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Your Guide To Cleaning Glass Shower Doors

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Thanks to changing trends in home design, many more houses have showers with doors instead of curtains. The downside of having shower doors is that hard water stains and soap scum will be put on full display, whether your glass is frosted or not.

Don’t let that happen to you. Learn how to remove hard water stains from shower doors using all-natural DIY methods, then check out some handy tips to keep that glass clean longer.

Note: Make sure you know which cleaners should never be combined when creating DIY solutions, especially if you clean with bleach in your bathroom.

How to Clean Your Shower Doors with Lemon

When life hands you lemons, use them to clean your shower doors. Citric acid has some amazing cleaning properties, and — as a bonus — lemon juice smells great.

Here's What You'll Need

  • Two or three lemons (Tip: Pick heavy lemons at the store; Weightier lemons with thinner skins tend to have more juice.)
  • A spray bottle
  • Distilled water
  • Microfiber cloths

Here's How to Clean Your Shower

  • Squeeze about 3 tablespoons of juice from the lemons.
  • Mix the lemon juice with a cup of distilled water in your spray bottle.
  • Shake the bottle to thoroughly mix the liquids.
  • Spray the shower doors with the solution and let it sit for about five minutes.
  • Using downward motions, wipe the solution from the glass.
  • Buff any streaks with a dry microfiber cloth.

Cleaning Shower Doors with Vinegar

A person spraying a cleaner on glass shower doors

Vinegar might not smell as sweet as lemons, but it’s just as effective and is often already in your pantry.

Here's What You'll Need

  • Distilled white vinegar
  • Distilled water
  • A microwave-safe bowl
  • A spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloths

Here's How to Clean Your Shower

  • Mix one part vinegar to three parts water in a microwave-safe bowl.
  • Microwave the mixture for 60 seconds.
  • Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
  • Mist the shower doors with the solution. Let this sit for three to five minutes.
  • Working from top to bottom, wipe the doors dry with a microfiber cloth.
  • Use a clean microfiber cloth to buff out any streaks.

How to Clean Shower Doors with Ammonia

You probably already know that a DIY ammonia-based cleaner can help you get a streak-free shine on glass tabletops. Well, now you can use any of that leftover cleaning solution to tackle those shower doors.

Here's What You'll Need

  • 2 tablespoons of ammonia
  • 2 quarts of warm distilled water
  • A large spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloths

Here's How to Clean Your Shower

  • Mix the ammonia and water together in your spray bottle.
  • Apply the solution to your shower doors.
  • Leave the cleaner on the door for three to five minutes.
  • Wipe the solution from the door with a dry microfiber cloth. Work from the top to the bottom.
  • Buff any remaining streaks with a fresh cloth.

Which Commercial Cleaners Work on Shower Doors?

Do you prefer the convenience and effectiveness of store-bought cleaners for your glass shower doors? If so, plenty of commercial products are designed specifically for cleaning glass shower doors.

These commercial shower cleaners offer fast results, especially when you're dealing with soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew.

Commercial Cleaning Products for Glass Shower Doors

Here are some top-rated commercial cleaning products you can rely on:

Windex Glass Cleaner

Windex is a classic choice for cleaning glass surfaces, and it works just as well on shower doors. Its formula cuts through grease, grime, and water spots, leaving your glass sparkling clean without streaks. Simply spray the solution onto your glass doors, wipe with a microfiber cloth or paper towel, and enjoy a crystal-clear shine.

Zep Commercial Glass Cleaner

Zep is known for its professional-grade cleaning products, and their glass cleaner is no exception.

It’s formulated to clean glass without leaving streaks or residue, making it a great option for shower doors. This cleaner is effective against soap scum and watermarks and dries quickly to a flawless finish.

Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber

For those more challenging spots, like soap scum or mildew, Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber is a great choice.

Its built-in scrubber makes it easy to target problem areas like corners or edges where buildup is more likely to form. After applying the product, simply use the scrubber to work it in and rinse for a clean, streak-free shine.

Kaboom Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner

Kaboom is a powerful cleaner that’s specifically designed for bathroom surfaces. It effectively tackles soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew buildup on glass shower doors.

Its foaming action helps it cling to surfaces longer, allowing it to work through stubborn grime before you rinse it away for a sparkling finish.

CLR Clear Max Cleaner

CLR (Calcium, Lime, and Rust) is an excellent choice for hard water stains. This cleaner is tough on mineral deposits and soap scum, making it perfect for maintaining the clarity of glass shower doors.

CLR also works well on other bathroom surfaces, making it a versatile option for cleaning the entire shower area.

Ecover Glass & Surface Cleaner

Are you looking for a cleaner that is a bit more eco-conscious?Ecover's glass and surface cleaner is effective and eco-friendly. It’s tough on grime but gentle on the environment, providing a streak-free shine on glass shower doors.

Disclaimer: Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety precautions when using their product.

How to Use Commercial Cleaners

For the best results, follow these steps when using commercial cleaning products:

  • Spray generously on the glass surface, making sure to cover any soap scum or hard water stains.
  • Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes, especially for tough buildup, to let the formula work its magic.
  • Use a microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge to wipe away the cleaner, working in small sections for thorough coverage.
  • Buff with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture and prevent streaks, leaving your glass sparkling clean.

Commercial cleaning products provide a fast and efficient way to keep your glass shower doors spotless. If you don’t mind using store-bought solutions, these products can make regular cleaning quick and hassle-free.

Cleaning Shower Doors on a Daily Basis

There’s no foolproof DIY method that will keep hard water stains, mildew, and soap scum from coming back forever. How do you clean shower doors to slow these bathroom baddies down?

There are two easy things you can do regularly:

  • After each shower, wipe down doors and walls with a dry microfiber cloth.
  • Leave bathroom doors open when the room isn’t in use. This will allow air to circulate, which can help prevent mildew growth.

It's important to remember that hard water stains build up over time. While regular cleaning will improve the condition of the door, the surface may never be completely restored to its original state.

So, don't worry that you're doing something wrong because your shower doors don't look brand new after you've cleaned them. And, of course, the easiest way to keep hard water stains and soap scum from taking over shower doors is to let someone else take care them for you.

Contact your local Merry Maids to scrub those scummy doors, and you'll have more time to do what you truly enjoy.

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