A Guide on How to Clean Glass Shower Door

Glass shower doors are popular due to their luxurious, versatile, and customizable features, offering a sleek and modern look. However, a glass shower door can accumulate soap scum, hard water stains, and grime over time which can diminish their overall appearance and beauty. Regular cleaning and efficient housekeeping are essential to maintain their pristine condition and extend their lifespan. In this blog, we'll share effective methods and insider tips on how to clean glass shower doors

Everything You Should Know About Soap Scum and Hard Water Stains

Soap scum and hard water stains are common problems in bathroom shower doors, resulting from mineral deposits in the water supply. When fresh water with high levels of calcium and magnesium evaporates, it leaves behind mineral buildup that causes stubborn stains. Although these stubborn stains may be difficult to remove, they are not permanent and can be effectively treated with the proper techniques.

Hard water also reacts with soap forming a soap scum — a white and chalky residue made up of calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, and other materials. This buildup happens over time, especially in areas with hard water. Understanding how these residues form can help you tackle and prevent them, keeping your bathroom shower door cleaner and more enjoyable.

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Distilled White Vinegar

What You Need:

• Distilled White Vinegar
• Warm Water
• Spray Bottle 
• Non-abrasive Sponge or Squeegee
• Microfiber Towels
• Dishwashing Soap (Optional)
• Small Brush
• Cotton Balls
• Washcloth

For Shower Doors:

Step 1: To create a vinegar solution, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. If you prefer a more robust cleaning solution, add 1/4 teaspoon dishwashing liquid. 

Step 2: Once mixed, spray the cleaning solution onto the glass, starting from the top of the door. Allow the solution to break down the buildup for at least five minutes. You can skip the wait time if you consistently clean after each shower. 

Step 3: Next, use a non-abrasive sponge or squeegee to wipe clean the glass from the top. If the solution has dried, simply add a bit more. 

Step 4: Rinse the glass with water using a sponge, then dry it thoroughly with a lint-free microfiber towel. If you opted for the squeegee method, use a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining smudges or streaks. 

With this simple yet effective cleaning method, your glass shower doors will be left sparkling clean and streak-free.

For Shower Door Tracks:

Warning: Never mix vinegar or ammonia with bleach, which can create harmful fumes. Also, be careful using vinegar on stone floors or tiles, as it can damage them.

Step 1: Cover the drain holes with a washcloth or paper towel to prevent the vinegar from draining. 

Step 2: Pour white vinegar into the tracks and let it sit overnight, then remove the paper towels and wipe away the leftover vinegar the next day. 

Step 3: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle to create a DIY cleaning solution. Spray the solution along the door tracks and let it sit for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of dirt present.

Step 4: Scrub the tracks with a small brush like an old toothbrush. For stubborn spots, apply vinegar using cotton balls, let it sit for three to five minutes, and scrub again. 

Step 5: Finish by misting the tracks with water to rinse away any remaining vinegar and dry thoroughly. Repeat as needed to keep your shower tracks sparkling clean.

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Mild Dish Soap

What You Need: 

• Mild Soap: Dishwashing Liquid or Body Wash
• Hydrogen Peroxide (Optional)
• Soft Bristled Brush
• Sponge
• Warm Water
• Microfiber Cloth
• Spray Bottle

For Shower Doors:

Step 1: Put a few drops of liquid dish soap onto a damp sponge and scrub the glass shower. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn soap scum and dirt buildup. For tougher stains, use a soft-bristled brush or sponge to scrub the glass shower and shower floor.

Step 2: Let the soap sit in the shower glass and tiles for 15-30 minutes, and then rinse with warm water.

Step 3: Use a microfiber towel and polish the shower glass for a sparkling finish. 

For Shower Door Tracks:

Step 1: Mix water with a squirt of dish soap in a spray bottle for a basic cleaning solution. For an extra cleaning boost, add a cup of hydrogen peroxide to the mixture. 

Step 2: Spray this diluted soap solution over the shower tracks, focusing on heavily soiled areas. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing the tracks clean.

Step 3: Once you've loosened all the dirt, rinse the tracks with hot or warm water and wipe them down with a microfiber cloth.

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Lemon Juice

What You Need:

• Lemon Juice
• Distilled Water
• Essential Oil
• Dishwashing Soap (Optional)
• Spray Bottle
• Small Brush
• Microfiber Cloth
• Damp Sponge or Squeegee

For Shower Doors:

Warning: This natural cleaning method is perfect for maintaining clean shower doors, but be cautious not to use it on natural stone showers due to its mild acidity.

Step 1: Mix lemon juice and distilled water in the spray bottle, adding a dash of dishwashing soap for extra cleaning power. For an aromatic effect, add a few drops of your preferred essential oil.

Step 2: Once your solution is ready, start at the top of the glass door and generously spray the surface, allowing it to sit for about five minutes to break down any buildup.

Step 3: Then, gently wipe the glass from top to bottom using a damp sponge or squeegee to avoid smudging or streaking.

Step 4: Finally, rinse the shower glass with water to remove any remaining solution and use a microfiber towel or squeegee to dry the surface, leaving it gleaming and free of streaks or smudges. 

For Shower Door Tracks:

Step 1: Quarter a lemon and dip one wedge into salt. Use the lemon wedge to scrub the tracks thoroughly, allowing the combination of lemon and salt to work magic. Another option you can do is to create a paste by mixing lemon juice and salt. Apply this paste with a small brush, scrubbing the tracks as effectively.

Step 2: Let it sit for 25 to 30 minutes to break down the grime. For extra stubborn areas, use a small brush to scrub them clean. 

Step 3: After waiting, rinse the tracks with a damp sponge to remove any remaining residue. 

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Baking Soda

What You Need:

• Baking Soda
• Salt (Optional)
• Distilled White Vinegar
• Microfiber Cloth or Sponge

For Shower Doors:

Step 1: Mix one cup of baking soda with ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar to create a thick paste. If dealing with stubborn scum, adding a pinch of salt can enhance the solution's abrasive properties. 

Step 2: Once the paste is ready, apply it to the glass doors using a sponge or microfiber cloth, ensuring complete coverage, and allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes. 

Step 3: Wipe the surfaces with a sponge or cloth dampened with water, then rinse and dry thoroughly. The same procedure can be used to maintain clean shower door tracks. 

Achieve a Sparkly Clean Glass Shower Doors With Dulles Glass Clearshield Aftercare Glass Cleaner

Keeping your glass shower doors pristine is effortless with Dulles Glass ClearShield AfterCare Shower Door Cleaner. This easy-to-use cleaner is a worthwhile investment for glass shower door maintenance. Simply spray and wipe the solution onto the glass shower surface and experience the transformative power of this specialized formula.

ClearShield AfterCare effectively removes stubborn hard water stains, prevents soap scum buildup, and other unsightly buildups, revealing a crystal-clear surface that looks as good as new. Besides restoring beauty, it disinfects and conditions your ClearShield-protected glass, providing a thorough and hygienic clean that guards against harmful bacteria and germs.

Packaged in convenient 500ml trigger spray bottles, ClearShield AfterCare ensures efficient coverage and can be used on various glass surfaces, including shower doors, glass door, mirrors, and ceramics. Whether for home or commercial use, ClearShield AfterCare is a trusted solution to keep your glass surfaces sparkling shine.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Clearshield Glass Protection: 

Investing in ClearShield for glass shower door maintenance may require an upfront cost, but it offers significant long-term benefits. This protective coating is a barrier for glass shower door, minimizing maintenance efforts and keeping the glass pristine. ClearShield effectively reduces water spots and limescale deposits while hindering bacterial growth, ensuring a cleaner and healthier shower environment. It's a highly recommended solution for those seeking minimal upkeep and enduring beauty.

Squeegee After Each Use: 

Clean shower glass regularly to maintain its spotless appearance. Using a squeegee after every use helps prevents water buildup, soap scum, and water spots, keeping the doors clean and shiny with minimal effort. By wiping down the doors after every use, you can significantly reduce the need for frequent deep cleanings. Keep a squeegee conveniently in your shower and make it a habit to use each time, ensuring consistently clean glass shower doors. 

Ventilation: 

Proper ventilation is vital to maintaining clean shower doors and preventing mold and mildew growth. After each use, open the shower door to allow air to circulate and dry the enclosure. To enhance ventilation, install a transom—a small glass panel above the door—that can be left slightly open to allow fresh air to circulate even when the main door is closed. Additionally, using an exhaust fan or a dehumidifier in your bathroom can significantly reduce moisture levels, keeping your shower area drier and fresher between uses. Ensuring your bathroom is well-ventilated can significantly reduce the chances of mold and mildew developing, thus preserving the clarity and cleanliness of your glass shower doors.

Weekly Maintenance: 

Dedicate a few minutes each week to wipe down the glass with a mild detergent solution to prevent the buildup of soap scum and stains. A quick wipe-down after each use can significantly reduce residue accumulation, keeping the glass clear and spotless. For more thorough cleaning, perform a deep cleaning session once a month to tackle any stubborn spots and remove soap scum to ensure the glass remains sparkling. Thoroughly deep clean the walls, scrub the tracks and grout lines, clean the shower head, and unclog the drain using a commercial cleaner. You can easily maintain clean shower glass by combining daily maintenance with weekly and monthly cleaning routines. 

Install a Water Softening System: 

If you live in an area with hard water and experience other problems inherent to the minerals, consider getting a whole-home water softener. While this option is costly, it can be worthwhile if hard water makes cleaning clothes and maintaining plumbing difficult. Even with a water softener, regular cleaning of your shower is crucial to minimize soap scum buildup. However, you will likely notice fewer hard water stains. Additionally, switching from bar soap to liquid body wash can significantly reduce soap scum, as bar soap contains talc and fatty acids that encourage scum, while liquid soap or shower gel results in less buildup.

Conclusion

With proper care and maintenance, cleaning glass shower doors is a breeze. By following the steps outlined in this guide and incorporating preventive measures into your routine, you can ensure your shower doors remain sparkling clean, enhancing the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Say goodbye to grimy glass and hello to a gleaming shower experience!

FAQs

What is the best thing to use to clean glass shower doors?

The best thing to use to clean glass shower doors is a specialized cleaner like ClearShield AfterCare Shower Door Cleaner. This product is specially formulated to remove stubborn hard water stains, soap scum, and other buildups, revealing a crystal-clear surface. It also disinfects and conditions the glass, ensuring a thorough and hygienic cleaning experience while protecting against harmful bacteria and germs.

Can you use baking soda to clean glass shower doors?

Yes, baking soda is an effective cleaning agent for glass shower doors. Its naturally abrasive texture and chemical properties make it ideal for scrubbing and scouring stubborn water stains. Additionally, baking soda can deodorize and lift tough stains, making it a versatile household cleaner.

What removes hard water stains from glass shower doors?

To remove hard water stains from glass shower doors, use a simple DIY solution of white vinegar and baking soda. The acidity in the vinegar dissolves tough grime and soap scum, while the abrasive properties of baking soda effectively scrub away dirt and stains. This household mixture provides an easy and effective cleaning method for sparkling clean shower doors.

How do hotels keep glass shower doors clean?

Hotels keep glass shower doors clean by installing water softeners in the shower heads and pipes, which reduce water hardness and prevent mineral buildup. They also use microfiber cloths to dry the glass after each cleaning session, effectively preventing water spots and stains.