How to Clean a Shower Screen – Quick & Effective Methods

Glass shower screens are in a lot of ways superior to their shower curtain counterparts. They do a better job of keeping water off the floor, look better and can’t be accidentally ripped off the hooks.

However, shower screens can often become coated with soap scum, moisture, and body oils. A combination of these can make your shower appear more like a greenhouse than the luxurious sanctuary you had hoped for.

Below are the most effective cleaning methods on how to clean a shower screen:

 

How to Clean a Shower Screen with White Vinegar & Detergent

 

For a cost-effective cleaning solution that’s just as good as expensive commercial products, try white vinegar. Its acidic nature means it works great at dissolving soap residue and grime. And to top that off, it’s environmentally friendly too!

Here’s what you need to do:

1) Pour equal parts white vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle, then add one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid.

2) Spray the cleaner onto your shower screen and leave for a few minutes.

3) Wipe grime with a clean microfibre cloth or soft sponge and rinse with hot water.

4) You can also try using a vinegar and salt mixture to speed up the cleaning process.  Salt is a great abrasive that will help scrub away tough dirt.

Meanwhile, if you prefer cleaning with commercial cleaning products, read this to get an idea on which products you must have.

Fabric Softener to Clean Your Shower Glass

 

Fabric softener isn’t just for your clothes – you can also use it as a shower screen cleaner. We all have fabric softener in the house, so this is a great method if you don’t want to buy an expensive glass cleaner.

Here’s what you need to do:

1) Mix one cup of fabric softener and one cup of warm water onto your shower door.

2) Proceed to wipe down your shower screen.

3) Rinse with clean water once tough stains or marks have been removed.

 

How to Clean Your Shower Screen with Baking Soda

 

If you’ve allowed your shower screen to become really dirty, you’re probably going to need something more potent than vinegar. Baking soda slices through dirt and grime like a hot knife through butter, so it’s excellent at breaking up tough soap scum and cleaning shower screens.

Here’s what you need to do:

1) Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with water until you have a paste.

2) Smear your paste onto the shower screen and allow it to dry. Ensure your screen is wet enough so it doesn’t dry out.

3) Scrub off any grime with a microfibre cloth or sponge and rinse with warm water.

4) Don’t forget to apply your paste in more inconspicuous areas like the shower door track and hinges where the grime tends to accumulate.

 

Window Cleaner as a Shower Screen Cleaner

 

A window cleaner is a strong shower screen cleaner that breaks up grime and soap scum, so it’s best to handle with care. Because most contain ammonia, it’s great at removing tough stains without much elbow grease.

Here’s what you need to do:

1) Spray your shower screen with your window cleaner and wipe down with a squeegee.

2) Rinse off the window cleaner with your showerhead, removing dirt collected on the surface.

3) Spray your shower screen with your window cleaner again and wipe it down with a paper towel or microfiber cloth.

 

Car Wax

 

Waxing your shower doors is a great way to keep them clean for longer. As well as helping to repel water, wax also helps prevent soap scum from forming by blocking its pathways.

Before starting, ensure your shower screen is 100% dry and that the room is well ventilated. If you’ve kept your shower screen wet, the wax will be ineffective.

Here’s what you need to do:

1) Apply car wax sparingly on your shower screen. Rub in circular motions to cover the screen entirely.

2) Leave for about 20-60 minutes until your wax has dried.

3) Buff away any excess wax using a microfibre cloth like you would clean your car.

 

Dryer Sheets

 

Dryer sheets are squares of fabric composed of lubricants, liquid softeners and fragrances. While it’s primarily used for your laundry, dryer sheets are also effective shower glass cleaners. Simply dampen your dryer sheet and  wipe your shower screen with it.

Want to learn more cleaning hacks for other parts of your home? Read our guide on how to clean limescale today!

 

How to Clean Shower Glass by Removing Etching 

 

The buildup of minerals from hard water can leave your shower glass dull and cloudy. This issue can be quickly remedied using the shower screen methods above. However, if your shower glass has etching, it’s a slightly different process.

Here are some techniques that can help you to remove etching from your shower screen:

 

Metal Polish for Cleaning Shower Screens

 

Metal polish is excellent for cleaning shower screens as it removes or reduces the appearance of etching or cloudiness. Any metal polishing paste will do the trick, but just be careful when applying it. If calcium deposits have seeped into the cracks of your shower screen, you may not be able to remove them using this method.

Here’s what you need to do:

1) Apply the cream onto a wet cloth.

2) Smear the polish onto an inconspicuous area of your shower screen to test that it doesn’t harm your glass.

3) Once you are happy with the appearance, wipe away any excess polish using a clean microfibre cloth.

4) Buff your shower screen until it’s dry.

 

Sandpaper

 

Polishing the etching from your glass can be done with very fine sandpaper. Ensure you have 5000-7000 grit sandpaper as it should be gentle enough on your glass.

Here’s what you need to do:

1) Wet your sandpaper and glass door

2) Scrub the surface using circular motions until the etching starts to fade

3) Rinse with water and then wipe dry

 

Electric Buffer

 

If you don’t have sandpaper at home, you can purchase an electric buffer at your local automotive store. Attach your buffer to an electric drill and follow the recommended instructions to buff your screen. Ensure you are very careful when using the device, as it can damage your shower screen if not used properly.

 

Prevention Tips to Stop Dirt Accumulation from Your Shower Screen

 

Mineral deposits and soap scum are inevitable when you have a shower screen. However, if you take a proactive approach to shower screen cleaning, you can enjoy a sparkling glass door every time you go into your bathroom. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results:

 

Substitute Bar Soap for Liquid Soap

 

One ingredient to make bar soap is talc, a calcium mineral that clumps with water to form a buildup on shower screens. However, liquid body wash won’t produce this effect and will be much easier to clean.

 

Keep a Squeegee in Your Shower 


If you want a good reminder for cleaning your shower screen glass, keep a squeegee in your shower. When you dry off the water spots on your glass screen after each use, it will reduce the number of water marks that can cause mineral deposits over time.

You can purchase hand squeegees at any hardware store, but ideally, you’ll want a blade about 6–9 inches (15–23 cm). This size is long enough to clean a decent surface area but not so big that it can’t get into corners or small spaces.

 

How to Clean a Shower Screen – FAQ

 

What is the Best Way to Clean a Shower Screen?

 

While natural cleaning agents like vinegar, a tablespoon of lemon juice and baking soda can be very effective, you can opt for a specialised glass cleaner. These cleaners have been formulated to cut through a range of different contaminants and can ensure you get a streak-free clean.

 

How Often Should You Clean a Shower Screen?

 

Because a shower screen is a moisture-heavy area, it needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent any bacteria or mould from growing. We recommend cleaning once a week to keep your shower screen gleaming.

How often you clean your shower screen will also depend on the frequency of use by yourself and your family members. People who shower daily will need to clean their shower screen more often than someone who only has one shower weekly.

 

Calibre Cleaning – Trusted Cleaning Professionals in Australia

 

If you need your shower screen or mirrors in your bathroom cleaned, get in touch with the team at Calibre Cleaning today. Our experienced staff are trained to clean all aspects of your home, so you can live in an spotless and hygienic environment.

We cover all major metropolitan areas including ncluding AdelaideBrisbaneCanberra, Gold Coast, HobartMelbournePerith, and Sydney. We also offer End of lease or bond cleaning in AdelaideBrisbaneCanberraGold Coast, HobartMelbournePerth, and Sydney. If you’re unsure if we service your area, please call us at 1300 991 368 or send an online enquiry today for a fast response!