Shower Glass: Protection, Cleaning & Clarity
Glass Protectants
Glass Protectants act like a shield. Water in a shower area contains chemicals from the soap you use and minerals in the water. Without proper cleaning or a glass protectant, over time, your glass will become stained and etched. These chemicals and minerals can permanently embed themselves into the glass.
If you look at glass on a magnified level it is not smooth. It feels smooth to the touch, but if you magnify it, you can see there are many of peaks and valleys. Glass Protectants fill the gaps in the glass protecting it and making it smooth. Glass protectants also have a coating the repels the water so the minerals and soap roll off the glass making it easier to clean.
ShowerGuard
- Manufactured by Guardian Glass
- Coating is baked directly into the glass surface
- Cannot wear off over time
- Protection exists only on interior surface of the glass
- Specifically designed for shower enclosures
- First coating technology introduced for shower glass
- Lifetime warranty
- Helps reduce staining and mineral buildup
Diamond Fusion/DFI
- Glass is placed in a vacuum sealed chamber
- Coating is sprayed onto the glass surface
- Protection applied to both sides of the glass
- Used on many glass surfaces including high-rise buildings and automotive glass
- Can be applied to new or existing glass
- Improves water repellency and cleaning ease
- Lifetime warranty
- Fills microscopic pores in glass surface
Cleaning & Maintenance
The glass and the hardware are the two main things to think about when considering shower door cleaning and care. Most people use harsh chemicals to clean their shower. This is understandable considering mold and mildew can grow in a shower people want to use something strong enough to kill mold. However, while that might be ok to use on tile, it will destroy your shower door glass and hardware. Both the glass and the hardware can easily become damaged overtime without the proper cleaning and care.
pH Warning
Shower door hardware is typically made from brass or aluminum. Cleaners with a pH higher than 9 can cause finishes to oxidize, corrode, or pit over time. Avoid harsh chemicals that can permanently damage hardware and glass coatings.
What to Avoid
- Bleach-based cleaners
- Ammonia-based cleaners
- Acidic cleaners
- Abrasive scrubbing pads
- Harsh chemical mixtures
Best Practices
- Use a squeegee after each shower to reduce water spotting
- Choose clear liquid soaps instead of white bar soap
- Clean regularly with mild soap and water
- Use ammonia-free glass cleaners
- Dry metal hardware to prevent water spots
Ultra Clear vs Regular Glass
Ultra clear glass allows tile and finishes behind the glass to appear more accurate and brighter.
Lighting Tip (Kelvin)
Lighting temperature affects how glass appears. Higher Kelvin lighting creates cooler tones and can reduce green tint appearance.
- 2700K warm yellow
- 3000K soft white
- 4000K neutral white
- 5000K daylight