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The Focus Way · Cleaning guide

How to remove hard water stains from shower glass

By the Focus Cleaning team · Published

The short answer

Start with prevention: squeegee the glass after every shower so the water can't dry into mineral marks. To lift marks that are already there, try a diluted white vinegar spray (or citric acid) on glass the manufacturer says is compatible, leave it for 10 to 15 minutes, wipe with a soft cloth and rinse. If the glass still looks cloudy when clean and dry, it may be etched, and cleaning won't reverse that.

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Clear frameless glass shower screen in a marble family bathroom, with a bath brush and towel hanging by the timber vanity

Before you start

What you'll need

  • Rubber squeegee
  • Spray bottle
  • White vinegar, or citric acid powder
  • Dishwashing liquid (optional, for soap scum)
  • Soft non-scratch sponge and two clean microfibre cloths

Safety first

  • Vinegar and citric acid are acids: never use them in the same session as bleach-based products.
  • Keep acid away from natural stone (marble, travertine, limestone) around the shower. Cover it, or rinse any splashes straight away.
  • Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or other cleaning products. Some combinations release toxic gas.
  • Keep the room ventilated: open a window and run the exhaust fan while you work.
  • Wear gloves, read the label on any product, and follow its directions.
  • Store products in their original labelled containers, out of reach of children and pets.

Check the surface

  • Check the shower screen's care instructions. Some glass has a factory protective coating that should only be cleaned with water and a mild detergent.
  • Look at what surrounds the glass: natural stone, metal frames with special finishes and tapware can react to acids.
  • Test your solution on a small, low corner first and let it dry before doing the whole screen.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Rinse the glass

    Rinse the screen with warm water to soften soap residue. Work on cool glass so your solution doesn't dry too fast.

  2. 2

    Mix a gentle solution

    Fill a spray bottle with equal parts white vinegar and water. Add a drop of dishwashing liquid if there's soap scum as well as mineral marks.

  3. 3

    Spray the marks

    Spray an even coat over the glass, including the lower edge where water sits longest.

  4. 4

    Wait 10 to 15 minutes

    Leave it to work, and re-spray any patch that starts to dry. This is a first attempt, not a guarantee: heavy build-up can take more than one round.

  5. 5

    Wipe with a soft sponge

    Wipe in small circles with a soft, clean non-scratch sponge. Rinse the sponge often so grit doesn't scratch the glass.

  6. 6

    Try citric acid if marks remain

    On compatible glass, dissolve about a tablespoon of citric acid in a spray bottle of warm water, spray the remaining marks, wait 10 minutes and wipe again.

  7. 7

    Rinse well

    Rinse all the solution off with clean water.

  8. 8

    Squeegee and dry

    Squeegee from top to bottom, then buff dry with a clean microfibre cloth.

What the Focus team recommends

A squeegee kept in the shower and used after each shower does more for clear glass than any product. Marks that are left for months take much longer to lift, so little and often is easier on you and on the glass.

Questions

What's the difference between a hard water stain and etched glass?

A stain is a mineral layer sitting on top of the glass, and a mild acid can often dissolve it. Etching is damage to the glass surface itself, often after years of build-up. If the glass still looks cloudy or rough when it's clean and completely dry, it's likely etched. Cleaning can't reverse etching; a glass specialist can advise on options.

Is it soap scum or hard water?

Often both. Soap scum is greasy and responds to dishwashing liquid; hard water marks are chalky white spots or rings and respond better to a mild acid such as vinegar or citric acid, on compatible surfaces.

Can I use bicarb soda or a scourer on shower glass?

Avoid scourers, steel wool and abrasive creams: they can leave fine scratches. If you use any powder or paste, check the screen's care instructions first and test a hidden spot.

Sources and further reading

Appliance and product manuals always take priority over general advice.

Last reviewed:

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Focus Cleaning looks after homes on Sydney's Northern Beaches and North Shore. Regular house cleaning · Deep & spring cleaning

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