Be honest: when was the last time you gave your shower glass a proper scrub? And nope, a quick wipe here and there doesn’t count!
Glass shower doors and screens are practically a staple in modern Australian homes. Their sleek panels can instantly make any bathroom feel luxurious.
However, glass can be unforgiving. Cloudiness, hard water deposits, and soapy gunk are all easily noticeable, especially if the shower hasn’t been refreshed in a while.
Luckily, cleaning shower glass isn’t as tough as it looks.
For most types of buildup, all you need is diluted vinegar with a bit of dish soap. Just spritz it over the glass, and use a soft sponge to scrub.
Need a more detailed guide? We’ll walk you through how to clean shower glass, so it stays sparkling and fresh!
How Often to Clean | Before Cleaning | Deep Cleaning Shower Glass | Removing Tough Stains | Maintenance Tips | After Cleaning Shower Glass
What Gets Your Shower Glass Dirty?
Shower glass doors or screens can turn hazy because of hard water, soap scum, and mildew.
If your area uses hard water, that may leave behind mineral deposits, like calcium or magnesium. These can cause chalky, white spots and streaks (aka limescale).
Soap scum also builds up over time. It forms when the fatty acids in soap react with natural body oils or hard water minerals. Unfortunately, water alone cannot rinse it away.
Then, there’s mould and mildew. They don’t grow on the glass itself, but they’ll thrive on the soap scum, skin cells, and other debris sitting on the surface.
All these can leave your shower glass looking grimy!
How Often to Clean Shower Glass
To keep your shower glass clear, use a squeegee after every shower and treat any stains you see ASAP!
These steps might seem like overkill, but they can help prevent buildup.
Then, do a deeper clean at least once a week. Tackle shower glass more often if you have hard water at home or if plenty of people use the shower daily.
Pressed for time or just not a fan of scrubbing?
Book a professional domestic cleaner — they know the best techniques to make glass doors and screens sparkle. Beyond your shower and bathroom, they can clean the rest of your home, too!
Before Cleaning Your Shower Glass
Before you start, it helps to know the type of shower glass you have.
That way, you can choose the right cleaning method!
Is shower glass hard to clean?
Not usually! Glass doors and screens are non-porous and waterproof. That means most stains come off easily, so long as you don’t let them sit on the surface for too long.
Shower glass also needs gentle care, since many glass panels have a protective coating that helps repel water and dirt. It also keeps the glass looking shiny.
To keep that barrier intact, it’s best to use mild solutions.
Some shower glass panels can also be frosted for privacy. Since they’re textured, they can scratch more easily. Avoid scrubbing too hard or using abrasive tools that might damage the frosted finish.
What’s the best cleaner for shower glass?
No need to run to the store — what you need to clean shower glass is right in your home!
The best way to clean shower glass is with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. This is great for regular maintenance, helping break down general grime and tough stains.
These are also safe for cleaning shower glass:
- Lemon juice
- Citric acid powder
- 3% hydrogen peroxide
- Specialised shower glass cleaner
Avoid bleach, ammonia, or toilet bowl cleaners, as they contain harsh chemicals that might strip the protective layer of the glass.
Also, do not mix cleaning solutions. Some combinations, like vinegar plus hydrogen peroxide, can lead to toxic fumes. If you have to use multiple cleaners, rinse off the first one thoroughly before applying another.
If you’re unsure about a cleaning product, do a quick spot test first! Try your cleaner on a tiny, inconspicuous area before using it on the entire surface.
What’s the best cleaning tool for shower glass?
A soft sponge or a microfibre cloth is all you need for cleaning shower glass.
For stubborn spots, you can also use a soft-bristled brush, such as an old toothbrush.
Do not use abrasive scrubbers, like rough scouring pads, regular steel wool, or stiff brushes. These can scratch or damage the glass.
How to prepare for cleaning
Before you start scrubbing, ventilate the room. Switch on the exhaust fan, or open a window for extra airflow.
It’s also easier to work in a spacious area. Remove anything that can get in your way, like towels draped over the glass or bath mats.
Don’t forget to check if the drain is flowing freely. If it isn’t, unclog the shower drain to avoid flooding. It’s also more efficient to clean the shower head and faucets before the shower glass.
Keep in mind that acidic cleaners (like vinegar or citric acid) can permanently etch natural stone. They can also discolour certain metals. If you have these surfaces nearby, protect them from splashes with plastic wrap or old rags.
Lastly, it’s best to wear a mask and gloves for extra protection!
How to Clean Glass Shower Doors and Screens
Whether you’re cleaning a glass shower screen or door, the steps are pretty much the same.
If you’re working on a door, lock it first so it doesn’t swing or slide while you’re cleaning.
As you scrub, pay extra attention to any stained areas. Make sure to clean both sides of the glass, and wipe the surface dry to avoid water spots and streaks!
Option 1: White vinegar
There’s a reason why cleaning shower glass with vinegar works so well. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which breaks down limescale, soap scum, and everyday grime.
To make your own shower glass cleaner, mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. You can add a few drops of dish soap for extra cleaning power.
Spray the vinegar solution onto the shower glass. Leave it for 15–20 minutes to let it work.
Grab a soft, damp sponge, and gently scrub the surface in circular motions. Start from the top, focusing on stained parts as you go.
Once the shower glass is stain-free, rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. You can also use a damp cloth if you don’t want to get the floor too wet.
Finally, wipe the surface dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
NOTE: You might find blogs or videos recommending 1:1 vinegar and dish soap. But because vinegar is acidic and dish soap is usually alkaline, they’ll neutralise each other, which reduces the cleaning strength!
Option 2: Lemon juice
Hate the smell of vinegar? For an effective method that smells amazing, you can use lemons!
To clean your shower doors and screens, mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water in a bowl. Dip a soft sponge into the mixture, then use that to apply the solution onto the glass.
Let the mixture sit for about 15 minutes to break down grime and buildup.
Lightly scrub the glass with a damp sponge. Rinse off all lemon juice thoroughly, then wipe the surface with a dry rag.
Option 3: Citric acid powder
Citric acid powder can cut through hard water stains and thick soap scum in shower glass. It’s made from the same acid found in lemons, so you don’t need to squeeze any fruit!
Just mix 1 part citric acid powder and 20 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
Spritz the mixture directly onto the glass shower screen or door, and let it sit for up to 15 minutes. Carefully scrub the glass with a soft sponge or cloth.
Rinse the shower glass thoroughly, as citric acid powder can leave behind a sticky residue. Afterwards, dry everything with a squeegee or clean towel.
Option 4: Hydrogen peroxide
A 3% hydrogen peroxide solution is a gentle alternative to harsher chemicals like bleach. It’s also great for disinfection.
Just remember that if you’re dealing with limescale or soap scum, vinegar or citric acid is usually more effective.
To use hydrogen peroxide, spray it directly onto the shower glass. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Then, scrub the surface with a soft towel or sponge. Work in sections, and pay attention to stubborn parts.
When you’re done, rinse off the hydrogen peroxide. Run a squeegee over the glass door or screen for a sparkling finish!
Option 5: Specialised shower glass cleaner
If you’d rather not mix ingredients, you can use a specialised shower glass cleaner.
There are plenty of choices, from organic solutions to no-scrub daily cleaners. You’ll also find stronger formulations for limescale, mould, and other tough stains.
Before using any product, make sure it’s suitable for your shower glass. Check the label, or do a quick spot test first.
If it’s compatible with glass, be sure to follow the directions on the packaging carefully.
For cleaners that need rinsing, wash them off thoroughly. Don’t forget to wipe the surface dry afterwards to avoid water marks.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains on Shower Glass
Dealing with stubborn stains on your shower glass? Don’t worry — there are simple but effective ways to get rid of them!
Limescale
To clean limescale from shower glass, use citric acid powder.
Mix 1 part citric acid powder and 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle, then shake it well. Spray the solution directly onto the hard water stains.
You can also cut a lemon in half and rub it over the heavily stained area.
Let the solution sit for 10–15 minutes. Then, gently scrub the stains with a soft sponge. Rinse well, and dry the surface with a soft cloth.
TIP: Citric acid also works on iron deposits (reddish brown stains) on shower glass!
Soap scum
Vinegar is an effective method to clean soap scum off shower glass!
Mix equal parts vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle, then add a few drops of dish soap.
Generously spray the solution onto the glass. Let it sit for up to 20 minutes, so it can loosen the soap scum buildup.
Give the surface a gentle scrub. Rinse everything off, and dry the glass with a towel for a streak-free shine.
Mould
Use 3% hydrogen peroxide to remove mould from your shower glass.
Pour the hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle, and spritz it onto the mouldy part. Let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Use a damp sponge to scrub the affected area. Finally, rinse off the hydrogen peroxide and wipe the surface dry.
How to Keep Your Shower Glass Clean
The easiest way to keep your shower glass clean is to dry it after every shower. Use a squeegee or a soft cloth to remove excess water from the surface.
Another thing that could help is proper ventilation. Run the exhaust fan while you shower and for a few minutes afterwards to reduce humidity in the room.
We also recommend using liquid body wash, since bar soaps often contain fatty acids that contribute to soap scum buildup.
Some homeowners also install a water softener. It might be quite expensive at first, but it goes a long way in preventing water stains!
After Cleaning Your Shower Glass
Part of maintaining the shower is making sure that every surface is spotless.
Once the glass is looking shiny, don’t forget to clean the shower door track. You can use diluted vinegar, but do a spot test first since it can discolour some metals.
To get into the crevices and corners, you can use an old toothbrush.
Then, give the shower floor and walls some attention. If you’re already exhausted, a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide can clean shower tiles without scrubbing!
While you’re at it, don’t forget to treat stains on the grout lines.
Ideally, these steps should be part of your regular cleaning, so your entire shower always feels fresh and inviting.
FAQs About Cleaning Shower Glass
Need more tips for a crystal clear shower glass? These Q&As have you covered!
How do you get cloudiness off shower glass?
To clean a cloudy shower glass, mix 1 part citric acid powder with 10 parts warm water in a spray bottle.
Apply that to the cloudy part of the glass. Wait up to 15 minutes, then scrub gently with a soft sponge.
Haziness or cloudiness on glass is usually caused by hard water deposits or soap scum, so the citric acid should work.
If it doesn’t, switch to a specialised cleaner formulated for limescale or soap scum.
Another option is to use ultra-fine steel wool (grade 0000) for scrubbing. It won’t scratch the surface so long as you use it wet — and only when absolutely needed!
If the shower glass still looks murky, it’s probably etched permanently (aka shower glass cancer!).
You might not be able to fix it on your own, so it’s best to contact a professional glass restoration service.
Can you use bleach on shower glass?
Bleach is not recommended for cleaning shower glass. It’s too harsh, and it can strip the protective coating on the surface.
It might also drip onto grout lines or floor tiles and cause damage!
Can you use baking soda on shower glass?
Yes, baking soda can help remove light water stains on glass shower doors and screens. It can also work on small rust stains.
Mix baking soda and a bit of water to create a thick paste. Apply that onto the stain using a damp sponge, and let it sit for 10–15 minutes.
Carefully scrub the stain with a soft sponge, then rinse off all baking soda residue. Afterwards, give the glass a quick wipe with a dry cloth.
Can you use a dryer sheet on shower glass?
Surprisingly, yes! Dryer sheets often contain softening agents that can dissolve soap scum and limescale on shower glass.
However, test it on a tiny, hidden area first. Some protective glass coatings might not react well to the sheet ingredients.
Once you’ve checked that it’s safe, take a clean dryer sheet and dampen it with warm water. Rub it over the shower glass in circular motions.
When you’re done, rinse everything with clean water and dry the surface with a fresh cloth.
