Cleaning the shower can be a difficult job, no thanks to the triple threat of soap scum, moisture and hard water stains that build upon the glass. Many homeowners ask how to clean glass shower doors so that the hard water stains are completely removed. Hard water is a big problem when it comes to sparkling clean glass and clean bathrooms.
What Are Hard Water Stains?
Hard water is water that picks up several minerals as it makes its way through the ground and into our water systems. The minerals such as lime, calcium and magnesium, dissolve in the water. Hard water is not hazardous to our health but over time it can cause problems with appliances and showers due to the build-up of limescale, which is a consequence of using hard water.
If you live in a hard water area, you will notice that your lovely clean shower doors become grotty. Even with the regular use of bathroom cleaning products, soap scum and minerals ( also known as limescale) accumulate on the glass. Soap scum occurs because the minerals in the water mix with the oils present in soap and shampoo, the water evaporates as they dry and you end up with residue and those stubborn hard water stains that are so difficult to remove.
Streaks can also form from condensation. Read about it here!
Hard Water Stain Removal Using Natural Glass Cleaner For Shower
Hard water stains are a common problem and there are several cleaning products that promise to be the best glass cleaner for showers that will remove all hard water stains from your glass. However, the best way to clean shower glass and carry out hard water stain removal is with regular white vinegar and baking soda that you probably already have in your cupboards.
Vinegar is fantastic when used for cleaning shower doors, the acidity of the vinegar helps to destroy the minerals in hard water stains and also out through the grime within soap scum. Vinegar may not be enough, however, which is why baking soda is also used.
Best Way To Clean Shower Glass Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda
For how to clean shower using this method you will need:
- 1 ½ cups white vinegar
- ½ cup baking soda
- sponge/brush
- Microfibre cloth
Follow the steps below for squeaky clean, spotless shower glass.
Step 1: Put half a cup of baking soda into a small plastic tub and add enough vinegar to it so that it forms a paste. The mixture will fizz and hiss, don’t worry that is supposed to happen.
Step 2: When the fizzing has stopped, use a sponge to smear the paste all over the area that you want to clean and leave it for 15 minutes.
Step 3: Using the sponge, wipe off the paste and using warm water rinse the shower.
Step 4: Dry the shower glass thoroughly using a microfibre towel
“Hard water stains, also known as limescale, are high in minerals which end up leaving behind a chalky residue on the surface but drying with a microfibre towel will make sure that you remove all the residue from the glass.
How to keep shower glass clear and prevent hard water stains.
It is important to keep on top of hard water stains, with every use of the shower minerals build up on the glass. The longer that they are left the more they will accumulate and the more difficult they will be to remove.
- Regular cleaning with vinegar and baking soda.
The best way to keep the shower glass clean and clear is a weekly wash with vinegar and baking soda as previously described. This will prevent any build-up of limescale or soap scum.
- Another excellent way to prevent build-up from occurring is by wiping down the glass in the shower after every use. Cleaning the glass immediately after use will eliminate the stains altogether as no buildup will be able to occur.. Using a small squeegee is ideal for removing any minerals from the glass.
How to Slow Future Limescale Build-Up
If you live in a hard water area, unfortunately, it can’t be completely prevented, however, there are some steps that you can take to help.
- Boil your water
- Invest in a water conditioner – this works as a descaler. It connects to your main water line and dissolves all the minerals within your water supply which prevents any build-up and protects all of your appliances.
- Regularly clean the scale from your appliances.
There are many commercial descaler solutions that can be used safely in your appliances. Vinegar can also be used
- Reduce your water temperature
Reducing the temperature of your water decreases the rate at which minerals accumulate in the heater, which in turn slows down the rate of buildup.
Why hard water is bad for your home
The main health issue associated with hard water is that it tends to dry out your hair and skin it has far more issues with our homes, where it causes several problems.
Damages the plumbing system
The biggest issue with hard water Is the damage it can do to your home plumbing system. Over time the continuous flow of hard water results in trace amounts of the minerals being deposited on the pipes and a consequential scale buildup. The buildup restricts water flow and speeds up the rusting process.
Hard water damages appliances
Appliances that use hot water, like heaters, dishwashers, kettles and washing machines get damaged by hard water and wear out quicker compared to appliances that use soft water. The hard water causes scale to build up upon the heating elements of these appliances.
Leaves white residue on dishes
Another problem with hard water is that it leaves white residue on dishes, glassware, and sinks. The white spots are a combination of soap and Minerals.
Fades, stains, and damages clothes
The minerals in hard water react with the chemicals in laundry detergent, which reduces its cleaning power and accelerates colour fading. Hard water can actually stain clothes, and it may also leave behind chalky mineral deposits.