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Soap scum, hard water residue, and dirt can leave a layer of noticeable grime on glass shower doors, making it difficult to enjoy your shower. Keeping a glass shower door clean isn’t only hygienic; it can also leave a bathroom looking fresh and polished. We researched and tested glass shower door cleaners to find the formulas that cut through all kinds of grime to create this guide of the top eight products. One of our testers has well water that leaves deposits weekly, providing a tough challenge for many of these cleaners. The best cleaner for glass shower doors strips away the grime to reveal a clear and streak-free shine.
Keep reading to learn more about what to look for in cleaners that can remove hard water stains and mineral deposits and discover our top picks that are available on the market today.
- BEST OVERALL: CLR Pro Industrial Strength Bath Daily Cleaner
- RUNNER-UP: Clean-X Repel Glass & Surface Cleaner
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wet & Forget Weekly Shower Cleaner
- BEST NATURAL: Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Vinegar Cleaner
- BEST FOAM: Zep Foaming Shower Tub and Tile Cleaner
- BEST FOR HARD WATER: Bio-Clean Products Hard Water Stain Remover
- BEST STREAK-FREE: Hope’s Perfect Glass Cleaner
- BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover
How We Tested the Best Cleaners for Glass Shower Doors
We tested and scored each glass shower door cleaner according to an established rubric, looking at ease of use, scent, performance, and value. During the testing process, we taped off sections of two glass shower doors and assigned each cleaner to a section. We made sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each cleaner closely. For example, if the cleaner needed to stay in contact with the glass for 2 minutes, we timed the process to ensure accuracy.
We also tested cleaners that are designed for other materials on at least one other surface. Additionally, we further tested the cleaners that performed the best during our regular weekly cleanings. Finally, we noted the specific characteristics of each product that made it stand out—either positively or negatively.
Testing Stats
- Products tested: 10
- Hours spent testing: 20+
- Tests performed: 3
- Average price: $17.62
Our Top Picks
It can be difficult to remove hard water residue, soap scum, and mildew from a glass shower door without the appropriate product. Our hands-on testing revealed the best cleaner for glass shower doors for tackling specific issues, in addition to those more suited for general cleaning. With the above considerations in mind, each of these top picks will leave your glass shower door sparkling clean.
Best Overall
CLR Pro Industrial Strength Bath Daily Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4.5/5; Regular Buildup 5/5; Tough Stains 4/5; Scent 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Form: Spray
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, plastic, ceramic, fiberglass, granite, porcelain, vinyl, stainless steel
- Scented: Yes
Pros
- Breaks down calcium, limescale, grime, light hard water stains, and rust
- Multipurpose product for use on shower doors, bathtubs, and fixtures
- Biodegradable formula is free of harsh chemicals and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Safer Choice certified
Cons
- Emits a strong odor
- Couldn’t remove older, more stubborn buildup
CLR Pro spray cleaner features an industrial-strength formula made to tackle tough bathroom grime. Each 32-ounce bottle is advertised to break down calcium, limescale, and hard water stains, as well as soap scum and grime. We tested it on a shower that had hard water stains built up in a hard-to-reach area between two sliding glass doors. This cleaner did a great job at removing general buildup, but it couldn’t completely cut through the most stubborn buildup that had developed over time.
CLR Pro cleans more than just glass shower doors: It is safe and effective on all hard bathroom surfaces, including plastic, ceramic, fiberglass, granite, porcelain, vinyl, and stainless steel. Besides glass, we used this cleaner on fiberglass and stainless steel. While it did remove soap scum and rust, we had to spend some time scrubbing, so expect a little work.
For the environmentally conscious, CLR Pro is EPA Safer Choice certified and biodegradable. Free of harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, phosphates, and alcohol, this cleaner offers a deep clean while being gentler for the planet.
Get the CLR cleaner for glass shower doors at Amazon or Walmart.
Runner-Up
Clean-X Repel Glass & Surface Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Regular Buildup 4/5; Tough Stains 3/5; Scent 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Form: Spray
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, mirrors, porcelain, ceramics, laminates, acrylics, stainless steel, chrome, granite, marble, quartz, electronics, vinyl, fiberglass
- Scented: Yes
Pros
- Patented barrier technology repels water to prevent buildup and water spots
- Ammonia-free solution provides safer cleaning for families and pets
- Safe and effective on a wide variety of surfaces
Cons
- No active ingredients listed
- Couldn’t cut through thick buildup
Cleaning a glass shower door is less of a chore with this Repel spray cleaner from Clean-X. With each use, this spray not only cleans the glass but also coats it with a protective layer. Using a patented barrier technology, this layer repels dirt and residue to prevent water stains and buildup, making surfaces easier to clean in the future.
We taped off sections of a shower door to compare the cleaners during our testing. Water noticeably beaded up and then flowed down the section on which we sprayed the Repel. The cleaning and water-repellent combination was a big plus because it was easier to keep that section clean throughout the week. We typically use a weekly repellent product to remove mineral deposits, but with Repel, we only need one product. Plus, the ammonia-free solution left a streak-free finish.
Repel is safe on glass, mirrors, porcelain, ceramics, laminates, acrylics, stainless steel, chrome, granite, marble, quartz, electronics, vinyl, and fiberglass. While this dual-purpose spray performed well on standard soap scum and grime, it couldn’t cut through thick buildup.
Get the Clean-X cleaner for glass shower doors at Amazon (3-pack) or Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Wet & Forget Weekly Shower Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Regular Buildup 4.5/5; Tough Stains 4/5; Scent 4/5; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Form: Spray
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, brass, bronze, chrome, cultured marble, fiberglass, granite, porcelain, slate, stainless steel, stone, tile
- Scented: Yes
Pros
- Product offers ample quantity
- No-scrub formula helps prevent grime, soap scum, and mineral buildup
- Made without bleach, dyes, irritants, or ammonia and has a pleasant vanilla scent
Cons
- Takes time to build and be effective
Most showers need weekly cleaning to keep soap scum and dirt at bay. This no-scrub formula from Wet & Forget is designed to spray down the entire shower from door to walls. While this product does remove stains, soap scum, and grime, its main purpose is to prevent them from accumulating in the first place. One of our testers has used this product weekly on their glass shower door for several years to limit the effects of well water that leaves a waxy buildup and hard water stains.
The spray-and-rinse formula sits on the shower surface for 8 to 12 hours. This extended time allows the spray to break down soap scum, grime, mold, and mildew stains. While Wet & Forget cleaner is designed to remove all the grime, we found that we needed to clean the shower with a second cleaner for complete removal.
The large 64-ounce bottle offers 12 weeks of cleaning solution for an easy clean at an affordable price. It includes a remote spraying head to evenly coat shower surfaces. However, the connection is leaky, so you have to make sure the bottle stays vertical at all times.
Get the Wet & Forget cleaner for glass shower doors at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best Natural
Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Vinegar Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 5/5; Regular Buildup 4/5; Tough Stains 3/5; Scent 5/5; Value 3.5/5
Product Specs
- Form: Spray
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, fiberglass, mirrors, chrome, stainless steel
- Scented: Yes
Pros
- Vinegar-based formula is free of ammonia and harsh chemicals
- Child- and pet-friendly with a pleasing lavender scent
- Removes light grime, soap scum, and general water spots
Cons
- Smaller quantity compared to similar options
- Some users report streaks—although our testing didn’t reveal any
This glass cleaner from Aunt Fannie’s harnesses the natural cleaning power of vinegar. With a streak-free formula, the spray is ideal for glass and mirrors, and you can also use it on chrome and stainless steel. We tested it on a glass shower door with soap scum, grime, and hard water buildup. While the spray removed light grime and water spots, it didn’t have the power to cut through the hard water buildup, rust, and stains.
However, we liked that this product left a clean, shiny finish on the surfaces on which we used it. We applied it with both paper towels and a microfiber cloth. Some users report streaking, but we didn’t have that problem.
In addition to vinegar, Aunt Fannie’s spray incorporates plant-based cleaners, making it child- and pet-friendly. It’s also free of ammonia and harsh chemicals. The formula features a neutral scent with a hint of lavender derived from essential oils. This product had the most pleasant scent of all the cleaners we tested.
Get the Aunt Fannie’s cleaner for glass shower doors at Amazon.
Best Foam
Zep Foaming Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Regular Buildup 5/5; Tough Stains 4/5; Scent: 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Form: Spray
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, acrylic, fiberglass, ceramic and porcelain tile, laminate, and Corian surfaces
- Scented: Yes
Pros
- Foaming cleaner that sits on vertical surfaces better than sprays
- Works on soap scum, calcium, limescale, rust, and grime
- Does not have a strong, overwhelming scent
Cons
- Contains harsh chemicals
- Spraying the foam can be messy
Foam cleaners offer some benefits over liquid spray cleaners in that the foam stays in place better than a liquid. At the same time, some formulas, like this foam cleaner from Zep, advertise that they don’t require extensive scrubbing to remove the grit and grime. The 32-ounce bottle contains an acid-based formula to dissolve dirt and water-related bathroom stains.
The foam didn’t spray very well, making a mess during our testing. However, once we got the foam on the dry glass shower door, it stayed in place fairly well. When the shower door was wet, the foam didn’t stay in place as effectively to penetrate the soap scum and grime. The directions require the foam to sit on the surface for 2 to 3 minutes before rinsing. During that time, this product did break down soap scum, light calcium deposits, light limescale, some rust, and other dirt.
While the advertising says that Zep cleaner is scrub-free, we found it performed better, especially on a shower door that was already wet, with a little scrubbing. Like other grit-free products we tested, this foam spray couldn’t handle the thickest buildup. The manufacturer notes that this product is not safe for use on granite, marble, natural stone, and terrazzo.
Get the Zep cleaner for glass shower doors at Lowe’s, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best for Hard Water
Bio-Clean Products Hard Water Stain Remover
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 3/5; Regular Buildup 5/5; Tough Stains 5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 5/5
Product Specs
- Form: Cream
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, granite, Corian, chrome, tile, grout, porcelain, windows, hard vinyl, stainless steel, stone, copperware
- Scented: Yes
Pros
- Effective on tough mineral deposits, limescale, phosphorus, calcium, rust, and iron
- Powerful enough that it isn’t necessary to use every time you clean
- Works with buffing brushes to remove old, built-up deposits
Cons
- Scrubbing formula; may require some elbow grease
- Difficult to rinse off
Hard water residue can be extra tough to remove, especially if it’s had time to accumulate. A specially formulated hard water stain remover like Bio-Clean can do the trick. One of our testers lives in a home with hard water that leaves behind stubborn mineral deposits. She tested this product 2 years ago and was so impressed that it’s been a regular part of her cleaning routine ever since.
This abrasive cleaner is made to remove hard water residue from a range of surfaces, including glass shower doors and windows. However, you can also use it on granite, Corian, chrome, tile, grout, porcelain, hard vinyl, stainless steel, stone, and copperware. The manufacturer notes that it isn’t safe to use on soft plastics, certain types of auto paint, and plexiglass due to its abrasiveness.
We tried Bio-Clean on a range of tough stains during our testing, such as limescale, mineral buildup, rust, water spots, and mildew. This product can also handle softer grime like soap scum, mildew, and dirt without a problem. While Bio-Clean is designed to break down deposits, some elbow grease is necessary. For example, we used an electric drill with a buffing brush during our testing. The 40-ounce bottle is on the pricier side, but our testing proved it to be worth the cost.
Get the Bio-Clean Products cleaner for glass shower doors at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Walmart.
Best Streak-Free
Hope’s Perfect Glass Cleaner
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Regular Buildup 5/5; Tough Stains 2/5; Scent N/A; Value 4/5
Product Specs
- Form: Spray
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, mirrors, and light fixtures
- Scented: No
Pros
- Leaves a streak-free finish with the use of paper towels or microfiber cloths
- Ammonia-free formula is safer for kids and pets
- Available in a refillable spray bottle and includes a refill
Cons
- Had an unusual lock system in place before the first use
Smudges and streaks can make an otherwise clean glass shower door look hazy. This ammonia-free spray glass cleaner from Hope’s is formulated to leave behind zero residue, eliminating hazy or streaky buildup. It’s specifically designed for a wide range of glass surfaces, including shower doors.
During our testing, we found this spray to be excellent at removing the soap scum and smudges that glass shower doors collect over time. As a result, it’s better for keeping up with general glass polishing than removing the toughest of stains. The set includes a 32-ounce spray bottle and 2 liters of refill liquid to clean a bathroom to a gleaming shine. The only downside was that the bottle had some kind of lock system on it. When we started to spray the first time, the lock broke off, but there was no warning on the bottle or in the directions about removing the lock system before spraying.
Get the Hope’s cleaner for glass shower doors at Amazon, Walmart, or Sears.
Best Heavy-Duty
Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover
Our Ratings: Ease of Use 4/5; Regular Buildup 5/5; Tough Stains 5/5; Scent 4/5; Value 4.7/5
Product Specs
- Form: Cream
- Compatible surfaces: Glass, fiberglass, stone, tile, grout, metal, brick, cement
- Scented: Yes
Pros
- Jewelry-grade abrasive removes limestone, calcium, iron, mold, mildew, and magnesium
- Child-safe, nontoxic formula with a light, minty scent
- Removes difficult buildup when used with buffing pads or brushes
Cons
- Requires scrubbing
Tough buildup calls for a heavy-duty cleaning solution, and Bring It On Cleaner stain remover is made for heavy-duty cleaning. This nontoxic product is safe on hard bathroom surfaces, including glass shower doors, tile, grout, and around drains. It is even powerful enough to use on indoor and outdoor surfaces like metal, brick, and cement.
With the power of oxygen bleach, Bring It On Cleaner breaks down and effectively removes hard water stains, rust, mineral buildup, soap scum, and other stains for a thorough clean. We put it to work on older hard water stains and mineral deposits during our testing. It was able to remove the toughest stains with the help of a scrubbing brush attached to an electric drill. We were also able to eliminate standard grime via scrubbing by hand.
The 32-ounce bottle contains a thick cream formula. It emits a light, minty odor that’s a bit different for a bathroom cleaner but not unpleasant. This cleaner is a must-have if you’re fighting the effects of hard water on a glass shower door and other bathroom surfaces.
Get the Bring It On cleaner for glass shower doors at Amazon or Walmart.
ALSO TESTED
Rain-X Shower Door Water Repellent
Rain-X worked well at preventing water buildup. However, the application process required spraying the product, waiting for it to dry, and buffing the shower door. It was time-consuming, and some of the other products we tested had a similar effect with less work. However, for those who want a protective layer that lasts a week or more, the process might be worth it.
Rejuvenate Scrub-Free Soap Scum Remover
Rejuvenate soap scum remover is supposed to clean glass shower doors without any scrubbing; it is advertised as a product that you can simply spray and wash away. However, during our testing, it didn’t do much of anything. Rather than cleaning the door, it left behind a streaky mess with soap scum removed in some areas but not in others. We also tried the application process designed for more difficult soap scum by letting the solution soak for 2 to 3 minutes. Unfortunately, the results were the same—disappointing.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing a Cleaner for Glass Shower Doors
The best cleaner for glass shower doors is formulated to wash away grime without damaging the glass. Chemicals or natural ingredients do most of the work, breaking down dirt and soap scum so you can easily wipe or rinse them away. When choosing a glass cleaner for your bathroom, consider the form, active ingredients, scent, and ease of use.
Form
Shower cleaners are available in a range of formulas, including liquids, foams, creams, and wipes. Liquid and foam cleaners come in spray bottles or aerosol cans. Since you can choose the amount of product to apply and the contact time, liquids and foams are useful for both light and heavy-duty cleaning jobs. These types of cleaners are easy to find, and some are multipurpose to tackle other shower surfaces in addition to a glass shower door.
Creams often contain abrasives designed to remove the most difficult buildup. While creams require more physical labor, you often won’t need to use them every week to prevent buildup from clouding a glass shower door.
Premoistened glass cleaning wipes come in handy packets. Wipes are a convenient option—no sponges or scrubbers are necessary. They are ideal for daily maintenance or light cleaning jobs, and many are suitable for use on a wide range of glass surfaces around the home.
Active Ingredients
Active ingredients break down dirt, mineral deposits, hard water stains, and soap scum. These chemical or natural ingredients allow you to wash away grime with minimal scrubbing.
Look for the EPA Safer Choice logo for a certified safer ingredient list. Products with this stamp of approval have safer chemical ingredients than comparable products on the market.
Active ingredients in the best cleaners for glass shower doors include:
- Ammonia: Ammonia is commonly found in many glass cleaners. It is effective at breaking down grease, fingerprints, and dirt, as well as killing some germs. Since ammonia dries quickly, it is easy to use and lessens the chance of streaky residue. However, ammonia can be irritating and even toxic when used in an unventilated space. Some users may find the fumes problematic. To ensure safe use, never mix ammonia-based products with bleach or bleach-based shower cleaners.
- Isopropyl alcohol: Like ammonia, isopropyl alcohol cuts through grease and grime, kills germs, and evaporates quickly. It also has a strong smell that can be irritating, but this powerful ingredient leaves behind a streak-free shine.
- Oxygen bleach: An ingredient often seen in laundry detergents, oxygen bleach is a cleaning powerhouse. Oxygen bleach is gentler, less odorous, and more environmentally friendly than chlorine bleach. However, that doesn’t mean it lacks cleaning power; oxygen bleach can effectively clean soap scum and stains from shower surfaces.
- White vinegar: White vinegar is a natural and eco-friendly solution for removing soap scum and grime from glass shower doors. Not only is white vinegar safe to use around pets and children, but there is also very little environmental concern with washing it down the drain. It does have a strong smell that may be unpleasant at first, but that usually dissipates quickly.
- Citric acid: Citric acid is another naturally derived ingredient found in a range of cleaners. One of the main benefits of citric acid is its ability to tackle soap scum and hard water stains. It can help break down hard residue some other natural cleaners may leave behind.
Scent
A fresh and pleasant scent can make a gleaming bathroom feel even cleaner. The best cleaners for glass shower doors are available in a range of fragrances.
Fragrances can be chemically or naturally derived. Chemical ingredients create a wide range of appealing scents. Nature-inspired scents are especially popular, like fruity tropical breeze and fresh waterfall fragrances. Naturally derived fragrances come from essential oils. Naturally fragranced glass cleaners often have floral, herbal, or earthy scents like lavender, mint, and eucalyptus.
Certain cleaning ingredients have a strong smell, like vinegar, ammonia, and alcohol. Good ventilation can help strong fumes dissipate quickly to ensure safe cleaning.
Application
Liquid, foam, and cream cleaners typically have adequate contact time with a glass shower door, which helps to rid it of tough residue. These forms are all suitable for both light cleaning and heavy-duty scrubbing: Simply apply them directly to the door or onto a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the door.
Liquid sprays tend to drip, whereas foams and creams can cling to the surface for a longer period. For this reason, shower doors that need a long soak to break down stubborn residue may benefit more from a strong foam or cream cleaner.
Since wipes don’t sit on the glass surface, they may have less deep-cleaning power than other types of cleaners—but one benefit of wipes is their convenience. Application is very easy, and no other items are required; just pull out a wipe and start cleaning. Wipes work better for touch-ups and maintenance cleaning, while liquid, foam, and cream cleaners are ideal for deep-cleaning.
FAQs
With such a wide variety of available glass shower door cleaners, it can be tough to narrow down the right product for your bathroom. Consider the following frequently asked questions and answers for selecting and using the best cleaner for glass shower doors.
For convenient and light-duty cleaning, wipes are an excellent grab-and-go option. For a deeper clean, consider a liquid, foam, or cream cleaner. Foam and cream cleaners cling to the shower door surface to dissolve stubborn residue, while liquid cleaners are versatile and easy to find.
The best way to clean shower doors is typically to use a shower squeegee to wipe down the door after each shower and prevent buildup before it happens. When it’s time for a deep clean, use a chosen cleaner to remove grime and residue. Apply the cleaner directly to the shower door, or spray it on a cloth to wipe down the door. Alternatively, use premoistened wipes to wipe down the door and leave a streak-free shine.
Consider a cleaner specially formulated for hard water residue. Bio-Clean and Bring It On cleaner for glass shower doors both feature an abrasive formula to scrub away hard water stains.
Yes, cleaning products degrade over time and will eventually expire. While most products are safe to use after their “best by” dates, they may not clean as effectively.
Meet the Tester
Stacey L. Nash has written about home and garden products, home design and decor, and general indoor and outdoor home improvement for 5+ years. She’s passionate about research and hands-on testing to find the products that add true value to the daily process of caring for a home. She lives on 12 heavily wooded acres, where she and her family put home and outdoor products to the test while avoiding bears and cougars.
Additional research provided by Jasmine Harding.
