It’s easy to ignore your shower door as long as it’s easy to open and close. But the ease of operation isn’t the only reason you should pay attention to shower door maintenance. Here are the reasons why taking care of your shower door is a good idea.
Keeps the Glass Clear and Clean
A lot of folks don’t think about the actual glass of their shower doors. What they don’t realize is that most places in the United States have hard water. This means the water coming out of most faucets is full of minerals, specifically calcium and magnesium ions. Hard water can do a number on glass that’s exposed to it day in and day out. It etches the glass and leaves it cloudy and leaves limescale on the hardware.
Fortunately, protecting your shower door from hard water is easy. You might want to invest in a water softener where your freshwater’s excess calcium and magnesium are swapped for sodium. This makes the water much softer, not only for your shower door but for your pipes and water-dependent appliances.
The other way to maintain your shower glass is to give it an acid bath now and then. Don’t be alarmed, though. The acid is nothing stronger than white vinegar mixed with an equal amount of dishwashing detergent. Mix them in a spray bottle, then spritz the glass generously. Let it sit on the glass for about 10 minutes, then scrub it away with an old-fashioned, non-scratch type of sponge. Move it in circles for complete coverage. Then rinse the glass with warm water and squeegee.
If the mineral deposits are tough, use the old standby of a paste of baking soda and vinegar. If the deposits seem impossible to remove, you may have to buy a cleanser. The best one uses the acid in rhubarb juice.
Gets Rid of Mold and Mildew
Mold and mildew on your shower door is not only unsightly, but it can be a health hazard. When it comes to getting rid of these pathogens, use a spray bottle with a mix of warm water and bleach or warm water and hydrogen peroxide. Again, you’ll let it sit for about 10 minutes, then scrub it away with a sponge. Some people use a special brush that can get into narrow spaces such as the U-channels. After a thorough scrub, rinse, and let the area dry. One way to keep mold and mildew down is to ventilate the bathroom, so turn on the fan and/or open a window.
Doing these maintenance tasks once a week or so helps to make sure your shower door is sparkling clean and beautiful every time you use the shower. When you need shower door services in Charleston, SC, contact Charleston Bath Experts.
