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More Maintenance Tips for Your Custom Shower Doors
Last time on the blog, we looked at low maintenance coatings for custom shower doors, but many homeowners are looking for ways to keep their shower doors clean in other ways. It’s been a while since we talked about different simple tools for maintaining beautiful glass shower doors and it’s good to refer back to that post for word on squeegees.
The challenge for some homeowners is that using a squeegee immediately after using the shower isn’t always practical. Consequently, this time we’ll look at conventional cleaning methods and the specific dos and don’ts for protecting your investment in your custom shower doors.
Daily Maintenance
Wiping down your shower doors after each use prevents soap scum build-up, lengthening the time you can go between cleaning with window cleaner. Wick away moisture with 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 about an hour after each use to allow moisture to evaporate, and always run your venting system during your shower and for a few minutes after. Touch-up streaks or build-up with a quick spritz of ammonia-free
window cleaner as needed to maintain a crystal-clear finish.
What to Avoid
Ammonia-based glass cleaners can harm glass shower doors, and abrasive brushes and sponges can leave scratches in the glass and wear down the finish of the door’s frame. The manufacturer of your glass shower door may require that you avoid these cleaning products and tools, as well as others, in order to maintain your warranty. Always read the care instructions for your shower door or contact the manufacturer if you don’t have instructions on-hand prior to cleaning.
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 product that isn’t safe for shower doors. Ammonia-based products wear down certain films or treatments that were applied to the glass by the manufacturer. But their biggest drawback is the damage they do to the surrounding metal, including the handle, frame and track. Ammonia eats through the metal’s finish over time, leaving behind an uneven color and texture and marring the look of your shower. Even if you have frameless custom shower doors, avoid ammonia-based products to protect the coating on the glass.
Natural Glass Cleaner
Store-bought glass cleaner works well for weekly maintenance, yet it’s not capable of cutting through thick layers of soap scum. Distilled white vinegar acts as a natural glass cleaner, effectively breaking through layers of film that store-bought products can’t touch, all without harming the frame or hardware around the glass. A paste of baking soda and water also removes tough soap scum, leaving behind a shiny finish. For the most effective solution, rinse the baking soda off with white distilled vinegar. Image Glass also sells our own glass cleaner that our glaziers use in the shop and during your install. Ask us about it!
At Image Glass, we start with the best design, materials and installation techniques and provide the knowledge that you need to keep your custom shower doors looking wonderful for years to come. The goal is to ensure that you are satisfied from the first meeting to the final installation inspection and beyond. To learn more about how each Image Glass Installer can help you to achieve beauty, efficiency, safety, and comfort with each installation, call us at (732) 438-8551
to speak to one of our glass specialists.
We are excited to announce Image Glass has grown & acquired Hillsborough Glass Company! Kurt is the new owner of Hillsborough Glass, which will now be known as Image Glass LLC with 2 locations- Monmouth Junction and Hillsborough. Hillsborough Glass began in 1976 with George “Chip” Christiansen. John Harenza began working for him in 1977. John took over Hillsborough Glass in 2002 and has been in the industry for 43 years. Kurt worked summers at Hillsborough Glass growing up, and started officially working at Hillsborough Glass in 2000 to learn the trade. In 2003 he went off on his own to create Image Glass LLC. in Monmouth Junction NJ. Hillsborough Glass and Image glass have always worked hand in hand over the last 20 years with Hillsborough Glass serving Somerset County and Image Glass serving Middlesex County. Even though our name is changing, you will still see the same friendly faces, as our friend John is staying on board as well as the rest of the team. We are so excited to now be servicing Somerset County with our new name Image Glass moving forward!
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