Shower Doors - Cleaning the Scum and Stains

Your glass shower door can be a thing of beauty until it becomes coated with hard water mineral stains, mildew and soap scum. Instead of replacing the door to get that new clean door look try some cleaning tips from the glass door experts.

For a shower door that is prone to soap scum, many consumers have found the solution is quite simple. Simply stop using bar soap and switch to liquid body soap. It isn't necessarily as cost effective but it won't leave your door covered with soap scum either.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

If you are determined to keep using bar soap or you just want to get the old scum off the shower door, one solution to keeping it clean and clear is to use a mixture of one cup liquid fabric softener and one quart of warm water. Apply with a sponge and rinse off and you door should be sparkling clean again.

Some consumers have reported wonderful results with the unexpected cleaning material such as fine steel wool. Simply use the fine steel wool to give the glass shower doors a gently scrubbing and the end results will speak for themselves. However as a word of warning, this method is one that should be tried in an inconspicuous location first and only with the lightest touch to make sure the glass won't be scratched and damaged by the procedure.

If you have hard water deposits it can be harder to get the sparkle back without using harsh abrasive chemicals but there are a few safe alternatives to try that have been successful. For example a sponge dipped in white vinegar and a gently scrubbing can often loosen up hard water deposits so a final rinsing of water makes the door as good as new again.

If your door is prone to mildew some preventive care can help. Squeegee the door down after your shower and wipe down the inside of the shower so it isn't left wet. Keep the door cracked to allow air to circulate and vent and keep mildew at bay. You can also spray the shower down regularly with a disinfect mildew preventive spray.

And of course if all else fails you can use commercial cleaners that are designed specifically for hard water, soap scum and mildew clean up. But the best solution to keeping your shower door looking new and clean is to maintain a weekly cleaning schedule in the first place so you can enjoy the beauty of your glass doors that drew you to them in the first place.

Shower Doors - Cleaning the Scum and Stains

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

A Guide to Shower Filters For Hard Water

You may want shower filters for hard water, but you also want to remove hazardous chemicals that vaporize during a hot bath. In the enclosed area of the bathroom, we inhale these chemicals and scientists believe that increases our risk of cancer.

You also want to remove chlorine, if it's present. Chlorine also vaporizes and inhalation is irritating to the sinuses, as well as the entire respiratory system. The chemical vapors are known to trigger asthma attacks. That's one reason that indoor swimming pools are closed if chlorine levels climb too high.

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS

The best shower filters for hard water combine ion exchange to balance mineral content and soften. This step also removes traces of metals like lead and copper that seep in from the pipes. Metallic traces dull the hair and exposure to lead is never safe.

Granulated carbon will remove chlorine and some of the other chemicals, but a process called adsorption is needed to remove as many chemicals as possible. Specifically, it removes chlorination byproducts. Those are the ones that cause cancer.

The prices of shower filters for hard water vary greatly. Believe me. You don't need the most expensive product on the market to get the best performance.

Some people recommend reverse osmosis. That's an expensive and largely unnecessary step, even for drinking water filtration. It also creates gallons of wastewater and there are no units specifically designed for your showerhead. You'd have to get one for the whole house.

Whole house filters are sometimes a good idea, but generally speaking, your showerheads and your kitchen faucets are most important. There's no particular reason to filter the waters for the toilet or even the laundry. You can always add water softeners to the laundry.

Some people recommend a brand called Wellness. There's no real reason to go to that expense, either. They make some scientific claims that they can't back up with hard evidence. There biggest claim to fame is that they are supposedly used in the number one health spa in the world, but I couldn't verify that, either.

The best shower filters for hard water have been evaluated and rated by Consumer Reports. The company provides certified product performance data before you buy. The cost of use is pennies a day and the replacement filter lasts a full six months.

In case you have a hard time remembering when it's time to change your filter, the company offers automatic shipment and discounts for signing up. There are many ways to save money. Buying direct from the factory is one easy way.

You want a product that is easy to install and unlikely to leak, simply to avoid frustration. If you're tall, you also want one that does not reduce the height of the showerhead.

The right shower filters for hard water will protect your health, as well as prevent that scaly build up on your bathroom fixtures. Just be sure to shop carefully, so that you don't end up disappointed.

A Guide to Shower Filters For Hard Water

CONSUMER REPORTS WATER SOFTENERS