How to Clean Pesky Hard Water Stains From Glass Shower Doors

Are cloudy mineral deposits on your glass shower doors driving you crazy? You’re in luck! This post shows you how to remove hard water stains from glass shower doors with ease.

Stubborn hard water deposits on glass surfaces are some of the toughest cleaning challenges you’ll encounter. Those mineral deposits stand up to popular cleaners like they’re plain water – especially if you wait until you’re doing your spring cleaning.

However, with the right cleaners, tools, and techniques, those hard water spots can be eliminated quickly! Read on for the most effective ways to clean that nasty hard-water build-up off of your shower doors today.

Why do glass shower doors accumulate hard water stains? 

Hard water stains build up on shower doors when hard water is allowed to dry naturally on the door glass. As the water evaporates, the excess minerals (mostly calcium and magnesium) stay behind on the glass and create the scaly mess that makes your doors look terrible.

That chalky, white buildup is also known as hard water stains, limescale, mineral deposits, water spots, calcium deposits, or mineral buildup.

Methods to Clean Glass Shower Doors With Hard Water Stains

The key to removing hard water minerals from your glass doors is using a cleaner and tool combination that can effectively penetrate and remove the buildup without damaging the glass.

Some of the most effective cleaning solutions are regular household items you already have on hand including vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, dish soap, and even lemon juice. You can even combine hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for extra cleaning power.

Add a Scrub Daddy sponge or a microfiber towel and you’ll have your shower doors sparkling clean in no time. Read on to learn which method you should add to your bathroom deep cleaning routine.

Pro Tip: Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or muriatic acid that are toxic and can cause serious health issues. Also, avoid abrasive tools like steel wool or a razor blade which can scratch and damage your glass permanently.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

Remove Hard Water Stains with Baking Soda and a Scrubby Sponge

Baking soda is an inexpensive cleaning agent that’s great for cleaning your glass doors.

• Mix baking soda with a little water in a bowl to create a thick paste.
• Apply a layer of the baking soda mixture to the shower glass.
• Let the baking soda sit for at least 20-30 minutes. Mist with water as needed to keep moist.
• Scrub the area with a damp sponge. I prefer to use a Scrub Daddy.
• Rinse the entire area with hot water.
• Wipe down the entire shower after cleaning the doors to dry and remove any leftover residue
• Enjoy your sparkling clean shower!

Clean Mineral Buildup Using Vinegar and a Microfiber Cloth

Vinegar is acid and helps dissolve mineral deposits on shower doors.

• Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and mist the surface of the glass. Make sure to avoid contact with the skin.
• Let sit for about 30 minutes, making sure the doors stay wet with vinegar
• Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the doors.
• Rinse the vinegar off with hot water.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry and remove any leftover residue.
• Enjoy your sparkling clean shower!

Strip Limescale with Lemon Juice and a Sponge

• If you don’t have white vinegar, use lemon juice to remove hard water stains from shower doors. The acid in the lemon will help to break down the mineral deposits.
• Cut a lemon in half and rub the lemon juice directly onto your shower’s glass doors.
• The door to the shower should be opened, and a towel spread beneath it to catch spills.
• Let the lemon juice sit for about 10 minutes.
• Using a wet cloth or sponge, completely wipe down the glass doors.
• Dry the door completely with a towel after thoroughly rinsing it with clean water.

Remove Calcium Deposits Using Dish Soap and Barkeepers Friend

• Add a few squirts of dish soap to a cleaning sponge moistened with hot water. Remove the soap scum from the glass’s surface by scrubbing it with a soapy sponge from top to bottom and then rinsing it with warm water.
• Examine the glass for areas of mineral deposits now that it has been cleaned of regular dirt. Apply a coat of Bar Keepers Friend to the spots.
• Scrub with a mildly abrasive sponge or even a toothbrush to remove the stubborn mineral deposits.
• Rinse one more time and dry the door with a towel.

Scrub Scaly Glass Doors with Hydrogen Peroxide and Dish Soap

• You can also use hydrogen peroxide to clean your glass shower by mixing it with water and a bit of dish soap.
• Spray the hydrogen peroxide soap mixture onto the shower door and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Scrub the door in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth.
• Rinse the door thoroughly with water, then dry the door with a soft cloth.

How to Prevent Hard Water Stains on Glass

The easiest way to prevent hard water stains is to dry the glass doors after each shower. You can use a squeegee or dry towel to remove the excess water.

Keep the glass clean even longer by periodically applying a protective coating that repels the water.

You can also use a shower spray after each shower. Just spray it on and leave it

Cleaning Hard Water Stains off of Glass Shower Doors Doesn’t Need to be Difficult

Now that you know the best combos for cleaning hard water stains, there’s no need to stress over them anymore!

With the help of the tips and the simple homemade cleaning solutions above, you can get your glass shower doors looking as good as new in no time.

Check out these other cleaning hacks and tips to make housecleaning easier.