How to Clean Glass Shower Doors

What’s the most common cleaning challenge with glass shower doors? Minerals in hard water, which build up over time to create a milky-white film that’s difficult to remove. Another major build-up challenge: Soap scum, the result of hard water mixing with dirt, body oils and soap residues.

Read on to find out how to tackle both top problems and make your glass shower doors sparkle again.

What You Need to Clean Shower Doors

Gather these tools and materials to get your glass shower door sparkling clean every time.

• Superfine grade #0000 steel wool (no, it won’t scratch the glass);
• A commercial shower cleaner, such as Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover, or a DIY shower cleaner (see below for my favorite recipe);
• A non-scratch scrubby sponge and/or a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bathroom Scrubber;
• Your favorite glass cleaner;
• A squeegee;
• A microfiber cloth — the kind specially made for cleaning glass.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a handheld showerhead, invest in an inexpensive portable sprayer for easy rinsing.

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors

• Step 1: Wipe the door with a sheet of dry #0000 steel wool, going from top to bottom in a circular motion. This will physically dislodge mineral build-up and soap scum.
• Step 2: Spray the door with shower cleaner and wipe with a scrubby sponge. (For extra cleaning power, wet the steel wool and use in place of the scrubby sponge.)
• Step 3: Rinse the glass, then spray with shower glass cleaner and squeegee off the glass.
• Step 4: Finish up by wiping the door with a dry microfiber cloth.
• Best Homemade Glass Shower Door Cleaner Solution

To make this simple but effective shower cleaner, combine 1/8-cup Dawn Platinum Dishwashing Liquid and 1-1/2-cup cleaning vinegar in a 16-oz. spray bottle, then fill with water. Twist on the top and shake to mix. Use as described above in How to Clean Glass Shower Doors.

Why It Works: Vinegar cleans by dissolving calcium build-up from hard water, and the dish detergent attacks soap scum.

Pro-Recommended Shower Cleaners for Stubborn Stains

For extra cleaning power, break out the No. 1 choice of professional house cleaners, a product called Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser, which you can mix with water to create a paste. Or opt for Bar Keepers Friend Cooktop Cleaner. Apply your choice to the glass with a scrubby sponge, then rinse thoroughly.

If all else fails, try using a toilet bowl cleaner to clean glass shower doors. Really!

Wear protective eye gear and gloves, and take care not to let any of the cleaners contact the metal directly, as it may discolor it. Squirt the cleaner on a scrubby sponge and apply to every inch of the glass. Then rinse well. If that doesn’t do the trick, re-apply the toiled bowl cleaner and let it sit for five to 10 minutes. Then wipe with a Magic Eraser sponge or wet steel wool pad, and rinse well.

Is There a Way to Keep Glass Shower Doors Clean?

There are several ways to keep glass shower doors clean.

Use All Natural Soap. Soaps with natural bases such as shea butter, olive oil and coconut oil will help keep soap scum at bay and are good for your skin, too. Some people skip conventional soap altogether and use dry brushing and cleansing oils instead.

Dry the Door. Use a squeegee to wipe the glass door after every shower. Better yet, use a dry microfiber cloth. It only takes a few seconds, but it can save you hours of cleaning over the long run.

Try Shower Spray. Use a store-bought daily shower cleaner, or make a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water to help keep glass shower doors clean. A thin layer of Rain-X can help repel water and mineral residues, too.

How to Clean Glass Shower Door Tracks

Don’t forget to clean the shower door tracks. The key tool: A toothbrush!

• Step One: Use a dry toothbrush on the shower door tracks to loosen and remove debris.
• Step Two: Spray your glass shower cleaner on the track. Scrub again with the toothbrush, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

For stubborn grime, repeat, and allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes. Or try Bar Keepers Friend Cleanser before brushing and wiping again.