Glass shower doors add style and beauty to any bathroom. Keeping them clean and looking new is doable with these five cleaning tips.

Squeegee the Doors Dry

Don’t let shower water accumulate on the glass. To keep water spots from forming and soap scum from collecting, wipe the doors dry after every shower. Use a squeegee for best results.

The Right Cleaner Is in the Kitchen

Look no further than the pantry for a powerful cleaner that polishes glass without streaking. Vinegar is an ideal bathroom cleaner, killing germs and preventing mold and mildew from developing. Plus, it’s very inexpensive. Simply mix one part distilled white vinegar with four parts water, then spray the mixture on the shower doors and wipe off. Do this on a weekly basis.

Use undiluted vinegar to clean the doors if it’s been a while since they have been thoroughly cleaned. Pour vinegar directly onto a rag and wipe doors with a rag to remove accumulated grime. Vinegar also works well on showerheads and faucets.

Bleach Works Too

Another effective, low-cost cleaner is bleach, which can be used instead of vinegar. Prepare a mixture of one part bleach with four parts water, spray on doors, and wipe clean (be sure to wear gloves). Once a week is sufficient to keep doors clean and free of bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Try a Fabric Softener Sheet

Another neat trick is to use a standard fabric softener sheet to wipe down doors. Since these sheets break up water spots, they work well in loosening stains and removing soap scum buildup. Scrub the dry glass with a fabric softener sheet, then follow up with a vinegar cleaning.

Keep the Bathroom Ventilated

Any cleaning efforts will last longer in a bathroom that has good airflow. Stuffy rooms trap moisture, which can breed mold. A well-ventilated bathroom fosters a healthier environment that helps shower doors last a long time. Run the fan and open the bathroom door and window after showering.

Santa Fe Glass has been in the glass business for over 60 years, and we know a thing or two about cleaning showers. Contact us at 816-254-5515 for additional cleaning tips.

 

 

 

Tempered glass is a type of safety glass that’s commonly used in commercial and residential applications, ranging from car windows and computer screens to home windows and patio doors. Unlike standard glass that can easily shatter into a thousand pieces, tempered glass is made using a thermal process that provides heat resistance and durability, making it safer for use in hundreds of different applications.

How Is Tempered Glass Made?

A sun room with tempered windows

The thermal process used to make tempered glass allows it to be up to six times stronger than normal glass. In order to give it that strength, tempered glass goes through a treatment that rapidly heats it before cooling it off; it must be cut into shape first to avoid breakage. Once it’s cut into shape for whatever the application may be, the glass is examined for tiny cracks or bubbles. If any are detected, the piece must be re-cut, as even the smallest defects in the glass put the piece at greater risk for breakage.

Once the inspection is complete, the edges are gently sanded to make them smooth and even, and then the glass is washed to get rid of dirt or glass particles. Once cleaned and dried, the glass is rapidly warmed to a very high temperature, usually over 1,100 degrees Fahrenheit. Then the material is blasted with high-pressure air to rapidly cool the outside, leaving the inner core hot and pliable, resulting in a strong, durable piece of glass.

What Are the Advantages of Using Tempered Glass?

While normal glass does have its uses, tempered glass is ideal for use in residential construction because it’s very safe, even if it shatters. Because it’s so durable and only breaks into round pieces instead of razor-sharp shards, it can be used for shower doors, windows, mirrors, doors, and more. Tempered glass can withstand major temperature changes, making it an excellent construction material for homes in Missouri, with the cold winters and long, hot summers. Its durability means it can’t easily be cut or broken, but tempered glass still maintains the same characteristics of normal glass, like light transmission and solar radiant heat properties. Tempered glass is so flexible that it also has thousands of commercial uses, such as in stairways and escalators, screen protectors, and microwaves. Even those panels separating the ice from the spectators at hockey arenas are made from tempered glass, so it’s easy to see how strong the material is!

Whether you’re looking for new glass patio doors or pattern glass for shelves and cabinets, Santa Fe Glass can help you get the look you’ve imagined. Call us today at (816) 254-5515 to learn more.