How To Clean Your Shower Screen And Avoid Limescale Build Up

A glass shower enclosure is a practical and stylish feature of many modern bathrooms, but to keep it looking its best it will need regular cleaning. This is particularly true if you live in an area with hard water and your appliances are prone to limescale buildup. 

The good news is, cleaning a shower screen is a straightforward job and also rewarding: the clear sparkling glass will be the centrepiece of your bathroom and enhance the sense of light and space. Regular cleaning is also an opportunity to look out for any signs of wear and tear in your shower cubicle, so that you can keep on top of small jobs before they escalate. 

Check for limescale deposits

Limescale is a chalky deposit that forms on surfaces in areas with hard water. This means water with a high dissolved mineral content, primarily magnesium and calcium. It is most frequently found in southern and eastern areas of England where the underlying rockbed in predominantly chalk or limestone. 

As rainwater percolates through the ground, the minerals in the rock are absorbed and enter the drinking water system. They are not considered harmful to human health; in fact, the high calcium content can be beneficial for helping children to develop strong teeth and bones.

However, the mineral deposits can fur up pipes and household appliances, and leave cloudy marks and streaks on glass surfaces. If they are not cleaned off regularly, the limescale deposits harden and may cause permanent dulling of the glass. 

How to prevent limescale build up

The simplest way to keep on top of limescale buildup is to use a cloth or squeegee to remove excess water from the glass. This will prevent visible dried water marks. 

Leave the shower doors open after showering and ensure that your bathroom is well ventilated, either with a fan, a window ventilator, or just by opening the window for an hour or so after you use the shower. This will improve airflow and encourage the shower cubicle to dry out faster, reducing the chance of staining from dried water. 

Installing a water softener at your shower head or at the main supply can reduce buildup. These devices work by exchanging calcium and magnesium ions with sodium ions, reducing the hardness of the water. It will also reduce the amount of limescale build up in pipes and taps, and softer water is less irritating to the skin and kinder to hair. 

Cleaning products to tackle limescale

Limescale can successfully be cleaned off with a simple mixture of white vinegar and water. Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle and apply to the glass. Leave for 10 to 20 minutes, then wipe clean with a microfibre cloth, rinse and dry with a towel. Use a few drops of lemon juice for extra sparkle. 

Alternatively, you can use commercial cleaning products. However, avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the glass, and do not use abrasive scouring pads as these will scratch the glass. Check the label carefully and look for products specifically designed for limescale removal from glass.

Keep up with a regular cleaning schedule

Once you have got your shower screen looking ship shape, establish a regular cleaning routine to keep that sparkle constant. Use a squeegee or soft absorbent cloth to wipe down the cubicle after every shower, and clean the glass once a week with a mild glass cleaner. If you notice limescale building up, deal with it promptly rather than leave it to harden. 

You could also consider applying a protective hydroponic coating to the glass to repel water and prevent limescale deposits bonding to the surface. Modern glass may already be pre-treated with this feature, so check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions. If you use a protective coating on your glass, reapply every three to six months.

So, there you have it: keeping your glass shower cubicle clean and in mint condition is not a particularly difficult or arduous task, and you will enjoy using your bathroom all the more. Clear and brilliant glass is a beautiful feature, and also shows off the tilework behind it and creates a sense of harmony and flow around the bathroom.