A glass shower door can add a modern style to your bathroom, but it also often develops grime and hard water stains over time. Learn how to clean a glass shower door effectively with these tips and homemade cleaning solutions. Try these methods to remove streaks, stains, and foggy buildup using non-toxic ingredients that you likely already have at home. Don’t forget to clean the shower door tracks as well, and once your shower door is spotless, apply preventative measures to make future cleaning easier.
How Often to Clean Glass Shower Doors
Hard water spots develop when water droplets dry on the glass, and mold or mildew can thrive in damp areas. Prevention is essential for keeping glass shower doors clean and free from grime. According to experts, the best thing to do is to squeegee the door after every use. Hang a squeegee in the shower for easy access and remind your family to use it after showering. A basic squeegee costs less than $20 and can save you time and hassle. It will prevent hard water deposits from accumulating, reducing the need for scrubbing later.
Plan to wipe down your shower doors every night after the last person has used the shower. This is also an ideal time to clean the surrounding area, as the warm water has already softened the grime. Use a sponge or a foam cleaning pad, like a Magic Eraser, to minimize the need for additional cleaning products or harsh chemicals. Tackle several tasks at once by cleaning the shower doors, walls, and floors all at the same time.
Leaving the shower door open after use will help it dry out. To further prevent hard water spots and keep the shower door clean, spray it with a water repellent like Rain-X, or consider installing a water softener to minimize mineral buildup.
Glass Shower Door Cleaning Schedule
If you consistently handle light cleaning, you should only need to deep clean your shower doors every few weeks. Follow this shower cleaning schedule:
Every Day: After showering, use a squeegee to wipe down the glass shower doors and leave the door open to dry out.
Weekly: Wipe down the entire shower with a sponge or foam cleaning pad.
Once a Month: Do a deep clean by thoroughly scrubbing the shower, paying special attention to all the nooks and crannies. Apply a water repellent spray to prevent hard water stains on the glass doors.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
- Toothbrush (optional)
- Paint scraper (optional)
- Razor blade scraper (optional)
Materials
- Distilled white vinegar
- Dish detergent
- Water
- Lemon (optional)
- Baking soda (optional)
- Lemon oil (optional)
- Essential oil (optional)
How to Clean Shower Doors with Vinegar
Mixing Vinegar and Dish Soap to Clean Glass Shower Doors
For a homemade cleaner, mix equal parts distilled white vinegar (heat it first) and dish soap. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle.
Spray DIY Cleaner on Shower Door
Spray the mixture onto both sides of the shower doors. Let it sit for about 30 minutes, or until it loosens the grime.
Rinse and Dry
Rinse off the cleaning solution with fresh water and a damp sponge, then dry the glass using a microfiber cloth.
Note: While the vinegar and dish soap mix works well for most showers, it could damage stone surfaces. For stone showers, blend liquid soap with baking soda until it’s thick like frosting. Scrub this mixture onto the glass door with a non-scratch sponge, then rinse with warm water.
Using Lemon to Remove Streaks and Stains from Glass Shower Doors
Remove streaks from your glass shower doors with this simple trick. Cut a lemon in half, dip the cut side in baking soda, and rub it on both sides of the glass door. The lemon’s acid reacts with the baking soda to create a foamy lather. After cleaning, rub the glass with a bit of lemon oil to repel water and keep soap from drying on the surface. Plus, the fresh lemon scent is much nicer than bleach!
Cleaning Shower Door Tracks to Prevent Mold and Grime
Don’t overlook the edges or tracks of your shower door, as these areas can easily collect mold and soap scum. Use a toothbrush or a small handheld brush to scrub the metal frame around your shower door. A paint scraper can help remove grime where the metal meets the shower or door. A razor blade scraper, when used gently, can also scrape off mineral spots from the flat glass. Make sure to use a clean, sharp blade and hold it at a 45-degree angle to avoid scratching the glass.
Daily Shower Spray to Keep Glass Shower Doors Spot-Free
A daily shower spray can extend the time between deep cleans. Make your own with simple ingredients: mix 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vinegar, a bit of dish soap, and 10-20 drops of essential oil for scent. Keep this spray in the shower and use it on the glass door after squeegeeing. This no-rinse daily spray helps maintain cleanliness. If you have a stone tile shower, avoid vinegar to prevent damage.