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  • The Best Way You Can Clean Your Mirror

    The Best Way You Can Clean Your Mirror

    There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to clean the bathroom mirror only to make a worse mess than the one you started with. From toothpaste speckles to water residue, bathroom mirrors take quite a splattering.

    Unfortunately, like any glass product, bathroom mirrors are prone to streaking and smudging easily. It takes a keen cleaner to get a streak-free shine on the first time, or does it?

    Glass Showers and more deal with a lot of glass products. We mean a lot! So, we have some insight into what it takes to keep these items clean. We know how dirty bathroom mirrors get, even when we’re not touching them.

    That’s why we’ve developed this list of mirror cleaning and maintenance tips to help you get that squeaky clean feel on the first wipe. Here’s what you need to know.

    Mirror Cleaning and Maintenance Tools

    Every homeowner has a supply of mismatched cleaning items ranging from feather dusters to wash rags. While some jobs go just fine sharing tools, others require their own set of cleaning instruments.

    For mirrors, start with a soft microfiber cloth. Look for one with a flat weave; this helps reduce the exchange of lint or debris as you wipe. Other items to invest in include:

    1. Chemical-free glass cleaner

      You can make your own glass cleaner with one-part white vinegar and one-part water. Mix in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray the mirror lightly, as too much will cause runs and streaks.

    2. Standard glass cleaner

      Any name brand or unbranded glass cleaner will work. Just be sure the bottle specifies glass, as multi-surface cleaners won’t leave the same shine.

    3. Rubbing alcohol

      The amazing thing about rubbing alcohol is its ability to evaporate after use completely. This removes bacteria and dirt without leaving soap residue on the glass.

    4. Cotton pads

      This is the most compatible tool for rubbing alcohol. The cotton pad absorbs enough alcohol that it doesn’t evaporate before you have an opportunity to use it, but it won’t drip all over the mirror as you go.

    These are a few of the top tools professional cleaning services and glass companies recommend for mirrors. Remember, to get the clearest reflection possible; you want to use the least amount of product.

    Commence the Pre-Clean

    If you begin with glass cleaner as your first step, you’ll simply wind up rubbing around dust, toothpaste and other bits of splatter on your mirror.

    Before polishing, you should clean fingerprints, smudges, makeup residue, and other debris from the mirror with rubbing alcohol and a cotton pad. Moving top to bottom left to right, and getting into the corners of the frame, will produce the best results.

    You may need to perform this task twice, depending on how stuck on and stubborn the smudges and stuck-on particles are to remove. Once the mirror looks as though it’s clear of mess, wipe it with your microfiber cloth just to ensure everything is dry and clean.

    Give it the Old Razzle-Dazzle

    With the smears and splatters gone and your mirror looking a bit cleaner, it’s time to polish. Shining up a mirror is a simple combination of applying the thinnest spritz of cleaning solution possible and wiping in a way that doesn’t streak.

    Whether you use vinegar and water, or a branded glass cleaner, spray the mirror lightly so that you can see a misting of product, but it isn’t dripping down the glass.

    Now, fold your microfiber cloth in half once, and again. This provides four even layers to use throughout your cleaning practice. Working from the top left corner of the mirror, swipe your cloth over to the right top corner.

    Next, wipe down into the bottom left corner and over to the right bottom corner. Continue the “z” motion as you clean until the liquid is gone, and the mirror is shining.

    If you notice smudges or areas are looking like they could use an extra wipe with the cloth, choose a clean, dry side of the microfibre cloth and wipe again. If a follow-up inspection shows a hint of any extra toothpaste or gunk, you’ve missed in the process, spray a small spritz of cleaner on the corner of your cloth to wipe it away. Give the area a polish with the dry side of the cloth.

    Preventative Cleaning

    When it comes to mirror cleaning and maintenance tips, it’s not just the “dos” you should consider, but also the “don’ts”. Not all cleaners and tools are equal. Here are a few things to avoid while washing your mirror.

    Avoid Wiping a Steamy Mirror

    It’s an instinct to wipe the mirror when you step out of the shower. For one thing, it’s completely fogged up and difficult to see your reflection. Wiping the hot steam around is certain to cause smears and smudges on the glass as soon as it dries.

    Don’t Use Paper Towels

    The most common tool we hear about our clients using to clean glass and mirrors is a paper towel. A paper towel seems like a great glass polishing tool as it’s soft, light, and disposable.

    Unfortunately, the way paper towel is made, it transfers tiny particles of paper onto the surfaces it cleans. For a mirror, which shows every imperfection ten-fold, it’s crucial to avoid leaving behind residual bits of paper.

    Nix the Non-Glass Cleaners

    Counter cleaners work great on counters and oven cleaner works well in the oven, but none of these cleaners will keep your mirror clean. Glass cleaner is the best cleaning solution to use on a mirror because it’s designed to leave a streak-free shine. Some other cleaners leave a residue behind, which is visible when the mirror dries.

    For more tips on cleaning and maintaining the glass and mirrors in your home, call Glass Showers & More at 1-416-800-1156 or contact us here.

  • How to Choose the Right Glass Door for Your New Shower

    How to Choose the Right Glass Door for Your New Shower

    A bathroom shower can mean the difference between luxury and austerity in the bathroom. Choosing everything from the tile on the walls to the glass door changes the way your bathroom looks and feels.

    For a frameless glass door shower install, there are many factors to consider when deciding on door type. Are you considering a frosted or clear glass door? Do you want to take the minimalist approach or turn up the wow factor with something more opulent? Whatever the case, it’s important to take your time when selecting.

    At Glass Showers & More, our experienced team sees a wide variety of frameless glass door shower installations. We’ve seen the difference one door makes over another, and the ability showers must tie together an entire bathroom setting.

    If you’re considering making updates to your bathroom but aren’t sure which shower door is right for you, we can help. Here are a few options to consider and why they might be the right pick for your bathroom remodel.

    Getting Started with a Glass Shower Door Install

    Measurements are a crucial component of selecting a glass door, especially if you’ve got a custom shower setup. Getting exact dimensions — including the space between fixtures — is the first step to selecting the doors you’ll install. If you’re using a shower door company to remove old doors and install new ones, they may take these measurements for you.

    We don’t recommend making glass door installation a DIY project. As tempting as it is, many things could go wrong, including broken glass and injury. You can find a specialist in your area through recommendations and doing a bit of online research. Shower door businesses’ with great online reviews and plenty of experience are your best choice for a successful installation.

    What are the benefits of a glass shower door?

    Frameless shower doors use an extremely sturdy glass, which is tempered and around ½” thick. Due to the durability and thickness of this product, the glass doesn’t require the same metal enclosure for support.

    This provides a unique aesthetic with contemporary clean lines that you just can’t achieve with gaudy metal edging. Without the opaque surroundings, the clear glass appears larger, creating the illusion of a larger shower.

    By excluding a frame on your shower, you can highlight other fabulous features in your bathroom. From updated hardware to bespoke stonework, your washroom can really shine. The price of a frameless glass shower door vs. a basic framed door is more, but the quality and longevity of these pieces far outweigh the extra money spent on them.

    Styles of Glass Shower Doors

    Now that you know a bit more about frameless glass shower doors, it’s time to consider the different options for style and utility. Here are some of the most common types of glass doors affiliated with the frameless concept.

    Glass Enclosures for the Bathtub

    If your bathroom doesn’t have a stand-up shower, but rather a tub and shower combo, you could opt to go with a bathtub enclosure. This provides the same feel like a shower stall, with a sleeker look than the average shower curtain.

    The same thick glass used in frameless glass shower door installs is used for glass enclosures. Thick, durable, and treated with a protective outer coating. Most tub enclosures run on a track and wheel system made with stainless steel.

    Semi-Frameless Options

    There are also semi-frameless glass door models to choose from if the fully frameless doors aren’t within your budget. These look very close to a frameless installation but have tiny bonded hinges or clips which hold the glass in place. The 3/8” glass is tempered and coated, with handles matching other metal used on the frame.

    Sliding Frameless Glass Doors

    Finally, getting into the traditional frameless glass doors, sliding door option is the most common. The practicality of these doors works best for narrow bathrooms, where space becomes an issue for pivoting doors. The doors slide seamlessly on metal runners, making it easy to get in and out of your shower.

    Bi-Fold Door Options

    As the name suggests, these doors bend to open as though they are folding in on themselves. Still, with no frame to speak of, the clean-cut look of these doors is something to be admired. Bi-fold doors butterfly in and out and work best in medium-sized bathrooms.

    Swinging Frameless Shower Doors

    Swinging, or pivoting, shower doors swing on a hinge to open and close much the same as your bathroom door. For a large bathroom, this lavish door creates a feeling of grandeur. Just be sure your measurements are accurate because pivoting doors take up more space than you might think while open.

    These are a few of the more popular styles of frameless glass shower door installations to choose from. Working closely with your glass shower company, you may find other models more suited to your bathroom.

    Glass Finishes and Unique Touches

    It’s not only the door style that needs to be considered when choosing new frameless glass doors for your shower. The type of glass also comes into question. There are a few different styles to select from, including:

    1. Clear glass

      Simple, clean, and modern, clear glass lets you see exactly what’s in your shower.

    2. Frosted glass

      A traditional shower glass style, frosted glass allows light to enter the shower while protecting your privacy inside.

    3. Textured glass

      Modern and unique, textured glass designs vary. Like frosted glass, it provides an added level of privacy without foregoing light.

    4. Decorative glass

      Choosing a pattern of engraving or metal applique to add to your glass door could create an entirely new look. Some decorative glass is more delicate than standard clear glass, so speak to your glass specialist before choosing a decorative option.

    With door style and glass type in mind, you can now begin recreating your shower.

    For more information on glass showers and door installation, call Glass Showers & More at 1-416-800-1156 or contact us here.

  • Things to Consider When Choosing a Custom Glass Backsplash for Your Kitchen

    Things to Consider When Choosing a Custom Glass Backsplash for Your Kitchen

    When it comes to choosing a backsplash for your kitchen, the possibilities are endless. Now more than ever, there is an abundance of materials available for the design of your backsplash. Long gone are the days of plain tiles and simple colours. Today’s trends are about making a statement — it can be as elaborate or as elegant as you want.

    Glass provides an attractive and cost-effective alternative to tile and other backsplashes. With minimal seams, it is much easier to clean than tiles, and it can be installed as a mirror, or with any colour with our back-painted glass.

    Looking to update the space behind your sink and counter space? Here are a few tips to get you started.

    1. Decide your style

    While it is easy to get lost in the many available options, the first step you need to take before you select your materials and design is to determine your personal style and what look you want to go for in your bathroom. This can be traditional, transitional, contemporary, ultra-modern or even a combination of several looks.

    Your personal style will serve as your guide when selecting the materials to create your backsplash design. Not sure what you like? Get in touch with a professional and they will be able to offer suggestions to make your dream a reality.

    2. Create a ‘flow’

    Think about how all the elements of your kitchen work together. The floor, countertop and backsplash must all work together for your kitchen to have an even, balanced look. No one element should be treated as a separate entity to the overall space. All elements need to work to create an overall effect.

    3. Make a statement

    How many homes do you go to where there is a glass backsplash? The odds are that there aren’t many — even less that are customized to the unique taste of the homeowner. You can mix and match the smooth and seamless finish of the glass with different tiles, textures, wallpapers, and colours to really create a space that stands out. And, in case you didn’t think of it, investing in a glass backsplash will make your small space big and your big space even bigger.

    So go ahead – why not make a statement?

    4. Customize

    As mentioned above, glass provides an attractive and cost-effective alternative to tile and other backsplashes, but don’t think that going with the streamline look of glass stops you from customizing your look. With minimal seams, it is much easier to clean than tiles, and it can be installed as a mirror, or with any colour with our back painted glass. Have fun with colour!

    While most kitchens use backsplashes as a focal point for customizable design, the simple look of glass allows you to bring in textures and patterns in other areas of your kitchen — perhaps you go for a patterned tile os wallpaper instead!

    5. Go with a professional

    As with any construction project, it is always better to go with a professional to avoid mistakes or extra costs. If you do decide to go ahead and install a glass backsplash yourself, be careful — sometimes you need to temper the glass.

    Too often we get a service call for a back-painted glass backsplash that has cracked over time. More often than not, this glass has been installed behind a heating element in the kitchen and the glass was not tempered.

    Any time glass is being installed near a heat source, it needs to be tempered. This poses a bit of a problem with clients want a mirrored backsplash — mirrors distort when tempered — but without tempering, the glass will eventually crack when exposed to the heating element.

    To learn more about custom glass backsplashes or to discuss your project, call Glass Showers and More today at 416-491-8815 or contact us here.

  • Benefits of Having Glass Partition Walls in Your Office

    Benefits of Having Glass Partition Walls in Your Office

    Glass partition walls can completely transform any office space. They are a great way to open up an office space or divide it into two without making an area feel closed off. They are also timelessly classic and chic.

    Interested in discovering the benefits? Listed below are the benefits of having glass partition walls installed in your office.

    1. More natural light

    Have you ever worked in an office filled with dark cubicles with little exposure to natural light? You’re not alone! When it comes to many workplaces, a lack of natural light is a major concern, especially since poor lighting often results in reduced workplace productivity and staff fatigue.

    One simple way to improve the health and morale of employees is to manipulate your exposed or existing office layout to optimize the amounts of natural light everyone has access through during the day — and the best way to do this is by adding a glass partition walls! But remember, it is always best to have them professionally installed using the right hardware so that your investment is safe and looks great for years to come.

    2. Long-lasting

    Glass partitions are a long-term solution to managing how to break up your office space. Apart from being an extremely versatile partitioning option, the material used to install these partitions, on the thickness of the glass used, will withstand the normal wear and tear of everyday office use. As long as nobody developed a habit of constantly touching the glass, they are easy to take care of!

    As you don’t have to worry about how long your investment will last, the only thing you will have to do is decide on the type of glass to install in your workplace. There are so many options on the market that can really define the look and feel of your workspace. The glass you choose will also play a role in how to decorate the rest of the space as well.

    3. Aesthetic value

    No matter what field you are in, it is competitive. More than ever it is becoming important for companies to find ways to establish themselves as unique and highly-valuable players in their field. With this comes the increasing need to win over new clients, and make old clients stick around – which is proving a hard task for some.

    While there is only so much you can do on the business side of things, you will be surprised to hear about how important aesthetic value is to clients. They want to feel like they are paying for a certain standard of excellence, as defined by your outward facade.

    Undeniably, office glass partitions provide an elegant, beautiful corporate look and feel to the office. They scream prestige. With an almost endless variety of treatments available — like frosting or etching — you can set the tone and create a distinctly modern feel that complements any workplace.

    4. Improved productivity

    As mentioned above, installing glass partition walls in your office often enhances productivity among staff. While creating a more open and inviting work environment, partition walls create a certain degree of office transparency so that when an employee is not doing their work, it is more than obvious. With the knowledge that they might be under scrutiny, employees carry out work more diligently.

    Apart from discouraging laziness, glass panels encourage employee accountability, both of which contribute to improved levels of productivity. The installation of glass office partitions also helps to reduce noise pollution in the office because they are somewhat soundproof, which minimizes distractions and improves productivity.

    5. Privacy

    One of the most significant barriers for many employers making the choice to go glass is concerns over privacy. How much transparency is too much?

    Although it may be hard to believe, installing glass partition walls in your office does not necessarily have to compromise privacy. For cases where privacy is a concern, regular glass can be swapped out for a frosted treatment. This design decision provides the same open feel and provides just as much natural light as any other type of glass, all without compromising office privacy!

    6. Flexibility

    Making the decision to install glass partition walls in your office is not cheap. However, the biggest financial gain you will gain from installing glass office partitions comes from the amount of flexibility offered in terms of design and layout.

    While changing the layout of the room with permanent walls is an unrealistic and costly affair, open-concept spaces allow you a certain degree of flexibility that doesn’t necessarily mean installing cubicles. Compared to any other option, glass partition walls also allow you to change the design for years to come. It is easy to dismount partitions and move them from one place to another, which allows you to create more or less workspace as needed.

    Keep in mind that you will likely incur a cost for dismounting and repositioning your glass partitions since you need to call on a professional to help move them.

    When choosing to install glass partition walls inside your office, you are making a long-term investment. Make sure you do your research and work with a company that has been around — and will be around — for a long time to help you address any issues that arise in the future. After all, the quality of your purchase depends on the quality of the company selling and installing it.

    At Glass Showers and More, we know what you want, and that is a high quality, attractive and functionally useful product. We constantly aim to constantly improve the glass products we manufacture. When you choose our architectural glass products, you are getting the best!

    To learn more about how glass partition walls could improve your office, call Glass Showers and More today at 416-491-8815 or contact us here.

  • Maintenance Tips for Frameless Shower Doors

    Maintenance Tips for Frameless Shower Doors

    Installing frameless shower doors in your bathroom is a great way to add style and elegance to your space. That is until the glass becomes dirty or stained with hard water and soap scum. However, you don’t need to stress about adding another time-consuming chore to your busy week. While several products on the market will sufficiently clean glass, tiles, and other shower accessories, there are many simple methods and household products (that you probably already have in your home) that can help you maintain your frameless shower doors.

    Below are some easy ways to help prevent and remove residue from your shower door glass to keep it looking clean and pristine.

    Why Does Shower Glass Get Dirty?

    Let’s start by talking about why your frameless shower door gets so dirty in the first place. Hard water is high in minerals such as calcium and magnesium carbonates. When hard water mixes with your sudsy shower products, it can leave stains on your shower door glass. This soap scum can be harmful over time and diminishes the aesthetic appeal of your bathroom. Since glass is porous, it allows the hard water minerals to seep into the glass and cause corrosion. Additionally, soap scum is a type of mildew that can cause some health risks. Keeping your frameless shower door clean is the best way to prevent long-term damage and stains.

    Shower Cleaning and Maintenance Tips Using Common Household Products

    Removing mildew with hydrogen peroxide:

    As stated above, the mildew that is caused by soap scum causes a thin coating to form on glass and other shower surfaces that can be difficult to remove. This mildew primarily forms around the edges of your shower and where the glass meets the frame. Mildew can be harmful, and you will want to get rid of it as soon as possible using a simple solution made with hydrogen peroxide and water. Add both products into a spray bottle and apply it to affected areas. Once it has a moment to sit, simply wipe the area dry. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary without worry!

    Cleaning your shower with vinegar:

    Did you know that while some popular cleaning products on the market will kill bacteria and remove soap scum from your frameless shower door, not all of them remove mould? If hydrogen peroxide is not doing the job for you, try cleaning with distilled white vinegar. You can even try both products! Apply the vinegar using a spray bottle and then use a rag to wipe down the shower glass and other shower surfaces to leave them sparkling clean and mould-free.

    Vinegar is also great for removing scum from the shower. For general shower maintenance, wet the shower and then use a squeegee to clear the water from the glass. Afterward, use a spray bottle with undiluted vinegar to cover the area you wish to clean. Now, just wash it down with regular water one more time to remove hard water deposits to minimize their chance to stain once more.

    Removing mildew with baking soda:

    If you are absolutely at a loss for cleaning the old stuck-on stains on your frameless shower door, baking soda will do the trick. Mix the baking soda with a little bit of tap water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the areas you wish to clean with a cloth or sponge. Use this mixture to remove tough hard water stains and all other grime in your shower that requires a bit of elbow grease. This method can be used with the peroxide or vinegar methods mentioned above as well.

    Have a squeegee on hand:

    The easiest way to stop stains and mildew from forming on your frameless shower door is to maintain it on a regular basis. Having a squeegee on hand means that right after you shower, you can remove excess water and soapy suds from the glass so that it does not dry into stains. This simple precaution will make your life easier in the long run and keep your chore list at a minimum.

    Pre-cleaning with Bounce Fabric Softener:

    Believe it or not, Bounce and other fabric softeners are excellent products to remove soft soap scum and build-up that would otherwise be difficult to remove from your frameless shower door. All you need to do is take a sheet of fabric softener to the dry glass and scrub. Doing this will loosen tough build-up and remove lighter stains from the glass and other surfaces. When finished, take some tap water and your squeegee and wash the glass or even use the vinegar or peroxide solutions described above for best results.

    Want More Information?

    For more information on how to keep your shower and frameless shower door clean, contact Glass Showers and More today! Besides offering recommendations on cleaning supplies and tips, we can recommend products that can be installed in your shower to make cleaning and maintenance easier.