Your shower screen can go dingy and covered in soap scum and grime in no time flat. But with some regular maintenance and proper know-how, you can get that shower screen sparkling again easily. Read on for some top tips and tricks to keep your shower screen shining like new, from getting rid of those thumbprints to sorting out hard water stains and soap scum buildup. With these straightforward simple methods using things you probably already have at home, you'll have that brand new shower look back in no time!
Gather the Necessary Supplies
In order to properly clean and maintain your shower screen, you'll need a few basic supplies.
List of essential cleaning supplies
- Vinegar - This natural cleaner is great for cutting through soap scum and hard water stains. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water for an all-purpose shower screen spray.
- Microfiber cloths - These soft cloths pick up dirt and grime without being abrasive to glass. They're perfect for wiping down and buffing your shower screen to a streak-free shine.
- Glass cleaner - If you prefer a prepared glass cleaner, choose one that is vinegar-based or ammonia-free. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Rubber squeegee - A shower squeegee is key for removing drops of water after every shower. This helps prevent minerals in the water from forming hard water spots and soap scum from building up.
Importance of using the right tools and products
Having the right cleaning supplies makes a big difference with shower screen cleaning and maintenance. Harsh abrasive cleaners and non-microfiber cloths can actually do more harm than good, scratching or marring your glass. And skipping the squeegee step after each shower allows soap scum and mineral buildup to accelerate. By following a simple routine with the proper tools and products, you can save yourself a lot of extra elbow grease and restore your glass to a spotless shine.
Establish a Regular Cleaning Routine
Developing a habit of cleaning your shower screen right after use will make a huge difference. From personal experience maintaining two different shower screens over the years, I've discovered a few key lessons:
- Squeegee first, clean deeper later - The most important thing is squeegeeing excess water after each shower. This was a game changer for me. I used to clean mine once a week but soap scum kept building up. Now I squeegee after each use and only do a deeper clean once a month.
- Vinegar works magic - I started with store bought cleaners but switched to vinegar and water. My shower screens truly came alive again after I knocked off the buildup with the vinegar spray. I was shocked at how well it worked.
- Never use abrasives - In the past I made the mistake of using abrasive sponges or cleaners. I quickly learned these just scratch glass over time and lose their effectiveness. Stick to microfiber cloths and non-abrasive cleaners.
- Patience is key - When first removing built-up soap scum, expect the cleaning process to take time. Spray, wipe, rinse and repeat until all residue is gone. Take breaks if needed! Think in this way, doing housework is not a waste of time, it is one kind of meditation.
- Focus on consistency - Deep cleans are useless without keeping up the daily squeegee habit. Remind yourself of that sparkling finish you want to maintain and soon the squeegee routine will become second nature.
Get more maintenance tips: Shower Screens Unveiled: Choose, Install & Maintain for a Luxe Bathroom!
Dealing with Stubborn Stains or Build-up
Handling hard water stains from shower screen
Mix equal parts white distilled vinegar or fresh lemon juice with water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto stubborn hard water stains and allow it to sit for 5 to10 minutes. The acidity of the vinegar or lemon juice can help break down mineral deposits.
Create a thick paste using 2-3 tablespoons of baking soda and a few drops of water. Gently rub the paste onto stained areas using a cloth or soft sponge. The abrasiveness of the baking soda can help scrub away tough hard water stains.
Removing soap scum and mold from shower screen
Mix 3 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Apply the paste directly onto soap scum and mold and let it sit for 15 minutes. The bubbling reaction will help break down the buildup. Use a non-abrasive sponge or soft brush to gently scrub soap scum and mold residue from the glass after the mixture has been applied.
Seeking professional assistance if necessary
If homemade remedies do not resolve stubborn stains or buildup, consider hiring a professional cleaner or glass restoration company for the best results. The screen manufacturer may be able to recommend specific products or cleaning methods.
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