I Tried 5 Methods for Cleaning Glass Shower Doors, and the Winner Surprised Me

Like many people, I use a daily shower cleaner after every shower to keep my glass doors free of soap scum and hard water buildup. I also take the extra step of using a squeegee to prevent excess stains. While I thought this homemade daily cleaner of dish soap, vinegar, and water was working fine, I was starting to notice cloudiness on my doors and figured it might be time for a deeper cleaning. 

I wanted to find out how to clean glass shower doors in the best way possible, so I decided to try out five cleaning methods to see which one got them the most sparkly clean. I discovered that not only was my homemade cleaner not working as well as I thought, but the winning method was also a product I was solely using to clean my floors.

I tested three methods on the doors in my main bathroom shower (two on different parts of one door and one on the other), and two methods on each door of my guest bathroom shower. Before testing, I did not use my homemade cleaner or squeegee on either shower for one week so I could more accurately see the results of each method.

The ratings: I used a rating scale of one to five, with one being the least effective and five the most effective. I determined each rating based on overall effectiveness, convenience, and time spent implementing the method. 

Rating: 1/5

Method: I mixed 1/4 cup of dish soap, one cup of distilled water, 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar, and a few drops of lavender essential oil into a spray bottle. I generously sprayed this solution onto one door and let it sit for half an hour. Afterward, I used a scrubbing brush and rinsed everything off with the shower head. 

How it went: This is the cleaning solution I use as a daily cleaner so my hopes weren’t too high. After rinsing the door, it looked clean, but I was suspicious. I exhaled hot breath onto the door (to mimic the steam of a normal shower) and could see a layer of hard water stains. 

Rating: 2/5

Method: I used a Bounce Dryer Sheet to gently rub the hard water stains on the door and around the hardware to try to get rid of any grime and buildup. 

How it went: I admit that I was impressed that a dryer sheet was able to mostly get rid of these stains. However, the sheet would either slip out of my hand or it would grip onto the glass and my hand would slip over it, making this method quite inconvenient and not worth the time to clean up several stains.

Rating: 4/5

Method: I used a brand-new Magic Eraser, soaked it with water, and wrung out the excess. I cleaned the door using circular motions and added a bit more water whenever I felt it was dried out.

How it went: Although this did require a bit more elbow grease in comparison to other methods, it did an excellent job at removing hard water stains. While I wouldn’t recommend this as the main form of cleaning glass shower doors, it’s an efficient method for quick cleanups in between deeper cleanings.

Rating: 3/5

Method: I poured about a tablespoon of Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser onto a slightly damp sponge, scrubbed the door in a circular motion, and let it sit for a couple of minutes. I then rinsed it off with the shower head and removed the excess with a damp microfiber cloth. 

How it went: Despite removing most of the hard water stains and other residue, this method was the most inconvenient. Not only was the scent overwhelming (especially if you’re using this after a steamy shower in a windowless bathroom), but the abrasive and grainy texture of the product was also a nightmare to feel and clean from the bathtub. 

Rating: 5/5

Method: Because I only wanted to test this method before making a big batch, I did not follow Pine-Sol’s dilution directions. Instead, I poured about two tablespoons onto a clean, damp microfiber cloth. I then wiped the door in a circular motion. 

How it went: Although it’s a multi-surface cleaner, I have always associated Pine-Sol with floor cleaning (perhaps because of its woodsy pine scent) so I wasn’t sure what to expect. This method was overall the most effective and convenient; it effortlessly wiped away hard water stains and soap scum, and left behind a fresh scent. Because this method was such a success, I will be diluting it in a spray bottle and spraying it directly onto the doors instead of pouring the concentrate directly onto the cloth.

I learned how to clean glass shower doors by testing out five different methods and discovering that one method reigned supreme. While the winning method was clear (literally!), every method could be useful in some way depending on your preference and lifestyle factors. For example, if you have a guest bathroom that doesn’t get used often, wiping off a couple of droplets with a dryer sheet could be a quick fix.

Additionally, a daily cleaner (whether it’s homemade or not) and a squeegee can still be beneficial for the overall maintenance of glass shower doors. If you’re looking for a thorough, deep clean, however, you can’t go wrong with Pine-Sol and a soft cloth.