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Like many UK homeowners, my glass shower screen was a constant battleground against the relentless forces of hard water and grime. I'd spend hours scrubbing and glass shower cleaning, only to be left with streaks and a lingering sense of defeat. It felt like a never-ending cycle. I never like harsh chemical-based cleaners that sometimes do worse than good. Through some research I started understanding the specific issues faced by UK households, like our infamous hard water. I discovered some simple, everyday ingredients and a few eco-friendly shower cleaning techniques can work wonders.
In this blog, I am sharing my hard-earned wisdom on how to clean a shower screen effectively and effortlessly to achieve a look that shines like new.
Glass Shower Cleaning Process
Here we have discussed how to clean a glass shower screen in the UK. Most of these products are easily available from nearby grocery and hardware stores.
Gather Your Supplies for Shower Screen Cleaning
You will need the following supplies for effortless glass shower screen cleaning.
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A spray bottle
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White vinegar or a specialised eco-friendly cleaning solution or commercial glass cleaner available in the market (depending on your choice)
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Baking soda (optional, for stubborn build-up)
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A soft cloth or sponge
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A squeegee for that extra streak-free finish
Pro Tip: If you are going for a commercial shower glass cleaner then my advice will be to look for products that are gentle on glass yet tough on grime, especially ones that are eco-friendly and safe for use in UK households.
Apply the Eco-Friendly Cleaner
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Apply your chosen cleaner to the entire surface of the shower screen. Spray it generously on the surface evenly.
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You will need to let it sit. Allow the solution to work its magic for about 5–10 minutes. This results in giving the cleaner time to break down soap scum and limescale. That makes it top eco friendly shower cleaning techniques.
Wipe Down for Effective Limescale Removal
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Once you ensure the cleaner has loosened the soap scum and limescale, you will need to use a soft cloth to wipe it down. Gently wipe the screen in circular motions, paying extra attention to corners and edges.
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Stubborn spots may require extra effort. Simply sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the cloth and re-scrub the spots gently for effective limescale removal for UK showers.
Achieving a Streak-Free Finish
You may still have some liquid residues on the shower screen's surface. To remove it, use a squeegee and stroke horizontally and vertically. This will prevent water spots and streaks. You should further wipe down any excess water off the edges to ensure a neat finish.
Regular Maintenance is Key to the Spotless Shower Screen
Preventing the limescale build-up in the first place is the secret to effortless cleaning. Here are some strategies for UK homeowners.
Post-Shower Habits: Ventilation and Drying Techniques
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Make using a squeegee after each shower a habit. It is the most effective way to prevent watermarks and soap scums from forming. Simply swipe away moisture from the glass shower screen after each shower.
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Good ventilation is crucial to control humidity which is a major problem in UK bathrooms. A well-ventilated space helps water evaporate quickly from the shower screen reducing the likelihood of watermarks and soap scum buildup. I suggest using an extractor fan to reduce humidity in the bathroom. Keeping the window (if you have one) after each shower can also allow moisture to escape.
Create a Shower Screen Cleaning Schedule That Works for You
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I suggest following a weekly deep cleaning routine to prevent soap scums and hard water stains. You can use a mixture of distilled water, white vinegar and water to wipe down the glass, followed by a squeeze to remove any residue. Weekly cleaning becomes even more important if you are not cleaning the shower screen glass after every shower.
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For a high end pristine look you will need to follow an intensive cleaning routine every month. It will require spending a little more time ensuring your shower screen is in perfect condition. Depending on the usage of the bathroom, there may be some stubborn stains to tackle. Simply scrub the glass with non abrasive sponge, rinse thoroughly and dry it with a microfiber cloth to restore its look and clarity of the glass.
*You may develop a personalized cleaning routine that fits your lifestyle and needs. A bathroom that is used less may require cleaning less often. However, consistent maintenance is recommended on the daily squeezing only, and weekly wipe downs, will significantly
Protecting Your Shower Screen from Marks & Scum (UK) Due to Hard Water
Around 60% of the UK has hard or very hard water. That means there are higher chances of your shower screen getting water marks and soap scum buildups if you live in any of such areas. My suggestion will be to consider investing in a water softener. This will not only help you maintain the glass shower enclosure screen in pristine condition but also ensure longevity of pipes and other fixtures.
Prefer Easy Clean Shower Glass
There are various types of glass shower screens available in the UK. I have preferred an easy clean glass walk in the shower enclosure. Easy clean glass has a protective coating on it that creates a barrier helping water sliding off quickly preventing the buildup of soap scums. You may find a variety of products like shower guard and easy clean coating kits available in the UK that can be applied to repel water and prevent limescale buildup. You may check online for similar products. Using them will reduce the hard work marinating the shower screen.
Eco-Friendly DIY Shower Screen Cleaning Techniques
While the market is flooded with chemical-based shower screen cleaners, many may be interested in eco-friendly cleaning. Here we have a variety of natural and readily available ingredients that work wonders on your shower screen.
Detailed DIY Methods For Eco Friendly Cleaning
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Vinegar and Water Solution: As detailed earlier, a simple mix of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle is a highly effective and eco-friendly way to tackle limescale and watermarks.1
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Baking Soda Paste: Create a paste by mixing three parts baking soda with one part water.27 This gentle abrasive is excellent for scrubbing away stubborn soap scum and hard water deposits without scratching the glass.
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Lemon Juice Power: Cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub the shower screen directly.2 For added effect, sprinkle the cut lemon with baking soda before scrubbing.2
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Washing-Up Liquid Solution: Mix a tablespoon of washing-up liquid with approximately 10 litres of water for an effective and economical cleaning solution.92 This is particularly good for general cleaning and removing greasy residue.
These natural solutions are not only kind to the environment but are also readily available in most UK homes and won't break the bank.
When to Seek Professional Help for Severe Damage
If you notice issues like persistent leaks, cracked glass, or misaligned doors, it may be time to consult a professional. Addressing these problems promptly can prevent further damage and ensure the safety and functionality of your shower enclosure.
Ending Thoughts
That’s how you can clean a glass shower screen DIY using eco-friendly techniques. Remember you will need to incorporate these eco-friendly methods into your weekly routine. Regular care and these expert tips will help you enjoy a consistently sparkling shower screen—and more time to focus on what truly matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean a shower screen in the UK?
While you can use a variety of commercial glass and surface cleaners, I recommend an eco-friendly shower screen cleaner. Create a mixture of distilled water and white vinegar with water in equal parts. Use it for cleaning the glass surface. It is a highly effective solution against limescale that is a common problem in the UK. Additionally, wipe the glass with squeegee after each shower to prevent buildups.
How can I remove the limescale from my shower screen?
Removing the limescale from your shower screen is easy with a natural solution. I often use distilled white vinegar to dissolve limescale deposits. Simply spray it on the affected area, let it sit and wipe down the residues. I live in the hardwater UK region and found white vinegar to be highly effective. In case you are dealing with stubborn build-up simply make a paste of baking soda and water and gently scrub it away.
How to get rid of soap scum on shower glass?
I suggest using white vinegar, baking soda or lemon juice to break down the soap scums. You can use these items individually or create a paste depending on your preference. Apply the mixture, let it sit and wipe it down to clean the residues. If soap scum on the shower screen is a problem for you then consider switching to liquid body wash from bar soap to reduce further build ups.
How to prevent shower screen buildup?
You will have to be proactive to prevent shower screen build-up. A small change in your shower routine chores goes a long way in maintaining the shower enclosure glass shower screen’s look. I suggest wiping down the shower screen with a squeegee or microfiber cloth after each shower is crucial. Additionally, ensuring good ventilation can help water evaporate quickly reducing the chance of limescale build ups.
Are there any eco-friendly ways to clean shower glass?
Yes, there are various eco-friendly ways to clean shower screen glass. You will need commonly found natural ingredients such as of white vinegar and water, baking soda paste, and lemon juice. Use of these natural glass cleaners will help you avoid harsh chemicals.
What are common shower screen cleaning problems in the UK?
The majority of the UK region has hard water that is a big problem for shower screen cleaning. It increases the chances of soap scum and water stains. Additionally, high humidity climates promote mould growth that are frequent challenges in the UK bathrooms.
