How to Clean Glass Shower Doors (Hard Water and Soap Scum)

Glass shower doors make a bathroom look bright and modern, until hard water spots and soap scum turn them cloudy. The good news: a simple vinegar and dish soap spray clears most buildup, and a 30-second daily habit keeps it away. Here's how to clean glass shower doors so they stay crystal clear.

Quick answer: Spray the glass with equal parts warm white vinegar and dish soap (or vinegar and water for light buildup), let it sit 15–30 minutes, scrub with a non-scratch sponge, rinse with warm water and squeegee dry. For heavy hard water, scrub with a baking soda paste. Squeegee after every shower to prevent new buildup.

What You'll Need

White vinegar (warm it slightly for extra power)
Blue dish soap or another degreasing dish soap
Spray bottle
Baking soda
Non-scratch scrub sponge, old toothbrush
Squeegee and microfiber cloths

Step-by-Step Deep Clean

Rinse the doors with warm water to soften buildup.
Spray generously with a mix of equal parts warm vinegar and dish soap. Swirl gently to mix.
Wait 15–30 minutes (longer for thick soap scum). The vinegar dissolves minerals; the soap cuts body oils and soap residue.
Scrub with a non-scratch sponge in overlapping circles.
Rinse with warm water.
Squeegee and buff dry with microfiber for a streak-free finish.

Stubborn Hard Water Stains

Make a paste of baking soda and a little water. After spraying with vinegar, scrub the paste over spots with a damp sponge, then rinse. Repeat as needed. More methods in How to Remove Hard Water Stains.

Don't Forget the Tracks and Frame

Pour or spray vinegar into the tracks and let sit 15 minutes.
Scrub with an old toothbrush; use a cotton swab in corners.
Wipe out gunk with paper towels and rinse.
Black spots in the caulk? See How to Remove Mold from Shower Caulk.

Protect Natural Stone

Vinegar etches marble, travertine and limestone. If your shower has natural stone, protect it or spray the cleaner onto a cloth instead of the glass near stone. Read Things You Should Never Clean with Vinegar.

Daily Habit: Keep Glass Clear

Squeegee the glass after every shower (top to bottom).
Keep the squeegee hanging inside the shower as a reminder.
Run the exhaust fan during and after showering.
Consider a water-repellent glass treatment to make water bead off.

Cleaning Schedule

When	Task
After each shower	Squeegee
Weekly	Vinegar and dish soap spray, rinse
Monthly	Tracks, frame and baking soda scrub

Related Bathroom Guides

Soap scum on tile · Showerhead · Deep clean your bathroom in one hour

FAQ

Can I use a magic eraser on shower glass?

Gently, yes, on most clear glass, but avoid coated or frosted glass and test first.

Why does my glass look cloudy after cleaning?

Etching from years of hard water can't be cleaned off. A glass restoration product or professional polishing may help.