How to Clean and Care for a Glass Shower Screen

A new glass shower screen looks fantastic. The trick is keeping it that way. The good news is that it doesn't take much: a few seconds after each shower and a quick wipe each week will do most of the work.

Here's a straightforward routine, along with the mistakes that can damage glass, seals and hardware.

Why shower glass gets cloudy

Cloudy glass usually comes from two things working together:

• Soap scum: residue from soap, shampoo and body wash that sticks to the glass.
• Mineral deposits: when water evaporates it can leave minerals behind as white spots. How bad this is depends on your local water.

Left alone, these build up into a film that's much harder to shift. The goal of any cleaning routine is to stop that build-up before it starts.

The daily habit: squeegee after every shower

If you only do one thing, do this. Keep a squeegee in the shower and run it down the glass after each use. It takes about 20 seconds.

1. Start at the top corner and pull the blade straight down.
2. Overlap each stroke slightly.
3. Finish with a quick swipe along the bottom edge.

Removing water before it dries means minerals and soap don't get the chance to settle. It's the single biggest difference between glass that stays clear and glass that needs scrubbing.

Leaving the door open or running the exhaust fan afterwards also helps the area dry faster and reduces mould on seals.

The weekly clean

Once a week, give the glass a proper wipe.

You'll need:

• A mild, non-abrasive glass or bathroom cleaner (or warm water with a little dishwashing liquid)
• A soft microfibre cloth or non-scratch sponge
• A dry microfibre cloth for finishing

Steps:

1. Spray the glass and leave it for a minute to loosen residue.
2. Wipe with the soft cloth or sponge, working top to bottom.
3. Rinse with clean water.
4. Squeegee, then buff dry with a dry cloth for a streak-free finish.

Don't forget the inside and outside of the glass, and the bottom edge where water tends to sit.

The monthly check

Every month or so, spend a few extra minutes on the details.

• Seals and wipers: Wipe down rubber seals and door sweeps. If you spot mould, a mild bathroom cleaner and a soft brush usually lifts it. Seals that are torn or hardened can be replaced.
• Hinges, clamps and handles: Wipe with a damp soft cloth and dry them. This keeps the finish looking good, especially on black, brushed and gold hardware.
• Tracks (sliding screens): Clear any hair or grit from the track so the door keeps gliding smoothly.
• Silicone: Check the silicone where glass meets tiles. If it's lifting or discoloured, it may need re-doing to keep water where it belongs.

Dealing with hard water spots

If white spots have already built up, a gentle mix of white vinegar and warm water (roughly half and half) can help dissolve mineral deposits on the glass.

• Spray it on, leave for a few minutes, then wipe and rinse thoroughly.
• Keep vinegar off natural stone, and rinse hardware promptly, as acids can affect some finishes over time.
• For stubborn marks, repeat rather than scrubbing harder.

If you're unsure about a product on a particular finish, test it on a small, hidden area first or give us a call.

What to avoid

These are the common ways shower screens get damaged:

• Abrasive scourers and steel wool: they can scratch glass permanently.
• Powdered or gritty cleansers: same problem, just slower.
• Harsh chemicals such as bleach-heavy or ammonia-heavy cleaners on hardware: these can dull or discolour finishes.
• Razor blades on coated glass: if your glass has a protective coating, blades can strip it.
• Hanging heavy items on the door: towels and caddies hung over a frameless door put extra strain on the hinges.

Does protective coating help?

Some glass can be treated with a coating that helps water bead and run off, which makes daily cleaning easier. Ask us whether a coating is available for your screen and how to look after it.

A quick routine you can stick to

• Every shower: Squeegee the glass.
• Every week: Spray, wipe, rinse and dry.
• Every month: Check seals, hardware, tracks and silicone.

That's it. A few minutes a week keeps your screen looking close to new, and stops small issues becoming big ones.

Need a hand?

If your current screen is beyond saving (scratched, leaking or with hardware that's seen better days), it might be time for a new one. We measure, make and install custom shower screens across Ballarat, Ararat and Stawell.