Glass Shower Door and Walls.

Updated on August 25, 2008
M.J. asks from Grand Prairie, TX
52 answers

I need advice on how to clean soap scum and water spots off a glass shower. Some cleaning products say to keep off metal and I don't want to damage the trim. Seems like I've tried everything and nothing seems to work. Please help!

9 moms found this helpful

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So What Happened?

Thanks to all who responded to my plea for advise. I plan to try most of them. So far I have got good results with shampoo, eraser pads, and fabric softer sheets. Thanks to you, I again have a sparkling shower!

Featured Answers

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T.K.

answers from Abilene on

White vinegar, full strength on a scrub pad meant for delicate jobs, It will take some elbow grease, but it works the best. when you get it all clean, wax it with car wax, or use rain-x. This helps the glass stay clean, squeegee after each shower, this keeps the water drops from hardening on the glass. Good luck, this is a booger of a job, but once you get it where it is under control, no worries!

3 moms found this helpful
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S.K.

answers from Dallas on

hi M.
i clean houses and i use Bar Keepers Friend. Its a non-chemical abrasive powder cleanser and works wonders! :) I was able to get rust off of shower floor with it!!!! its wonderful! After you've cleaned the shower doors and windows....try using rain-x on them! :) A few of my customers did this and it helped keep the spots to a minimum by far! :) hope this helps some!
S.

3 moms found this helpful
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H.P.

answers from Dallas on

My mother always had a house that sparkled. She always used Pledge on the shower door. The first time you need to spary on extra thick and let sit 10-15 minutes. Then wipe down. You may have to repeat if the build up is bad. I used it for a sower in a rental house that you could not see thru and it came right off. The pledge also helps keep it cleaner because it works like rain ex and causes the water to just bead up. You should redo once a month to keep it clean.

2 moms found this helpful

More Answers

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E.J.

answers from Dallas on

I have used the more natural approach vineger diluted with water and baking soda.

I took a landscaping class, and my instructor gave useful hints on natural products you have in your home you could use.

Arm & Hammer website http://www.armhammer.com/ gives you helpful tips on using baking soda.

Here a helpful website for vinegar use http://housekeeping.about.com/cs/environment/a/alternatec...

3 moms found this helpful

M.P.

answers from Dallas on

I clean houses also and I go with Bar Keepers.... Make sure you use a sponge and not the scrub pad side or it will scratch the glass.... After you get it clean I always use Method Shower cleaner. I got that tip from one of the houses I cleaned for a while....It smells awesome and it works with little effort!!! I hope you get it off!!!

3 moms found this helpful
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P.L.

answers from Dallas on

This question came up a few weeks ago on mamasource, the most frequent answer was white vinegar mixed with Dawn dish soap...I tried it on a severely scummy shower door and it worked wonders. I put 1 cup vinegar in a bucket, added about 2 tblspns Dawn, then using a sponge with the green scrubber pad on one side I lightly scrubbed the mixture onto the doors, then waited about 5-10 min, then scrubbed again, all came off quickly and easily. Be sure to ventilate the room, the vinegar is strong, but doesn't last long.

3 moms found this helpful
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D.C.

answers from Dallas on

I've had great luck with Method's Daily Shower. I use it everyday, but it also works on long term stains. And the best part, its NON-TOXIC & Biodegradable.

2 moms found this helpful
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A.B.

answers from Dallas on

The best product I found (after buying a gajillion) was SPOT-X at the Home Depot.

2 moms found this helpful
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M.F.

answers from Dallas on

I think I read in Heloise to use shampoo. Well, it really works!
Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

Try the Green Works from Target. I just bought it a few weeks ago and it really cleans my shower good. It is natural and really hads a nice smell!! I just spray and let it set a few min then shower and wash it off with a scruby sponge.
Mom of 3 gandma of 5

2 moms found this helpful
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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried a magic eraser? What about dryer sheets? They both work pretty well. Good luck.

2 moms found this helpful
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C.T.

answers from Dallas on

The only thing that has worked for me and doesn't take much time, effort, and doesn't have toxic fumes is Magic Eraser. With two little boys, I would never be without them!!!

2 moms found this helpful
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L.

answers from Dallas on

I could not believe it but a wet dryer sheet works incredibly well.

1 mom found this helpful
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R.H.

answers from Dallas on

My name is Rosie but I don't know I am having the same problem and if you find out please let me know Thank You ____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
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M.W.

answers from Dallas on

I clean houses. I use Mr. Clean magic erasers. It seems to work for me.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

My husband and I lived in an older home in Georgia for a couple of years and had someone come clean. Believe it or not, she used oven cleaner on the shower door and it worked beautifully! She said you just cannot leave it on very long, but it came clean with what seemed like very little effort! Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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B.S.

answers from Dallas on

Our realtor recommended SOS pads (like the ones often used for pots/pans)when we were selling our house...it worked like magic and it was something we already had!!! Good Luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser...

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Dallas on

Cut a gratefruit in half sprinkel with baking soda and use the gratefruit half similar to a scrubber. It is "green" and works great. Smells good too.

1 mom found this helpful
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L.L.

answers from Dallas on

We have a fiberglass shower with glass doors. What we have done is super clean it and then apply car wax...you won't believe the ease. I am not sure what brand my husband uses...but it really makes a difference. Take heed in appliying it to your floor (we don't). A simple "wash down" once a week with water is all you will need. Our glass doors are the kind that you can't see through so I don't know how it will work with real glass door...but it is worth a try I guess. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.A.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.,

I know of a great product and it is non-toxic. I am a member of Melaleuca and their cleaners are great. They do the job. Let me know if your are interested.

L. Arrington
###-###-####
____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

I am sure you will get lots of great ideas, but I have always had a lot of success with a product called greased lightning. I am not sure if it is made for soap scum, but I am a little OCD and my last house had glass shower doors, it seemed to be the only thing that kept them clear and shiny! Spray on, wipe down, rinse...good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.G.

answers from Dallas on

Try jet dry. The stuff you put in your dishwasher for water spots. It works great.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.W.

answers from Dallas on

We use Spray and Wash to remove the soap scum. It works wonders! After I got it all off we started using a squeegie after showering to keep it from builing up again.

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Dallas on

try a damp sheet of bounce it really seems to work

shelley s

1 mom found this helpful
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S.G.

answers from Dallas on

I use a great product from Meleleuca, called
Tub and Tile, it works great on soap and scum and water spots.

If you are interested, give me a call. It has to be ordered from the company.

S. Ganyard
###-###-####

1 mom found this helpful
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H.M.

answers from Dallas on

Tub&Tile is amazing. It is non toxic, economical and very very easy to use!

H. M.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.T.

answers from Dallas on

Comet Bathroom Cleaner spray is excellent. It's the only thing I've found that works with no scrubbing.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.W.

answers from Lubbock on

I use Kaboom in a purple spray bottle while I am in the shower and then a squeegy thing when I am done showering. Works wonderfully.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.W.

answers from Dallas on

My sister cleans houses, and once you get the shower door clean, wipe it down with furniture oil, or olive oil, it keeps the soap scum off.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.B.

answers from Dallas on

I have used the Mr. Clean eraser pads and they work great for
the glass door and shower floor.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.R.

answers from Amarillo on

I use Melaleuca Tub n Tile to clean the hard water stains and soap scum, and to maintain in between cleanings I use the No Works. These cleaners are non toxic, eco-friendly, have no harsh fumes, and they are better than anything you buy at the super market or walmart. If you are interested please email me at ____@____.com
You may also visit my website at www.workathomeunited.com.anitas

Have a blessed day!
A.

1 mom found this helpful
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E.G.

answers from Dallas on

Have you tried baking soda and vinegar? Or just vinegar with a little liquid soap? I usually just put vinegar in a spray bottle and just spray and wipe off with newspaper.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

I use Kaboom and it does a wonderful job!! I spray it on, rub in it with a mildly abrasive sponge (the kind for non-stick pans, you don't have to rub hard), let it sit for a few minutes and then rinse. I think it says to not let it sit on the metal too long, but I use it on the metal too (including my shower head) and have had NO problems with it. We used to do the whole squeegie thing, but Kaboom works so good and is so easy, we gave that up.

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

Try Shaklee's Basic H2 organic cleaner.
www.shaklee.net/healinghappens

1 mom found this helpful
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T.S.

answers from Dallas on

I used antibacterial soft scrub and it worked wonders....

1 mom found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

I clean my shower door and walls with a soap scum remover at least once a week and then each time after showering, we spray it with a clear shower mist that looks like windex or something, (can't think of the name right now)and we use a squigy that we bought at bed, bath and beyond.

1 mom found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

The rule at our home is last one out of the shower squeegees it. We completely wipe down and dry the shower after each use. It is 8 1/2 yrs old and still looks new.

I routinely spray the glass down with vinegar. We have a built in shower with porus tile and glass door. I use the vinegar freely in the entire shower.

I have used Rainx afterwards to so that the water will bead. The most important thing we do is squeegee and wipe down the entire shower after it is used.

Tilex Soap Scum worked pretty well and I like that, however, the vineger seems to cut the scum better for me.

Good luck

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Tyler on

Hey M.,
Have you tried WD-40 ? I have a list of about 45 uses of WD-40 and cleaning the shower door is on there. Also it will keep your bathroom mirror from fogging up. Let me know if you want the list of other things. Its unbelievable!!

Good Luck,
S.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.B.

answers from Dallas on

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. Works great.
Very easy to clean with. Not expensive. Plus you can use the eraser in so many places. I hate having so many different cleaners for so many different things. The eraser works wonders! Looks like you got a lot of helpful hints. I'm going to try a few myself. Happy Cleaning!

1 mom found this helpful
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G.M.

answers from Dallas on

I have an idea for you which would use safe-nontoxic products. They are awesome and work well. Please contact me @____@____.com.

1 mom found this helpful
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C.C.

answers from Dallas on

CLR works great, and can be found in Walmart.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.K.

answers from Dallas on

I use half water half vinegar mixture. Warm in microwave, spray on glass, let it set for 10 minutes. Scrub down with a plastic covered sponge which is covered with Borax (found with laundry detergent at the store). Works wonders and is all natural!

1 mom found this helpful
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T.B.

answers from Dallas on

Looks like you have already had lots of advice but I have to tell you that I really like Bam Easy Off. I will admit the fumes are a bit strong but I only use it on my shower door and other hard to clean areas. After spraying it on I let it sit for a few minutes before wiping down. I don't have to do any hard scrubbing! After its clean I try to wipe the door down after I shower so I don't have to clean it very often.

1 mom found this helpful
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J.H.

answers from Dallas on

I use Tub n Tile. The soap scum slids right off and no water spots. It's amazing stuff and you don't have to worry about metal being ruined. It is also made with natural ingredients so there is nothing harmful in it and it's safe to use around your children. I LOVE that too!

1 mom found this helpful
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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

baking soda/vinegar... never have tried it on a shower door because we have shower curtains. but saw on oprah that these basic cleansers are better than all the gizmo stuff out there. i have since been using baking soda/vinegar and have not been disappointed...

1 mom found this helpful
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T.T.

answers from Dallas on

Hi M.!! I start off with magic eraser...then after every shower I spray no work and tub n tile and it'll keep the shower clean for a couple of extra weeks! Plus, they don't contain any fumes, chemicals or toxins, so you're not "dying" as you spray it! :o)

Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Dallas on

M.,
I know a product is very good for Glass Shower Door and Walls. You could go to www.naturalcare4u.com you could search this product called: SNAP CREAM SCOURING CLEANSER
It's concentrate, biodegradable and very inexpensive according the quality. There are a serious of SNAP cleaning products are very good. I love it. I used those products more than 10 years. S.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.S.

answers from Dallas on

A squeegee works wonders after you get it clean this time. You will not have to work very hard or use harsh chemicals to clean the glass if you use the squeegee after each shower use and it only takes a few seconds to do it. You can find small squeegees at places like Bed, Bath & Beyond.

1 mom found this helpful
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K.P.

answers from Dallas on

Take a washcloth and some shampoo and wash them with that. The shampoo will cut through the soap scum - you may have to work a while the first time or get the kind of shampoo that strips out buildup -

1 mom found this helpful
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K.C.

answers from Dallas on

I've used the Magic Eraser, then use a wet sponge to wipe off the residue from the eraser

1 mom found this helpful
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D.S.

answers from Dallas on

vingar and try the CLR produc
D. S

1 mom found this helpful
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