When keeping your bathroom clean, your shower doors often get neglected.
Sure, you may think that water and soap alone can keep them shining bright, but over time, mineral build-up, soap scum, and grime will accumulate on the surface, making your shower look dull and dirty.
Not only is this unsightly, but it can also create a breeding ground for bacteria and mold. That’s why it’s essential to regularly clean and maintain your shower doors to keep them looking great and prevent any potential health hazards.
Here are ten tips on how to clean shower doors like a pro.
White Vinegar and Baking Soda
Sometimes the shower doors can also be cleaned with white vinegar and baking soda. This combination does not only clean, but it sanitizes too.
Materials Needed:
- White Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Non-scratch scrub sponge (e.g., Scrub Daddy)
- Dry microfiber towel
Step-by-step process:
1. Mix one cup of white vinegar and two tablespoons of baking soda in a bowl.
2. Apply a paste with the mixture to your shower doors.
3. Let it sit for about ten minutes, and use a non-scratch scrub sponge to scrub the surface.
4. Rinse off the solution with water, then wipe down your shower doors with a microfiber towel until they become streak-free.
Dish Soap and Warm Water
Dish soap and warm water are also great for cleaning your shower doors. This combination will leave the glass looking shiny and streak-free.
Materials Needed:
- Dish Soap
- Warm Water
- Non-scratch scrub sponge
- Microfiber towel
- spray bottle (optional)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Start by filling up a container with warm water.
- Add two or three drops of dish soap into the water and mix until combined thoroughly.
- Dip the sponge or cloth into the mixture and gently scrub away any dirt on the shower door surface.
- If any hard-to-reach spots or residue won’t come off, try using a spray bottle filled with the same solution. This will give you more control over where you spray it.
- Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping it away with a dry cloth or paper towel. This will also help ensure all surfaces have been properly disinfected.
- Repeat the process if necessary until all desired stains have been removed and final results are achieved.
Lemon Juice
Using lemon juice to clean your shower doors can be a great way to effectively remove dirt, grime, and hard build-up without harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners.
Before we begin, let’s gather the following materials:
- Fresh lemon juice
- A spray bottle
- Water
- A sponge or soft brush
- A microfiber cloth or squeegee
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Pour the fresh lemon juice into a spray bottle and dilute it with equal water. Give the mixture a good shake to ensure it’s well combined.
2. Spray the lemon juice solution onto the shower door, covering all areas, including the corners and edges. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes, giving it time to break down any dirt or grime.
3. Using a damp sponge or soft brush, gently scrub the shower door in circular motions. The natural acidity of the lemon juice will work to dissolve any stubborn soap scum or hard water stains.
4. Rinse the shower door thoroughly with water, ensuring all the lemon juice solution is washed away. Wipe the door dry with a microfiber cloth or squeegee.
5. If your shower doors still look dirty, repeat steps 2-4 until they’re clean and sparkling.
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Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is an effective and natural way to keep your shower doors sparkling clean. Not only does it help remove dirt and grime, but it also has antiseptic and antifungal properties that make it perfect for disinfecting surfaces too.
Materials Needed:
- Tea Tree Oil
- Water
- Cotton Cloth or Spong
- Bucket
- Towel
Step-by-Step Process:
- Measure one teaspoon of tea tree oil into a bucket of water.
- Take your cotton cloth or sponge and dip it into the solution you have created in the bucket.
- Wipe down the shower doors with a damp cloth or sponge, covering all areas. Don’t forget to clean any corners or crevices where dirt might be hiding.
- Rinse off any remaining solution from the shower doors with fresh water and dry them with a towel to make sure no streaks remain behind when they dry naturally.
- Enjoy sparkling clean shower doors.
Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is a powerful cleaning product that can be used to effectively clean not only shower doors but also a variety of other surfaces. It’s non-toxic, making it safe to use around the home, and it works as an effective sanitizer and cleaner.
Materials Needed:
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloth or sponge
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle and fill the remainder with water. Shake the mixture together to combine it.
2. Spray the solution onto the shower doors, covering all areas, including corners and edges. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth or sponge.
3. Rinse the shower door thoroughly with water and wipe it dry with a soft cloth or squeegee afterward.
4. If your shower doors still have residue or dirt, repeat steps 2 and 3 until the desired results are achieved. Remember that rubbing alcohol can be harsh on certain surfaces, so use it sparingly.
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Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda
Hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are two common household ingredients that can be used together to create a powerful cleaning solution. This mixture is perfect for removing dirt, grime, and mildew from your shower doors without harsh chemicals.
Materials Needed:
- Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration)
- Baking soda (also called sodium bicarbonate)
- Spray bottle (optional)
- Microfiber cloth or sponge
- Water
Step-by-Step Process:
- Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough hydrogen peroxide in a small bowl to form a thick paste. Stir well until there are no lumps.
- Use a microfiber cloth or sponge to apply the paste onto the shower doors. Rub gently in circular motions, covering all the surfaces, edges, and corners.
- Let the paste sit on the glass for at least 15 minutes (or longer for stubborn stains). You will notice some bubbles and fizzing, which means the chemical reaction is happening and breaking down the dirt and grime.
- Use a spray bottle filled with water to rinse off the paste thoroughly. You may need to use a bit of elbow grease to remove all the residues. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the doors.
- Admire sparkling and streak-free shower doors that look as good as new. You can repeat this process every few weeks to maintain cleanliness and prevent build-up.
White Toothpaste
White toothpaste on your shower door can help remove even the toughest grime without abrasive scrubbing. The abrasive particles found in toothpaste are gentle enough to not scratch the glass surface, yet strong enough to remove dirt and soap scum.
Materials Needed:
- White toothpaste (non-gel)
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Water
- Spray Bottle (optional)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Squeeze a generous amount of white toothpaste onto a soft cloth or sponge and rub it over the shower doors. Make sure to cover all surfaces, edges, and corners.
- Let it sit: Allow the paste to sit for at least 15 minutes (or longer for tougher stains).
- Use a spray bottle filled with water to rinse off the paste thoroughly. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to dry the doors and enjoy the sparkly clean result.
- If you have stubborn stains, repeat this process until they are all gone. You may also use this method every few weeks to maintain your shower door’s spotless shine.
Vinegar, Dawn Dish Soap, and Water
Vinegar is a powerful cleaning agent that can help remove tough soap scum, mildew, and stubborn deposits from your shower door. Thus, if you are looking for an easy and effective way to keep your shower door sparkling clean, then vinegar and water are a great combination.
Materials Needed:
- One cup of vinegar
- One cup of water
- About a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap
- A spray bottle
- Non-scratch scrub sponge (e.g., Scrub Daddy)
- Dry microfiber towel
Step-by-step process:
- Mix one cup of vinegar, water, and a teaspoon of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on the shower doors and let it sit for about five to ten minutes.
- Use a non-scratch scrub sponge to scrub the surface until you no longer hear the rough scrubbing sound on the surface.
- Rinse the shower doors with water.
- Dry the shower doors with a microfiber towel to make them shiny and streak-free.
Bar Keeper’s Friend Soft Cleanser Spray
If the stubborn hard water build-up on your shower doors doesn’t go away using a DIY mix, we have another option: Bar Keeper’s Friend Soft Cleanser Spray.
To use this store-bought option, you’ll need the following materials:
- Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray
- Non-scratch scrub sponge
- Microfiber towel
Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray uses oleic and citric acids, unlike the acetic acid found in vinegar.
These ingredients work better to cut through hard water build-up and can be used when the mess meter on your shower glass is about a three to an eight.
Here’s the step-by-step process to use Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray:
- Spray Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray on the surface of your shower doors.
- Let it sit for about five to ten minutes.
- Scrub the surface with a non-scratch scrub sponge.
- Rinse off the solution with water.
- Wipe down the shower doors with a microfiber towel to make them look great and streak-free.
Using Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray effectively removes hard water build-up on your shower doors. Give it a try and see the difference for yourself.
Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray Plus Steel Wool Grade #0000
If your shower door’s water residue is really bad, we have one last option: Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray Plus steel wool grade #0000.
This restorative cleaning method is for when the mess meter on your glass is about an eight to a ten.
To try this option, you’ll need the following:
- Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray
- Steel wool grade 0000
You might think steel wool will scratch the glass, but don’t worry. If you use it on a wet surface, you’ll be okay.
The steel wool is stronger than a Scrub Daddy or non-scratch scrub sponge and will mechanically remove the build-up from the surface.
Here’s the step-by-step process:
- Spray Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray around the surface of your shower door.
- Let it sit for about five to ten minutes.
- Wet the steel wool grade 0000 and scrub the surface of the shower door.
- Rinse off the solution with water.
- Wipe down the shower doors with a microfiber towel to make them look shiny and streak-free.
Although this is our final option, we hope you won’t have to use it. But if you do, Bar Keeper’s Friend More Spray Plus steel wool grade 0000 is a powerful solution for removing stubborn hard water build-up on your shower doors.
Stop the Stains and Streaks: How to Maintain Your Glass Shower Doors
Maintaining a sparkling clean shower door is important for a spotless and hygienic bathroom. Unfortunately, hard water and soap residue can leave unsightly stains and grime on your shower door.
This can be difficult to clean if left unattended for too long. Here are two options to maintain your shower doors:
Keep Your Shower Door Sparkling Clean with a Squeegee
Materials Needed:
- A good quality squeegee
- A microfiber cloth or towel
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Use your squeegee to remove excess water from your shower door after showering. Start from the top and work your way down, making sure to overlap your strokes to avoid streaks.
Step 2: Once you have removed the water, use your microfiber cloth or towel to wipe away any remaining moisture or residue from your shower door. This will prevent any grime and soap scum build-up, which can be difficult to remove later.
Step 3: Repeat this process after each shower to ensure your shower door stays clean and sparkling.
Maintain Your Glass Shower Doors by Using Protective Coatings
If you want to protect your shower door against dirt and grime build-up, consider applying a protective sealant or coating like Rain-X to help repel water droplets and make cleaning easier in the long run.
Materials Needed:
- Rain-X or a similar protective sealant
- Soft cloth
Step-by-Step Process:
Step 1: Clean your shower door thoroughly with soap and water before applying the coating. This will ensure that the coating is properly applied to a clean surface.
Step 2: Apply the protective coating evenly on the shower door, covering all surfaces and edges.
Step 3: Allow it to dry for at least 15 minutes before wiping off any excess with a soft cloth.
Maintaining your shower doors goes beyond just cleaning, however. It’s also important to check for any signs of damage, such as cracks or chips, and have them repaired as soon as possible.
Additionally, ensuring proper ventilation in your bathroom can help prevent moisture build-up and minimize the risk of mold growth.
How often should I clean my shower door?
You should give your shower door a regular wash at least once per week, using warm water and mild soap to prevent any build-up of soap scum or hard water deposits.
You should also try cleaning off your shower door after every use – even if it’s just a quick wipe down with a damp cloth or spray of cleaner and some elbow grease.
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Is there an easy way to detect build-up on my shower doors before commencing cleaning?
A good indicator of dirt build-up would be noticing changes in coloration across different parts of your shower’s surfaces and increased drag when wiping down areas with a cloth—spotting signs like these early can help prevent future heavy-duty cleans from becoming necessary.
Conclusion
Having a clean and well-maintained shower door is important not just for the looks but also for maintaining the structural integrity of your shower.
Regularly cleaning and caring for your glass shower door can help make it last longer and look better and prevent mold build-up, which can be a health hazard.
By taking a few simple steps each week—such as wiping down the door with a squeegee after every shower and drying it off with a soft cloth—it’s possible to keep your shower door sparkling like new for years to come.
