Glass shower doors are wonderful when clean and pristine, but can be a double-edged sword if not handled properly – showing dirt, limescale, and soap scum more readily than other surfaces. However, with the right care, clean shower glass can be effectively maintained with a minimum of effort.
When it comes to dealing with stains on shower glass doors, prevention is better than cure. Wiping the shower after each use will often stop the build up of soap scum and limescale before it even starts. Similarly, ensuring consistent ventilation can deprive mould of the moisture it loves.
How to Clean a Shower Screen: Limescale
Because it contains dissolved carbon dioxide, rain is naturally slightly acidic. Passing through rock, it often dissolves minerals which get carried into the water supply. This is what we know as hard water. However, these minerals can leave chalky deposits on your clean shower glass. Not so good.
With regular cleaning, though, this shouldn’t present too much of a problem. Weak acid got it there in the first place, so weak acid can get it off.
Wipe the door with a cloth first. While glass is hard as surfaces go, it can still be scratched by grit if it’s not removed.
Mix up a 50:50 solution of ordinary white vinegar and water.
Using a non-metallic scrubbing brush, scrub the affected area, paying particular attention to built-up deposits if there are any.
Alternatively, lemon juice will also work, and it smells a bit nicer too!
How to Clean Shower Glass: Soap Scum
Soap scum is another problem those who live in hard water areas will be all too familiar with – and unfortunately, it is just as much of a pain. The result of a reaction between soap and the hard water minerals, it can be near impossible to shift if allowed to build up. So while neat, the vinegar trick won’t quite cut it.
Luckily, Jif Bathroom Spray fits the bill perfectly. It’s a good, strong cleaner that won’t damage the glass surface and also is excellent for leaving clean shower glass with a nice, streak-free shine. It also works on limescale to boot. Spray it on, leave for minute or two, then scrub off using a non-metallic pad. Optionally, follow up by using a soft cloth to buff to a shine.
Safety Directions
Do not swallow; do not mix with other detergents or chemicals, particularly cleaners. Mixing may generate toxic chlorine gas. Ensure adequate ventilation when using, vapour may be harmful. Strongly alkaline and corrosive. Attacks skin and eyes so avoid contact. May produce severe burns. Wear protective gloves and eye protection when mixing or using. Do not mix with hot water. Store upright below 25 degrees celsius. Rinse containers with water before disposal.
 *Domestos kills germs such as:
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Escherichia coli
Staphylococcus aureus
Proteus vulgaris
How to Clean a Shower Door: Mould
Moulds thrive in warm, damp places, and you don’t get much warmer or damper than a shower. Cleaning shower glass itself is all well and good, but to combat mould you need to get it in the nooks and crannies where it lives.
Mix up a diluted bleach solution (oxygen bleach or chlorine bleach, such as Domestos*, will both work).
Leave the solution in the corners where the mould is for a minute or two.
Rinse thoroughly.
As always, wear appropriate protective clothing, including gloves.
Ensure the area is well ventilated.
Test on a small, hidden area of the glass first.
