Month: June 2016

The #1 Tool for a Sparkling Glass Shower Door

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You may follow a routine while cleaning your glass shower door, but do you squeegee? Although the name ‘squeegee’ is less than serious, if not laughable, what is serious are the major results this cleaning tool provides while cleaning your glass shower door.

Here’s how using a squeegee will keep your beautiful Janssen Glass shower doors sparkling clean and looking their best.

Why Do Squeegees Work Best for Cleaning Glass Shower Doors?

When left on the glass or metal shower frame, water and soap residue can etch and pit the surfaces deteriorating the look and quality of glass and metal in your shower over time. Using a squeegee on your glass shower door removes this residue and also prevents mineral buildup which keeps your shower door shiny, clear, and beautiful.

We suggest cleaning your glass with a squeegee after every shower. Don’t fret, this only takes a minute or two, and it will quickly become part of your bath-time routine. Why so frequently? Using a squeegee after each shower eliminates mineral build up before it can even start, which makes cleaning a breeze and leaves your glass shower door in pristine condition for years to come!

How Do I Choose the Right Squeegee?

  • Pick a squeegee with replaceable silicone blades for best ongoing results.
  • Find one that feels comfortable in your hand. Sounds silly, but comfort counts!
  • Look for sturdy, lightweight construction in a squeegee. A good squeegee, like this one from Oxo, will help protect your shower over time.

What Cleaning Solution Do I Use?

  • Using strong chemicals in small spaces, such as bathrooms and showers is bad for your health.
  • Chemicals also cause damage to metals and other materials in and around your glass doors.
  • We recommend a cleaner that is environmentally friendly, like Method Glass Cleaner or Parsley Plus. Your mother may have convinced you that ammonia based cleaners were necessary for streak-free glass, but sorry, mom, that’s just not the case anymore.

Related Read: Don’t Make These Common Mistakes When Caring For Your Glass

Need help with a glass project? Janssen Glass is Kansas City’s go-to company for all of your glass needs. Contact us today to find out more, and make sure to keep up with Janssen’s blog for more helpful tips and tricks on how to maintain the glass in your home!

 

Simple Shower Solutions: How to Re-Caulk Your Shower

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The stained caulk around the shower door or odd puddles outside of the shower are both signs that your shower needs some attention. If you are experiencing extensive leaking issues, it may be time for a new shower door. However, updating the caulking is an inexpensive and fairly simple way to gauge if your shower door needs a quick fix or a total replacement.  

Why Updating Your Shower’s Caulking Is Important

Normal use takes its toll on shower doors in general. The sealant used to hold your door frame steady and to keep water off your floor and walls is put to the test daily by soap, shampoo, and household cleaners.

Products and abrasion cause discoloration and can cause breaches that promote mold growth within your shower. Replacing shower door caulking will leave the stall looking and feeling cleaner, and if done correctly, the new sealant will protect the bathroom walls from leaks and dampness.

Related Read: Is Your Shower Making You Sick?

Where to Start

Begin by examining the caulking around the glass door. Also, check the status of the caulking on the rest of the shower surround and tub. Identify the leaks and get smart about what kind of material the shower is made of and the most appropriate caulk to use.

Next, Gather Supplies:

  • Utility knife to cut away old caulking.
  • Putty knife to scrape away caulking and debris.
  • Sandpaper is optional, but can be used to further clean and smooth the surface.
  • Mold and mildew cleaner (or diluted white vinegar) to clean the seams and gaps and kill the mold and mildew spores.
  • Stiff bristled cleaning brush for scrubbing the seam before reapplying caulking
  • Caulking, particularly a mildew resistant type to prolong its life in your shower  (Make sure you know the difference between grout and caulk, and the different caulking materials and colors available.)
  • Caulking gun which is used to push the caulk from the tube. A helpful hint: try borrowing one because you will need it rarely
  • Dry, lint-free cloth

    Follow These Steps

  1. Use the utility knife and putty knife to cut and clean away the old caulking; be sure to wear a mask to prevent mold inhalation.
  2. Thoroughly clean the seam with anti-mildew cleaner or slightly diluted white distilled vinegar.
  3. Let the area dry completely. Examine the seams, lightly sand any rough areas and use the cloth to wipe the area clean.  
  4. Apply a bead of caulk in one fluid line between joints, each time using a moist finger to remove excess caulk and evenly fill the seam.
  5. Repeat on all seams until the shower is re-sealed.  
  6. Let dry completely, between 12 and 24 hours, then visually check the work as well as wet-test the areas to make sure the leaks are resolved.
  7. Finally, you can admire the fresh clean look.

Watch This: How to Properly Caulk a Shower Stall

 

The experienced home improvement hobbyist can expect to spend between two and four hours doing this project, not including drying time. However, this is not a project for a novice; there is too much at stake. For instance, trapping water behind the caulk or failing to identify the real cause of puddling or mold can lead to more extensive, and expensive, problems.

To have shower caulk replaced correctly, the source of water leakage or puddling must be definitively identified. Only once the source is identified, can homeowners rest easy knowing their bathroom is ready to get back to its daily role of keeping you clean.

Looking to install a new glass shower door? Contact Janssen Glass today, and check out our blog for more helpful tips and tricks to care for the glass in your home!