Nothing ruins a sparkling bathroom quite like a shower screen covered in limescale, watermarks and soap scum. You can have the dream bathroom, but if the glass looks like it's seen better days, it can quickly take the shine off it.
The good news? Getting your shower glass clean and streak-free doesn't have to involve hours of scrubbing or a cupboard full of cleaning products.
In this guide, we'll share 7 easy ways to clean shower glass, whether that be your shower enclosure or bath screen. From tackling built-up limescale and watermarks to keeping your glass looking clean and streak-free for longer, we've got you covered. Because, let's be honest, the less time spent cleaning the bathroom, the better!
1. White Vinegar and Water
If your shower glass is looking a little worse for wear, white vinegar and water is a simple place to start. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which can help break down the limescale and mineral deposits that are often left behind when water dries on your glass.
Simply mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle and spray it over the glass. Leave it to work for around 10-15 minutes, then wipe away with a soft microfibre cloth or non-abrasive sponge. Rinse the glass thoroughly with clean water and finish by drying it with a clean microfibre cloth to help prevent streaks.
For particularly stubborn limescale, you may need to repeat the process rather than scrubbing aggressively, as this could scratch the glass.
Top tip: Always check the manufacturers cleaning instructions for your shower glass first, particularly if it has a protective glass coating. And avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces, as the acidity can damage them.
2. Lemon Juice
If you're looking for a more natural way to tackle limescale and watermarks, lemon juice is another handy option. The citric acid in lemon juice can help break down those stubborn mineral deposits that can leave your shower glass looking cloudy.
Mix fresh lemon juice with warm water and apply it to the glass using a spray bottle or soft cloth. Leave it for around 10 minutes, then wipe over the glass with a non-abrasive sponge or microfibre cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a clean cloth to leave your shower glass looking fresh and streak-free.
For tougher marks, you can gently rub a halved lemon directly over the affected area before rinsing. Don't leave lemon juice sitting on your glass for too long, as the acidity can damage the surface.
3. Use a Limescale Remover
4. Washing-Up Liquid
It might sound a little too simple, but washing up liquid can work surprisingly well on shower glass. It's particularly useful for tackling everyday dirt, soap scum, body oils and general bathroom grime before they have a chance to build up.
Add a small amount of washing-up liquid to a bowl of warm water and use a soft sponge or microfibre cloth to wipe over the glass. Give it a good rinse with clean water afterwards, then dry the glass with a microfibre cloth to avoid leaving behind streaks and watermarks.
For best results, use washing-up liquid as part of your regular shower glass cleaning routine, rather than waiting until you have a thick layer of limescale to deal with. A little goes a long way. Too much washing-up liquid can leave a soapy residue on the glass, which is definitely not the sparkling finish we're after.
5. Use a Microfibre Cloth
Sometimes, keeping your shower glass clean is all about having the right cleaning tools. A microfibre cloth is a bathroom cupboard essential and is great for wiping away water, fingerprints, soap residue and those annoying little streaks.
Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to buff your shower glass after cleaning. It can also be used to dry the glass after a shower, helping to remove leftover water before it has a chance to dry and leave behind watermarks or limescale.
For the best results, use a separate cloth for cleaning and drying, and avoid using fabric softener when washing your microfibre cloths as it can affect how well they absorb water. Keep a couple of microfibre cloths handy in your bathroom. A quick wipe after your shower can save you from having to tackle a much bigger cleaning job later!
6. Make Use of a Shower Squeegee
If you want to keep your shower glass clean for longer, a shower squeegee is your best friend. It might not be the most exciting addition to your bathroom, but it can make a big difference when it comes to preventing watermarks and limescale.
After each shower, simply run the squeegee down the glass to remove any leftover water. This means there's less water left behind to dry on the surface and leave those dreaded mineral deposits.
It only takes a minute or two, but doing this regularly can make your shower glass much easier to keep clean and reduce how often you need to give it a deep clean.
Top tip: Keep your squeegee somewhere easy to reach in the shower. If it's tucked away in a cupboard, chances are it's going to stay there! Some squeegees come with a hook, allowing you to hang it over the top of your shower screen so it stays in sight.
7. Use a Regular Glass Cleaner
For everyday cleaning and keeping your shower glass looking streak-free, a regular glass cleaner can be a quick and easy option. It's ideal for light marks, fingerprints and those little smudges that seem to appear out of nowhere.
Simply spray your glass cleaner onto a microfibre cloth rather than directly onto the glass, then wipe over the surface. Buff with a clean, dry cloth to leave the glass looking clear and sparkling.
Just bear in mind that regular glass cleaner is better for everyday maintenance than tackling heavy limescale. If your shower glass has a serious build-up of mineral deposits, you'll be better off using a dedicated limescale remover first. Give your shower glass a quick clean regularly rather than waiting until it's covered in marks. A little and often is definitely easier than a big bathroom cleaning session.
Keep Your Shower Glass Sparkling
And there you have it - 7 easy ways to clean your shower glass without spending hours scrubbing away at stubborn marks. Whether you've got a shower enclosure or bath screen, a little regular maintenance can go a long way.
From white vinegar and lemon juice to a good old-fashioned microfibre cloth and squeegee, there are plenty of simple ways to keep limescale, watermarks and soap scum under control.
The best tip? Don't wait until your glass needs a serious deep clean. Give it a quick wipe or squeegee after your shower and you'll have much less to tackle later. Your future self will thank you for it.
Now all that's left to do is enjoy that lovely, sparkling shower glass - until the next shower, of course!
