Glass doors, whether they are exterior doors or shower doors, are a great addition to any home. They allow more natural light to enter into your home making them ideal for those who are looking to cut back on energy costs. They also provide a sleeker and more open look than traditional shower curtains or wooden exterior doors, making them a favorite among interior designers and aesthetically conscious homeowners. However, like windows and other glass surfaces, glass doors do require some special considerations when it comes time to clean. Unlike a lot of other surfaces, glass doors display dirt and grime quite apparently, and if they are improperly cleaned and maintained, you may see spots and other residue accumulate excessively. These spots are most commonly found in bathrooms on glass shower doors as they are a result of soap scum and hard water (water that contains large amounts of minerals like calcium or magnesium).

To prevent these spots, please refer to the short guide below:

• Use the right cleaning solution –  First and foremost, the most important thing you can do to prevent spots and other residues from accumulating on your glass doors or windows is to use the right cleaning solution. The simplest solution you can use to properly clean glass surfaces can easily be made at home. To make this solution. Simply mix equal parts of water and vinegar together in a spray bottle. Then, spray the mixture of vinegar and water over the accumulated residue and spots on the glass and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, all you need to do is simply wipe the glass surface clean to remove the spots and residue. Other cleaning solutions exist on the market that work to similar or greater effect—with some even designed to add a protective layer over your glass surfaces to prevent future accumulation of dirt and residue—but this tried and true vinegar and water solution should work fine in most cases. 

• Use a squeegee – If you are finding that your microfiber rag is not holding up to the task alone, then investing in a squeegee might be the solution for you. Squeegees allow you to get better reach and force when cleaning glass surfaces, making your efforts more effective and efficient. To clean your glass surfaces with a squeegee, simply drag the squeegee down across the surface, making sure you thoroughly cover every part of the surface. Once you’ve thoroughly dragged the squeegee across the entire surface, now is the time to go in with your microfiber rag. Use your microfiber rag to soak up any excess water from the surface to prevent streaks. Then, leave the area alone to dry so as to prevent mildew and grime buildup.

For more information regarding the prevention and removal of spots from your glass shower or exterior doors, or for a consultation on glass door or window installation, contact our team of professionals at Hiegel Glass today!