Sparkling Clean Shower Doors: The Ultimate Baking Soda Hard Water Stain Remover
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I have a confession to make: while I love cleaning my home and making it look beautiful but I struggle when it comes to cleaning the bathrooms. It’s my least favorite chore. The process always feels unpleasant, takes too long, and seems to require harsh chemicals to achieve a semi-decent result, only for everything to get dirty again in no time.
This is especially true when it comes to our glass shower doors. If yours are anything like mine, they’re often foggy, covered in stubborn white spots from hard water, and generally detract from your otherwise lovely bathroom.
If you're anything like me, you really don’t like shelling out money for overpriced cleaning products. Ever since I became a mom, I've been on a mission to swap out toxic ingredients in our home, starting with our cleaning products. The one spot that always made me feel like I had to use the harsh stuff was our glass shower doors. The stubborn hard water stains and mineral deposits were almost impossible to remove without chemicals! Honestly, for years, we wasted so much money trying every cleaner out there, claiming to be the absolute best at removing hard water stains. Can you believe the simple, budget-friendly solution was right under my nose the whole time?
This DIY guide will walk you through a simple, two-ingredient process to restore your shower doors to their streak-free glory. Get ready to unveil the truly sparkling glass hidden beneath those stains using a simple baking soda and water mixture!
BEFORE
BEFORE
Why Choose Baking Soda for Hard Water Stains?
Baking soda is the reigning champion of natural cleaning for a few key reasons:
Gentle Abrasive: It acts as a gentle scrubber, allowing you to lift soap scum and mineral deposits without scratching the glass.
Odor Neutralizer: It naturally absorbs and neutralizes foul odors, need I say more? I also use baking soda to deodorize our area rugs, carpets, and mattresses.
Cost-Effective & Non-Toxic: It's one of the cheapest and safest cleaning products, making it ideal for homes with pets and small children. I buy a large bag at Costco for less than $11 that can easily last me 6+ months.
What You'll Need
You probably already have everything you need in your pantry or cleaning supplies:
1/2 to 1 Cup of Baking Soda
Water (start with 1/4 cup)
A Non-Abrasive Sponge or Microfiber Cloth (an old toothbrush is great for door tracks and corners!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Sparkling Shower Doors
Follow these simple steps for the best way to clean shower doors and remove hard water stains with baking soda.
Step 1: Create Your Cleaning Paste
In a small bowl, slowly mix the baking soda with a small amount of water. You are aiming for a thick, spreadable paste—similar to the consistency of pancake batter or toothpaste.
The Mix: Start with 1 cup of baking soda and slowly add water, mixing as you go. If the paste is too runny, add a little more baking soda.
Step 2: Apply the Paste Directly to the Stains
Using a sponge or cloth, apply the baking soda paste to the entire surface of the shower door. Concentrating on the areas with the heaviest soap scum and hard water buildup.
Tip: If your glass has a heavy hard water buildup, you can lightly mist the door with white vinegar before applying the baking soda. The reaction creates a foaming action that helps break down buildup.
Step 3: Watch the Dirt Melt Away
I honestly saw the soap scum come right off as I worked the baking soda paste into the doors with a microfiber cloth in circular motions. I did not have to let the baking soda sit for any amount of time in order for it to work. If you find yourself having a hard time removing your hard water stains, I would let it sit for 15 minutes and then check to see if the baking soda has had enough time to loosen the hardened minerals.
Tip: You can use an old toothbrush to get into the metal tracks, hinges, and rubber seals.
Step 4: Rinse Thoroughly
Use a clean cloth, sponge, or even the showerhead to rinse the entire door from top to bottom. Make sure to remove all traces of the white baking soda residue. You may need to wipe down the glass once or twice during the rinse to ensure all the baking soda residue is gone.
Step 6: Dry for a Streak-Free Finish
To prevent new water spots and achieve that professional, streak-free shine, immediately dry the glass with a clean, dry microfiber cloth or a rubber squeegee. Leaving the glass to air dry is what causes new spots to form!
AFTER
AFTER
Pro-Tip: Preventing Future Hard Water Stains
Once your shower doors are sparkling, keep them that way! Maintenance is key to preventing the stubborn buildup from returning:
Squeegee After Every Shower: Keep a squeegee hanging in your shower and spend 30 seconds running it across the glass after every use. This is the single most effective way to prevent future stains.
Towel Dry: If you don't have a squeegee or don’t want to keep one in your shower, use a dedicated towel to quickly wipe down the glass after showering.
Ventilate: Run your bathroom fan for at least 20 minutes after showering to reduce humidity, which helps prevent mildew and slows water evaporation that leaves mineral deposits.
I’ve finally learned that cleaning shower doors and removing hard water doesn't have to be a miserable, chemical-filled chore. With a little baking soda, a splash of water, and these simple steps, you can keep your bathroom looking its best!
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I’m a mom of two and wife to a seriously supportive hubby, living our best life in our forever house by the preserve! I'm all about helping you create a stylish, Pinterest-worthy home on a budget. Let's obsess over interior design, home decor, DIY, and home improvement projects to help you create your best home. Follow along and say hello! I love hearing from you.
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