What are glass door cleaners used for?
Most glass door cleaners are multi-purpose and can be used to clean glass doors, mirrors, ceramics, and tiles. There are multiple types and forms of glass door cleaners available in the market. Even though these might vary in their working mechanism, most good cleaners will get rid of grime, limescale, mold, and soap scum. The better versions of the glass door cleaners leave the glass in an even better condition as they reduce the need to clean the glass often and shield it away from water and mold build-up.
Types of stains
Understanding what is causing your glass doors to look so foggy and stained is key when choosing a glass door cleaner. Many glass door cleaners are specific to the stain type and will not be as effective against other kinds of build-ups.
Soap scum
If hard water is not an issue where you live, and yet your shower looks hazy and dirty, you are dealing with soap scum. Soap scum is the buildup of soap particles mixed with minerals. A waxy, icky substance then tops the surface of your glass door, making it look foggy. If you wipe down the door with a cloth every day, soap scum should not be an issue. However, if you have let the scum build up, you might have to use a good glass door cleaner and a squeegee.
Soap scum if left untreated, can lead to etching and ultimately, shorten the lifespan of your glass door.
Hard water stains
Some of you might be wondering what hard water really is. The hardness of water refers to the amount of minerals in the water.
Hard water is perhaps the most difficult problem to deal with. It not only causes you to use so much more shampoo and soap, but it also leaves nasty, white stain marks on your glass door. To tackle this, use a good quality glass door cleaner regularly, preferably one which makes the glass water repellent to avoid future build-ups.
Mold and Mildew
If you see the horrendous greenish brown colored build-up on your glass door, you know its mold. Mold thrives in moisture-rich, warm environments, so the shower is an ideal place for it to multiply. A bleach-infused glass door cleaner is what you will need to fight mold and mildew!
What are the main active ingredients in a glass door cleaner?
Active ingredients are responsible for breaking down the build-up of calcium, limescale, mold, hard water stains, and soap scum. Some glass door cleaners have bleach as an active ingredient. Others include less harsh chemicals. Here is a breakdown of the most common active ingredients found in cleaners so you can choose the one that suits you best:
Ammonia
Ammonia is a relatively harsh chemical effective in getting rid of grease and dirt. However, make sure the bathroom or room is well-ventilated so the fumes do not irritate your lungs. Never mix ammonia-based products with bleach, as it will result in the creation of toxic gas that can lead to potentially deadly consequences.
Oxygen Bleach
Compared to the much harsher chlorine bleach, the oxygen bleach is mild and gets the job done.
Isopropyl alcohol
Similar function to that of ammonia but it also kills germs. The smell may be unpleasant.
Citric Acid
Citric acid is the ultimate cleaner for difficult build-ups, soap scum, and hard water stains.
Factors to look out for in glass door cleaners
Forms
Glass door cleaners are available in the form of sprays, gels, creams, foam, and even wipes. Your choice will depend on your personal liking and ease of use. Sprays are most likely the easiest to use. If a cleaner has harsh chemicals, it is best not to use sprays as aerosol droplets can easily be inhaled.
pH levels
pH levels determine the acidity or alkalinity of a solution. Most cleaners are of a neutral pH (7) but some may vary depending on their purpose. For example, a cleaner specified for limescale will have a higher pH than 7. Make sure the glass door cleaner you buy is not too acidic or alkaline as it can corrode the glass and harm your skin.
Scent
The scent of a glass door cleaner should be mild or none at all. The smell of active ingredients like vinegar and ammonia may be detrimental if breathed in a closed space so keep your surroundings well-ventilated while cleaning.
Eco-friendliness/safety
When rinsed, cleaning products go down the drain and mix with other water bodies. Therefore, it is recommended to use naturally derived or plant-based products.
Glass Door Cleaner FAQ
Q: How do I know if my glass door cleaner is eco-friendly?
A: Some products have a stamped logo of EPA certification (Environmental Protection Agency) which means that the product is relatively safe.
Q: Does my glass door cleaner have an expiration date?
A: Some cleaners come with a printed expiration date, others do not. However, most cleaning products do expire after a certain period.
Q: Which glass door cleaner is best to kill germs?
A: Look for a cleaner with alcohol or bleach in it.