after the remodel: how to maintain those sparkling shower glass walls?

If you are like many of the fortunate homeowners who have a newly remodeled modern bath, you would take pride in keeping your frame-less shower glass enclosure in its pristine condition. Over time, though, you may forget to squeegee religiously, or your housekeeper may become less vigilant in the war against soap scum and hard water deposits. In any case, even the most fastidious homeowners can find themselves peering through less than clear glass.

soap scum: your worst enemy

Soap scum forms when body oils and dirt combine with soap and the minerals in the water. It is the unsightly film left behind in the bathtub or on the shower glass when we finish bathing or showering. When it is allowed to build up and harden, it can be a real challenge to clean.

Don't despair and don't throw in the towel. There are some simple and effective methods to tackle this problem, ranging from the homemade and natural, to more intense and chemical.

Protect chrome fixtures before you use any harsh chemicals or acids.
Try out new cleaning products at an inconspicuous spot.
Mix baking soda with drops of water to form a paste. Use a sponge or rag to gently scrub the paste onto the glass surface with a circular motion. Wipe clean with another damp rag and polish with a dry soft cloth.
Wet a fabric softener sheet (such as Bounce™) and wipe in a circular motion. Other common household products that are effective: store bought soft scrub, dish-washing gel such as Cascade™, and laundry detergents.
For tougher stains, mix a little water with Bar Keepers Friend™ powder to form a paste and scrub with a rag in a circular motion. A soft old toothbrush can be handy for cleaning the hard-to-reach places. Rinse and wipe clean with a damp rag and polish with a dry soft cloth.

hard water deposits: definitely not your friends

If your water contains high level of calcium and magnesium, your will have white precipitates which accelerate the formation of tough buildups akin to concrete.

For regular cleaning, rubbing a cut lemon in circular motion is easy and natural and it also leaves a clean smell.
Mix white vinegar and baking soda to form a thick paste and rub in circular motion. Leave the paste on the glass surface for an hour for very tough stains. Rinse and wipe with a damp rag and polish with a clean soft cloth.
Use white distilled vinegar at full strength to repeat the above step if regular vinegar does not work.

how to prevent soap scum in the future?

After a thorough cleaning, apply baby oil or lemon furniture oil on the glass.
Squeegee the glass walls and door daily after shower.
Wipe dry with a clean rag regularly is also effective especially if the bath is not adequately ventilated.
Spray and wipe with a glass cleaner such as Seventh Generation™ or Windex™ weekly.
Liquid soap and bath gel (instead of bar soap) tend to lessen the buildup.