Glass, Glass, and More Glass

Posted on: 18 May 2023

Glass shower remodels have plenty of benefits: you get to ditch curtains that can hold bacteria and mold; you get to improve your home's value; and you get to improve your bathroom's aesthetics. However, if you have hard water in your area, you don't want minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, to damage your investment. The minerals in hard water not only stain glass, but they can cause etch and scratch the glass if not removed. Installing a water softener can be expensive, and while there are shower heads that can soften the water somewhat, they aren't as effective as a house-wide system. Here are just a few ways to protect your glass shower from hard water.

Seal the Glass 

You'll want to opt for a tempered glass product as it's more durable than annealed glass. Manufacturers create tempered glass by heating up the material and then cooling it quickly; this process strengthens the material and makes it more durable against hard water. However, you want to make sure you have added protection with sealant. Sealants add an extra layer of protection and reduce pores in the glass so that water can easily run off it. The sealant doesn't have to be thick or noticeable to be effective; however, some people may want sealants that have a frosted effect so that they can disguise hard water deposits. A builder and glass manufacturer can place the sealant, or you can opt for over-the-counter spray-on coatings.

Keep a Small Squeegee in the Shower

You can prevent hard water damage by giving the glass a quick squeegee after you shower. This is the best time to clean glass doors and walls because the mineral deposits won't have dried on the walls. There are squeegees on the market that are safe for shower use; they are typically smaller so they can be left in the shower, and they have soft silicone blades that won't damage the glass.

Stick to a Deeper Cleaning Schedule

Squeegees are good for a quick clean, but you still should spray down the glass with a stronger product. Ask your manufacturer for recommendations so that you don't damage or fog the glass. Some homeowners find that spraying the glass with a vinegar solution is enough to loosen water deposits so that you don't have to scrub the glass. Other homeowners may actually use products like WD-40 to remove hot water stains. You should also use a microfiber cloth to wipe and dry the walls; microfiber cloths are soft enough that they won't scratch the glass.

Reach out to a glass manufacturer to learn more about how to care for your shower enclosure.