Cleaning Glass Shower Doors

How to Clean Shower Glass banner.

Last Updated: May 2, 2024

Even the cleanest of bathrooms will look dirty when stains and soap scum are displayed on the shower door glass.

Learning how to clean glass shower doors can transform the look and feel of your bathroom and the rest of your home. While cleaning isn’t as straightforward as taking a soapy sponge to the doors, hard water spots and scum can be targeted with a few simple tricks. These tips will help your bathroom shower door glass sparkle.

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors

Person spraying shower glass door with cleaning solution

As you learn how to clean glass shower doors, it’s important to take your time. You’ll improve your efficiency with a little practice.

First, get your cleaning supplies ready. Choose the best shower glass cleaner for your needs. You don’t need to spend a lot on cleaning supplies to get this chore done right. There are many store-bought cleaners to choose from, but white vinegar, baking soda, lemons, and water also makes an effective cleaning solution that will help your shower doors shine. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with a variety of different cleansers to find the ones you prefer.

Your supply setup should include the following:

  • Spray bottle
  • Scrub sponge
  • Cleaner of your choice (e.g., baking soda, white vinegar, cleaning solution)
  • Gloves (depending on the cleaner’s ingredients and the amount of scum)
  • Cloth or towel

Start by using the shower sprayer to wet the glass doors and walls. You can also use water from a bucket. Then fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and completely saturate the glass. Allow it to soak for at least 10 minutes—longer if there’s serious buildup. Next, dip a scrubbing sponge into baking soda and scrub the glass.

To finish up, give the doors and walls a rinse with fresh water, and shine the glass using a microfiber cloth and your favorite glass cleaner.

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains on glass shower door

If you have hard water, it can be especially difficult to figure out how to clean shower glass doors. Hard water stains are tough to remove, especially after they have been sitting for a while.

White vinegar can be helpful, but stubborn stains may require a stronger cleaning agent.  Thankfully, you probably don’t have to look further than your kitchen for the right tools to do the job. Try cutting a lemon in half and dipping it in salt. Use it to scrub away at especially stubborn hard water stains. You can also try spraying your doors with lemon juice to keep future stains at bay.

Hard water spots appear on your glass when water drops dry there. The best way to keep your shower door glass clean is by preventing water from drying on it in the first place. Check out these preventative measures you can take:

  • Keep a squeegee in the shower to wipe down the glass doors after a shower.
  • Apply a hydrophobic coating to keep water spots off the glass.
  • Install a water softener. This is a more expensive solution, but it will solve many other problems by reducing mineral buildup on your shower glass and the insides of your pipes, faucets, dishwasher, showerheads, and more.

How to Clean Soap Scum Off Glass Shower Doors

Soap scum on glass shower door

When soap combines with water, it becomes scum instead of just washing down the drain. It sticks to hair, clothes, skin, and shower door glass.

When trying to figure out how to clean glass shower doors with soap scum problems, you'll find many products that target this issue. You can also make your own solution. Some people like to use a combination of water and ammonia to combat soap scum, but there are less toxic options that are also effective.

Try mixing equal parts dish soap and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Apply to shower door glass and let sit for about 30 minutes. Then wipe down the doors. You will be amazed at how clean they look. Or, you can make a paste using water and baking soda. Apply the paste to a damp sponge, scrub the glass, rinse, and dry. You’ll be free of soap scum in no time!

How Often Should Glass Shower Doors be Cleaned?

Once you understand how to clean shower glass doors, you might be wondering how often this should be completed. Everyone has their own personal preferences, of course, but if you use your shower daily, expect to clean the glass at least once a week. This can be scaled back for guest bathrooms that are only used occasionally. For families with little ones, messy bath time may warrant more frequent cleanings. Find what works best for your household!

Contact Molly Maid for Professional Bathroom Cleaning Services

Checking this chore off your list can be a major relief. Of course, there’s also the rest of the bathroom to consider. Our bathroom cleaning tips can guide you through each step. You can also check out our tips on how to clean the showerhead, bathtub, and more. Whether you need help cleaning your bathroom, kitchen, or the entire house, our home cleaning services can help you get it all done, leaving you more time to do the things you love.

So, if cleaning glass shower doors and other cleaning tasks keep getting pushed to the bottom of your to-do list, reach out to Molly Maid for help. Our friendly team has countless hours of experience cleaning bathrooms and every other room too! Let our experts take care of your glass shower doors and the rest of your cleaning. Contact your local Molly Maid to schedule a free in-home estimate today!

FAQ About Cleaning Shower Glass

What supplies do I need to clean glass shower doors?

To clean glass shower doors, you'll need the following supplies:

  • Glass cleaner (commercial or homemade)
  • White vinegar
  • Baking soda
  • Dish soap
  • Microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge
  • Squeegee
  • Rubber gloves

What is the best cleaner for shower glass?

A mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water or a mild, non-abrasive glass cleaner are effective options for cleaning shower glass.

How do I remove hard water spots from shower glass?

To remove hard water stains from glass shower doors, you can try the following:

  • Spray undiluted white vinegar onto the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth or sponge.
  • Create a paste using baking soda and white vinegar, apply it to the stains, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth. Rinse thoroughly.
  • If the stains persist, consider using a lime or mineral deposit remover specifically designed for glass surfaces, following the product instructions carefully.

How can I prevent soap scum and water spots from forming on glass shower doors?

To remove hard water stains from glass shower doors, you can try the following:

  • After each shower, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the glass doors.
  • Leave the bathroom fan or open a window to reduce humidity and minimize soap scum buildup.
  • Regularly dry the glass doors with a towel or microfiber cloth to prevent water spots.
  • Consider applying a glass protectant or sealant to create a barrier that repels water and prevents soap scum buildup.

Can I use abrasive cleaners on shower glass?

No, abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they can scratch and damage the glass surface. Stick to non-abrasive cleaners and gentle scrubbing methods.

Can I use a razor blade to remove stubborn stains from glass shower doors?

Yes, a razor blade can be used as a last resort for stubborn stains on glass shower doors. However, exercise caution and ensure the blade is held at a shallow angle to avoid scratching the glass. Wet the glass surface with soapy water or a glass cleaner before gently scraping the stain with the razor blade.


This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your property. Molly Maid is not responsible for any damages that may occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact a professional at Molly Maid for a custom assessment.

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