Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[bkrolik]

Help!!! I've done lost of research and still no clear answers. I just moved into an apartment that is only a few years old but the previous tenant didn't have the same cleaning standards as myself. The last item I need to clean is the glass shower enclosure. I've tried Scrubbing Bubbles and ammonia window cleaner but no luck. I do not want to scratch the glass so which products can I use? I see you like Lime-Away is that a good choice? What about the Magic Eraser? Is the Magic Eraser safe on glass? Additionally, how do you clean a brushed nickle frame that houses the glass shower enclosure?

[mrscleannw]

Hello bkrolik and Welcome to Mrs. Clean's Forum!
So, I assume you are fighting a hard water stain, soap scum build-up, or water spots? The treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Lime Away is a product that you would use if you have tried other less toxic methods and did not get the results you wanted. Magic Eraser is safe on glass so you can try it, but one of the other methods below may target your issue better.
One last thing to remember is that the glass may be etched already by the build up that has been sitting there.
I’ll address the three most common culprits of build up on glass shower doors and offer cleaning advice for each.

Hard Water Stains
Hard water stains are caused by excess minerals in the water and will adhere and etch glass causing permanent damage if left to sit too long.
Straight vinegar; this is a mild acid and will help dissolve built-up minerals.
Try using salt mixed with baby oil. If you mix salt with water you are dissolving the salt and this may not work as well.
Try a heavy duty product such as CLR, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Soap Scum
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser dissolves and removes miscellaneous grim and works well on several other types of stains, just wet with water and scrub.
Soap scum can be removed with a stronger acid such as Kaboom shower, tub and sink spray.
Elbow grease used with detergent or a mild abrasive such as comet.
Over time glass can become porous and soap scum can soak into the glass. So clean those glass shower doors on a fairly regular basis.

Water Spots
Try a Bounce fabric softener. While your glass shower door is damp use one or two fabric softeners (and a little elbow grease) to scrub the glass then rinse off.
Clorox makes a natural glass cleaner (Green Works) made with plant and mineral-based ingredients. Used with a microfiber cloth this will give you a nice streak-free shine.

For the brushed nickel shower frame, you could try a Magic Eraser, but do it first in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it won’t damage the finish on the frame. Some brushed nickel fixtures have a protective coating and you don’t want to remove that.
Some people say that Meguiar’s cleaner wax (liquid) works wonders especially on water spots for brushed nickel. It also works as a sealer to prevent future water stains.
Without knowing if you are battling hard water stains, soap scum, water spots or rust it is difficult to give a more precise answer.
If the above issues are not what you are trying to remove, go ahead and reply and we will respond with a more targeted cleaning method.