How do hotels keep glass shower doors clean?

Hospitality | 16/8/2024

It's no secret that keeping a hotel clean and presentable is a huge undertaking. There are so many details to attend to, and it can be difficult to keep up with everything. One of the most important details is ensuring that glass shower doors are sparkling clean. But how do hotels keep glass shower doors clean and streak-free?

Cleaning glass shower doors can be daunting for hotel department managers. Glass is constantly exposed to water, soap and other cleaning products, which can leave streaks and residue.

In this blog post, we'll explore some of the methods that hotels use to keep their glass shower doors clean. We'll also touch on some of the challenges they face in doing so. Whether you're a hotel department manager or simply someone who wants to keep shower doors looking spotless, this post is for you!

A clean hotel bathroom with a bath and a spotless glass shower door

 

What Makes Glass Shower Doors Dirty in the First Place?

Almost every hotel has some type of glass shower enclosure in one or more of its bathrooms. It's an elegant and functional design choice that guests often appreciate. But sometimes, these shower glass doors can get pretty dirty, particularly if they aren't cleaned regularly.

The shower is one of the most used areas in a hotel room, so it can be difficult to stay on top of cleaning it. This is especially true for shower glass, which seems to always be covered in water stains and soap scum. So, what makes shower glass doors dirty? Here are a few culprits:

  • Hard water spots: If your hotel is located in an area with hard water, you're likely to see spots on your shower glass doors. These spots are caused by minerals in the water.
  • Soap scum: Soap scum build-up is another common problem for shower glass doors. This happens when soap residue mixes with hard water and dries on the glass surface, which can be unsightly.
  • Mould: Mould is a type of fungus that commonly appears in damp, dark places. Although it can be unsightly, mould is generally harmless. However, some people may be allergic to mould spores and may experience respiratory problems or skin irritation if they come into contact with it.

What Is Hard Water and Why Does It Cause Problems for Glass Shower Doors?

Water is essential for human life, but when it contains minerals like magnesium and calcium, it is considered hard water. While hard water is not harmful to drink, it can cause problems for certain appliances and fixtures in your home, including shower glass doors.

These minerals can cause hard water stains and streaks on glass shower doors, as well as mineral build-up on the glass itself. Over time, this can lead to the build-up of bacteria, which can cause skin irritation.

Hotels often use a shower filter to remove these minerals from the water to avoid these problems. However, you can also clean shower glass regularly with a white vinegar solution to help remove any built-up deposits. For more stubborn stains, a soft scrub cleaner or abrasive cleaner might be necessary in a deep cleaning session.

 

A clean hotel bathroom with a bath and a spotless glass shower door

 

How Do Hotels Keep Glass Shower Doors Clean?

If you've ever wondered what the best way is to clean a glass shower door, you're not alone. There are many different products on the market and it can be hard to know which one to choose. Luckily, Rubbermaid Commercial is the industry leader when it comes to providing high-quality cleaning equipment for your hospitality staff.

Products and Methods to Clean Hotel Glass Shower Doors

To keep your hotel’s shower glass doors spotless, consider using the following cleaning products and methods:

  • HYGEN™ Glass Microfibre Cloth: The top choice for cleaning glass shower doors without leaving any streaks or scratches. Designed with premium Microfibre construction, this cloth leaves no lint residue and does not scratch mirrored or glass surfaces. Its quality weave and double-finished edges ensure durability, with the ability to withstand up to 500 launderings, including up to 200 with bleach. The HYGEN™ cloth also reduces chemical and water usage, increasing operational efficiencies and improving staff well-being. Certified to meet CDC cold- and hot-water laundering requirements, its high-quality stitching and double-finished edges help it retain shape, making it an ideal choice for hotels. You can explore HYGEN Microfibre solutions for a variety of microfibre products designed for different cleaning needs or opt for HYGEN Disposable Microfibre for convenient, single-use options.
  • Shower filters: These help reduce hard water deposits, minimise water stains and keep glass shower doors cleaner for longer.
  • Vinegar solution: An effective, natural solution to tackle soap scum and hard water stains.
  • Soft scrub cleaners: For more stubborn stains, using a soft scrub cleaner can help remove build-up without damaging the glass.
  • Abrasive cleaners: For deep cleaning sessions, abrasive cleaners can be used carefully to remove persistent grime and water stains.

For a full range of cleaning solutions, you can explore Rubbermaid Commercial Cleaning Products.


Effective Process for Cleaning Glass Shower Doors

When tackling the cleaning of glass shower doors, a well-planned process can make all the difference. To remove cloudiness caused by soap scum and hard water deposits, start with a vinegar solution applied using a spray bottle. This natural cleaner effectively breaks down the build-up, restoring the glass's clarity.

For tougher challenges, like hard water stains, consider using specialised cleaning solutions in combination with vinegar. These products target mineral deposits, leaving the glass spotless.

To address limescale on shower glass, a vinegar solution or specialised descaling products are your best bet. Apply these treatments to stubborn areas, allowing them to sit for a few minutes before scrubbing gently. Rinse with warm water and dry with a paper towel to ensure no streaks are left behind. This approach will ensure your shower glass doors remain clean and clear, enhancing the overall appearance of your bathroom.

Additionally, remember to clean shower door tracks regularly to prevent dirt and grime from accumulating, which can affect the door’s operation. It's also important to include the shower screen and shower head in your bathroom cleaning routine to maintain a spotless appearance.

Follow these cleaning tips & tricks for keeping glass shower doors spotless:

  • Daily wipe down: Prevent build-up by wiping down the glass shower doors daily. This simple habit keeps soap scum and hard water spots at bay.
  • Use a vinegar solution: Incorporate a vinegar solution into your routine to effectively remove soap scum and hard water stains from shower glass doors.
  • Install water softeners: Reduce mineral deposits and make cleaning easier by installing water softeners.

For more detailed guidance on maintaining hotel facilities, explore the Best Practices for Keeping Hotel Facilities Clean and check out the Hospitality Cleaning Guide: A Step-by-Step Hotel Cleaning Checklist for additional tips.


A clean and tidy, elegant hotel room with a spotless en-suite bathroom door

 

Is There a Way to Keep Hotel Glass Shower Doors Permanently Spotless?

After a long day, taking a hot shower is one of the most important things for travellers and hotel guests. To make a lasting impression, it's crucial that your hotel's glass shower doors always look spotless.

To maintain their pristine appearance, hotel cleaners need to clean glass shower doors daily. However, regular cleaning isn't the only tactic. A highly effective method used by many hotels is installing water softeners in the shower heads and pipes. By reducing the hardness of the water, these softeners remove the minerals that contribute to spots and stains on the glass, effectively cutting cleaning time in half.

Rubbermaid Commercial Products has been a leader in innovative cleaning solutions since 1968, providing the hospitality industry with durable, top-quality products that outlast and outperform the competition. Our hygiene solutions not only save you money but also keep your staff and guests protected.

To learn more about the best methods and products for keeping glass shower doors clean, Explore Rubbermaid Commercial Cleaning Products.

For specialised microfibre solutions, check out our HYGEN Launderable Microfibre and HYGEN Disposable Microfibre options. 

Contact us today for more information or to get a free sample of the HYGEN™ Glass Microfibre Cloth. And, if you have further questions like "How do hotels keep glass shower doors clean?", we'd be happy to help!

 

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