How To Clean Glass Shower Doors

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as stepping into a sparkling clean shower. However, the process of cleaning shower glass can be a constant battle against water marks and soap scum. If you’ve been on the lookout for the best way to clean shower glass, your search ends here. This blog post will walk you through the process of how to clean shower glass, ensuring your glass shower doors remain spotless and clear.

Understanding the challenges of cleaning shower glass

What makes glass shower doors so challenging to keep clean? The main culprits are hard water deposits, soap scum and mildew, all of which can cling to the glass surface and create a cloudy appearance. Thankfully, with the right approach and products, you can tackle these issues head-on.

Shower glass cleaning supplies

Before you clean glass shower doors, you should ensure that you have all the right tools on hand. Here’s a list of essentials to help you clean shower glass:

• Squeegee — A squeegee is an indispensable tool for maintaining glass shower doors. Its flat, smooth rubber blade is designed to wick water off surfaces, leaving them dry and streak-free. By using a squeegee after each shower, you can prevent water spots and mineral deposits from forming, making it a critical first line of defence in shower glass maintenance.
• Microfibre cloth — Microfibre cloths are perfect for cleaning glass shower doors due to their soft, non-abrasive texture and their ability to attract and hold onto particles. Unlike regular cloths or paper towels, microfibre cloths won’t leave lint or streaks behind when cleaning shower glass. They’re also highly absorbent and can be used for both applying cleaners and drying the glass surface after rinsing.
• Soft-bristle brush — A soft-bristle brush is ideal for gently scrubbing away soap scum and grime without scratching the glass. The soft bristles can get into the small crevices of the shower door’s hardware and along edges where grime tends to accumulate. It’s particularly useful for tackling the tracks and hinges.
• White vinegar — White vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down soap scum and hard water deposits, making it one of the most effective natural cleaning solutions when cleaning shower glass. It’s also antimicrobial, killing certain types of bacteria and viruses. Vinegar can be used diluted or undiluted, depending on the severity of the buildup.
• Dish soap — Dish soap is a mild detergent that is excellent at cutting through grease and lifting soil. When used on shower glass, it can help break down the oily layer left by soap and body wash. It’s gentle on surfaces but effective at cleaning, making it an ideal component in a homemade shower glass cleaner, especially when combined with vinegar.
• Baking soda — Baking soda helps dirt and grease to dissolve easily in water. It’s slightly abrasive, which makes it perfect for scrubbing without the risk of scratching the glass. When used as a paste, it can be applied to tough stains and residue on shower doors. It also deodorises, neutralising any unpleasant smells that might be lingering in the shower area.

How to clean shower glass on a daily basis

Maintaining clean glass shower doors can be straightforward if you have the right tools and follow a consistent routine. Before starting, ensure you have a good-quality squeegee with a sharp, firm rubber blade that’s wide enough to clear large swaths of your shower glass with each stroke. Here’s how to clean shower glass with a squeegee for daily maintenance:

1. After you’ve finished showering, take the squeegee and start at the top corner of the shower glass. Holding the squeegee at a 45-degree angle to the glass surface provides the best contact and allows for an effective drag of water.
2. Drag the squeegee down the glass in a single smooth motion. Overlap your strokes slightly to avoid leaving water lines. Be sure to wipe the squeegee blade with a microfibre cloth after each stroke to avoid transferring water back onto the glass.
3. At the end of your squeegeeing, you may notice some water droplets left on the edges or corners of the glass. Use a dry microfibre cloth to gently dab these away.

The best way to clean shower glass and keep it sparkling is to squeegee daily. This prevents the buildup of mineral deposits and soap scum, making your weekly deep cleaning sessions much easier.

How to clean shower glass with soap scum and hard water stains

Over time, you may notice a buildup of hard water stains or soap scum in your shower. Here are some steps to help you clean shower glass if this happens:

1. For the weekly deep clean or whenever you notice soap scum and hard water stains, prepare a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. If the buildup is significant, you can use pure white vinegar for more potency.
2. Transfer the vinegar solution to a spray bottle for easy application. Spray the solution liberally onto the shower glass, making sure to cover all areas affected by soap scum and hard water stains. Allow the solution to work its magic for at least 10 to 15 minutes.
3. After letting the solution sit, use a soft-bristle brush or a non-scratch sponge to gently scrub the glass. This will help in dislodging any stubborn buildup without damaging the surface of the glass.
4. Once you’ve scrubbed the shower glass, rinse the doors with clean water. If you have a detachable showerhead, this is an ideal tool for rinsing. Ensure you rinse thoroughly, as any leftover vinegar can leave streaks or an odour.
5. Finally, take a clean, dry microfibre cloth and wipe down the glass doors until they are completely dry and shining. This step will also remove any remaining streaks and ensure your shower glass looks impeccably clean.

The best way to clean shower glass effectively

For those tough grime spots that seem immune to your daily cleaning regimen, a baking soda paste can be the best way to clean shower glass with minimal effort. Here’s how you can create and use this powerful natural cleaner.

1. Mix three parts baking soda with one part water in a small bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms a thick paste that can cling to vertical surfaces without dripping.
2. Using a non-abrasive sponge or a soft cloth, apply the paste directly onto the areas with tough grime on your glass shower doors. Spread the paste evenly, ensuring complete coverage of the problem areas.
3. Allow the baking soda paste to sit on the glass for at least 15 minutes. This dwell time is crucial for the paste to break down the grime effectively.
4. After letting the paste sit, use a soft-bristle brush to scrub the glass in a gentle, circular motion. Apply consistent pressure and focus on the areas where the paste was applied. The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda will help lift the grime without scratching the glass.
5. Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the glass, rinse off the paste with warm water.
6. Use a clean squeegee to remove any excess water, followed by a dry microfibre cloth to polish the glass.

If you’re having trouble getting rid of grime or persistent stains on your shower glass doors, Jim’s Cleaning is here to help. Say goodbye to cloudy shower doors that make your bathroom look dull, and say hello to sparkling clean glass shower doors. Whether you need a thorough cleaning for your whole bathroom or want home cleaning services to make your life easier, just reach out to us. We’ll give you a free quote and bring back the shine to your home!