Water spots on your shower door glass can make an otherwise clean bathroom look dull and dirty. It's just something that occurs from daily shower spray and if you clean it weekly, the chore is quick and painless; however, if the tough stains are a constant reoccurrence from hard water or soap scum, you might want to take some additional steps.
Preventative Steps
- Wipe down your shower door after each use with a squeegee to remove excess water droplets.
- Use a mild dish soap and water solution to clean your shower door weekly.
- Apply a protective coating to your shower door to repel water and prevent water stains from forming.
- Invest in a water softener to prevent mineral deposits.
Tools and Materials You'll Need
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Lemon juice
- Paper Towel
- Microfiber cloth
- Non-abrasive sponge
- Squeegee
- Spray bottle
- Distilled water
- Rubber gloves (for deep cleaning)
- Steam cleaner (optional for deep cleaning)
How to Remove Light Water Spots on Glass
Option 1: Vinegar Solution
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and distilled water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the water mixture onto the entire surface of your shower door.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Wipe the door clean with a paper towel, focusing on the areas with water spots and soap scum.
- Rinse the door with clean water and dry it thoroughly with a squeegee or a dry microfiber cloth.
- Repeat on shower door tracks and shower walls.
Option 2: Baking Soda Paste
- Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water.
- Apply the paste to the water spots on your shower door using a clean cloth or damp sponge.
- Gently scrub the limescale buildup and any soap residue in a circular motion until they disappear.
- Rinse the door with warm water and dry it with a squeegee or soft cloth.
Deep Cleaning to Eliminate Hard Water Stains
If the cleaning solutions above didn't give you the results you wanted, try these advanced techniques.
Option 1: Lemon Juice and Baking Soda Scrub:
- Mix lemon juice with baking soda to form a paste.
- Apply the paste to the hard water stains on your shower door.
- Let it sit for 10-15 minutes.
- Scrub the stains with a clean sponge or brush.
- Rinse the door thoroughly with water and dry it completely with a microfiber towel.
Option 2: Steam Cleaning:
- Put on rubber gloves to protect your hands.
- Move the steam cleaner in a back-and-forth motion over the affected areas to loosen any stubborn mineral deposits and water stains.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Squeegee away any excess moisture and finish up with a dry microfiber cloth.
Are Natural Cleaners as Good as Chemical Cleaners?
Natural cleaners like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are great at removing water spots and normal buildup on glass shower doors. With a little time and effort they can handle most stubborn stains on your glass doors.
But sometimes, water minerals cause a real buildup of limescale that a DIY fix just can't contend with. In these cases, you may need to turn to commercial cleaners. Look for bathroom cleaners specifically designed for cleaning glass shower enclosures. These are formulated to break down deposits of calcium, water stains and built-up soap scum. Remember to always test a small area first, ventilate the room with a bathroom fan, and wear protective gloves when using commercial or harsh chemical cleaners.
