While clean and shiny shower glass and hardware look amazing and elevate a bathroom, we’ve all seen glass showers so laden with soap scum and water spots that they have the opposite effect. But is this fate unavoidable if you want to upgrade from a shower curtain to a glass enclosure? The Glass Simple Team brings over a century of combined experience in the glass world, so we’ll look at pro answers to glass shower cleaning questions.

1. Does a glass shower need to be cleaned every day?

It is not practical to clean shower glass daily, and thankfully this is not necessary. As a general rule, a weekly cleaning is enough to maintain a shower area’s fresh appearance and overall cleanliness. However, drying the shower glass after each use is recommended by glass pros. The harder the tap water in a bathroom, the more crucial this step is. Why? Elements in water, especially hard water, can obviously leave spots on glass, but some minerals, such as calcium, are actually corrosive and can permanently etch your glass door. Keep in mind that removing water drops after a shower does not have to be onerous. If you keep a small rubber squeegee inside the enclosure, you will find that it’s easy to add squeegeeing the glass to your morning routine and that it takes only a couple minutes.

2. How can I keep the inside of the shower presentable if it’s going to be visible through clear glass?

For starters, it’s worth noting that while clear glass is the most popular choice, custom glass showers can also be built from privacy glass options such as acid-etched or patterned glass. However, like many others, you might prefer clear glass for one or more of the following reasons:

• It helps the shower and bathroom look more open and spacious.
• It doesn’t hide the new wall tile that’s often part of a bathroom renovation.
• It is completely neutral and matches any color palette and most decorating styles.

Here are a few pro tips for keeping the inside of the shower stall fresh and attractive with minimal effort.

• Start by decluttering the stall so that you have as few items to keep tidy as possible.
• Buy matching decanters for your shampoo, conditioner, and body wash because this will instantly give the space a more cohesive look.
• Don’t stop at squeegeeing the glass, but squeegee the tile walls and floor as well. If you remove water from these surfaces, you will minimize water spots and soap scum buildup here just as on the glass itself.

3. Will I have to spend lots of money on special cleaning products for the shower glass?

No. It’s crucial to stay away from harsh or abrasive cleaning agents or tools and to only use approved cleaners and soft cloths and sponges. However, a suitable cleaning agent can be made at home by mixing equal parts water and vinegar. Likewise, rags can be made from cast-off towels or clothing, and old newspapers have been prized by many as perfect for streak-free glass cleaning.

On the other hand, if you already have a glass shower, and it’s marred by water spots, you might need to purchase specialized products, such as a water stain removal kit. Once you’ve gotten the old glass as clean possible, adopt the practice of squeegeeing after showers and establish a regular cleaning schedule to keep it from regressing.

4. Are there tips for keeping the hardware clean and shiny as well?

Glass shower experts recommend a very similar process for taking care of your shower’s metal components. If time allows, dry the hardware after each shower with an absorbent towel. Hardware should be included in the weekly cleaning, but expensive cleaning agents are not needed here, either. Simply make a weak solution of water and gentle liquid soap. Wash the shower’s clamps, hinges, door handle, etc. with this solution and a soft cloth. Rinse completely and buff dry.

In summary, proper maintenance is the key to making a glass shower easy to clean. If you take a few minutes to remove water droplets after each shower, you will likely be surprised at how quick and easy your weekly shower cleaning is. If you are planning a DIY glass shower upgrade and have questions about the necessary hardware, we invite you to give Glass Simple’s Virginia-based team a call at (571)707-7760.