The Best Cleaners for Glass Shower Doors

Soap scum and grime can leave a cloudy layer on shower doors. Reach for the best cleaner for glass shower doors to get rid of the ick and leave a streak-free shine.

By Jasmine Harding | Updated Aug 16, 2022 8:59 AM

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The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Options

Photo: amazon.com

Soap scum, hard-water residue, and dirt can leave a layer of noticeable grime on glass shower doors, making it hard to enjoy your shower. Keeping the shower door clean isn’t only hygienic; it can also make a bathroom look fresh and polished.

The best cleaner for glass shower doors washes away grime without the need for heavy scrubbing, leaving a clear and streak-free shine. Keep reading to learn more about what to look for in the best cleaner for glass shower doors and discover some of the top-rated products on the market to make your shower door gleam.

  1. BEST OVERALL: CLR PRO Multi-Purpose Bath Daily Cleaner
  2. RUNNER-UP: Clean-X REPEL Glass & Surface Cleaner
  3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
  4. BEST NATURAL: Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Cleaning Vinegar Wash
  5. BEST WIPES: MiracleWipes for Glass
  6. BEST FOAM: Zep Foaming Shower Tub and Tile Cleaner
  7. BEST FOR HARD WATER: Bioclean Hard Water Stain Remover
  8. BEST FOR SOAP SCUM: Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover
  9. BEST STREAK-FREE: HOPE’S Perfect Glass Cleaner
  10. BEST HEAVY-DUTY: Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover
The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Options

Photo: amazon.com

What to Consider When Choosing the Best 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 for you, breaking down dirt and scum so it is easily wiped or rinsed 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 sprays, foams, 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 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 the glass door.

Premoistened glass cleaning wipes come in handy packets. Wipes are a convenient option—no sponges or scrubbers are necessary. They are well suited for daily maintenance or light cleaning jobs, and many can be used on a range of glass surfaces in the home.

Active Ingredients

Active ingredients break down dirt, mineral residue, and soap scum. These chemical or natural ingredients allow you to wash away grime with minimal scrubbing.

Look for the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Safer Choice certified logo for a certified safer ingredient list. Products with this stamp of approval have safer chemical ingredients than other comparable products on the market.

Common active ingredients in the best cleaners for glass shower doors include:

  • Ammonia: Ammonia is a common ingredient 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 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. But 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 vinegar safe to use around pets and children, but there is also very little environmental concern with washing it down the drain. White vinegar has 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 cleaner for glass shower doors comes in a range of fragrances.

Fragrances can be chemically or naturally derived. Chemical ingredients create a wide range of appealing scents. Clean nature-inspired scents are 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 spray and foam cleaners typically have more contact time with the glass shower door, which helps to rid it of tough residue. Both forms are suitable for light cleaning or heavy-duty scrubbing. Sprays and foams are versatile; apply them directly to the door or onto a soft microfiber cloth to wipe down the door.

Liquid sprays tend to drip, whereas thicker foams can cling to the surface. For this reason, doors that need a long soak to break down stuck-on residue may benefit from a strong foam cleaner.

Since wipes don’t sit on the glass surface, they may have less deep-cleaning power than sprays and foams—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 tend to work better for touch-ups and maintenance cleaning, while spray and foam cleaners are ideal for deep cleaning.

Our Top Picks

Hard-water residue, soap scum, and mildew can be difficult to remove without the right products. The best cleaner for glass shower doors will tackle this icky film without leaving behind smudges or smears. With the above considerations in mind, these top picks leave glass shower doors clear and gleaming for a sparkling clean shower and bathroom.

Best Overall

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Doors Option: CLR PRO Multi-Purpose Bath Daily Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com

With an industrial-strength formula, this spray cleaner from CLR is made to clean tough bathroom grime. Each 32-ounce bottle of cleaner breaks down calcium, lime, and hard-water deposits, as well as soap scum and grime. The multipurpose formula is sure to leave behind gleaming surfaces.

This liquid cleaner cleans more than just glass shower doors; it is also safe to use on all hard bathroom surfaces, including tile, plastic, stainless steel, granite, fiberglass, and porcelain.

For the environmentally conscious, this solution is EPA Safer Choice certified and biodegradable. Free of ammonia, bleach, phosphates, and alcohol ingredients, the cleaner offers a deep clean while being gentler on the planet.

Product Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Compatible Surfaces: Glass and hard bathroom surfaces
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • Breaks down limescale, grime, hard water stains, and rust
  • Multipurpose
  • Biodegradable
  • Free of harsh chemicals
  • EPA Safer Choice certified

Cons

  • Harsh scent while in use
  • Should not be mixed or used with other household cleaners

Get the CLR PRO multipurpose cleaner on Amazon and at Walmart.

Runner-Up

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: Clean-X REPEL Glass & Surface Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com

Cleaning glass shower doors is less of a chore with this spray cleaner from REPEL. With each use, this spray coats glass 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.

The formula not only repels grime, but it also breaks down tough messes on glass shower doors. The ammonia-free solution dissolves soap scum and other buildup to leave a streak-free finish.

This dual-purpose spray is safe to use on glass, fiberglass, and acrylic shower doors, as well as other hard bathroom surfaces, like tile shower walls and chrome fixtures. Three 25-ounce spray bottles are included in this set.

Product Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Compatible Surfaces: Glass, fiberglass, acrylic, tile, and chrome fixtures
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • Patented barrier technology
  • Ammonia-free
  • Leaves a fresh scent
  • Ample quantity provided

Cons

  • No active ingredients listed
  • Pricey compared to similar options

Get the CLEAN-X REPEL cleaner on Amazon and at Walmart.

Best Bang for the Buck

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: Wet & Forget Shower Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com

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.

The large 64-ounce bottle includes a remote spraying head to evenly coat shower surfaces. The spray-and-rinse formula is designed to sit 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. After the recommended time, simply rinse off the solution with no scrubbing necessary.

Each large bottle offers 12 weeks of cleaning solution for an easy clean at an affordable price. This spray is well suited for an easy weekly chore routine with a soft vanilla fragrance and no bleach, ammonia, dyes, or harsh fumes.

Product Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Compatible Surfaces: Glass and shower walls
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • No-scrub formula
  • Ample quantity provided
  • Remote spraying head
  • Vanilla scented
  • Made without bleach, dyes, irritants, or ammonia

Cons

  • Takes some time to clean

Get the Wet & Forget cleaner at Amazon, Lowe’s, and Walmart.

Best Natural

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: Aunt Fannie’s Glass & Window Cleaning Vinegar Wash
Photo: amazon.com

This glass cleaning spray from Aunt Fannie’s harnesses the natural cleaning power of vinegar. With a streak-free formula, the spray is ideal for glass, chrome, and stainless steel surfaces. The 16.9-ounce bottle leaves a clean and shiny finish on several shower surfaces.

In addition to vinegar, this spray incorporates plant-based cleaners, so it is child- and pet-friendly. These natural ingredients lift grime, soap scum, and water spots without ammonia or harsh chemicals.

The formula features a neutral scent with a hint of lavender derived from essential oils. This natural fragrance leaves a fresh smell without an overpowering chemical scent.

Product Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Compatible Surfaces: Glass, chrome, and stainless steel
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • Vinegar-based formula
  • Child- and pet-friendly
  • Neutral scent with lavender
  • Works on grime, soap scum, and hard water spots
  • No ammonia or harsh chemicals

Cons

  • Smaller quantity compared to similar options
  • Some users report streaks

Get Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash on Amazon.

Best Wipes

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: MiracleWipes for Glass
Photo: amazon.com

Wipes are a simple cleaning solution for a variety of chores. These glass cleaning wipes from MiracleWipes are a convenient pick for maintaining a spotless shower door.

This packet includes 30 pre-moistened wipes. Each wipe is surface- and skin-safe for use on mirrors, windows, and glass surfaces with no need for protective gloves. The ammonia-free wipes leave behind no streaks or residue, so glass doors look clear and clean.

Each wipe measures 7 by 8 inches for a sizable cleaning surface. Once the scrubbing is complete, toss the wipe in the trash and follow up with the included dry microfiber cloth for a polished clean.

Product Specs

  • Form: Wipes
  • Compatible Surfaces: Most interior spaces and vehicles
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • 30 pre-moistened wipes
  • Ammonia-free; surface- and skin-safe
  • Dry microfiber cloth included
  • Light fresh scent

Cons

  • Not eco-friendly; disposable wipes contribute to waste

Get the MiracleWipes on Amazon and at Lowe’s.

Best Foam

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Doors Option: Zep Foaming Shower Tub and Tile Cleaner
Photo: homedepot.com

To deeply penetrate grime on shower doors, consider a foam cleaner. This foaming shower cleaner from Zep boasts a powerful formula that clings to vertical surfaces like shower doors. In just a few minutes, the formula breaks down soap scum, calcium deposits, limescale, rust, and other dirt, wiping away grime without the need for scrubbing.

The 32-ounce bottle contains an acid-based formula to dissolve dirt and water-related bathroom stains. It is suitable to use on tiles, grout, fixtures, and glass or fiberglass shower doors. For an extra-fresh clean, this product features a fresh scent to leave the bathroom smelling sparkling clean.

Product Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Compatible Surfaces: Tiles, grout, fixtures, glass, and fiberglass
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • Foaming cleaner; sticks to vertical surfaces
  • Works on soap scum, calcium, limescale, rust, and grime
  • No-scrub formula
  • Fresh scent

Cons

  • Not antibacterial
  • Contains harsh chemicals

Get the Zep Foaming Cleaner at The Home Depot, Walmart, and Lowe’s.

Best for Hard Water

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover
Photo: amazon.com

Hard-water residue can be extra tough to remove. A specially formulated hard-water stain remover can do the trick. This abrasive cleaner from Bio Clean is made to remove hard-water residue from a range of surfaces, including glass shower doors.

The scrubbing formula removes stains caused by limescale, phosphorus, calcium, and iron. It can also handle softer grime like soap scum, mildew, and dirt.

While this Bio clean solution is designed to break down tough deposits, some elbow grease is necessary. Since this cleaner is abrasive, use it on only hard surfaces and materials that don’t scratch easily. The bottle contains 40 ounces of solution to provide several residue-removing cleanings.

Product Specs

  • Form: Liquid
  • Compatible Surfaces: Most bathroom surfaces
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • Dual-action; cleans and seals
  • Works on mineral deposits; limescale, phosphorus, calcium, and iron
  • Mint scent
  • Ample quantity provided

Cons

  • Scrubbing formula; may require some elbow grease
  • Pricey compared to similar options

Get the Bio clean Stain Remover at Amazon, Walmart, and The Home Depot.

Best for Soap Scum

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover
Photo: amazon.com

Unsightly soap scum is unavoidable on glass shower doors. To remove this icky film, consider this scrub-free cleaning spray from Rejuvenate. The 24-ounce bottle of solution is a nontoxic and nonabrasive option for cleaning soap scum from glass, ceramic, chrome, plastic, and other hard bathroom surfaces.

This spray formula leaves glass shower doors shining by removing sticky soap residue. The no-scrub solution is easy to use: Once sprayed, it immediately starts to dissolve soap scum. After sitting for 3 minutes, buildup should easily rinse down the drain. The bleach-free and fragrance-free solution leaves behind no residue or scent—just a streak-free finish.

Product Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Compatible Surfaces: Glass, ceramic, chrome, plastic, and hard bathroom surfaces
  • Scented: No

Pros

  • Non-toxic formula
  • No scrubbing required
  • Bleach and acid-free
  • Safe to use in homes with children or pets

Cons

  • May need to sit for some time to clean properly
  • Does not disinfect

Get the Rejuvenate scum remover at Amazon, Lowe’s, and Walmart.

Best Streak-Free

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: HOPE'S Perfect Glass Cleaner
Photo: amazon.com

Smudges and streaks can make an otherwise clean glass shower door look hazy. For an extremely clear door, reach for a cleaner that leaves a streak-free finish. This spray glass cleaner from Hope’s is formulated to leave behind zero residue, eliminating hazy or streaky buildup. The streak-free formula creates a gleaming clean with fewer swipes than competitive products.

This ammonia-free cleaner works on a range of glass surfaces, including shower doors, mirrors, and light fixtures. The set includes a 32-ounce spray bottle and 2 liters of refill liquid to clean the bathroom to a gleaming shine.

Product Specs

  • Form: Spray
  • Compatible Surfaces: Shower doors, mirrors, and light fixtures
  • Scented: No

Pros

  • Streak-free finish
  • Ammonia-free formula
  • Ample quantity provided

Cons

  • Some users report streaks and residue

Get the HOPE’S Perfect cleaner at Amazon, Sears, and Walmart.

Best Heavy-Duty

The Best Cleaner for Glass Shower Option: Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover
Photo: amazon.com

Tough buildup calls for a heavy-duty cleaning solution. With the power of oxygen bleach, the Bring It On Cleaner hard-water stain remover is made for heavy-duty cleaning. This nontoxic product is safe for use on hard bathroom surfaces, including glass shower doors, tiles, grout, and around drains.

Oxygen bleach works to break down hard-water deposits, rust, mineral buildup, soap scum, and other stains for a thorough clean. The 32-ounce bottle contains a thick liquid formula that penetrates grime and brushes it away with a gentle scrub. A fresh mint scent leaves the bathroom smelling clean and fresh after each use.

Product Specs

  • Form: Liquid
  • Compatible Surfaces: Shower doors, tiles, grout, and around drains
  • Scented: Yes

Pros

  • Fresh mint scent
  • Removes limestone, calcium, iron, mold, mildew, and magnesium
  • Kid-safe and nontoxic
  • Ample quantity provided

Cons

  • Suitable for bathroom cleaning only

Get the Bring It On cleaner on Amazon and at Walmart.

Our Verdict

For a reliable glass shower door cleaner, we recommend the CLR PRO daily cleaner. This easy-to-use spray bottle eliminates limescale, grime, rust, mineral buildup, and hard water stains, and is biodegradable and EPA Safer Choice certified for homes with children or pets. Alternatively, the Wet & Forget cleaner is a budget-friendly, no-scrub cleaner that lasts for over 12 weeks per use and contains no dyes, bleach, irritants, or ammonia.

How We Chose the Best Glass Cleaners for Shower Doors

We researched the most sought-after glass cleaners for shower doors in their respective categories and discovered that the best options are determined by their compatibility with multiple surfaces, form, scents, and other special features included by top brands.

While searching for the best glass shower door cleaners, the most popular types among users were the ammonia-free chemical- and natural-based spray and liquid options for their ease of use and versatility with multiple bathroom surfaces. While not as popular, the wipes included in this list are also viable options for light-duty or spot-cleaning between deep cleans.

Though many of these products can clean shower doors, many are also capable of removing grime, soap scum, hard water deposits, limescale, and rust from shower walls, tiles, grout, mirrors, fixtures, and more. For added convenience, select glass shower door cleaners included in this list are meant to be no-scrub and automatically remove materials without the use of elbow grease.

FAQs

With such a wide variety of available glass and shower 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 a cleaner for glass shower doors.

Q: Which type of cleaner for glass shower doors should I use?

For convenient and light-duty cleaning, wipes are an excellent grab-and-go option. For a deeper clean, consider a liquid or foam cleaner. Foam cleaners cling to the shower door surface to soak stuck-on residue, while liquid cleaners are versatile and easy to find.

Q: What is the best way to clean shower doors?

Using a shower squeegee and wiping down the door after each shower can prevent buildup before it happens. When it’s time for a deep clean, use a chosen cleaner to remove grime and residue. Apply liquids and foams directly to the door, or spray them into a cloth to wipe the door. Simply use premoistened wipes as is to wipe down the door and leave a streak-free shine.

Q: How do you get hard-water stains off shower doors?

Consider a cleaner specially formulated for hard-water residue for the most effective clean. The Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover has an abrasive formula to scrub away hard-water stains.

Q: Do cleaners for glass shower doors expire?

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.