A shower cabin that gleams with the flawless shine of its glass and sparkles with the impeccably clean surface of its metal fittings is undoubtedly a decorative element of any bathroom. Unfortunately, maintaining the shower cabin in such a condition requires effort and commitment not only from the lady of the house but from all users. How to clean the shower cabin so it remains sparkling and inviting for a bath? Do you need chemical products, or are home remedies sufficient to clean the shower cabin?
How to take care of a shower cabin?
Cleaning the shower cabin requires regularity. After each bath, unsightly soap stains remain on the glass surface. To remove these stains, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the entire surface of the glass as soon as possible. It is best to rinse them thoroughly with water immediately, and remove excess water with a rubber squeegee. Then wipe the glass dry. Shower doors should be left slightly open. This way, we minimize the risk of mold and mildew developing on the damp surface of the shower.
An even greater enemy of shower cabins is limescale. If we do not have a water softening system at home, limescale will inevitably appear in our bathroom over time. The glass of the shower cabin is not perfectly smooth; it has microscopic indentations. Water droplets get trapped in them, and as they evaporate, they leave unsightly limescale deposits. To prevent these deposits, it's important to consistently clean the shower doors and dry them thoroughly.
Invest in a shower cabin with a special coating
Many manufacturers offer shower cabins with a special coating that makes cleaning easier. Glass with a hydrophobic layer displays beading properties, meaning it repels water, so drops do not settle on the surface but flow off on their own, taking dirt, soap, limescale, and other impurities with them. This coating reduces dirt buildup, ensures quicker and more effective removal of dirt, and reduces the need for chemical cleaners to maintain cleanliness in shower cabins.
In the absence of a hydrophobic coating, a great solution would be to protect the glass with a special sealant that effectively shields the shower doors from deposits. The product is sprayed on cleaned and dried glass, then polished until a shiny surface is achieved. This process is repeated twice. The coating lasts several months and needs to be reapplied afterward. Naturally, using coated glass or sealants does not exempt us from regularly cleaning the cabin. Only systematic and thorough dirt removal will preserve the elegant appearance of the shower and extend its lifespan.
Chemical agents for cleaning shower cabins
Drugstores offer many chemical cleaning agents that effectively deal with even the toughest stains in the shower cabin. Among them, you can find cleaning liquids, powders, sprays, and gels. These products are extremely powerful. They quickly tackle dirt, restore the shower cabin to a stunning shine, and leave behind a pleasant scent.
Unfortunately, they also have many drawbacks: they are expensive, harmful to health, and environmentally unfriendly. It's important to know that detergents contain corrosive hydrochloric acid, which can cause burns, allergies, or skin changes. Therefore, before using them, you should test the product on a small area, and if there are any doubts, replace it with equally effective home remedies.
Cleaning the shower cabin with home remedies - practical tips
If you are wary of ready-made detergents, you can clean the shower cabin with home remedies available in any kitchen. There are several effective methods for removing limescale and removing mold and soap scum.
Vinegar
Ordinary 10% vinegar, available in every kitchen, can be a great cleaning agent for the cabin. You can dilute it with water in a minimum 1:1 ratio. Spray the glass surface with this mixture and leave it for about 10-15 minutes. After this time, rinse the solution with water and wipe the entire surface with a soft cloth.
You can also use diluted vinegar to remove streaks from tiles and metal tracks without fear of dulling or discoloration. This home remedy will also help to remove lime streaks left on the glass by hard water. Simply sprinkle a sponge moistened with vinegar with a little baking soda, clean the stains with the resulting foam, then rinse and dry.
Baking soda + hydrogen peroxide
An excellent agent for cleaning the shower cabin is a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, which not only whitens but also disinfects. It's best to sprinkle the corners where mold and mildew spores occur with baking soda, scrub the dirt thoroughly, then pour 3% hydrogen peroxide and leave it to dry. After several minutes, thoroughly rinse the products and wipe all parts dry.