Crystal-clear shower glass – we all want it, need it, and love to see it. But bringing it to life in your own bathroom? That can be a challenge. Partly because not every glass cleaner for shower glass does as good of a job as it’s supposed to. Not only that, but you need to know how to clean shower glass doors properly in order for any product to be able to work its magic. If you find yourself challenged by foggy and spotty shower surfaces, look no further. This article will walk you through the fundamentals of cleaning glass like a pro.
Choosing the Best Glass Cleaner for Shower
Different Types of Glass Cleaner for Shower
Before getting onto the basics of how to clean a shower door, it’s important that we clear something else up – no pun intended – right away. There are multiple types of glass cleaners for showers, each with their own specific properties.
Sprays
Sprays are convenient and easy to use, but they tend to evaporate quickly and may not be as efficient at getting rid of tough stains.
Concentrates
Concentrates offer a much stronger solution and can be diluted as needed.
Foams
Foam cleaners cling to surfaces and stay in place for longer.
Gels
Gels can be left on an area for a longer period of time and really penetrate into tough stains.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Glass Cleaner for Shower
Of course, method of application shouldn’t be the only thing you consider when selecting a glass cleaner for your shower. There’s also:
Type of Stain
Sticky residue like soap scum will require a more aggressive product, while water spots may be wiped away with something less powerful.
Type of Glass
Not all glass is created equal. Look for a cleaner specifically made for your type of glass, particularly if it’s treated or tinted
Eco-friendliness
Cleaners that are biodegradable and made with natural ingredients like vinegar or baking soda are better for your home and the planet than chemical-rich ones.
Ease of Use
If you’re looking for a no-hassle experience, there are cleaners that come pre-mixed and ready to use; or ones with sprays for easy application.
Scent
Cleaners that leave behind pleasant, light scents are obviously preferable over those that leave no scent at all – or worse, a burning aroma of bleach – in your bathroom.
Brand Reputation
Do your research and read reviews to make sure the cleaner you’re considering is effective and won’t damage your glass.
Finding the Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Doors
Full disclosure – there is no single best cleaner for glass shower doors. Oftentimes, you’ll actually need more than one. Mixing the use of distilled white vinegar and then heavy-duty products with chemicals is one of the most effective ways to get your glass shower doors squeaky clean. The natural acidity of vinegar is great for cleaning soap scum and hard water stains, while the chemical cleaners will help tackle the persistent dirt and grime that the vinegar couldn’t remove.
Homemade Solutions
Cleaning glass shower doors can feel like an overwhelming task. It’s not just a matter of knowing how to clean bathroom glass doors – actually removing the scale of grime and build-up found in most people’s bathrooms is an intensive job. So much so, that you may be considering using the strongest chemical glass cleaner for shower surfaces you can find to make things easier.
Don’t!
Although they make big promises on their label, store-bought cleaners often do more harm to your home than good. Not to mention, they’re also super expensive!
These natural alternatives can be just as cost-effective and dirt-destroying:
White Vinegar
White vinegar is extremely good at dissolving hard water stains and soap scum. It’s easy to formulate as a cleaner, too – simply heat and mix with some dish soap for exceptional cleaning power.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a great option for lighter cases of soap scum buildup, and you’ll enjoy the pleasant citrus scent as well! Buy pre squeezed lemon juice or combine half a cup of fresh-squeezed juice with one quart of warm water, spray, then wipe.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is an excellent abrasive cleaner, and it works great for tougher grime buildup on your glass surfaces. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda with a quart of warm water, then scrub away!
Cornstarch
Mix one cup of cornstarch with one cup of vinegar and some soap. The final product will do away with nasty stains and watermarks like nobody’s business!
Manufactured Cleaners
It’s worth saying that now every store bought glass shower cleaner is bad. Some brands make products that can be particularly helpful when it comes to tackling tough stains.
Popular examples include:
Bio-Clean Hard Water Stain Remover
Bio-Clean Hard Water Stain Remover is ideal for homes with hard water. This shower glass cleaner quickly removes limescale and hard water stains from shower doors, tiles, fixtures and other bathroom surfaces. The product is easy to use; simply spray on the affected area and wipe off with a damp cloth.
Clean-X Repel
Clean-X Repel quickly removes dirt, grime, soap scum buildup and smudges from glass shower walls, doors and fixtures. It’s also designed to leave behind a protective coating that repels water, preventing future build-up of water stains or soap scum.
InvisibleShield Glass & Surface Cleaner
InvisibleShield Glass & Surface Cleaner’s special formula repels water and prevents it from sticking to surfaces, resulting in less scum buildup and fewer spots and streaks.
Windex Glass Cleaner
A household name in glass cleaning, Windex is known for creating products that leave behind a streak-free shine every time. You can get multi[ple types of Windex, like ammonia-free formulas, outdoor cleaners and more.
Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner
Just think of all that bacteria lingering on your shower walls and glass – ick! Lysol Power Bathroom Cleaner has you covered, featuring an antibacterial formula that kills 99.9% of germs on contact and keeps surfaces clean longer. It can be used on more than just glass, too.
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors, Floor & Walls
Step 1: Prepare the Shower for Cleaning
Now for the important life lesson that they never taught you in school: how to clean shower glass. Preparation is the first and arguably most important step in the process, setting the stage for everything to follow. Although you may feel inclined to just go nuts and start scrubbing everything you see, these best practices will ensure your efforts have maximum effect:
Clearing the Shower Area
Trying to clean glass shower doors can feel impossible when you’ve got tons of stuff in the way. Shampoos, soaps, razors, and shower mats all have important roles to play when the water is running, but right now, they’ve got to be cleared out. Take the time to remove any personal items that may impede your cleaning job. Suction cup containers should go, along with rinse cups and any potential tripping hazards. Also be sure to clear that hair out of the drain while you’re at it.
Initial Rinse
The first thing you’ll need to do before actually cleaning glass shower doors is rinse everything off. Warm water will wet the residue on the glass and make it easier to remove afterwards. You can rinse glass shower doors with a hose attachment, a detachable shower head, or use a sponge and bucket for smaller surfaces. In any case, it’s important to prep the entire glass surface area for the products and unwavering scrubbing you’ll be doing.
Treating Heavy Stains
Now it’s time to break out that heavy-duty shower glass door cleaner and pretreat the tough stains that you know will take a while to eliminate. This includes all of the common offenders; dirt, mildew, and hard water spots can all be made less intimidating with some preemptive action on your part. We recommend directly applying a strong glass cleaning product to the affected area and allowing it to soak for a few minutes before scrubbing with a clean cloth or sponge. Avoid using steel wool or any brushes that are too abrasive, as they could cause the surface to become scratched.
Treating Soap Scum
This is perhaps the biggest job your bathroom glass door cleaner will have to do. Soap scum easily accumulates on shower doors, bathroom tiles, and other glass surfaces over time, but is unironically very difficult to get rid of. Pretreatment comes in handy in this instance too, as it can work to soften up the problem areas while you clean the rest of your bathroom. Plus, why waste your time scrubbing ruthlessly on unsightly scum when a product can do the heavy lifting for you? We suggest spraying your chosen cleaner on the soap scum, waiting a minute or two, and then proceeding with scrubbing.
Ventilation
While cleaning glass shower doors may seem like a low-stakes job, it’s worth mentioning the safety hazards that chemical cleaners can pose if not used properly. Good ventilation is essential when using chemical cleaners, as the fumes from these products can be quite toxic and even cause permanent damage to your lungs if inhaled in large doses. Make sure you have all windows and doors open in the area you’re cleaning and use fans to ventilate any fumes that may be present.
Step 2: Applying the Glass Cleaner for Shower
Finally, we’ve reached the most anticipated part of this job – actually cleaning shower glass. It’s a relatively straightforward process, although you’ll definitely want to keep some things in mind while carrying it out.
Only use a moderate amount of glass cleaner on your sponge or squeegee to spread the product evenly and avoid using too much in one spot. The goal is to just give enough coverage for the cleaner to do its job, without making a mess. Also be sure to carefully read the product label for instructions and any applicable safety warnings before getting started.
Step 3: Letting the Cleaner Work
Without being dramatic, glass shower door cleaner is a modern miracle. Back in the old days, people would literally have to scrub on their hands and knees for hours to get tough grime off of their glass. But with this stuff, it’s only a matter of spraying and letting the formula work its magic. The trick is to pick a good dwell time that allows the cleaner to break down grime and soap scum, but not so long that it damages or etches your glass.
Step 4: Scrubbing the Shower Glass
Regardless of how fancy it is, every glass cleaner for shower surfaces will need to be wiped off properly in order to have its full effect. The basics of scrubbing are simple: use a cleaning sponge and work in circular motions, starting at the corners and working your way out. There are multiple types of cleaning sponges, so it’s recommended that you do some reading on which is right for your shower before starting any kind of actual scrubbing.
Step 5: Rinsing Off the Cleaner
The last and possibly most satisfying part of cleaning shower doors, rinsing, is all about removing any remaining product. Start by rinsing off the surface with cool water, making sure to hit every spot where cleaner was used. Make sure to keep the pressure on when you rinse, as this will help ensure a streak free finish in the end. A clean, dry microfiber cloth can then be used to gently dry the surface in circular motions.
Professional Cleaning Services by Jiffy Home
So, by now we’ve explained how to clean glass shower doors – fundamental knowledge that every homeowner should have. But what about the best way to clean glass shower doors? Surprise! It’s not doing it yourself. Professionals like the team at Jiffy Home do this tough job for a living and are a sure bet for spectacular results every time. Customized cleaning solutions provide you with the best value for your money, and the satisfaction guarantee lets you rest assured knowing that you’re in good hands.
For fast, efficient and reliable cleaning services for glass shower doors or any other surfaces – call now to get a quote from Jiffy Home and let the experts take care of your cleaning needs!
How to Keep Shower Glass Clean for Longer
Whether you’ve done the job yourself or opted to hire a pro, it’s easy to see why you might want to know how to keep glass shower doors clean for longer after this whole ordeal. Don’t worry – we have some great tips!
Follow these best practices for clean shower glass that lasts:
• Wipe Down After Each Use
Clean shower doors and other glass surfaces with a squeegee or microfiber cloth after each use to remove excess water. This small but important step will help prevent water spots and soap scum from building up.
• Good Ventilation
Although it may not be the first thing you think of when it comes to showering, good ventilation is essential to prevent moisture buildup. Use an exhaust fan during and after showers to help reduce the amount of moisture that accumulates on the glass surfaces.
• Avoid Harsh Soaps
Harsh soaps and bar soaps are notorious for leaving behind residue that can build up and cloud glass. Avoid them whenever possible!
• Keep Your Shower Products Tidy
Make sure all your shower products are properly closed and stored away after each use. This will help reduce the amount of soap scum on the glass that can be difficult to clean off later. Shower caddies are great for organizing and keeping items in one place, although we recommend choosing one that doesn’t attach to your shower’s glass directly.
• Seal the Glass
A lot of the work that goes into cleaning shower doors can be avoided altogether with a sealant. This will create an invisible barrier that prevents soap scum and hard water deposits from forming on the glass. Waxes and sealants are available at most home improvement stores, are cost-effective, and might just save you a lot of time and effort in the long run.
Contact Jiffy Home for Professional Bathroom Cleaning Services
Now that you know how to clean shower doors properly, it’s time to actually start the job. While it’s traditionally loathed and long-winded, the tips we provided here – specifically picking the right products, prepping well, and being proactive – should help speed things up. If you’re looking to make your bathroom cleaning day even easier, it may be worth considering hiring a professional service like Jiffy Home for the job. Our team of experts can take care of any bathroom in no time and make it look new again. Contact us to get started today!
