Have you ever walked into a hotel bathroom and been amazed at how spotless the glass shower doors are? We’ve all experienced the struggle of keeping our own shower door clean, so how do hotels manage to keep them so clear and streak-free?

As it turns out, there are several tips and tricks that hotels use to maintain their glass shower doors. In this post, we’ll be sharing some of the insider secrets to help you keep your own shower doors sparkling clean, from traditional showers to modern showers.

What causes glass shower doors to become dirty?

The primary causes of build-up and dirt on glass shower doors are hard water, soap scum and mould. Hard water contains a high level of minerals that can leave behind white deposits on the glass.

Soap scum is caused by using soap or shower gel which leaves behind residue when it comes into contact with hard water. Mould is an issue in areas with high humidity and poor ventilation, as this encourages mould and mildew to form on the glass surface.

How Do Hotels Keep Glass Shower Doors Clean?

1. Daily Maintenance

One of the key secrets of how hotels keep glass shower doors clean is by incorporating daily maintenance. By quickly wiping down the glass surface each day, especially after a shower, they can prevent build-up of soap scum, hard water stains, and mineral deposits.

2. Deep Cleaning

Although daily maintenance is important, hotels also perform deep cleanings to keep the glass shower doors in top condition. Deep cleaning typically involves the use of a vinegar solution or commercial cleaner, which can break down and remove stubborn build-up on the surface of the glass.

The best way to do this is by spraying the solution on, letting it sit for a few minutes, and then scrubbing the glass with a soft-bristled brush or sponge. Then rinse off the solution thoroughly with warm water and dry with a clean cloth.

Products to Use

• Acids: Acidic cleaners are commonly used in hotels to remove mineral deposits and soap scum from glass shower doors. They are highly effective and break down any stubborn build-up. Hotels use it during their deep cleaning process to ensure that no residue is left behind. You can try a DIY solution of equal parts vinegar and water to clean your shower doors at home. Spray it on using a spray bottle and allow the solution to sit on the doors for ten minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
• Baking Soda: Baking soda is a versatile cleaning product used in many household cleaners. Mix it with water and use a microfiber cloth to clean glass shower doors. It is an eco-friendly, cost-effective solution that removes grime and dirt quickly. Make a paste of baking soda and water, add some vinegar to dissolve any hard water stains, and use the mix to scrub the shower doors.
• Protective Coating: Using a protective coating is also a popular solution for keeping a glass shower doors clean. Hotels often apply a water-repellent coating which helps prevent stains, soap scum, and other build-up from forming on the surface of the glass. This makes cleaning much easier and less time-consuming in the long run. There are various coatings available in the market that you can apply on your own, or you can hire a professional service to do it for you.

3. Dry with a Microfibre Cloth

After cleaning your shower door, it’s important to dry it thoroughly to prevent streaks or water spots. Hotels use microfibre cloths to dry their shower doors, which are gentle and effective. It’s important to use microfibre cloths because they are gentle and won’t scratch the glass.

4. Squeegee After Each Use

One of the easiest ways to prevent hard water stains and soap scum build-up on your shower doors is to squeegee them after each use. Hotels sometimes provide squeegees for their guests to use, and you can easily purchase one for your own bathroom.

The use of a squeegee can help prevent water droplets from clinging to the doors and reduce the build-up of limescale and soap scum. After each shower, use the squeegee to wipe down the entire door, including the edges and corners. It takes less than a minute and will help keep your shower doors looking great.

5. Preventative Measures

Hotels also take preventative measures to minimise the build-up of dirt and mineral deposits. For example, they may install a water softener or filtration system which can prevent hard water stains from forming on glass surfaces.

6. Consider Professional Cleaning

If you’re struggling to keep your shower doors clean despite your best efforts, it may be time to consider professional cleaning. Hotels typically have their shower doors professionally cleaned on a regular basis to ensure they remain in top condition. There are several professional cleaning services available that specialise in bathroom cleaning, including shower doors.

Final Thoughts

Hotels go to great lengths to keep their glass shower doors looking clean and sparkling. As well as being aesthetically pleasing, this is also important for hygienic reasons. The presence of hard water can cause mineral deposits such as limescale to form on the surface of the glass, making it difficult to keep clean.

Luckily, there are a number of steps hotels take during their cleaning routine which you can easily adopt in your own home. From using DIY solutions such as vinegar and baking soda, to applying protective coatings and encouraging the use of squeegees after each use, these steps will help keep your glass shower door looking pristine. 

With all these tips in mind, you can ensure you have sparkling glass doors!