{"id":3763,"date":"2022-03-01T01:51:13","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T06:51:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/info.glass.com\/?p=3763"},"modified":"2022-12-07T10:39:23","modified_gmt":"2022-12-07T15:39:23","slug":"cleaning-with-hydrophobic-coatings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.glass.com\/info\/cleaning-with-hydrophobic-coatings\/","title":{"rendered":"Keeping Your Shower Door Clean With Hydrophobic Coatings"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Shower doors are a beautiful way to accent your bathroom and they are completely customizable. Whether you choose a frameless door, or maybe a sliding door, glass is usually the material of choice when it comes to showers. With such constant and continued use, how can we keep these shower doors pristine? Over time, hard water build up and soap scum can take a toll on those shiny shower doors. Did you know though, there is an easy way to prevent this from happening? Something as simple as a hydrophobic coating<\/a> can keep those shower doors squeaky clean and visually appealing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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What is a Hydrophobic Coating?<\/strong><\/h2>

\"Hydrophobic<\/h2>

If you aren\u2019t familiar with hydrophobic coatings<\/a>, you\u2019ll be presently surprised. It turns out, these coatings can be used on a whole slew of glass products, including shower doors. Hydrophobic means, \u201cTo be afraid of water.\u201d A hydrophobic coating won\u2019t make your shower door scared of water, but it will repel it. These coatings are commonly made with silica<\/a> gel since it can be applied to multiple surfaces. Alternatively, it can also be made with oxide-polystyrene; however, the manufacturing cost is high leaving this option the less popular used of the two.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Removing Hard Water Stains<\/h3>

Glass naturally contains tiny pores. Over time, these pores can fill with hard water, soap, bacteria, dirt and a host of other grimy substances that can make your shower door lackluster. Before applying a hydrophobic coating to your shower glass, you’ll need to super-clean the glass<\/a> to remove any hard water stains.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>

To do this, you’ll want to be armed with microfiber towels, high-quality glass cleaner, and a hard water spot remover.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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The Advantages of a Hydrophobic Shower Coating<\/h3>

When applied to a shower door, the hydrophobic coating creates a smooth surface by filling in these microscopic pores. The coating’s smooth surface repels the water, not allowing water drops or dirt to fall into the glass pores. This not only keeps the glass<\/a> relatively free of grime, it also allows for easier and less frequent cleaning.<\/p>

Less frequent cleaning means, fewer cleaning chemicals, such as bleach, are washed down the drain. This makes for a healthier environment in streams, oceans and rivers.<\/p>

In addition to a healthier outdoor environment, these coatings can also make for a healthier and safer showering environment. Hydrophobic coatings can cut down bacteria, mold and mildew growth. The coating causes the bacteria and fungi to roll down the shower door, not giving it a place to thrive since those tiny pores are filled up. This can create a cleaner and safer shower space.<\/p>

Installation Options<\/h2>

Do-It-Yourself (DIY)<\/span><\/h3>

If you’re the do-it-yourself (DIY) type of person, then you may wish to install a coating yourself. The coating products are typically sold as kits. The kits should include detailed instructions and everything you need to complete the coating job. Follow the instructions closely, or you may risk sub-optimal results.<\/p>

Remember, prep work is key, so additional products such as glass cleaner, and hard water spot removes may need to be used prior to the coating process.<\/p>

Keep in mind, DIY coatings don’t typically last as long as a professionally installed coating. However, there will be less upfront cost and they can last many months, or even years, with proper care. They will still be useful in reducing hard water spots and the frequency with which the glass must be cleaned.\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBasco AquaGlideXP Shower Door Glass Water Repellent Kit\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tShop on Amazon\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Talk With Your Shower Dealer<\/span><\/h3>

Did you know hydrophobic coatings are commonly applied by your local shower door dealer<\/a>? That’s right! Many dealers offer options to coat your shower doors when you buy them. Coating in the factory allows for the coat to go on at the door’s cleanest phase and in a controlled environment, ensuring you get the best quality. Your Glass.com affiliate<\/a> can tell you what kind of coatings they offer and details specific to their coatings.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>

Hydrophobic Shower Coating Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>

After deciding a hydrophobic coating is the way to go for your shower door, you may find yourself asking a few questions. How can you ensure the coating stays on? Or maybe even, do I need to clean the coating? Here are some factors you may find helpful when deciding:<\/p>