Glass shower doors are beautiful, but you need to know how to clean shower doors and keep them looking great. They can develop soap scum and hard water stains over time, and it’s not nice to see.
But don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many homeowners struggle with keeping their shower doors clean and looking like new. These tips will guide you from basic cleaning to removing stubborn stains and buildup. You’ll soon have sparkling clean shower doors that will leave your bathroom feeling fresh.
When Glass Shower Doors Look Dull
Glass shower doors can become full because they have a thin layer of hard water buildup. Over time, it can start to look foggy or reduce their shine.
How Often Should You Clean Glass Shower Doors?
As a rule of thumb, you should clean your shower doors once a week. However, if you have hard water or live in an area with high mineral content in the water, more frequent cleaning may be necessary to prevent buildup and staining.
And if the shower is used multiple times a day, you may need to clean more often.
Pro-Tip: Squeegee After Every Shower
One way to reduce how often glass shower doors need a thorough cleaning is to squeegee the doors after every shower. You can hang a squeegee tool on a suction cup hook in the shower.
When you turn off the water, give the doors a quick going over with the squeegee. This will remove a lot of the water, but more importantly, it removes or at least loosens soap and hair conditioner (and any other product) that’s gotten on the doors.
Then when you go to clean the doors, it will be a much easier job. And you may not need to do it as often.
Homemade Solutions to Clean Your Glass Shower Door
For the glass, you can use a store bought cleaner or make your own solution.
Clean Shower Doors with Vinegar Solution
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
- Spray the solution onto the glass surface you want to clean.
- Let it sit for 5 minutes
- Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel to wipe away the solution from the glass surface.
Clean Your Shower Doors with Lemon Juice
- Mix two table spoons of lemon juice with a cup of hot water in a spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
- Spray it on the glass.
- Start cleaning.
You can also use these on the fixtures, such as handles or the shower door track.
How to Clean Shower Doors
Once you’ve sprayed your solution on, and let it sit if needed, start wiping both the glass and the metal fixtures with a microfiber cloth.
If you notice streaks after cleaning with a squeegee or cloth/towel, try using a dry eraser sponge as a final step. This can help remove any remaining residue and create a spotless finish.
Dealing with Stubborn Stains and Hard Water Buildup
The vinegar solution will also take care of most hard water stains and soap scum, but sometimes you’ll need to let it sit longer. Or you may just need to scrub a little harder. But the acid in the vinegar will loosen it up and make it come off more easily.
For particularly stubborn stains, use a magic eraser or a small amount of baking soda mixed with water to create a paste. Gently rub the paste onto the stain with a sponge or cloth, being careful not to scratch the surface of your shower door.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought Cleaners
The advantage of homemade cleaners is that they tend to be more natural and eco-friendly. And in this case, they’re just as effective as store-bought cleaners.
That said, store bought cleaners work, and many of them are not loaded with dangerous chemicals. Ammonia cleaners cut through any dirt or grime very effectively.
Don’t Forget Shower Door Tracks and Handles
When cleaning your shower doors, remember the handles and tracks. They can accumulate a lot of dirt, grime, and soap scum over time. In the track, this could potentially even cause issues with how easily the doors slide.
Tips to Keep Shower Doors Clean
Now that your shower doors are sparkling clean, you want to make sure they stay that way for a long time. One of the best ways to do this is by preventing future buildup. There are several tips and tricks you can use to keep your shower doors looking great.
The first thing you should do is squeegee your shower doors after every use. This will remove excess water and soap scum before it has a chance to dry on the glass. It only takes a few seconds, but it can make a big difference in preventing buildup.
You can also apply a protective coating to your shower doors. There are many products available that create an invisible barrier on the glass, making it more difficult for soap scum and hard water stains to stick. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying these products.
Finally, consider using a daily shower spray. These sprays are designed to be used after every shower and help prevent buildup from forming in the first place. Simply spray down your shower doors (and walls) and leave the product on until your next shower.
Bonus Tips: Keep Your Shower Fresh and Clean
Cleaning your shower doors is just half the battle. To keep your shower looking and smelling fresh, here are some bonus tips:
1. Squeegee after every use: After each shower, take a minute to squeegee the water off the shower doors and surfaces to prevent water stains and buildup.
2. Use a daily shower spray: A daily shower spray helps break down soap scum and prevent mold and mildew growth. You can purchase one from the store or make your own using equal parts water and white vinegar or rubbing alcohol.
3. Wash your bath mat regularly: Your bath mat collects a lot of dirt, bacteria, and moisture that can transfer to other areas of your bathroom. Wash it at least once a week in hot water with detergent.
4. Keep up with deep cleaning: Even if you maintain a daily cleaning routine, it’s important to deep clean your shower periodically to remove any buildup or stains that may have formed.
Your shower is one of the most frequently used areas of your home, so it’s important to give it regular attention for optimal hygiene and cleanliness.