Ask Mrs. Clean: House Cleaning, Stain Removal and Organizing Tips

[Vavalagi]

I have tried 1/2 dozen products claiming to clean the inside of glass shower doors to no avail. I am so frustrated. :x I've now hired someone to do spring cleaning, but I don't know what to tell her about those darned doors. Can y'all help? Also, if and when they are actually clean...what is the best product to keep the water sheeting off of them and not staining them further? Thank you.

[mrscleannw]

Welcome vavalagi,

So, I assume you are fighting a hard water stain, soap scum build-up, or water spots. The treatment depends on what is causing the problem. Here, I’ll address all three and remember, regular cleaning will help prevent build up.

Hard Water Stains

Hard water stains are caused by excess minerals in the water and will adhere and etch glass causing permanent damage if left to sit too long.
Straight vinegar; this is a mild acid and will help dissolve built-up minerals.
Try using salt mixed with baby oil. If you mix salt with water you are dissolving the salt and this may not work as well.
Try a heavy duty product such as CLR, follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Soap Scum

Soap scum can be removed with a stronger acid such as Kaboom shower, tub and sink spray.
Elbow grease used with detergent or a mild abrasive such as comet.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser dissolves and removes miscellaneous grim and works well on several other types of stains, just wet with water and scrub.
Over time glass can become porous and soap scum can soak into the glass. So clean those glass shower doors on a fairly regular basis.

Water Spots

Try a Bounce fabric softener. While your glass shower door is damp use one or two fabric softeners (and a little elbow grease) to scrub the glass then rinse off.
Clorox makes a natural glass cleaner (Green Works) made with plant and mineral-based ingredients. Used with a microfiber cloth this will give you a nice streak-free shine.

Mrs. Clean

[Oregon House]

For a spotless glass, get an old newspaper, crumple it and make it slightly damp. Wipe off the class like you would a rag. Presto! You get clear spotless shower glass doors.

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[donrowlett]

I had the same problem. Family Handyman magazine ran an article on how to deal with stubborn stains inside shower doors and they recommended Bring It On cleaner. I had to leave it on the glass for a few minutes to get it to work but it did dissolve the mineral stains.

[stharmon]

I had the same problem. So, I started using pure rubbing alcohol on the shower doors weekly.
The build up vanished!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[mrscleannw]

Hello donrowlett and stharmon:

Welcome to the forum.

Yes, if you stay on top of cleaning regularly your bathroom will sparkle. There is nothing better than finding a good cleaning agent that works and that you like.

Mrs. Clean

[cleanway]

This should be made of glass? One serious advice is to use a newspaper as opposed to fabrics. It is very important to maintain them on a regular basis as it is more vulnerable to stains or tints being a shower glass. You could treat this more or less the same you would for windows.

[V09]

No matter what you clean your shower door with, the best way to always keep it clean is by cleaning it after every use of the shower and not letting the water to leave stains on the glass. You wouldn't need any cleaning agents if you just use a soft dry cloth.
Or you could wipe down the doors with fabrix softener on a dump cloth and buff with a clean, dry cloth.
Another way to keep soap scum at bay is to wipe down the doors with lemon oil or baby oil.

[greenj26]

What products will work depends on the severity of the mineral build-up. Soap scum is easy to clean off, it;s the hard water stains that are more difficult. I would start with some CLR or Lime-Away (both contain hydrochloric acid, I believe). You could also use Bar-Keepers-Friend (which contains oxalic acid) Bar Keeper Friend is available at many grocery stores. Furthermore you can use an abrasive pad to help clean and remove the mineral build up --- HOWEVER only use a white abrasive pad. Any other color of abrasive pad could scratch the glass. White is the gentlest scouring pad. You can get them at most janitorial stores. One word of advice, if you are using an acidic product, wear rubber gloves and open up a window, put a fan on or something to help with the vapors. Myself, I always use a respirator when cleaning with vaporous products :D

[sps_lokesh]

I was told by a lady that gets houses ready to put on the market that the best thing for shower doors is muratic acid. Mix 1 part mur acid with 10 parts water. Apply to doors and clean. Says it works miracles!.We have a natural stone shower and floor and none of these products can be used without etching or pitting the surface of the stone. We also use Minnwax on the shower doors before an owner takes possession of their home.

[Dmitriy]

I make a scrubber out of crocheted strips of nylon netting and use a good soap scum remover. Takes the combination to get the job done. Cleaners wanted to use the 3M green pot scrubbers, but I felt that they were too liable to scratch the surface. I do wonder if the softer scrubbers meant for Teflon pots and pans would work as well as my hand made scrubbers.

[mark44]

I just use a regular cellulose sponge with some water and comet. Cleans everything off and doesn't scratch