How to Clean a Shower Screen

Author: | Last Updated: 6 Mar 2022

Shower screens are a popular option for homes instead of a simple shower curtain or nothing at all. A shower screen looks classy and sophisticated when newly installed and clean, a step-up from your regular shower curtain. However, a shower screen can collect dirt and soap scum over time, leading to a less-than-desirable appearance when you step into the shower each morning. Luckily, cleaning a shower screen isn’t hard, and you can definitely DIY it by following our steps below!

Shower Screen vs. Shower Curtain

Shower screens are joked to be an “upgraded” version of the shower curtain. They can be made of glass or plastic and enclose your shower and bath area to be completely watertight—meaning no spills or accidental slips around your bathroom floor. Shower screens also come in a variety of finishes and styles. Depending on the material used, they can be clear or frosted, and some models can allow for folding, sliding, or curving.

Shower screens are favoured over shower curtains since screens are more durable (curtains are made of fabric that could rip easily). They are less susceptible to growing mould or turning a disgusting colour after coming into contact with product. Screens are also more easily cleaned than shower curtains, and more economical since you only need to install them once—whereas curtains will need to be replaced periodically.

Types shower screen materials

Shower screens are typically one of two materials: glass or acrylic (plastic). Each has its pros and cons, and it’s important to know what type your shower screen is made of to choose the best methods and products for cleaning it.

Glass:

Glass shower screens are made from tempered glass. Tempered glass is the safest kind of glass for a shower screen because it can handle temperature changes better than normal, untempered glass. In case of an accident, tempered glass does not shatter like normal glass (which can cause major injuries) but instead breaks into smaller pieces. The thickness, tint, and finish of tempered glass can all be customised, making them an excellent choice for people who are strict about design aesthetics. The downside is that they can be quite expensive, and depending on how many bathrooms you intend to fit, they can quickly eat up a big chunk of your renovation budget.

Acrylic:

Acrylic is another option for shower screens. They are much cheaper all-around— in terms of purchasing and installation—so they are a popular choice for homeowners on a budget. While new-age acrylics have been better formulated to be more long-lasting, when you compare the 10-year lifespan (if you’re lucky!) of an acrylic shower screen to the almost-indefinite lifespan of a glass screen, the glass still wins hands down. Acrylic screens can also become a breeding ground for mould and bacteria over time, especially if they are not cleaned regularly and correctly. Eventually, acrylic shower screens will need to be replaced once they have deteriorated—but at least not as often or as quickly as you would need to replace shower curtains!

Cleaning your shower screen

As we said, shower screens are great because they are much easier to clean than shower curtains. With the proper maintenance and a regular upkeep schedule, shower screens—both glass and acrylic—will last you a long time without compromising their looks! Many products are available to clean shower screens, ranging from special commercial shower screen cleaning solutions, normal cleaning products, and even all-natural household remedies that can help you get out all the gunk and scum buildup.

Using commercial products

Commercial shower screen cleaning products are typically some solution of a chemical that can break down dirt and strip soap scum from your shower screen. Specific directions may vary by manufacturer, but generally, these commercial cleaning products are applied to the surface area of the shower screen with a spray bottle, a sponge, or a clean rag, left to sit for a few minutes, and then rinsed off with clean water. Always double-check the ingredients list of the cleaning product before committing to a purchase or using it: check if you may be sensitive to some ingredients and whether it is safe to be used around children or pets. In addition, we encourage you to use appropriate gloves when handling commercial cleaning products to minimise the possibility of adverse skin reactions.

Using common household products or DIY solutions

Shower screens can also be cleaned using common household products you might already have lying around or mixing up a DIY solution with easily-found ingredients. These can be a safer, kid-friendly and pet-friendly option for most households. The only downside is because they don’t use the same powerful cleaning chemicals as commercial solutions, it may take a bit more effort and elbow grease, but it’s worth it. Here are some of the most common DIY shower screen cleaning solutions you can try:

Dishwashing detergent:

Plain old dishwashing detergent can do the trick if your shower screens don’t seem to be too dirty. Dishwashing detergent has compounds that can break up grease and fats, which might also be lingering in the soap scum hanging out on your shower screen. Simply pour some on a brush or a coarse sponge, scrub your dampened shower screen, and then rinse with water.

Baking soda and vinegar:

This is a slightly more “powerful” option if you have stubborn buildup on your shower screens. Dip a slightly damp brush or a coarse sponge into some baking soda and then scrub it onto the shower screen. Next, put plain white vinegar into a spray bottle, then liberally spray over baking soda areas. It will fizz and bubble a bit as the two elements react—that’s what’s helping to clear away the gunk. Wait a minute or two, scrub away at the shower screen, and rinse with clean water. The vinegar smell will dissipate fairly quickly, so don’t worry about that.

Fabric softener:

This is another household staple that you can use! Simply mix one litre of water and around 50 mL of fabric softener in a spray bottle, and spray it on the shower screen. Use a sponge to scrub the area, then rinse with clean water.

We hope you found some useful tips on how to get your shower screens gleaming, bright, and enticing—they’ll definitely make you want to be in the shower more often!


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