7 Ways to Clean Glass Shower Doors
Keeping glass shower doors spotless can be challenging, but Pine-Sol proves to be the most effective deep-cleaning method among seven tested, requiring minimal effort and leaving a sparkling, fresh-smelling result.
Photo by Curology
Keeping glass shower doors pristine is no easy feat, and stubborn cloudy film seems to appear out of nowhere. To help you tackle this common issue, we've compiled several cleaning methods from across the internet. Here's how each one works and the results you can expect.
Method 1: Scrubbing with a Dryer Sheet
How to: Use a dryer sheet (like Bounce) to scrub the glass, focusing on areas with visible stains and buildup.
Results: Surprisingly, the dryer sheet removes a fair amount of residue. However, it can be awkward to handle—the sheet might slip or catch on the glass—making it impractical for cleaning larger surfaces.
Method 2: Magic Eraser
How to: Take a fresh Magic Eraser, dampen it, and use circular motions to clean the glass sections.
Results: While it requires some physical effort, the Magic Eraser effectively eliminates hard water stains. It's a solid option for spot cleaning but might be too labor-intensive for regular use on extensive areas.
Method 3: Dish Soap, Vinegar, and Water Mix
How to: Mix 1/4 cup of dish soap, 1 cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and a few drops of lavender essential oil in a spray bottle. Generously spray the solution on the glass and let it sit for 30 minutes. Afterward, scrub the glass and rinse thoroughly.
Results: Initially, the glass may look cleaner, but a steam test can reveal that hard water stains persist. This mixture is suitable for everyday maintenance but falls short for deep cleaning.
Method 4: Vinegar and Baking Soda Paste
How to: Mix 1/2 cup of baking soda with enough white vinegar to form a thick paste. Apply it to the glass with a damp sponge, focusing on heavy stains. Let it sit for 15 minutes before gently scrubbing and rinsing with warm water.
Results: This paste effectively breaks down stubborn stains and soap scum, restoring the glass's clarity. The extra preparation time and slightly messy application are minor drawbacks. It's a solid eco-friendly option.
Method 5: Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser
How to: Apply about a tablespoon of Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser to a damp sponge. Scrub the glass in circular motions, let it sit for a minute, then rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth.
Results: This method does a decent job tackling hard water stains. However, the strong scent can be overwhelming in a confined bathroom space, and the gritty residue requires extra rinsing effort.
Method 6: Using a Steam Cleaner
How to: Use a handheld steam cleaner with a squeegee attachment. Fill it with distilled water, heat it up, and slowly move it across the shower door to loosen grime. Wipe away debris with a clean microfiber cloth.
Results: The steam cleaner dissolves hard water stains and soap scum without chemicals, leaving the glass clean and streak-free. It's quick and eco-friendly but requires an initial investment in a steam cleaner.
Method 7: Pine-Sol and a Microfiber Cloth
How to: Pour about two tablespoons of Pine-Sol directly onto a damp microfiber cloth and wipe down the glass.
Results: Exceeding expectations, Pine-Sol makes stains disappear with minimal effort, leaving the glass sparkling and the bathroom smelling fresh. Diluting it in a spray bottle can make for even easier application next time.
Final Thoughts
After evaluating these seven methods, Pine-Sol emerges as the clear winner. For anyone seeking an efficient and straightforward way to keep glass shower doors spotless, this method delivers impressive results with minimal hassle. While other options have their merits—such as using a dryer sheet for quick touch-ups or maintaining a daily cleaning routine—the Pine-Sol method proves to be the most effective for deep cleaning.
Quick facts
What is the best thing to clean shower glass doors with?
The best cleaner for shower glass doors is Pine-Sol and a microfiber cloth, as it cuts through soap scum and hard water stains effectively. For tough stains, a commercial glass cleaner or baking soda paste can work well.
How do I get the cloudiness off my glass shower doors?
To remove cloudiness from glass shower doors, apply a mixture of vinegar and baking soda, let it sit, and scrub with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water to restore the glass’s clarity.
How to get hard water stains off glass shower doors?
To remove hard water stains, spray a vinegar and water solution onto the glass and let it sit for a few minutes. Scrub with a non-abrasive sponge, rinse with water, and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
Does vinegar and water clean shower glass?
Yes, a vinegar and water solution is effective for cleaning shower glass. Vinegar helps dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits, leaving the glass clear. Spray, scrub, and rinse for best results.
Is Windex OK for glass shower doors?
Yes, Windex can be used on glass shower doors to remove smudges and light buildup. However, for tough soap scum or hard water stains, a vinegar-based solution may be more effective.
Does Magic Eraser clean glass shower doors?
Yes, Magic Erasers are effective for cleaning glass shower doors, especially for removing soap scum and water stains. Use gently to avoid scratching, and rinse the glass thoroughly after cleaning.
Dane Hurtubise
Co-founder & CEO of Spoken
Dane Hurtubise is the Co-founder & CEO of Spoken. He has led two venture-backed companies and is a two-time Y Combinator alum. Prior to Spoken, Dane sold his previous company, Parklet, to Greenhouse Software where he served as VP of Platform and Partnerships. An avid runner, cyclist, and Pilates enthusiast, Dane holds a BS in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.
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