Most cleaning is straightforward, but what should you use to clean acrylic shower doors? Read on for some tips and tricks.
Information on Acrylic Doors
If you have an enclosed shower, you likely have a shower door made of either glass or acrylic. Acrylic is one of the most transparent materials because it consists of clear plastic, which is why it’s often used in aquariums. It is lighter than glass, and cracks rather than shatters. Furthermore, it is more prone to scratching than glass, which will cloud the surface over time without proper care. It’s important to use the right materials when cleaning your shower door and avoid cleaners that might scratch or discolor the surface.
Which Products Should I Use to Clean My Doors?
A mild, acid-based solution is an excellent choice when it comes to cleaning acrylic. Stick to commercial products that are safe for your shower door, such as non-abrasive ones that will not mar the acrylic’s surface. You should always check the label of a cleaner to make sure it is safe for acrylic, ABS, polystyrene, or plastic.
Avoid abrasive cleaners that contain harmful chemical compounds, such as acetone. If you want to go the DIY route, you can make a homemade cleaner using the following:
- 2 cups of water
- ½ a cup of distilled white vinegar
- A squirt of dish soap
Mix these together and pour into a spray bottle.
Safest Way to Clean Your Doors
Spray or apply the cleaner of your choice to the acrylic’s surface, then gently buff it over the shower door. It’s best to use a terry cloth towel, soft cloth, sponge, or nylon scrubber when cleaning, again avoiding anything abrasive. Once the entire surface is generously coated in cleaning solution, allow it to sit for 5-10 minutes; this allows the solution to break through grime, soap scum, hard water, and build-up that may have accumulated.
Use fresh water to rinse away all the liquefied dirt and build-up, then go over any remaining spots with the cloth, sponge, or even a toothbrush. Rinse again with clean, hot water. You can then use a soft dry cloth or a squeegee to remove water from the surface of the clean acrylic shower doors and avoid water spots. Keep a squeegee in your shower to remove water after each shower to prevent the doors from getting dirty as quickly.
If you examine your shower doors and find scratches, you can try gently buffing them out using a resurfacing gloss approved for acrylics. Remember to read labels to ensure that you’re using the right products for the job.
Contact Northern Utah Glass
If you have tried to clean acrylic shower doors to no avail and need to replace them with glass, contact us. Our experts have over 15 years of experience and serve Weber, Davis, and Salt Lake counties. Give us a call for a free quote or request an in-home estimate.