Cleaning & Home Hacks

How to Remove Hard Water Spots From a Glass Shower Door (and Keep Them Off)

A clean, clear glass shower door

You clean the bathroom, and the shower door still looks foggy. Those cloudy white spots aren’t dirt and soap won’t move them. They’re minerals left behind when water dries on the glass.

The fix is something you already have in the pantry.

A clean, clear glass shower door

What You Need

  • White vinegar
  • A spray bottle
  • Baking soda for stubborn spots
  • A non-scratch sponge
  • A squeegee or a microfiber cloth

How to Do It

  1. Warm the vinegar. Heat a cup for about 30 seconds in the microwave so it’s warm, not hot. Warm vinegar works faster.
  2. Pour it into the spray bottle and spray the glass until it’s wet all over.
  3. Wait 10 to 15 minutes. Spray again if it starts to dry.
  4. Scrub gently with the non-scratch sponge.
  5. Rinse with warm water and dry with a squeegee or microfiber cloth.

Spraying vinegar on a glass shower door

For Stubborn Spots

Mix baking soda with a little vinegar to make a paste. Rub it on the spots with the sponge, let it sit 10 minutes, then rinse. Do this on a small area at a time.

Keep the Spots Away

  • Squeegee after every shower. It takes 10 seconds and stops most spots before they start.
  • Leave the door open after showering so the glass dries faster.
  • Clean once a week with a quick vinegar spray.

Be Careful With

  • Natural stone. Vinegar can etch marble and granite. Keep it off stone tile and stone shelves.
  • Coated glass. Some new shower doors have a protective coating. Check the maker’s care guide.
  • Bleach. Never mix vinegar with bleach. It makes toxic gas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does lemon juice work too?

Yes, lemon is also acidic. Vinegar is cheaper for a big door.

Why does my glass still look cloudy?

Very old spots can etch the glass itself. If the cloudiness stays after several cleanings, the glass may be permanently marked.

Can I use this on the faucet?

Yes, on chrome. Wrap a vinegar-soaked cloth around it for 15 minutes, then wipe.

Clear glass again, and a squeegee to keep it that way.

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