Did you know that shower glass doors accumulate over 350,000 bacteria per square inch when not cleaned regularly? An average Australian showers 8 times a week – more than Americans, Japanese, and many other nations. This means the your glass shower doors are likely to get dirty fast and must be cleaned more frequently if you are living in Australia.
But let's face it – nobody has the time to clean the glass shower door every weekend. There is just too much to do, even on our days off! Most of us end up doing this task only when:
- The soap buildup on the glass has become unbearable, or
- Guests are coming to our home.
Well, whichever your reason may be, the task needs to be done quickly and efficiently. This is exactly why we have formulated this comprehensive guide on how to clean glass shower door at home!
You will learn what shower glass cleaning supplies you need, the step-by-step method, and how to tackle those stubborn stains and mold. We will also reveal some tips and tricks on maintaining that spotless, streak-free shine. Dive in!
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Glass Shower Doors?
Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and fungi are common microorganisms found on shower doors. These germs can multiply and potentially cause health issues.
If keeping your family healthy isn't reason enough to clean your glass shower door, here are more benefits to consider:
Removes Soapy Buildups & Stains
Have you ever noticed that no matter how much water you splash on the shower doors, there is still soap scum left behind afterward? This is because soap scum is a result of the chemical reaction between soap and hard water.
So, plain water will never be effective in washing it away. The soapy residue will cling to the glass shower doors and stain them. Cleaning agents are the only way to get rid of this scum and restore the clear, sparkling look of your shower door.
Prolongs the Life of Glass
Mineral deposits and grime can also degrade the lifespan of your glass shower door. They can weaken the structure and make it more prone to scratches.
Improves Bathroom Aesthetics
Sparkling shower glass adds an instant touch of elegance to any bathroom. Clean glass enhances natural light and makes the space appear more open. It also complements other design elements, such as tiles and fixtures.
What Causes Stains and Buildups on Shower Doors?
Hard water and soap are the biggest culprits behind stains on glass shower doors. Apart from the chemical reaction discussed above, water itself contains many minerals like calcium and magnesium.
So, when the hard water drops dry up on the glass, they form white, cloudy stains. Dirt and leftover cleaning products contribute to the problem further. When not cleaned regularly, sticky buildups and stains can make your glass shower doors look absolutely disgusting.
And to make things worse, the humid environment creates the perfect breeding grounds for mold and fungus. It typically starts in the corners where the metal frame of the door connects with the floor and wall.
If you don't get rid of it immediately, it can grow and infect the entire door. The large green patches will be everywhere – making your glass shower doors extremely dangerous for your health!
Tools & Materials You'll Need
| Essentials | For Deep-Clean | Optional |
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How to Clean Glass Shower Door in 7 Steps
Step 1: Getting Ready
The first step is to collect all the necessary shower glass cleaning supplies and put the rubber gloves on. Next, follow these steps to clean your glass shower doors.
Step 2: Rinse the Glass
Start by splashing warm water over the glass shower door. This helps loosen grime and makes it easier for the cleaner to work its magic.
Step 3: Apply Your Cleaner
Spray your chosen glass cleaner generously across the entire surface. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to break down soap scum and hard water stains.
Step 4: Scrub the Glass
Using a microfiber cloth, scrub the glass in circular motions. Pay extra attention to corners and edges where buildup tends to accumulate.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Pour warm water over the glass to rinse off the cleaner and any loosened grime. Start from the top and work your way down to ensure a thorough rinse.
Step 6: Dry the Glass
Use a squeegee to remove excess water and prevent streaks. Hold the squeegee at a 30-degree angle and use one of these techniques:
- Top-to-Bottom Method: Start at the top and pull the squeegee straight down in overlapping lines.
- S-Pattern Method: Move the squeegee in an "S" shape from left to right to cover the entire surface.
Step 7: Final Touches
Wipe the edges and corners with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any remaining water. Admire your streak-free, sparkling glass shower door!
How to Get Hard Water Stains Off Glass Shower Doors?
Step 1: Use White Vinegar
Hard water stains can be very stubborn and difficult to get off. So, you must spray undiluted white vinegar directly onto the glass surface. Be generous in areas with lots of water spots.
Step 2: Let it Rest
Allow the vinegar to sit for 15 to 20 minutes. During this time, the acidic vinegar reacts with the alkaline mineral deposits through a chemical process called neutralization.
The vinegar breaks down the mineral bonds, which softens and loosens the deposits – making it easier to scrub them away.
Step 3: Apply the Baking Soda Paste
Now, not every mineral is alkaline in nature. Some are also acidic and we need to balance them out too. This is where baking soda steps in.
Also called sodium bicarbonate, it is alkaline and abrasive. Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with a little bit of water to form a thick paste. Apply it to the hard water stains generously.
Step 4: Scrub Gently
Grab a tile scrubber and remove the brush head. We only need to use the non-abrasive scouring pad. Move it across the surface in a circular motion to scrub away the stains. Be gentle to avoid breaking the glass.
Step 5: Rinse & Wipe
Once the surface is scrubbed, use warm water to rinse off the paste and vinegar. Pour the water from the top to ensure no residue is left behind. Next, use the Floor Squeegee to wipe the glass and prevent streaks.
How to Remove Mildew from Glass Shower Doors?
Mildew is a type of fungus that thrives in warm, damp environments. It appears as a thin, white, or grayish film. It causes discoloration of surfaces, produces a bad odor, and risks your physical well-being. Here's the best way to clean mildew and mold from your glass shower doors:
Step 1: Create Mildew Remover
Mix one part bleach with three parts water in a spray bottle for an effective homemade mildew remover. You can use either chlorine or oxygen bleach. However, oxygen bleach is preferred because of its eco-friendly and less abrasive nature.
Step 2: Apply & Rest
Spray the mixture on the fungus-affected areas of the glass shower door. Focus on the corners and the lower half of the shower door. Leave the solution for 15-20 minutes to kill the mildew spores.
Step 3: Scrub Away the Mold
Use a tile scrubber to scrub the glass and corners where mildew is present. The mold and mildew patches should come off. If they are still stuck, spray some more remover onto the surface and let it rest for another 10 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse & Wipe
Wash away the bleach solution with plenty of warm water to remove any chemical residue. Start pouring the water from the top so that the chemicals run downwards. As this happens, use the squeegee to wipe and clean the surface thoroughly.
Open the bathroom windows or run a fan to air out the bathroom. This will not only help the glass shower door dry but will also prevent mildew regrowth.
Some More Tips!
According to our cleaning experts, you should squeegee the shower doors after every use and clean them with glass cleaner every week. Perform deep cleaning every month to prevent the growth of mold.
- Daily: Quick squeegee after each shower
- Weekly: Basic cleaning with glass cleaner
- Monthly: Deep cleaning to prevent mold buildup
While you can use any squeegee for this task, we highly recommend our Yocada floor squeegee because of its versatility and unique build for cleaning bathroom floors and shower glass doors. The 13.38-inch wide squeegee head can cover a large area quickly – preventing the formation of stubborn water stains.
Want more innovative cleaning supplies for a healthier and more hygienic home? Explore the Yocada collection to discover practical cleaning tools for your family!
FAQs
What is the best thing to clean a shower with?
A squeegee is the best thing to clean a shower with. Our Floor Squeegee has a wide EVA material head that wipes each water drop. The 180-degree adjustable joint also allows you to reach every corner for thorough cleaning.
How to remove stubborn limescale from glass shower doors?
Lemon juice or vinegar can be used to remove limescale from shower glass. Just mix it with some water and spray it on the limescale. Let it rest for 10 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing it all off.
What do professionals use to clean showers?
Professionals typically use vinegar and baking soda to clean showers. For difficult hard water stains and buildups, they use heavy-duty soap scum remover glass detergents.
