Cleaning the shower is an obnoxious but necessary chore if you want the tiles and glass to sparkle. One of the most dreaded aspects of cleaning a shower is removing limescale from the door. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make this easier.
To get a better idea of how to remove limescale off a shower door, read on about the following subjects:
- What is limescale?
- How to remove limescale from a shower door
- How to prevent limescale on shower doors
- Install a new shower door from Glass Doctor
What is Limescale?
Limescale, or calcium carbonate, is a hard, crusty deposit that ranges in color from white to green. It’s found on surfaces and appliances that come into frequent contact with water, and is especially prevalent in homes that have hard water.
When mineral-rich water streams from a showerhead, it clings to the glass, tiles, and fixtures. When the water evaporates, the deposits remain behind. Limescale can also develop in other places besides the shower, including tea kettles, dishwashers, plumbing fixtures, and pipes.
How to Remove Limescale from a Shower Door
Having to deal with filmy glass can be a nuisance, but it is a problem that is easy to resolve. The trick to removing it is to cut through the mineral buildup with minimal abrasion.
Here’s how to remove limescale:
- Bring one cup of white vinegar to a boil on the stove or in the microwave. Carry the pot or bowl of vinegar into the bathroom, set it on a potholder, and allow it to cool slightly.
- Protect your hands with rubber gloves.
- Dip paper towels into the hot vinegar and stick them to the glass. The slightly acidic nature of vinegar allows it to soak into and loosen the mineral deposits.
- Let the vinegar sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Spray the paper towels occasionally with vinegar from a spray bottle to make sure the glass stays wet during this time.
- Sprinkle a damp rag or sponge with a generous amount of baking soda. This mild abrasive reacts with vinegar to generate extra-effective cleaning power.
- Wipe down the shower door gently but avoid vigorous scrubbing, which could scratch the shower door.
- Pour distilled water over the glass to rinse off the vinegar and baking soda. If limescale remains, repeat the baking soda scrub until all buildup has been removed.
While the vinegar soak and baking soda scrub should restore your shower door to its like-new condition, be aware that tough buildup may require a commercial calcium carbonate remover. These tend to be toxic, so read the directions carefully and ventilate the bathroom while using them.
How to Prevent Limescale on Shower Doors
To help you keep your shower clean for as long as possible, follow these suggestions to slow limescale buildup so you don’t have to clean the shower door as often:
- Hard water treatment: The most effective option is to install a water softener to treat hard water (which is high in mineral content) at the source. This way, the water that sprays from the showerhead contains fewer minerals, and limescale buildup occurs more slowly.
- Preventative vinegar spray: If you don’t have the budget to install a water softener, you can still prevent limescale with vinegar. Keep a spray bottle of vinegar in the shower and squirt the door after each use. Then, dry the glass with a towel or run a squeegee over the door.
We also recommend trying our hydrophobic coating protectant for easier cleanup and reduced staining. It’s a clear, invisible barrier that can be applied to your bathroom’s surfaces to repel water and oil. The less water and oil sticks to a shower, the less likely it is to deposit hard water stains, soap scum, and other debris.
Install a New Shower Door from Glass Doctor
If you’re tired of your old glass door, consider replacing it with help from your local Glass Doctor. We are experts at designing and installing shower doors and enclosures.
To learn more, give us a call at (833) 974-0209 or request an appointment online.