Hard water spots, calcium deposits, and soap scum can quickly build up on a glass shower door. These marks are not only unsightly, but they can also be pretty difficult to remove using ordinary cleaning methods. Fortunately, there are some simple solutions for keeping your shower door clean.
Remove water spots from your shower door with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Spray the solution onto the door, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it with a clean cloth or sponge. If there is still residue left behind, use a paste of baking soda and water to remove it.
Let’s take a closer look at what causes hard water stains, how to remove them, and how to prevent them form forming again down the line.
What Causes Hard Water Stains?
Hard water spots are caused by calcium, magnesium, and other minerals found in hard water. These minerals form a thin film on the shower door’s surface when they come into contact with soap or detergents. Over time, this film can harden, and it becomes relatively difficult to remove.
Soap scum is another stubborn residue that forms when soap, oils, and hard water combine. The minerals in hard water react with the soap to create a slimy, sticky film. If left untreated, the residue will eventually become white and crusty.
Each of these substances can leave behind an ugly, discolored residue on the glass. Fortunately, there are several effective methods that you can use to get rid of these unsightly stains.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains From Glass Doors
The most important step in removing hard water spots is to use a gentle cleaning solution.
Avoid using abrasive cleaners, which can scratch the glass and worsen the problem. Instead, opt for a mild commercial cleaner or acidic solution like vinegar or lemon juice.
To remove the stains, you’ll need the following materials:
- Soft-bristled brush
- Microfiber cloths
- Shower squeegee (on Amazon)
- White cleaning vinegar (on Amazon)
- Distilled water
- Baking soda
Once you have the required materials, you can tackle the hard water spots with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and distilled water or a baking soda paste. Cleaning vinegar has a higher acidity than regular white vinegar and is best for removing stubborn stains.
You can create a baking soda paste by mixing one part water with 3 parts baking soda.
Now that you have your cleaning solution, you can remove hard water spots from the glass door using the following steps:
1. Spray the Vinegar Mixture Onto the Door
Start by thoroughly saturating the door with the vinegar and water mixture. Allow it to sit for up to 30 minutes so that it has time to break down the calcium deposits.
2. Scrub With a Soft-Bristled Brush
After waiting for the solution to work its magic, use a soft-bristled brush to scrub away the residue. Use gentle, circular motions and focus on the stubborn areas. Take your time and use light pressure to avoid scratching the glass.
3. Rinse and Dry the Glass
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, thoroughly rinse all traces of the cleaning solution. After rinsing, use a squeegee to remove excess water and dry the glass with a microfiber cloth.
If the vinegar mixture didn’t clear away all the hard water spots, follow up with a baking soda and water paste. To use the paste:
1. Spray the Glass With Vinegar
For this step, you can use full-strength vinegar or a diluted solution. Generously spray the door and allow the vinegar to sit for up to 30 minutes to help loosen the remaining hard water spots.
2. Apply Baking Soda Paste
Once the vinegar has had time to work, apply the baking soda paste with a cloth or soft-bristled brush in a circular motion. Focus on any areas with tough stains and allow the paste to sit for 10 minutes.
3. Spritz With Vinegar
Spray the glass again with vinegar after the baking soda paste has sat for a few minutes to create a bubbling reaction that helps remove the remaining stains.
4. Rinse and Dry
Finally, rinse off all traces of the baking soda paste and baking soda. Use a squeegee to remove any excess water, and finish by drying the glass with a microfiber cloth to prevent streaks.
Other Cleaning Methods to Try
If the above methods don’t work, you can try a few other things to remove hard water stains from glass doors.
Magic Eraser
The Magic Eraser is a cleaning tool made from melamine foam (on Amazon). The sponge is ideal for many messes, including hard water spots, because the gentle abrasive scrubs away the residue without scratching the glass.
Dryer Sheets
Believe it or not, dryer sheets can eliminate hard water spots. Dryer sheets contain mildly abrasive fibers that work to remove the residue without damaging the glass. Used dryer sheets work best.
To use this method, slightly moisten a dryer sheet with water and buff the glass in a circular motion. Increase the effectiveness by dampening the sheet with white vinegar.
Commercial Cleaners
Several cleaners can remove hard water stains from glass surfaces. As with the other methods, spray the product onto the door and scrub away with a soft-bristled brush. Thoroughly rinse off any residue and dry the glass with a microfiber cloth for best results.
Read the labels carefully and follow the directions for the best results. Avoid using ammonia-based products like Windex on any metal surfaces, as it can cause corrosion.
What Should You Do to Prevent Water Spots?
You can prevent hard water spots from accumulating on glass surfaces in several ways:
Wipe Glass After Use
Wipe down the glass doors after each use with a microfiber cloth or squeegee to remove any remaining moisture and prevent water spots from forming.
Treat With a Protectant
You can also apply a glass protectant (on Amazon) to make the surface resistant to hard water stains. These products form an invisible barrier that repels the alkaline minerals in water and prevents them from sticking to the glass.
Use a Water Softener
Consider installing a water softener if you live in an area with hard water. This product uses salt to remove minerals and creates a much less alkaline solution, which decreases the chances of hard water spots forming on your glass doors.