“I Can See Clearly Now” will be your new shower song of choice
There’s no denying the luxury of glass shower doors, but they can be pretty unforgiving when it comes to scum and mineral deposits. Those glaring streaks and hard water stains can put a damper on “me” time, especially when you’re fighting an uphill battle to keep them at bay.
Luckily, there are several simple and effective ways to clean glass shower doors—and keep them clean—without investing tons of time, funds, or elbow grease. Here are the best ways to clean glass shower doors using common household supplies.
Why Is It Important to Clean Glass Shower Doors?
Water contains natural minerals, which become crusty white stains once the water droplets evaporate. The soap scum from your self-care ritual can also do a number on your glass shower doors over time, making them look dingy and dirty. But don’t panic: You can avoid these unsightly buildups by cleaning your glass shower doors on a regular basis.
How to Clean Glass Shower Door Surfaces and Tracks
Try these handy methods to make your glass shower doors squeaky clean.
Use White Vinegar
There are many surprising ways to use vinegar around the house, and it’s a go-to tool for removing mineral deposits. Here’s what to do:
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar.
Spray down the entire glass surface.
Spray the vinegar in and around the shower door tracks.
Let the vinegar sit for 30 minutes.
Spray a toothbrush with vinegar and scrub the crevices of the shower door track.
Rinse the glass doors and shower tracks with a spray of water or a damp sponge.
Grab a dry microfiber cloth and use wide figure-8 motions to wipe down the glass, working from top to bottom.
For stubborn mineral deposits on shower tracks, spray them generously with vinegar, allow them to soak overnight, then scrub again with the toothbrush and wipe the area clean.
Use Lemon
Lemon and salt can do wonders at scrubbing away stubborn soap scum. Here’s what to do:
Cut a lemon in half.
Dip it in a bowl of salt.
Rub scummy spots in circular motions.
Rinse or wipe down the shower door.
Scrub With Baking Soda
A homemade baking soda scrub can do the trick if you’re having trouble tackling the buildup on your glass shower door. Keep in mind that this is an abrasive cleaner, so test a small inconspicuous area first to ensure it won’t scratch the glass.
Add water to baking soda until it forms a paste.
Dip a damp cloth in the mixture.
Use gentle circular motions to remove scummy residue.
Rinse with warm water.
How to Keep Your Glass Shower Door Clean
Despite the elegance of your glass shower door design, keeping it clean can feel like a never-ending chore. To make things easier, use a squeegee to remove the water droplets every time you take a shower. It might add an extra step to your daily routine, but it will make a huge difference in the amount of buildup on your glass shower door.
If you’re still having trouble keeping your glass shower door clean, you may consider whether a shower glass coating is worth the extra cost. These form a protective barrier that repels water and significantly reduces your cleaning time. A local shower glass installer can add a permanent coating to new shower doors, but there are also options for coating existing ones. As for DIY options, these only come in temporary sprays that typically require re-application every few weeks.
DIY Vs. Hire a Pro
It’s no secret that glass shower doors are high-maintenance features. Plus, if left uncleaned for too long, they develop crusty mineral deposits and scummy soap spots that are quite challenging to remove.
Luckily, hiring a local house cleaner can help you restore your glass shower to door to its former glory. Most pro house cleaners charge between $30 to $50 per hour, and you can specify that you’d like them to spend extra time on your glass shower doors.
FAQs
Check out these answers to common questions about cleaning glass shower doors.
Will baking soda paste scratch glass?
Baking soda can be an effective material to scrub away scum, but since it’s an abrasive cleaner, there’s a chance that it will scratch glass. To stay safe, stick with vinegar or other less-abrasive options to clean your glass shower doors.
How do you remove scratches from a glass shower door?
It might sound strange, but a small dab of toothpaste will do the trick. Grab a tube of whitening toothpaste and apply it to the scratches using a damp cleaning cloth. Then, use circular motions to gently buff the toothpaste for about 30 seconds. Wipe the surface clean and repeat until the scratches are gone.
How much does it cost to install a glass shower door?
Whether your current door is beyond help or you’re just looking for an upgrade, a new glass shower door costs anywhere between $190 and $3,300. A frameless shower door costs about $900, while a framed model ranges from $190 to $500. Semi-framed doors and custom designs will increase these prices considerably.
