Gleaming, clear shower doors are easier to achieve than you might think
Glass shower doors can elevate the look of your bathroom, but a dirty, cloudy shower door can ruin the elegant feel you’re trying to achieve. Learn how to clean glass shower doors effectively to keep them clear, gleaming, and free of hard water spots, mineral deposits, and soap scum. Cleaning glass shower doors doesn’t require a lot of time or special products; all it takes is a few minutes with things you probably already have around your house!
Before you get started, mix up a batch of shower glass cleaner in your spray bottle. Combine two parts white vinegar with one part hot water and add about one teaspoon of dish soap and shake well.
If your shower is made of natural stone, you’ll want to avoid vinegar, as it can cause etching on stone. For stone showers, instead make a paste by mixing baking soda and water until it’s thin enough to easily spread but thick enough not to run as soon as you apply it. Test the baking soda paste by lightly rubbing it on an inconspicuous part of your glass with a damp sponge to ensure it won’t scratch.
Abrasive cleaning supplies like baking soda, steel wool, and nylon-coated sponges can permanently scratch surfaces. If you need a deep clean, a cleaning pro will have the right supplies to get your space sparkling and avoid damage.
Start cleaning the shower glass by spraying the doors with your homemade cleaner (or applying the baking soda paste for stone showers). Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes so it can break down the deposits that have settled and dried on the glass. Letting the cleaner work will save you from having to scrub to remove build-up.
After you’ve let your cleaner sit for a while, take a damp, non-abrasive sponge and gently rub the glass surface, then rinse the sponge and wipe the glass to remove most of the cleaner. Rinse the inside of the door with your showerhead to get rid of any remaining cleaner residue.
If any stubborn soap scum or mineral build-up remains, you can repeat the first step just on those areas, or try applying a baking soda paste and very gently rubbing it with a non-abrasive sponge. Remember not to scrub too hard, as you don’t want to scratch or etch your glass. Rinse the shower door once you’ve removed any resistant spots.
When cleaning your shower doors, you’ll want to clean the door tracks as well to keep the doors working well and to prevent mold, mildew, and mineral deposits. Dip an old toothbrush or a scrub brush with a small head into your vinegar mixture or baking soda paste. Work the cleaner into the door track with the brush, paying special attention to the corners where deposits can build up. Once all of the dirt and build-up has been loosened up, wipe out the track with a damp sponge or paper towel.
Once you’ve removed build-up and deposits from your shower doors, you’ll want to restore that gleaming shine. Start by removing any excess water with a squeegee. Then, spray glass cleaner or a mix of equal parts vinegar and water and carefully wipe with a microfiber cloth. Buff out any remaining streaks with a dry microfiber cloth.
For added shine and protection, you can apply a water-repellent treatment made for showers to your glass shower doors about once a month. Be sure to follow all manufacturer’s directions for application.
While cleaning your glass shower doors might not be a difficult task, it may be one that you don’t have the time or motivation to tackle. Hiring a local house cleaner is a great way to handle deep cleaning tasks like cleaning shower doors. House cleaning pros generally charge $30 to $50 an hour, and you can let the cleaner know you’d like them to pay special attention to the shower doors. Regular bathroom cleaning can help prevent the need for deep cleaning as often, and that’s a job the pros can handle on a regular basis.
You can use a commercial water repellent treatment for glass on your shower doors to prevent water spots. Take care to only apply the product to glass. Letting air circulate also helps prevent water spots, as water is less likely to remain on the glass for a long time with good air circulation. Run your vent fan, open a window, and leave the shower door open for about half an hour after using the shower.
The best way to soften hard water in the shower is with a water softening system. These whole-home softeners help remove minerals from the water as it enters your home. If you’re looking for a more affordable, shower-specific solution, install a water-softening showerhead to filter water as it’s coming out. With a water softening solution in place, you may find a reduction in mineral deposits as well as cleaner-feeling hair and skin.
All of the things you use to help you get clean can leave your shower door looking dirty. Water can leave mineral deposits as well as unsightly spots when drops of water dry on the glass. Soap and shampoo can cause build-up and residue that leaves a layer of soap scum in your shower, which then attracts dirt. Mold and mildew can also contribute to dirty shower doors; these fast-growing organisms thrive in areas with poor air circulation, damp conditions, and residue from things like soap and shampoo.
