While I don't squeegee the entire shower stall, we do squeegee the door and glass wall each time we shower. The shower door is always open and the exhaust fan runs for at least 30 minutes. I've attempted to keep a minimum of items on the grab bar shelves, but.... I have shampoo and conditioner, face wash, two kinds of body wash (alternate days) and shaving cream. On his shelf, DH has two kinds of shampoo (alternate days) and body wash. I bought the shelves from my nephew who owns a hardware store. I'm going to ask him if I can get shelves with some sort of anti-mildew property. If I can't, then I'll ask him if I can get replacement shelves. If I can, then I'll drill holes in the shelves. If it doesn't work, I'll replace them. Last time I cleaned the shelf, I wiped it down with dishwasher soap. I did not rinse the soap off. I hoped that leaving a thin film on the shelf would act as a mildew retardant. It didn't. Thanks for all the thoughts and suggestions.

Just look around at what is available - there are a lot of new designs that double as soap dish/ toilet roll holder, etc... they're avail at big box stores and actually look much nicer than your everyday utilitarian grab bar. I think the key is installing the right blocking behind the shower surround (I assume you're doing fiberglass or acrylic?) and knowing where to install it.

I would NOT recommend a grab bar handheld shower head combo. I specialize in accessible design and having it as a combo is in my opinion is not safe, because a grab bar is supposed to be at a position specific to your capabilities and limitations; so if you do needed it, it is a reactionary grasp, because falling only takes a split second. Also the combo grab bar will be at too high of a position, and not at a lower level since it needs to be lower as you fall down and not up. I would recommend a separate slide bar typically placed on the inside corner of the shower, but can be placed anywhere that works for you. It can be placed lower, so if needed, can be reached at a sitting position, or for children to use. I have purchased and used (for almost 9 years) the Kohler K-8524 (30") or the K-9069 (24") and they come in chrome, polished chrome and brushed nickel. I like these, because to move the shower head holder, you pinch the lever and slide it up or down. there is no knob or lever to turn and lock in place. It also stays in position, which is important. As far as grab bars, as I mentioned, it needs to be installed specifically for your capabilities and limitations. But the most important thing is that it is secured in solid wood blocking. If anyone tells you that they will install it into a wood or metal stud, they do not know what they are doing. A grab bar is supposed to hold 250 pounds of pull or push force. Unless you have large hands, I also recommend the 1-1/4-inch diameter and not the 1-1/2-inch that you typically see in accessible stalls. There are thousands of grab bars, but it would depend on what you are looking for. There are Universal Design grab bars that don't look like the typical stainless steel ones. Also your budget will make a difference. But if you just want the grab bars for safety. then I would recommend ones made by Wingits. They have a knurled area that makes it non-slip. I have used them for almost 10 years. You can purchase them on Amazon now, which will make it easier to get.

We just installed a glass shower door and I was afraid that when we pulled the door from inside the shower, It would bang into a custom cabinet. What I found was that it doesn't swing like a saloon door, but opens gently. You would have to consciously make an effort to open it with such force that it would bang into the cabinet. Have you used your shower? Can you post a picture? If the grab bar is horizontal, I would put a towel on it when you have guests using it.