By Kerry Hale

How to Clean Glass Shower Doors, Screens & Enclosures

 

    • Thursday 3 October 2024
    • 4 minute read

    Watermarks are caused when hard water dries and leaves chalky limescale deposits on bathroom surfaces such as porcelain and glass.

    If you have a shower enclosure or shower screen, you’ll know how difficult removing watermarks from glass shower doors can be. Our guide to cleaning shower glass will help you keep these pesky marks at bay whilst preventing mould and limescale from building up in your shower enclosure.

    Shower screens and doors

    Shower doors, screens and enclosures are vital for protecting your bathroom from water damage. However, your shower enclosure can also be a stylish feature. Wondering what the best shower doors and screens are for your bathroom? Explore our shower enclosure buying guide to find the perfect design.

     

    Whatever your preferred shower enclosure looks like, keeping the glass clean helps maintain your bathroom’s appearance. Regular cleaning will eliminate streaks, watermarks and soap suds from the shower door or screen.

     

    The best way to clean a shower screen

    You can try several products and methods to remove watermarks from shower glass. Before reaching for harsh cleaning chemicals, use white vinegar. This tried-and-tested household product is the best way to clean a shower screen and is highly effective at removing limescale from various surfaces. Always use distilled white vinegar, as malt or cider vinegar won’t clean as thoroughly and may stain surfaces.

    What you’ll need

    These are the products you’ll need to get your shower glass sparkling. Always wear gloves when using cleaning chemicals, and keep your bathroom ventilated throughout the process.

    • Spray bottle
    • Distilled white vinegar
    • Water
    • Gloves
    • Cotton cloth
    • Microfibre cloth
    • Squeegee

    Step-by-step guide to cleaning shower glass

    Once you have everything you need, follow these steps to clean your shower glass:

    1. Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar, then add the mixture to a spray bottle.
    2. Spray the affected area with the mixture, ensuring all glass surfaces are entirely covered.
    3. Use a cotton cloth to wipe down the glass. If any stubborn stains won’t come off, pour the mixture onto a cloth and scrub the affected area, taking care not to damage the glass.
    4. Squeegee the area to remove excess water, then gently buff with a microfibre cloth to make the glass shine.
    5. If watermarks still show up or stubborn stains persist, you may need a specialist water stain remover.
    6. When using these products, always wear protective gloves, open all windows and doors and turn on the extractor fan if you have one.
    7. Follow instructions on the bottle carefully and never leave the product on the surface longer than recommended.
    8. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to remove excess product and achieve sparkling glass shower doors, enclosures and screens.

    How to prevent watermarks and limescale

    There’s nothing worse than cleaning your bathroom, only to find watermarks and limescale have reappeared the following day. So, if you’re wondering how to clean shower doors with hard water stains that won’t seem to budge, here are some preventative measures you can incorporate into your home and daily routines.

    1. Regular Cleaning

    Not sure how to get water marks off shower glass? A squeegee is undoubtedly the best shower screen cleaner. These handy tools are practical and affordable and can help prevent watermarks. Some feature a holder that sticks to the wall, making them easy to use every time you shower. After showering, squeegee all the moisture off the glass of your enclosure or screen to stop watermarks from appearing.

    2. Good ventilation

    Keep your bathroom well-ventilated to help water evaporate quickly from your shower screen. Droplet marks are more likely to appear when water sits on the glass for long periods.


    If your bathroom is poorly ventilated due to small windows, no extractor fan, or you’re having problems with damp, find out how to reduce bathroom condensation in our guide. If you have space for décor on shelves or windowsills, consider buying bathroom-friendly plants that absorb moisture.

    3. Buy a water softener

    Alternatively, you could buy a water softener machine if you live in an area with hard water. Hard water can cause damage to pipes and appliances and dry out your hair and skin, so this may be a worthwhile investment. 



    If you’re renovating your bathroom and considering a glass shower enclosure, our guide to shower curtains vs shower screens will help you weigh up the best option for your home.

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