Few things are more frustrating than water stains on bathroom glass. One of the best ways to remove the stains is with Epsom salt. But you probably think that Epsom salt may scratch the glass. And how can you safely use it?
Epson won’t scratch the glass if it’s used correctly. To clean the glass with Epsom salt, mix it with baking soda and liquid dish soap. Dry the glass, soak a cloth in the mixture and gently scrub. You can also use fine Epsom salt crystals or hire a cleaning service if the stains are too harsh.
Let’s explore how to use Epsom salt on glass without scratching it and other glass cleaning alternatives to consider.
Will Epsom Salt Scratch Glass?
Epsom salt may scratch glass if you use it too harshly. However, if you use it correctly, it’s one of the most effective ways to remove unwanted residue and glass stains.
Epsom salt is a mixture of salt and alcohol. Chemically, it contains magnesium, sulfur, and oxygen and has been used to treat minor ailments like constipation for centuries.
It also has amazing cleaning properties and can get the dirt off most glass, marble, and tile surfaces.
The best thing about using Epsom salt to clean glass is it’s non-toxic and eco-friendly. It’s also widely available in general stores and easy to use. You can also buy Dr. Teal’s Epsom salt (on Amazon) online.
How to Effectively Clean Glass with Epsom Salt
To effectively clean glass with Epsom salt, you’ll need to dissolve the salt with other cleaning materials. You can dissolve Epsom salt in plain water and use it as a glass cleaner, but it won’t be as effective.
Follow these steps to clean the glass with Epsom salt:
1.) Mix Epsom Salt with Baking Soda and Dish Soap
Mix the Epsom salt with baking soda and dish soap. The Epsom salt will release magnesium and sulfate as it dissolves in the water and interacts with the glass.
This reaction will soften the stains allowing you to wipe the glass clean.
The baking soda will gently scrub the stain without causing scratches. Finally, and most importantly, dish soap will ensure the glass retains its shine.
2.) Wipe the Glass When it’s Partially Dry
After washing the glass with the initial salt and baking soda solution, you can wipe it to remove water stains. Wait until the glass is relatively dry, and use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the glass surface. Paper towels are also effective at drying glass without causing scratches.
3.) Damp a Cotton Cloth and Scrub the Glass
Next, you’ll need to dampen a cotton cloth with the mixture. Start it from the edges, and make sure the whole cloth is damped. Then, gently scrub the glass with the damped cloth in a circular motion.
Don’t rub too harshly, as it can scratch the glass. No need to worry about scratching the glass when scrubbing it with the Epsom salt mixture since the salt particles will have dissolved by now.
4.) Let the Mixture Settle and Scrub Again
Wait 5-10 minutes to let the solution sit in the stains. Then, try gently scrubbing for the second time. This will help the Epsom salt react with the dirt on the glass, allowing you to clean grease and tough stains without applying too much pressure to the glass’s surface.
5.) Rinse and Dry the Glass
Finally, rinse the glass with warm water and dry it with paper towels or a microfiber cloth. Avoid using regular cloth as it may scratch the glass. Also, don’t let the water settle, as it will cause water stains, and you’ll have to repeat the process.
What’s the Safest Way to Clean Glass?
The safest way to clean glass is with cotton paper with water. However, this will only work if the glass is already relatively clean and you only need to shine it. If you have to remove grease and want the glass to retain its shine, you’ll have to use Epsom salt, dish soap, or other glass cleaning solutions.
Most professionals say Epsom salt is the most effective and safest way to clean the glass.
Many other solutions contain either alcohol or sulfur, while others may contain magnesium. However, Epsom salt is the solution that contains all of these, which is why it’s so effective.
Isopropyl alcohol is also an excellent alternative to clean glass as it removes water stains effortlessly.
If you don’t have time to make a homemade glass cleaning solution, try using a glass cleaner like the Amazon Aware variety cleaner pack (on Amazon). The Windex Glass and Surface Pre-Moistened Wipes (on Amazon) are also effective options for cleaning most glass surfaces.