Home

Can Window Cleaner Ruin Glass Shower Doors?

Glass shower doors create a Best Bathroom Design Ideas Milwaukee look larger, protecting the area around the shower from soap and water splatters without blocking the line of sight or the room’s lighting. Various glass cleaners, both store-bought and organic, securely and effectively clean bathtub doors without ruining the end of the glass or frame, but some hurt the door as time passes. When cleaning, use lint-free rags or paper towels for the best results.

Store-Bought Window Cleaner

Ammonia-free glass cleaner effectively removes dirt and soap scum, leaving behind a streak-free, shiny finish. Its counterpart, window cleaner with ammonia, is the item which is not safe for doors. Ammonia-based products wear down certain films or treatments which were applied to the glass by the manufacturer. But their main drawback is the damage they do to the surrounding metal, including the handle, framework and track. Ammonia eats through the metal’s finish with time, leaving behind the uneven colour and texture and marring the look of your shower. Even when you’ve got a frameless shower door, then avoid ammonia-based products to safeguard the coating on the glass.

Natural Glass Cleaner

Store-bought glass cleaner works well for weekly maintenance, yet it is not effective at cutting through heavy layers of soap scum. Distilled white vinegar acts as a natural glass cleaner, effectively splitting through layers of film which store-bought products can’t touch, all without damaging the hardware or frame around the glass. A paste of baking soda and water also removes tough soap scum, leaving behind a shiny finish. To get the most effective solution, rinse the baking soda with white distilled vinegar.

Daily Maintenance

Wiping down your bathtub doors after each use prevents soap scum build-up, lengthening the time you can go between cleaning with window cleaner. Wick away moisture using a microfiber towel or window squeegee after each shower. A dampened microfiber towel or squeegee works best, absorbing more moisture without leaving behind streaks. Leave the shower door open for around a hour or so after each use to permit moisture to evaporate, and constantly run your venting system throughout your bathtub and for a few minutes after. Touch-up streaks or build-up with a fast spritz of ammonia-free window cleaner as required to keep up a crystal-clear finish.

What to prevent

Ammonia-based glass cleaners can damage glass doors, and abrasive brushes and sponges can leave scratches in the glass and also wear the finish down of the door’s frame. The manufacturer of the glass shower door may require that you avoid these cleaning products and tools, in addition to others, in order to maintain your warranty. Always read the care instructions to the shower door or touch with the manufacturer if you don’t have instructions on-hand before cleaning.