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The Spruce / David Hattan
Glass shower doors are like magnets for soap scum, water spots, and other mineral buildup. These pesky residues can make an otherwise sparkling bathroom look dirty. Luckily, consistent cleaning will make the job easier and keep future buildup at bay.
"The more someone follows a routine to prevent mold, mildew, and soap scum from forming, the less likely they will need to resort to a heavy-duty acid-based cleaner or need to use them as frequently," says Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst from EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaners. But you need the right tools to do the job effectively.
That’s why we researched the top glass shower door cleaners, considering each one's scent, ingredients, environmental impact, efficacy, and overall value.
But if you’re on the hunt for something else—like a foaming option or something for mold and mildew—we’ve got a few other great picks, too!
Best Overall
Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover
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Amazon
No-scrub formula
Can be used on multiple surfaces
Ultra-clear, streak-free finish
Works best with a removable shower head
Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover is our top pick for tackling soap scum and other buildup in your shower, because it's powerful, versatile, and exceptionally easy to use. But that’s not the only spot where you can use the hardworking cleaner—it works on other bathroom surfaces, including sinks and counters, too. You can even use the non-abrasive formula on showers with stone tile.
Simply mist it onto ceramic tile, fiberglass, natural stone, plastic, chrome, porcelain, and glass, and watch it work its magic, quickly dissolving mineral buildup and water spots. There’s absolutely no scrubbing required. As the name suggests, you just spray it on your shower in an even layer, let it sit for three minutes, and wipe it away. (If you have a removable shower head, you can even rinse it off.) The result is crystal clear, shiny, and streak-free glass.
Price at time of publish: $9
Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: N/A | Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 2 inches
Best Budget
CLR Multi-Use Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
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Amazon
Industrial-strength formula
Can be used on multiple surfaces
EPA-certified
Must mix with water and apply with sponge
Slightly acidic scent
It may be exceptionally budget-friendly, but this industrial-strength solution instantly removes some of the toughest spots, including soap scum, calcium, lime, and hard water deposits, to leave your shower or tub pristine.
Still, it’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, ceramic tile, stainless steel, and porcelain. Avoid using it on stone counters or tile, but otherwise you can use this concentrate to clean most of your bathroom.
Just note: CLR isn’t available in a spray formula, so there’s a few things to do before you actually get to work. The concentrate needs to be mixed with equal parts warm water. Once that is done, you can apply it to whatever surface you’re cleaning with a cloth, sponge, or brush. The entire process is relatively safe, since CLR doesn’t contain any ammonia, bleach, or phosphates and is approved by the EPA's Safer Choice program.
Price at time of publish: $6
Type: Concentrate | Amount: 28 ounces | Scent: Slightly acidic | Dimensions: 8.1 x 2.1 x 5.25 inches
Best for Hard Water
Bio-Clean Hard Water Stain Remover
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Amazon
Biodegradable
Industrial strength
Scrubs and spreads easily
Comes in a kit or single bottle
Labor-intensive cleaning process
Abrasive; can scratch soft surfaces
When you have hard water, your glass shower door is more susceptible to those pesky white spots—that’s because of all of the calcium in the water. Stock this industrial-strength cleaner from Bio-Clean, which is specially formulated to remove those stubborn mineral deposits.
The powerful solution does require some elbow grease—it’s not a spray-and-walk-away option. But to make things a little easier, you can purchase an entire kit that comes with all the tools you need: three brushes, which can be attached to an electric drill for extra scrubbing, as well as a silicone sealant to protect glass from future staining.
No matter which option you choose, the formula is the same: highly abrasive, yet biodegradable. That is why it’s important to avoid using it on soft surfaces and any items that scratch easily—like your faucet. If you’re not sure, take the time to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to see whether the abrasiveness is too rough for your surface.
Price at time of publish: $19
Type: Concentrate | Amount: 20.3 ounces | Scent: N/A | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches
Best for Soap Scum
Clean-X Repel Glass & Surface Cleaner
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Amazon
Can be used on multiple surfaces
Leaves an invisible repellent coating
Easy to use
Doesn’t always deliver a streak-free finish
Cherry scent
Like hard water spots, soap scum—buildup from soap and other bathing products—can be very difficult to clean, but this dual-purpose cleaner from Clean-X makes the task a near-effortless chore. It quickly dissolves scum and other grime, and it works to coat the glass with a protective layer that helps prevent future water stains and buildup.
The formula is spray-and-wipe, so it’s easy to apply and doesn’t require any scrubbing. (You just have to make sure to thoroughly wipe it down for a streak-free finish.) It’s also safe to use on other hard surfaces in the bathroom, like wall tile and chrome fixtures, for convenience. You can spruce up your entire bathroom while you're cleaning your shower door.
If there’s any downside, it’s that the product is supposed to have a cherry scent, but users report that it’s very faint.
Price at time of publish: $31
Type: Spray | Amount: 25 ounces | Scent: Cherry | Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 6.5 inches
Best for Mold and Mildew
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
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Amazon
Fast-acting formula
Works on a variety of surfaces
Safe for indoor or outdoor use
Bleach may damage some surfaces
For showers with mold and mildew issues, try RMR-86’s instant formula. It also removes associated stains and odors simultaneously. It also helps prevent future mold and mildew growth—all in just 15 seconds.
You can use the product both indoors and out, and it’s easy to use: Just spray and let it sit for a few seconds, and wipe it all away with a rag or microfiber cloth. There’s no need to scrub even stubborn stains heavily, thanks to the strong bleach-infused formula. You should always test the spray on an inconspicuous area to make sure that it won’t alter the finish or color. It’s also smart to wear protection, like gloves, and even old clothes you won’t mind ruining if some of the spray gets on them.
Price at time of publish: $19
Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 10 inches
Best Water Repellent
Invisible Shield Glass & Surface Cleaner
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Bed Bath and Beyond
Fast-acting
Versatile uses
Temporarily repels water
Water-repellent only lasts for about a week
Invisible Shield Glass & Surface Cleaner is no match for soap scum, hard water, rust, and other residues that commonly affect glass shower doors. It works in a single step—there’s no mixing, waiting, or heavy-duty scrubbing. Simply spray the dual-action formula onto the soiled area, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. The result is a streak-free shine, complete with water-repelling properties. Like car wax, the formula works hard to coat the glass with a water-repellent that works for about a week after your cleaning session.
We love how versatile the product is, too. Besides a disinfectant, it’s basically the only product you need to keep your bathroom clean, since it’s approved for use on all glass, porcelain, ceramic, metal, granite, and stone. Use the spray to make wall tile, sinks, counters, appliances, and faucets shine.
Price at time of publish: $6
Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Dimensions: 10.83 x 7.09 x 5.83 inches
Best Streak-Free
Rain-X Shower Door X-treme Clean
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Amazon
Easy to rinse off
Non-abrasive formula
No strong scent
You need to use a lot
Takes extra time to wipe clean
This chemical cleaner is a gel-based product that comes in a standard squeeze bottle. The hardworking formula cleans in just three steps. Apply the cleaner to a damp cloth or directly onto the shower door. Then, scrub in a circular motion while applying light pressure. Finally, rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish.
The formula is super thick, so you have to use a fair amount to coat your shower door, and budget some extra time for wiping it all away. It’s worth the effort, though: It’s specially designed to remove soap scum, dirt, hard water buildup, calcium deposits, lime stains, and rust stains.
Price at time of publish: $18
Type: Gel | Amount: 12 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Dimensions: 1.79 x 3.28 x 7.87 inches
Best Foam
OxiClean Foam-Tastic Foaming Bathroom Cleaner
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Amazon
Indicates when you can wipe off
No hard scrubbing required
Doesn’t drip on vertical surfaces
Bottle goes quickly
Stubborn spots require longer contact time
One of the biggest challenges when cleaning shower doors is that traditional sprays tend to drip on the vertical surface. But not this foaming formula. It sits right where you put it—even on vertical surfaces—so the stain-fighting bubbles make better contact with soap scum, hard water, calcium, and lime stains. What’s more, the formula is color-changing to take the guesswork out—it sprays on blue and turns to white when it’s time to wipe it off. No need for hard scrubbing. All you need to remove the foam (and the grime it takes off) is a wet cloth or sponge. It’s worth noting, however, that stubborn spots may require extra contact time or even multiple applications.
The lemon-scented product is highly versatile, too, because it can be used on other bathroom surfaces, like sinks, toilets, and countertops. It might not be the most cost-effective way to clean your bathroom, though. The 19-ounce bottles are on the smaller side, and the foam doesn’t seem to have as much mileage as sprays.
Price at time of publish: $5
Type: Foam | Amount: 19 ounces | Scent: Citrus | Dimensions: 2.69 x 2.69 x 9.63 inches
Best Sponge
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for Bathroom and Shower
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Target
Easy to use
Textured surface
Fresh scent
Disintegrates as you use it
The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber Sponges are just like the original Magic Erasers, but they’re infused with foaming cleansers that aid in removing soap scum, stains, and buildup that affects shower doors. Still, there are no messy sprays or liquids to contend with. You just add water to the sponge and start scrubbing.
It does disintegrate in your hands while you use it, but it has a contoured shape that helps you get a good enough grip. The textured surface helps improve its abrasiveness, so you don’t need a ton of elbow grease—even for tough areas like hard water stains. It also has a fresh laundry-like scent to make your bathroom smell as clean as it looks.
Price at time of publish: $16
Type: Sponge | Amount: 2 | Scent: Meadows and Rain | Dimensions: 1 x 6 x 8 inches
Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover is our top pick for an all-around amazing glass shower door cleaner. This scrub-free formula is effective at removing soap scum, water spots, limescale, and other residues almost immediately. If you need something a bit more powerful, consider CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover. This industrial-strength solution is affordable and will get your shower door immaculately clean.
What to Look for in a Cleaner for Glass Shower Doors
Type
There are all different types of shower glass door cleaners, including sprays, concentrates, foams, and gels. There are also other types of tools that can help, including sponges, squeegees, and cloths. In general, sprays are the most convenient, because you simply spray and wipe. For our top pick, we chose Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover. It's an all-around amazing glass shower door spray that is scrub-free and effective at removing soap scum, water spots, limescale, and other residues.
Foams and gels are also very convenient, especially because they don’t run on vertical surfaces, but they require a little more effort to wipe away. Concentrates are the most cumbersome, because you usually need to mix them prior to use. Sponges, squeegees, and cleaning rags don’t always work autonomously, but they are very helpful tools to have on hand for a streak-free shine.
Amount
It’s worth taking a peek at the label to see how much is in each container. Small canisters of foam or gel won’t last as long as more generously sized sprays or concentrates—especially because you usually need more of the former for ample coverage on your shower glass door.
Scent
Scented products may make your bathroom smell nice and clean, but they have a tendency to be very potent, which may bother some people. Naturally derived fragrances are often created using essential oils; they tend to have a fresh and subtle smell. Cleaning products that contain ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals often come with an overpowering scent. If you're sensitive to smells, a fragrance-free formula is your best bet.
It’s always a good idea to properly ventilate your bathroom when using a glass cleaner. Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst from EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaners, suggests spraying the cleaner directly on your cloth or sponge in order to limit the number of airborne particles.
Use
Some shower glass door cleaners require minimal to no scrubbing. These typically include gel and foam formulas that require a few minutes of contact time. On the opposite side of the spectrum, tools like sponges require a little more elbow grease to tackle stubborn spots. Sprays and concentrates fall somewhere in the middle, but note that concentrates, in particular, require some upfront work in mixing.
Ingredients
It's hard to know what ingredients to look for in a cleaner, and each one will affect the overall formula's cleaning ability. Ammonia, isopropyl alcohol, oxygen bleach, white vinegar, and citric acid are some of the most common active ingredients found in glass shower door cleaners.
Ammonia and isopropyl alcohol are best known for their ability to cut through grease, kill germs, and achieve a streak-free shine, so if you want to really deep clean your shower doors, these might be good ingredients to look for.
If you're looking for something eco-friendly, oxygen bleach effectively removes soap scum and other stains, and it is gentler and more environmentally friendly than chlorine bleach. Both white vinegar and citric acid are natural, eco-friendly solutions for removing soap scum and breaking down hard residue as well.
Other Cleaning Tools
While a shower glass door cleaner is an undeniably helpful tool to have in your cleaning arsenal, there are other cleaning tools that can help you get the job done more effectively. A squeegee is definitely helpful for preventing streaks and removing excess water,” says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. Another unique tool to try is a steamer, she says. “This can help loosen dirt and grime and make it easier to clean without the use of harsh chemicals.” One option that many don’t consider is a magnetic scrubber, which is a two-piece tool that allows you to clean both sides of the glass at the same time. “It works by using magnets to hold the two pieces together, so you can clean the inside and outside of the glass simultaneously,” says Toner.
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What are the benefits of purchasing a glass cleaner for showers, rather than DIYing your own solution?
Conventional shower glass cleaners have many advantages over DIY versions. “A specialized product designed for the job can ensure effective cleaning without causing any harm to the glass,” says Toner. “Secondly, using a cleaner that contains ingredients such as ammonia or vinegar can help to remove soap scum and hard water stains efficiently.” Many glass cleaners also deliver a protective coating, which can help make future cleaning tasks easier.
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What’s the best method for cleaning shower doors when dealing with soap scum?
Soap scum, or a buildup of soap, shampoo, and other personal hygiene products, can be very stubborn, but Toner says a Magic Eraser is an effective tool. “Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam, which is a material that works by creating a mild abrasive effect when wet,” she explains. “This allows them to scrub away stubborn dirt and grime without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing.” Simply wet your Magic Eraser sponge with water, and squeeze out any excess moisture. Then, gently scrub the affected areas of the shower door using circular motions. Repeat several times as needed, and then rinse the area thoroughly.
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Is there a good technique for cleaning the shower door tracks?
A small toothbrush and distilled white vinegar is an effective way to clean dirt and grime from shower door tracks. But for really stubborn buildup, try dental floss, says Toner. “The wax coating on the floss can help break down the grime and make it easier to clean.” Alternatively, you can use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve stubborn grime. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto the tracks, then pour vinegar over top and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, scrub with a small brush, toothbrush, or a Q-tip, and rinse with water. Dry with a cloth.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including cleaning products like cleaners for shower glass doors. To curate this list, she scoured top retailers to find the best, most highly rated options. Then, she vetted each, reading all of the specs and hundreds of reviews. To make her top picks, she consulted experts like Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning, and Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst from EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaners. She then used that guidance as she analyzed the type, ingredients, scent, and overall efficacy of each one.
Additional reporting was conducted by Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer who has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019.