Understand What Causes Deposits
Hard water has a high concentration of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. When rain falls, it travels through the ground, picking up minerals on its way to lakes and rivers. After it leaves the water treatment plant, it might pass through old pipes and gather rust. These minerals flow through your showerhead and cascade down your tile and glass enclosure. Water evaporates, leaving mineral deposits behind.
If you see a scaly looking film on your frameless shower enclosure that doesn’t squeegee away, you probably have mineral deposits. You might also see buildup on your showerhead and around your drain.
Dissolve Mineral Deposits
Acids react with mineral deposits to break them down. Try these natural solutions first to remove light calcium and lime scale:
- Vinegar – The acid in vinegar often dissolves mineral deposits. Pour some in a spray bottle and mist your glass and tile repeatedly. Keep surfaces wet for up to 20 minutes to allow the vinegar to break down the scale, then rinse it away with hot water.
- Lemon juice – If the vinegar smell bothers you, use lemon juice in the same way.
If you still have a film on your glass, you may need to try a commercial solution. Read online reviews to select one that is effective on both soap scum and hard water deposits. Most solutions have heavy fumes and can harm your skin. Be sure the area has adequate ventilation and be sure to wear gloves to keep spray from dripping on your hands.
Protect Against Future Deposits
It helps to install a water softener in some areas with extremely hard water. These units treat water coming into your home and make drinking water taste better, get clothes cleaner, and make appliances last longer.
Create a barrier that prevents future mineral deposits so you have more time between cleanings. After your doors are clean, spray them with a furniture polish that contains lemon oil and polish them with a dry towel. The film left behind by the polish will discourage future buildup.
At Maryland Frameless Showers, we’ll help you build and maintain your dream bathroom. Contact our experts today.
