Keeping your glass shower doors clean is essential for maintaining a sparkling bathroom. Despite their stylish and practical nature, glass shower doors can quickly accumulate dirt and grime. Water droplets, shower products, and body soil can cling to the surface, creating an unsightly mess.
Neglecting to clean your glass shower door regularly can lead to the formation of soap scum, which is caused by minerals in the water, soap residue, and body soil. Over time, this can etch the glass, leaving a hazy appearance. To prevent this, you can use a soap scum remover or follow these steps to create a homemade cleaning solution using common household items.
How Often to Clean Glass Shower Doors
Ideally, glass shower doors should be cleaned after each use. Taking a few moments to spray a DIY or commercial shower cleaner and then removing it with a squeegee can prevent soap scum from building up. Alternatively, you can use a daily glass cleaner that requires no wiping or squeegeeing.
If using cleaners is not your preference, simply wiping down the surface to remove water and buildup can suffice. However, if daily cleaning is not feasible, it is recommended to deep clean your glass shower door at least once a week to ensure its cleanliness and shine.
What You Need:
To Clean With Vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Distilled white vinegar
- Distilled water
- Dishwashing soap
- Non-abrasive sponge or squeegee
- Microfiber towels
To Clean With Lemon Juice
- Spray bottle
- Lemon juice
- Distilled water
- Dishwashing soap
- Non-abrasive sponge or squeegee
- Microfiber towels
To Clean Shower Door Tracks
- Paper towel or old washcloth
- Distilled white vinegar
- Toothbrush
- Distilled water
- Microfiber towel
To Remove Water Stains
- 1/2 lemon
- Baking soda
- Microfiber towels
- Distilled white vinegar
- Microwaveable glass bowl
- Dishwashing soap
- Spray bottle
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Non-sudsing ammonia
- Distilled water
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Vinegar
Cleaning glass shower doors with vinegar is an effective and natural method that can help remove soap scum and mineral deposits. Follow these steps to clean your glass shower doors using vinegar:
- Prepare the cleaning solution: Mix equal parts of distilled white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For tougher stains, you can use undiluted vinegar.
- Spray the solution: Thoroughly spray the vinegar solution onto the glass shower doors, ensuring all areas are covered, especially where soap scum and stains are present.
- Let it sit: Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the glass for about 5-10 minutes. This will give it time to break down the soap scum and mineral deposits.
- Scrub with a sponge or brush: Gently scrub the glass using a non-abrasive sponge or a soft-bristled brush. Focus on areas with stubborn stains or buildup. If necessary, dip the sponge or brush into the vinegar solution while scrubbing.
- Rinse with water: After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the glass shower doors with warm water. Use a handheld showerhead or a clean sponge to ensure all the vinegar solution is removed.
- Dry and buff: Use a clean, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to dry the glass doors. This will help prevent water spots and streaks. If any streaks remain, you can polish the glass with a dry cloth or use a glass cleaner for a sparkling finish.
Remember to always test the vinegar solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the glass to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Additionally, avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces or marble, as it can etch or damage these materials.
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Lemon Juice
Cleaning glass shower doors with lemon juice is another natural and effective method. Lemon juice’s acidic properties help break down soap scum and stains. Here’s how you can clean your glass shower doors using lemon juice:
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice: Cut a lemon in half and squeeze out the juice. Alternatively, you can use bottled lemon juice, but fresh lemon juice is preferred.
- Apply the lemon juice: Dip a sponge or cloth into the lemon juice and apply it directly onto the glass shower doors. Make sure to cover the entire surface, focusing on areas with soap scum or stains.
- Let it sit: Allow the lemon juice to sit on the glass for about 5-10 minutes. This will give it time to penetrate and loosen the buildup.
- Scrub with a sponge or brush: Using a non-abrasive sponge or soft-bristled brush, gently scrub the glass doors. Work in circular motions, paying extra attention to stubborn spots. The acidic properties of the lemon juice will help break down the residue.
- Rinse with water: Thoroughly rinse the glass doors with warm water to remove the lemon juice and any loosened dirt. Ensure all traces of lemon juice are removed.
- Dry and polish: Use a clean, lint-free cloth or microfiber towel to dry the glass doors. This will prevent water spots and streaks. If desired, you can further polish the glass with a dry cloth for a sparkling finish.
Remember to test the lemon juice on a small, inconspicuous area of the glass first to ensure it doesn’t cause any damage or discoloration. Lemon juice may not be suitable for certain types of glass or finishes, so it’s essential to exercise caution.
Removing Water Stains From Glass Shower Doors
If you’re facing tough stains on your shower door, there are effective methods to tackle them using either lemon or vinegar. Here’s how:
Using Lemon:
- Take a cut half of a lemon and dip it in baking soda.
- Gently scrub the stained areas of the glass using the lemon and baking soda mixture.
- Rinse the glass thoroughly and dry it with a lint-free cloth or towel.
Using Vinegar:
- Heat distilled white vinegar in a microwaveable bowl until it becomes very warm, but not boiling.
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to the heated vinegar and mix well.
- Pour the vinegar mixture into a spray bottle or use a sponge to apply it directly to the glass.
- Allow the vinegar solution to sit on the glass for five to 10 minutes.
- Dip a sponge in dry baking soda and gently scrub any remaining stained areas. You may notice some fizzing, but it will dissipate quickly.
- Rinse the glass thoroughly and dry it with a lint-free cloth.
Remember, if one method doesn’t effectively remove the stains, you can try the alternative method or move on to stronger cleaning solutions specifically designed for glass shower doors. Always rinse the glass well and dry it afterward to prevent water spots or streaks.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove soap scum, water stains, and mineral deposits from your shower door, leaving it clean and sparkling.
How to Keep Your Glass Shower Doors Clean Longer
If you want to maintain clean shower doors for a longer period, here are some helpful tips:
- After each use, use a squeegee or microfiber towel to wipe dry your glass shower doors, even if you haven’t used a cleaner. This helps prevent water spots and soap scum buildup.
- Create a cleaning solution by mixing it in a spray bottle and keep it handy in the shower for daily use. This allows you to quickly clean any residue or buildup on the glass. You can use a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water or a commercial glass cleaner.
- Switch to using liquid body wash instead of bar soap. Liquid body wash is less likely to react with minerals in the water, reducing the chances of creating water stains and soap scum.
- If you live in an area with hard water, consider installing a water-softening system in your home. Hard water contains minerals that can contribute to the buildup of soap scum and water spots. A water-softening system helps reduce these mineral deposits, making it easier to keep your shower doors clean.
