How to clean a glass shower

Now more than ever, homeowners are utilising glass in their home's interior design for its versatility and durability, as well as its aesthetic qualities; anything from glass splashbacks, to wardrobes, pool-fencing, and partitioning. Glass shower screens in particular are a practical and good-looking solution to any bathroom. However, the level of limescale and the water type in your area directly determines the amount of work necessary to keep those attractive glass panels in pristine condition.

When searching for effective shower screen cleaning solutions on forums, there are a good many that work for one and not another. One forum member posted that her best solution to an unsightly shower screen was to just squint and not look directly at it when she entered the bathroom. Points that need to be factored into the best method for you to maintain a sparkling shower screen are, how long the limescale and water marks have had a chance to build up, the frequency and time you have available to spend on cleaning it, and the willingness of the rest of the household to help out.

There are of course glass cleaners available on the market that have been specifically designed to eliminate limescale, watermarks, mold, mildew, and discolouration from your shower. These usually need to be applied, and left to do their work for a specified time before rinsing. Always follow the instructions carefully, ensure the shower room is well ventilated, and prevent anyone from using it until the product has been thoroughly rinsed off. There are now non-toxic biodegradable versions of these cleaners that are just as effective, but without containing any acids, chlorine, or bleach, are safer for those with children in the house, and even easier on the plumbing when rinsed off. Click here to find out more about the Amaz Water Stain Remover. This glass cleaning product is chemical-free and will do the job that all the other cleaners find difficult to remove.

If opting for a totally natural cleaning solution, there are a few options to try:

• Fabric softener – apply to the shower screen, leave for 2 hours, then rinse off.
• Vinegar – use white vinegar from a spray bottle, and scrub the screen with a non-abrasive pad, rinse off with warm water.
• Baking soda – wet the glass and wipe the soda on with a cloth, rinse off after it has formed a paste.

Once your shower screen is back to its former glory, invest in a small window-cleaner's squeegee and persuade the rest of the household to simply squeegee the glass after they've showered.  Making this a part of everyone's routine takes seconds, but prevents the watermarks and limescale from taking hold in the first place. Anyone not complying could be threatened with cleaning duties to encourage them.

In the first instance, when installing or replacing an existing shower screen, if you have a large busy household, or just don't feel like constant cleaning, consider a smoked or frosted glass effect that won't show the marks up as easy. Ask your friendly glass professional what they would recommend for that particular area that would be the most practical easy-clean option that still brings you the highly finished look for your shower room, without the need to squint.

You can speak to a friendly consultant at All Things Glass if you need any advice about shower glass or shower screens. We are also your one-stop shop for all things glass - splashbacks, mirrors, sliding robes and more. Visit our website to find out more or give us a call for an obligation-free quote.