How to Maintain a Black Shower Enclosure: Cleaning & Water Stain Prevention Tips

A sleek black shower enclosure adds instant sophistication to any bathroom. However, this comes with a caveat, as black surfaces are known to show soap scum, stains and limescale quite easily. These stains are pretty visible on black shower enclosure surfaces as compared to its lighter alternative.

Maintaining a flawless look on these surfaces requires a lot of consistency ,more so in UK homes where hard water is prevalent. According to the Save Money Cut Carbon, over 60% of UK households use hard water, which makes maintenance of a black shower enclosure tedious. 

QS Supplies an online retailer, who specializes in black enclosures suggested with the proper maintenance & tested solutions you can maintain a pristine black shower for years. Black enclosures are made of aluminium frame and tempered glass. These surfaces attract minerals in hard water like calcium and magnesium which leave a chalk-like deposit on them. Over time, a buildup of soap and hard water elements find themselves on the surface of the black shower enclosure, dulling its look and eroding its appearance. In the UK, regions like London, Kent, and Hertfordshire have particularly hard water that results in limescale formation.

Daily Habits to Minimise Stains

1. Use a Squeegee
   Ensure to invest in top quality squeegee to wipe down walls and doors. Squeegees prevent water droplets from evaporating and leaving calcium and magnesium deposits behind. When wiping down the walls and doors your focus should be on the glass panels first then the metal frames. If you have a textured black acrylic enclosure ensure that you use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratches.
2. Keep It Dry
   After you finish squeegeeing use an absorbent cloth to wipe taps, handles and edges where water collects. Remember to also wipe hinges and seals as moisture often collects there which might lead to mold.
   You can also improve ventilation by opening windows or running an extractor fan after a shower. This will help in bathrooms that are prone to dampness.
3. Ditch the Bar Soap
   Did you know that bar soaps often leave more residue as compared to liquid body wash or shower gels? Use gel based products such as Molton Brown or The White Company’s shower gel. These contain free oils which will reduce the amount of residue accumulating on your black shower enclosure.

Cleaning Routine

When it comes to cleaning your black shower enclosure, consistency is key. A quick clean up will ensure that dirt does not accumulate. You can set a reminder for Sundays! 

What You’ll Need:

• A glass cleaner that should be ph neutral
• A microfiber cloth
• White vinegar
• Soft bristle toothbrush
• Distilled water

Steps:

1. Spray your black shower enclosure with lukewarm water to ensure that any debri is loosened.
2. You then apply cleaner on glass panels and frames.
   Note: Avoid products such as bleach which are known to strip protected coatings.
3. Start working in small sections first as you move form section to section. Pay attention to hinges and corners where dirt may accumulate.
4. Tackle hard water by applying vinegar on the surface let it stay for 2 minutes then rinse with warm water.
5. Lastly, apply silicone on the toothbrush dipped in vinegar then scrub the surface to prevent black mold.

Monthly Deep Clean

For soap scum or limescale that simply does not want to go away, a monthly deep clean might be essential. Ensure you schedule the deep cleaning for a day that the bathroom is not being used.

Effective Solutions for UK Homes:

• Use Viakal limescale remover. You first start by spraying and leaving it for roughly 5 minutes before rinsing. This is great for severe build-up of limescale. 

           Note: Test it on a small area fast before you spray the whole enclosure.

• Apply Cif cleaner on a damp cloth then wipe glass surfaces. This helps to restore shine.
• As part of the monthly deep clean mix 3 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of water to form a paste. Apply this to stains then leave for 10 minutes before scrubbing. This does wonders.

Preventing Water Stains: Long-Term Strategies

1. Install a Water Softener
   You can combat hard water by fixing a showerhead filter that reduces mineral content.
2. Apply a Protective Coating
   Use products like Aquapel which is a known Nano coating product which is know to repel water and soap. It does that by creating an invisible barrier on the surface.
3. Upgrade Your Ventilation
   This can be done by installing an extractor fan to reduce moisture.

Tackling Limescale in Hard Water Areas

 Soak a damp cloth in citric acid and lay it over the areas that are affected. You then use a plastic scraper to remove deposits from the areas then rinse and dry.

Banishing Soap Scum

Where does scum come from? It’s a by-product formed when fatty acids in soap combine with minerals. To prevent this happening, switch to daily shower spray and install a soap dish that drains away from the enclosure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid harsh scrubbing when cleaning your black shower enclosure.Use melamine sponges for gentle scouring instead.
• Never ignore seals. Replace them every 1-2 years.
• Always clean the shower tray weekly to prevent grime splashing the walls.
• Ensure you use universal cleaners and avoid products with alcohol or ammonia. This is because these products degrade finishes.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Elegance of Black Shower Enclosures

If you are considering upgrading your bathroom, well a black shower enclosure is just what you need. Pair it with a brass fitting for that contemporary look or choose to have neutral tiles for contrast.