Soap scum and mineral buildup can make cleaning a glass shower door a challenging and overwhelming task. But fear not! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean glass shower door using vinegar (a natural cleaner) or a commercial cleaner, such as Bio Clean, Soft Scrub cleanser, or Barkeeper’s Friend paste.

Soap scum and grime buildup occur when minerals in hard water react with soap and dirt to form a layer of scale-like layers on the surface of the bathroom.

These layers tend to deposit immediately after showering and sit on the surface. They tend to dry up over time, making them more difficult to remove during cleaning. Soap scum develops quickly when you have hard water and use it in combination with bar soap in your shower, which may force you to clean your shower more frequently to prevent buildup.

How to Clean glass shower door with either vinegar or a commercial cleaner

Vinegar Method

What You’ll Need

• Cleaning vinegar
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Squeegee or microfiber cloth
• Glass cleaner ( optional)

For Commercial Cleaner Method

You will need

• Commercial bathroom cleaner for removing soap scum and grime buildup. I like using Bio Clean, Soft Scrub, or Barkeeper’s Friend paste for soap scum removal
• Microfiber cloth or sponge / electric drill brush
• Squeegee
• Disposable Gloves
• Glass Cleaner ( optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Area

Clear the Shower: Remove all items from your shower, such as shampoo bottles, soap dishes, and any other items on the glass or ledge.

Ventilate: Open the window or turn on the bathroom fan to ensure good ventilation while cleaning.

Step 2: Make Your Homemade Vinegar Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts of cleaning vinegar and water in a spray bottle. For tough scum, use vinegar without mixing it with water.

Step 3:Apply the Solution

Spray the vinegar solution on the glass shower door generously. Focusing on areas with heavy buildup.

Let the solution sit for 5-10 minutes or longer to break down soap scum and mineral buildup before cleaning it.

Step 4: Scrub

Use a microfiber Cloth, a soft Sponge, or an electric drill brush: Gently scrub the door in circular motions to lift out the buildup.

Tackle Stubborn Spots: For tougher spots, apply more vinegar and scrub a bit more.

Step 5: Rinse

Rinse with Water: Thoroughly rinse the door with warm water to remove any vinegar residue.

Step 6: Dry

Use a Squeegee or Microfiber Cloth to wipe down the glass to prevent water spots.

Spray the glass cleaner and buff off to give your glass shower door a shine.

How to clean glass shower door with Commercial Cleaner

I prefer to use Bio-Clean, Bar Keeper’s Friend paste, or Soft Scrub Clenser.

Step 1: Apply the Cleaner

Follow the instructions on the commercial cleaner label. Spray or apply the cleaner generously on the glass.

Step 2: Let It Sit

Allow the cleaner to sit for the recommended time (usually around 5-15 minutes or even longer) to break down dirt and buildup.

Step3 : Scrub

Use a soft sponge or an electric drill brush to scrub the surface, paying extra attention to areas with lots of soap scum. Use a crevice brush with soft bristles to reach corners and hard-to-reach places.

Step 4: Rinse

Rinse Well: Ensure the glass is thoroughly rinsed with warm water to remove all of the cleaner residues.

Step 5: Dry

Squeegee or Dry using a Microfiber Cloth: Use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to dry the surfaces thoroughly.

Spray the glass cleaner and dry with a glass cloth to give it a shine.

Rearrange the items you removed from the shower back to their original positions neatly.

How often should you clean your glass shower door?

Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential for maintaining a beautiful and clear shower door.

Regularly cleaning your shower door can help prevent soap scum and mineral buildup, keeping it looking clear and shiny.

The frequency of cleaning your shower door will depend on how often you use your shower, the type of toiletries you use during bathing, and the type of water you use for your showers.

If you bathe frequently, use bar soap, and have hard water, you may need to clean your shower door more often than someone who uses liquid soap and soft water in their shower.

1. Daily maintenance

Wipe Down After Use: After each shower, use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to wipe down the glass door. This simple habit can significantly reduce buildup.

2. Weekly Cleaning

Thorough Clean: Aim to clean your shower door at least once a week using vinegar, a commercial cleaner, or a gentle scrub. Cleaning helps remove any soap scum or mineral deposits that accumulate over time.

3. Monthly Deep Clean

Intensive Cleaning: Perform a deeper clean once a month using either vinegar or a strong commercial cleaner to tackle any stubborn spots or buildup on your glass shower door.Deep cleaning your shower door can be included in your bathroom deep cleaning schedule, too.

4. Seasonal maintenance

Inspect and Revitalize: Check for hard water stains or persistent grime on the shower door every few months, especially if you have hard water. In case of buildup, it is a good time to give it an extra scrub or consider using a specialized cleaning product.

Effective Tips and hacks to prevent soap scum and mineral Buildup

Preventing buildup on your shower door can keep it looking clean and clear. Here are some practical tips to help.

1. Do Daily Wipe Down

Use a Squeegee or Cloth: After each shower, use a squeegee or a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the door. Daily wipe downs remove water and soap residue before it can dry and become a stain.

2. Use a Water Softener

Softening Hard Water: If you have hard water, installing a water softener can help minimize mineral buildup, thereby reducing the likelihood of stains on your shower door.

3. Apply a Protective Coating

Glass Treatment: Consider using a glass protector, such as the Enduron Shield Glass Treatment Kit or a rain repellent product specifically designed for shower doors. These create a barrier that makes it harder for water and minerals to stick.

4. Choose the Right Cleaner

Use a Commercial or natural hard water stain remover: Choose a commercial cleaner, such as Bio Clean, or a mixture of vinegar and water for regular cleaning. Avoid using harsh chemicals or shampoos that can lead to quicker buildup or damage the finish.

5. Keep the Shower Well Ventilated

Airflow Matters: Good ventilation helps reduce humidity levels, which can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Use an exhaust fan or open a window during and after showers to reduce humidity.

5. Avoid Soap Scum Buildup from using bar soap

Use Liquid Soap: Switching to liquid body wash instead of bar soap can help minimize soap scum, which can cling to the glass.

Have you cleaned your shower door lately? I would love to know how it went in the comments.