Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and magnesium salts precipitate from water with high hardnessleaving a characteristic white, matte coating on glass and ceramic surfaces. As the report indicates Calcium Ion Deposition with Precipitated Calcium Carbonate: Influencing Factors and Mechanism Exploration developed in 2024 by Tianjin University (China), this process depends on temperature, pH and water evaporation rate. This means that the more often the cabin is used and remains moist, the faster a permanent deposit will form on it.
Glass in the shower cabin it is not perfectly smooth. Under the microscope, we can see a network of micropores in which mineral particles are easily retained. Over time, they create a layer that deteriorates the aesthetics and favors the growth of microorganisms. When combined with the remains of soap and cosmetics, a specific “mineral-organic crustdifficult to remove using traditional cleaning methods.
There are many specialized preparations for removing scale, but simple, home methods are becoming more and more popular. One of them, widely spread on social media and eagerly used in hotels, is based on a combination of three easily available ingredients. To prepare the solution you need 1 cup of water (approx. 250 ml), 50 ml of vinegar (spirit or apple) and 50 ml of dishwasher rinse aid.
- Pour all ingredients into a spray bottle and shake vigorously to obtain a uniform mixture.
- Spray the solution evenly on the surface of the shower cabin, especially in the places most covered with residue.
- Wait a few minutes – there is no need for intensive scrubbing as the acetic acid will start to dissolve the deposits on its own.
- Wipe the glass with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and then rinse thoroughly with water.
- Remove excess water with a squeegee and wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth. The effect should resemble the shine of hotel windows – clean, transparent and shiny.
Acetic acid dissolves some of the mineral deposits, and dishwasher rinse aid, containing polymers and surfactants, creates a thin protective layer on the glass, limiting the re-deposition of limescale. It is this “sliding” effect of water that makes the glass look like a luxury hotel after cleaning.
However, you must remember that each material reacts differently. Aluminum, stainless steel and natural stone may become discolored or micro-damaged under the influence of acids. Therefore, experts always recommend performing a test on a small part of the surface.
We can effectively get rid of soap and limescale deposits by using a paste of baking soda and water. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and at the same time neutralizes greasy deposits left by cosmetics. Just apply it to a damp sponge, gently wipe the glass, and then rinse. You can use it in a similar way baking powder – contains sodium bicarbonate, which has properties similar to baking soda, but thanks to additional ingredients it has a slightly milder effect.
An interesting home remedy is to use a solution isopropyl alcohol or salicylic spirit. These substances dissolve oily cosmetic layers and give the glass a shine. Similar preparations are often used in hotels because they evaporate quickly and do not leave streaks. You can prepare it at home 1:1 solution with water and spray it on the cabin surface and then wipe it with a microfiber cloth.
Based cleaning preparations on chalk or clay They gently polish the glass, restoring its transparency and shine, while remaining gentle on the surface. Their mineral ingredients work in a natural way, creating a clean effect without aggressive chemical interference.
An alternative to classic methods is tartaric acid solutionwhich can be easily obtained from white wine. Just measure half a glass of wine and combine it with the same amount of water. It is best to pour the entire mixture into a bottle with an atomizer to evenly spray the liquid on the surface of the shower cabin. After a few minutes of operation, tartaric acid begins to dissolve mineral deposits. For a more intense effect you can increase the proportion of wine to water, e.g. 2:1remembering, however, that the solution should be applied pointwise and should not remain on the surface for too long. After cleaning, rinse the glass with clean water and dry it with a cloth.
