How to remove limescale from shower glass

We have all been there, constantly looking at our shower glass door or panel and wondering how it ended up looking so dirty.

Often the glass in your shower changes color over time – the once transparent glass turns into a dull gray color and leaves watermarks that are seemingly impossible to get out.

Cleaning glass shower doors is often less straightforward than you might think. You may know how to clean a showerhead but when it comes to glass in a bathroom, this is where things get complicated.

5 things you should do if you want sparkling glass in your shower

Cleaning experts share their best-kept secrets about what products to use for your shower glass as well as home remedies that are certain to get rid of your limescale for good.

1. Use a vinegar solution

Vinegar is an excellent, readily available ingredient that most of us probably have lying around in our kitchen cabinets. It is a highly effective and non-toxic way to remove limescale from glass in the shower.

White vinegar normally works best when you are using it for cleaning. Jade Piper, cleaning expert and manager of Better Cleans, says that the best way to use vinegar on your glass panel is to put it in a spray bottle, and then spray it fully over the desired area.

Once fully coated, leave on for 10-15 minutes to let it soak in and ensure that the limescale layer is being lifted from the glass, wash off with warm water, and dry with a clean dry cloth.

2. Use natural acids

Acids tend to be the best when dealing with any kind of limescale deposits. The citric acid found in fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes is surprisingly effective when battling limescale.

Parveen Garg, cleaning expert and manager of Ola Clean suggests that you cut a lemon or orange in half and rub it directly onto your limescaled glass: ‘The trick is to let it sit for a good 10 minutes to let it soak in,’ says Parveen.

After the acids have been absorbed into the glass rinse it with warm water and dry it with a clean soft dry microfiber cloth from Amazon.

3. Use baking soda

Baking soda is the holy grail when it comes to cleaning products, you would be surprised how many things you can clean with baking soda. It is a natural non-toxic cleaning product that works really well when getting rid of limescale.

Angela Rubin, cleaning expert and manager at Hellimaid, says that the best way to use baking soda for cleaning the shower glass is to form a paste. Mix two tablespoons of baking soda with two teaspoons of water and stir until combined into a paste, apply the paste to the limescale and allow to sit for approximately 30 minutes.

Use a sponge or soft cloth to scrub the area gently, the great thing about baking soda is that it is non-abrasive so it is safe to use on glass surfaces. Finish by washing off with warm water.

Any brand of baking soda from your local grocery store will work well for this job.

4. Use professional limescale removers

There are several effective limescale removal products available on the market, and these are normally best used when the build-up of limescale has become out of hand and you have a serious limescale problem.

The best way to tell if your glass panel is coated with limescale is if it has discolored and looks an off-white color. Your glass will normally have prominent water stains on it as well.

Rocky Vuong, founder and director of Caliber Cleaning, says that this is the best time to employ heavy-duty limescale removers: ‘Look for ones containing mild acids like citric acid or lactic acid,’ Rocky says.

A good limescale remover that is tough on stains and watermarks on your shower glass is Lime-A-Way available from Amazon, it cuts through the calcium buildup that is left on the glass as well as tough hard water stains.

5. Use a squeegee and have a regular cleaning routine

Many people overlook the results you can have from just using a squeegee regularly after taking your shower.  A quick wipe over the glass door with your squeegee will go a long way to prevent layers upon layers of limescale from forming. This makes it a lot easier when you go to clean it properly. You can automatically tell the difference when you go into someone's bathroom if they use one or not.

A squeegee is also a very easy product to store in your shower, which means it will always be on hand when you need it. A stylish squeegee from Amazon which comes in a range of colors can blend in with your existing bathroom decor.

It is also often underestimated how important it is to have a bathroom cleaning routine. If you stick to a cleaning schedule you can always have your shower door clean while still preventing limescale buildup.

As for how often you should clean your shower, it depends on how many people are using it, but a good aim is to give your shower a deep clean every 2 weeks. Wash down your shower glass with hot soapy water, then use your squeegee to take the soap off the glass. Some of the residue from the soap will stick to the glass and form an invisible layer, this will prevent limescale from building up in the future.

What causes cloudy shower glass?

Hard water normally causes cloudy shower glass. This is water that contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals such as calcium and magnesium.

When the water dries or evaporates after you take a shower, these minerals are left behind which form hard water and limescale deposits which leave a cloudy appearance on the glass.

Limescale can be an issue all over the bathroom but it is particularly noticeable when you have a glass panel or door. With these easy tips, your shower will be looking limescale-free in no time.