Going Green: How to Clean a Glass Shower Door

Many of us who have showers in our homes also have a glass shower door instead of shower curtains. If a homeowner has children, pets, or ill relatives, going green is a safer alternative to harsh chemical glass cleaners that are sold in stores. In this article, you will find environmentally safe and cost-effective ways to clean your glass shower door.

Step 1 - Make or Buy Green Glass Cleaner

The first option for obtaining green glass cleaner is to go to a local grocery store and buy green glass cleaner. While this is the simplest option, many green glass cleaners, such as Chlorox Green Works, can also be pricey. The second option for obtaining a green glass cleaner is to make it from scratch, using everyday items that can be found around the house.

The first homemade green glass cleaner requires a 1 quart spray bottle, 3 cups of water, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of either fresh grapefruit, orange, or lemon juice. Take the spray bottle and fill it with 3 cups of water, ½ teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 teaspoons of one of the previously mentioned fresh citric fruit juices. Screw the lid back on the spray bottle and shake until the ingredients are completely dissolved and combined. This recipe is not only effective, but it also smells great.

The second homemade green glass cleaner requires ¼ cup of vinegar, ½ teaspoon liquid green dish soap or green detergent, 2 cups of water, and a 1 quart spray bottle. Take the spray bottle and fill it with 2 cups of water, ½ teaspoon of green liquid dish soap or green detergent, and ¼ cup of vinegar. Next, screw the top onto the spray bottle and shake well until ingredients are completely dissolved and combined. This recipe is not as cost-effective as the first due to the green dish soap or green detergent that is required. The remaining soap and detergent can be used to wash dishes or clean other items in the house.

If you do not have a 1 quart spray bottle, you can always mix the ingredients in a jar with a lid and pour only what you need for your cleaning task into a bowl.

Step 2 - Choose Cleaning Equipment

There are many eco-friendly items you can find around your house or in a local grocery store to clean and wipe your glass shower door with. At the store, you can buy recycled paper towels, a squeegee, or a towel sham. Recycled paper towels can get expensive and cannot be reused. However, both squeegees and towel shams are reusable and can be used for other household chores. If you do not wish to buy any new items, newspapers or an old cotton t-shirt can be used to clean and dry the shower glass door with. Also, newspapers can be recycled after their use.

Step 3 - Apply Glass Cleaner

There are three main ways you can apply the glass cleaner to your glass shower door. The first is to simply spray the glass cleaner evenly on the glass, applying just enough to wipe it clean. The second way to apply the glass cleaner is by spraying your cleaning equipment with the glass cleaner, just enough to dampen it. Lastly, if you do not have a spray bottle and are using a bowl, simply dab the cleaning equipment in the solution until it is dampened.

Step 4 - Clean Shower Glass Door

After you have sprayed the glass door with the glass cleaner or dampened your cleaning equipment, simply go over the glass with the cleaning equipment in a circular motion, starting at the top of the glass door until the cleaner is no longer beading on the glass or the glass is dry. If you choose to use a squeegee, simply start at the top of the glass door and wipe in a horizontal direction until you have wiped the entire glass door. Be sure to wipe the squeegee dry in between each horizontal stroke with a paper towel or cotton t-shirt so that no residue is left behind.