With so many glass cleaners on the market, it can be tough to decide which one to use. It’s important to keep glass shower doors clean. Otherwise, microorganisms can start growing on them. Soapy residue can be unsightly as well. The right cleaning solution will keep the glass free of grime while avoiding damage. Here are some factors to think about when looking for the best glass cleaner for your shower.
Type of Cleaner
Glass cleaners come in many forms. Liquid cleaners are available in spray bottles or aerosol cans, which allow you to control how much product to apply. Both liquids and foams are suited for light- and heavy-duty cleaning. Premoistened wipes are another type of glass cleaner. Available in small packets, these do not require sponges or scrubbers to apply and are suited for light cleaning. They’re also often fine for various other glass surfaces.
Means of Use
Glass cleaners also differ in how you use them. How they interact with the surface is an important consideration. When using a spray or foam cleaner, it is usually in contact with the glass for longer. They’re applied directly and between contact time and wiping, they’re good at eliminating tough residue.
However, dripping is an issue with liquid sprays. A thicker foam tends to cling to the surface. This can leave behind unwanted residue, but it can also provide time to soak through dirt and grime that’s stuck on the surface. Many prefer the easy application of wipes. Surfaces can be wiped down quickly, although the cleaning solution does not sit on the surface so wipes are less suited for deep cleaning.
Active Ingredients
It is the active ingredients in a glass cleaner that break down soap scum, dirt, and mineral residue. A wide range of ingredients are used. Check that the product has the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice logo, but still, many ingredients can be irritating or harmful if used improperly.
Common ingredients in glass cleaners include ammonia, which can remove dirt, grease, and fingerprints as well as kill some germs. It dries quickly and is less likely to leave behind streaks. Isopropyl alcohol works in a similar way, while oxygen bleach is a gentler solution with less odor yet is extremely effective. Other glass cleaning options include white vinegar and citric acid.
Scent
Many consumers choose glass cleaners for their fragrances. In fact, a fresh, pleasant scent can leave an impression of a clean, well-maintained bathroom. Chemically or naturally derived, fragrances can provide a wide range of different scents. Fruity and other nature-inspired scents are popular and often use essential oils to mimic floral, minty, or other earthy scents. However, alcohol, ammonia, vinegar, and other ingredients can emit strong fumes, so make sure your bathroom is well-ventilated so these can dissipate quickly.
Why Won’t Any Glass Cleaner Do?
Most glass cleaners work using a similar process. However, not all are as effective for more difficult-to-remove buildup. Soap scum, mildew, and hard-water residue require a cleaner formulated to break these down to effectively remove them. Look for a multi-purpose cleaner that’s more versatile, can remove various kinds of dirt, and is safe for different surfaces.
Call a Plumber When Your Shower Needs Professional Care
The best glass cleaner for a shower may not be the only consideration when you have drainage issues or leaks. Sky Heating & Air Conditioning can assist with drain cleaning, leak detection, and piping/repiping. Our licensed technicians are available 24/7 and use the latest tools and equipment. For service done right, call 503-673-9083 or schedule your appointment on the web.