Probably the biggest thing you’ll have to clean in your bathroom – unless you have a tub – is your shower enclosure.
Removing limescale and soap scum takes a lot of elbow grease, which makes it a tedious task – all the more if the buildup is stubbornly stuck.
So, how to clean very stubborn limescale on shower screens? There are several methods, including baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon juice. Simply apply your chosen cleaner to the glass surface and rinse it clean afterwards.
Get rid of mineral build-ups and keep your bathroom looking neat and tidy! Here’s how to clean shower screen limescale easily.
What is Limescale?
Limescale is actually mineral buildup or mineral deposits on a glass surface – in this case, your shower door. It’s primarily calcium carbonate, which appears as a build-up of whitish crust on a glass door.
These minerals are more prevalent in hard water, which is more mineral-rich. Limescale build-up can happen anywhere that the water runs, such as sinks, dishwashers, plumbing fixtures, and washing machines.
Limescale is different from soap scum, which is a build-up of soap residue.
How to Remove Limescale from Shower
You can use a commercial limescale remover on your shower doors, but there are also home remedies!
Clean limescale naturally with a few different things that are already in your house.
NOTE: Avoid using a razor blade to clean shower glass, as this could scratch and damage the surface. Use this only for heavy limescale buildup, and only scrape enough that the other methods will work
Cleaning limescale using baking soda
Baking soda is a miracle cleaner for shower glass.
Use a damp cloth to apply baking soda onto the deposits, rubbing in small circles. The mildly abrasive nature of baking soda will remove limescale from the surface.
Rinse your shower glass afterwards, then wipe it with a dry cloth. Residual moisture could cause mildew along the seal of the enclosure.
Cleaning limescale using white vinegar
Start by boiling vinegar, then bring the pot to the bathroom. Let it cool slightly, although remember to wear rubber gloves to protect yourself.
Dip paper towels into the hot vinegar and apply them to the shower screen so they stick.
Let the paper towels sit for 30–60 minutes, and ensure they remain damp with vinegar the whole time. The acid in the vinegar will loosen the mineral deposits.
You can also combine the powers of vinegar and baking soda.
After letting the paper towels soak on the shower screen, sprinkle baking soda onto a sponge or damp cloth and apply it to the surface. It’ll react with the vinegar for extra cleaning power, and the mild abrasive will gently scour off the limescale.
Rinse the residue off, then repeat until all the build-up is removed.
Cleaning limescale using lemon juice
Lemon juice will work the same way as vinegar. You can heat up lemon juice and apply it to the shower screen with a paper towel to get rid of limescale.
Lemons are also acidic, just like vinegar, so the juice can also remove nasty stains.
Will a Commercial Calcium Carbonate Remover Work?
Yes – but be careful when choosing a product!
You need to look for a cleaner specifically for limescale removal, with good reviews.
Remember to work in a well-ventilated area since you’ll be using a chemical product to clean.
Prevent Limescale Buildup on Your Shower Screen
If you have hard water, which causes limescale buildup, you’ll want to use a water softener. This is a tool that filters the water, lessening the minerals in it and slowing the build-up in your shower.
Alternatively, keep a spray bottle filled with half vinegar, half water in the shower. Use it to spray the shower doors after you take a shower, and use a squeegee to wipe the surface clean.
Keeping Your Bathroom Clean
Removing limescale feels like an uphill battle – you clean the shower door, but after several days, the build-up is back.
That’s why it’s important to prevent limescale from accumulating on your shower screen and to clean your enclosure regularly. Tackle it whenever you clean your bathroom, which should ideally be once a week.
Of course, you can always let expert home cleaners work on your shower screen! This way, you won’t have annoying whitish stains on your shower door, and you can bathe in peace.
