Visible soap scum, hard-water stains or even mildew can leave your shower door looking rather dingy, and therefore, your shower rather uninviting. Luckily, with a little elbow grease, you can get your shower doors clean and your bathroom back to feeling more like your private sanctuary.
This article breaks down how to clean shower doors, highlights effective DIY cleaning solutions and offers tips and tricks to keep your glass shower doors clean.
How to clean shower doors in 5 steps
It may come as a surprise that even showers –– the place you go to get sparkling clean –– get dirty. It turns out, from time to time your shower door also needs a bath of its own. Follow the steps below to get your shower door squeaky clean.
Supplies you’ll need:
- Commercial or DIY cleaning solution
- Spray bottle
- Sponge or brush
- Small bucket
- Cloth or towel
Step 1: Mix your cleaner
You’ll first want to either purchase a commercial cleaner or prepare the homemade cleaner that you’re going to use on the glass shower door. See our section on “DIY solutions” to find effective cleaning solutions you can make at home.
Step 2: Apply cleaner to glass
If you have a spray bottle, mist the glass shower door with the cleaner. If you’re using a paste, dab it onto the shower door using a sponge. Depending on the cleaner you use, you’ll want to let it sit on the glass for a few minutes.
Step 3: Scrub the area
Using a sponge or brush, scrub the door to get out any tough stains or mold.
Step 4: Rinse the shower door
Wash off the cleaning solution using a bucket of water and a clean sponge. If you have a removable shower head, you can also simply spray the shower door.
Step 5: Dry the area
Using a clean cloth or towel dry and buff the area. Repeat the process if you’re still seeing any soap scum, hard-water stains or mold on your shower door.
DIY solutions to clean shower doors
Below we highlight DIY cleaners that you can use on your shower doors and even to clean the rest of your bathroom. These green homemade cleaners are all non-toxic and not to be underestimated. When choosing a cleaner, you’ll want to consider a couple of things: how dirty the area is and what smells you enjoy.
Vinegar and water:
Vinegar makes an excellent glass cleaner. Plus, it’s a great non-toxic option and eco-friendly cleaning option.
- Combine one part white vinegar and three parts warm water.
- Spray on the door and let stand for 3–5 minutes; then scrub and rinse.
Vinegar and dish soap:
If you need to pack a little bit more of a punch against some tough stains, you may want to add dish soap to the mix. Dish soap can help cut through mildew and soap scum.
- Combine equal parts dish soap and white vinegar.
- Apply the solution to the door, and let it sit for several minutes; then scrub and rinse.
Lemon and water:
If you dislike the smell of vinegar, using lemon may be a better option. Although it’s not quite as acidic, it’s still an effective cleaning solution.
- Combine three tablespoons of lemon juice and one cup of water.
- Spray on the door and let it sit for 3–5 minutes; then scrub and rinse.
Baking soda and water:
Baking soda is a powerful cleaner. It causes dirt and grease to dissolve in water, and it’s also mildly abrasive, which further helps lift dirt.
- Wet the shower door and then pour the baking soda onto a sponge.
- Rub the sponge on the shower door to allow the baking soda and water to combine. Let it sit; then scrub and rinse.
Vinegar and baking soda:
Use these two powerful cleaning agents together to get your shower door seriously clean
- Combine equal parts vinegar and baking soda to create a paste that you can rub on the door.
- Dab the paste onto the door, and let it stand for several minutes; then scrub and rinse.
How to keep glass shower doors clean
Although nothing can stay clean forever, there are ways to minimize the build up of dirt and grime. Use these tips and tricks to keep your shower doors pristine for years to come.
- Use a squeegee on the door after you shower. This can help prevent water from drying on the glass and creating ugly hard water spots.
- Treat the door with lemon oil once a month. Put a little bit of lemon oil on a sponge and wipe down the door. Leave it on for a shiny finish and one that will help prevent residue from sticking to the door.
- Use a damp dryer sheet on your glass door to get rid of soap scum. The ingredients in the dryer sheet, which work to soften fabric, can also break down soap scum.
In order to feel fresh and clean when you leave your bathroom, it’s important to keep the area itself as clean as possible. Visit our blog for more apartment living tips to keep your home spotless.
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