Shower screens can be kept free of limescale, watermarks and soap scum with a simple 30-second task, according to Jennifer Cartwright from Royal Bathrooms. The technique involves removing hot steam from the bathroom after every shower to stop stains from forming on the glass.
The 30-second steam removal method
Each shower leaves fresh water droplets and soapy residue on the screen, which over time combine to create a sticky film that attracts limescale. Limescale forms when hard water evaporates, and if left unchecked, the accumulated residue can become etched into the glass, causing permanent cloudy damage.
Cartwright described the ventilation method as "effortless" and explained that a well-ventilated space helps water evaporate quickly from the shower screen, reducing the likelihood of watermarks and soap scum buildup. She recommended using an extractor fan to reduce humidity and keeping the window open after each shower to allow moisture to escape.
Additional steps for a spotless screen
Establishing a routine of opening windows or activating an extractor fan after bathing clears steam from the bathroom, allowing the glass to dry more quickly and preventing moisture from settling on the screen. This stops the most stubborn stains from developing.
Investing in a squeegee and keeping it handy in the bathroom is also worthwhile, as a swift wipe after use removes water or soapy residue sprayed onto the glass during showering, speeding up the drying process to avoid staining. This routine takes only seconds but keeps limescale, grease and watermarks at bay.
Proper cleaning products for shower glass
Most conventional glass cleaner products are not effective on shower screens, as they are typically formulated to shift light marks like fingerprints and lack the strength needed. Natural products are generally simpler and more effective for cleaning shower glass.
Watermarks appear as tiny spots or sticky droplets and typically require wiping away with a squeegee or cloth after a shower to stop them setting into the glass. Limescale appears as crusty deposits or a cloudy film and can be eliminated using white vinegar or lemon juice, both of which contain acid that breaks down the minerals in limescale or dissolves hardened water stains.
For dull marks caused by hair products or body wash splattering onto the glass, a mixture of equal parts warm water and washing-up liquid tackles these oily marks effectively, breaking down the residue rapidly without vigorous scrubbing. Maintaining a pristine shower screen simply demands a few moments of attention following each shower, and the appropriate cleaning solutions can help preserve the glass's brilliance day after day.
