heavy-duty options like oven cleaner — create cleaning the shower door and frame a amazingly simple, efficient and inoffensive household chore.
Getting Rid of Soap Scum
Soap scum detracts from the attractiveness of a pristine glass finish. For a sparkling shower free of slime and dirt, soak a sponge in white vinegar and then gently wipe down the doorway. After setting for five minutes, soap scum rinses away with warm water. The exact same technique efficiently heals rust, in addition to calcium and lime deposits, on an aluminum shower door framework. Wear gloves when working with vinegar since the acids can be harsh on skin; also be ready for the strong scent of vinegar which will fade away after a few showers. For a stronger solution with less lingering odor, utilize an all-purpose household cleaner. Especially stubborn residue may respond best to a bathroom cleaner specifically formulated to deal with soap scum. Save yourself some scrubbing by spraying and waiting a few minutes before wiping the surface down. Use that time for another powder-room cleaning task, like emptying the wastebasket or inventorying the medicine cabinet.
Farewell to Mold and Mildew
While soap scum is unappealing to look at, mold and mildew are potential health hazards. This dangerous duo grows in the track between the glass door and the frame. Skip the vinegar and go straight for something stronger: bleach and hydrogen peroxide are effective in eliminating all kinds of toxic mold. Spray the solution to cracks and gaps, wait a few minutes and rinse with warm water. For caked-in mold and mildew, then use an old toothbrush to access hard-to-reach spaces. Duplicate as necessary. Wear disposable gloves and throw them off immediately following this cleaning task as mold spreads easily and can lead to a costly household infestation if not properly contained.
Banishing Water Spots
When you have hard water, then you likely suffer from water spots: apartment, crystallized drops left behind by minerals. Water spots also react to vinegar, but aren’t quite as obstinate as soap scum. A 1-1 ratio of water and vinegar delivers a powerful cleaning solution equal to that of a ceramic glass cleaner. Spray, wait and wipe with a clean microfiber cloth. In a pinch, a fabric softener sheet can be used to soften water deposits; just wet the glass and then rinse with the sheet. Rubbing clear car wax to the glass prevents water spots from reforming but be careful to keep it from the ground to avoid slips and falls.
Tips and Techniques
To maintain your bathtub looking its best between deep cleanings, use a squeegee after each use. For convenience, keep it on a nearby wall-mounted suction hook for easy access. It takes just seconds to wipe down the bathtub, but produces cleaning much easier: by avoiding the combination of water and soap from drying on the glass, you head off soap scum and water spots. When everything else fails with the stubborn stains, spray the shower door with oven cleaner and let it set overnight. You’ll be greeted by a bright, sparkling shower door when you rinse it away the next morning. Always wear gloves when working with oven cleaner and when possible turn on a fan or open a window for ventilation. If an overpowering odor remains, follow up with a quick wipe down with a vinegar-soaked sponge.