We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Cleaning Cleaning Products The Best Glass Shower Door Cleaners for Fighting Mold, Mildew, and Soap Scum Restore that good-as-new sparkle. By L. Daniela Alvarez and Barbara Bellesi Zito Barbara Bellesi Zito Barbara Bellesi Zito is a freelance writer from Staten Island, NY with more than 18 years of experience covering home and lifestyle topics for a variety of publications. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on February 09, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict How to Shop FAQs Take Our Word for It Photo: Real Simple / Brian Kopinski Cleaning your glass shower door is an essential step to keeping the entire bathroom fresh, especially considering how much grime, hard water, soap scum, mold, and mildew can accumulate over time. While you might consider grabbing just any old glass cleaner you have on hand to tackle your shower doors, Katie Dills, president of The Cleaning Authority says it's best to use a cleaner specifically designed for bathroom surfaces or a natural cleaning concoction that effectively targets soap scum and hard water stains. To find the best cleaners for glass shower doors, we researched numerous top-rated products while considering factors such as application, formula, and function. We also spoke with Dills and Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen, for tips on what to look for when buying the right formula for keeping your glass shower doors squeaky clean. Our Top Picks Best Overall Glass Shower Door Cleaner: SALE Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover at Amazon $11 $9 Jump to Review Best Eco-Friendly Glass Shower Door Cleaner: ECOS Bathroom Cleaner at Amazon $9 Jump to Review Best Daily Glass Shower Door Cleaner: Method Daily Shower Cleaner Spray at Walmart $5 Jump to Review Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner Pad: Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for Bathroom and Shower at Home Depot $7 Jump to Review Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner for Soap Scum: Magic Glass Cleaner Spray for Shower and Mirror at Amazon $8 Jump to Review Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner for Mold & Mildew: Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover at Amazon $7 Jump to Review Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner for Hard Water: CLR Pro Restroom Cleaner at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner Concentrate: Grove Co. Shower Cleaner at Grove.co Jump to Review Best Multipurpose Glass Shower Door Cleaner: Clean-X Repel at Walmart $12 Jump to Review Best Preventative Glass Shower Door Cleaner: Invisible Shield Multi-Surface Cleaner at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Overall Glass Shower Door Cleaner Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $9 at Lowe's $9 at Home Depot What Stands Out This non-abrasive cleaner is ideal for mild to medium shower stains and buildup. What Could Be Improved You'd need something stronger to tackle heavy-duty messes. Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover is our top choice for the best overall cleaner for glass shower doors for its bleach-free, fragrance-free, and non-abrasive formula that leaves a streak-free finish and gets rid of soap scum and hard water stains on contact. We also love its versatility since it's safe and effective to use on ceramic, tile, chrome, plastic, and natural stone. Although the label claims no scrubbing is required, it's best to scrub lightly with a scrubbing brush for heavy-duty messes. Barton also recommends Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover for quickly cleaning mild to medium stains and freshening up your glass shower doors. Simply spray the product around your shower, let it sit for up to three minutes, and rinse with water or wipe it away with a damp microfiber cloth. Best of all, this cleaner can be used daily to prevent any major buildup that can become harder to clean down the road. Type: Spray | Size: 24 or 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Glass, ceramic, tile, chrome, plastic, and natural stone Best Eco-Friendly Glass Shower Door Cleaner ECOS Bathroom Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $9 at Amazon $6 at IHerb What Stands Out This effective cleaner is EPA Safer Choice-Certified. What Could Be Improved You'd want another product for deep-cleaning. Previously known as Ecos Shower Cleaner, Ecos Bathroom Cleaner has a new look with the same great formula that has an A-rating from the EWG and is EPA Safer Choice Certified, making it our favorite eco-friendly glass shower door cleaner. As a bonus, all Ecos products are made in carbon-neutral zero waste factories using 100 percent renewable energy. This cleaner is formulated without dyes, parabens, phosphates, or other harsh chemicals and is naturally scented with aloe vera and tea tree oil, leaving an uplifting scent all around your shower. Ecos Bathroom Cleaner is a multifunctional cleaner that can be sprayed on nearly every surface of your bathroom, including glass doors, without the need for scrubbing or wiping, and is also great for daily use. In addition to its effectiveness at preventing soap scum, mildew, and mold, it's also powerful as a preventative that extends time between cleanings. Type: Spray | Size: 22 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: All surfaces Best Daily Glass Shower Door Cleaner Method Daily Shower Cleaner Spray PHOTO: Walmart $5 at Walmart $5 at Target View on Grove.co What Stands Out There’s no scrubbing or rinsing necessary. What Could Be Improved The herbaceous scent isn’t for everyone. If wiping down the shower walls and door with a squeegee after bathing isn’t your thing, this spray-and-forget-it shower cleaner is sure to make bathroom maintenance much easier. Method Daily Shower Spray is made from a biodegradable formula that breaks down soap scum and prevents it from returning. All you have to do is spray it on glass shower walls, doors, tile, and even bath fixtures, and you’re good to go—no scrubbing or even rinsing is necessary, so you’ll have a clean shower without the workout. Method Daily Shower Spray is most effective as a preventative, so it helps to start using it on a somewhat clean shower. If yours has excessive soap scum, you’ll want to be a bit patient with this spray if you don’t have time for a deeper clean. But it’s easy to get in the habit of using this plant-based, cruelty-free formula, thanks to its pleasant herbaceous scent. Type: Spray | Size: 28 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Multiple surfaces, including tile, fixtures, glass, and tubs Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner Pad Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for Bathroom and Shower PHOTO: Target $7 at Home Depot $6 at Lowe's $6 at Target What Stands Out It's soft yet abrasive enough to cut through soap scum and thoroughly clean surfaces like glass. What Could Be Improved It will require a bit of elbow grease. Soap scum is a common and pesky residue that tends to build up on glass shower doors, and can be more difficult to scrub away than other shower grime. To cut through even stubborn soap scum, we picked the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrub. Magic erasers come highly recommended by professional cleaners and are typically made with melamine foam—but this bath version is updated with Durafoam, making it soft yet abrasive enough to thoroughly clean surfaces like glass. To use this sponge, add water to the purple dots to activate the built-in cleaner. Use the sponge to scrub over hard water stains on shower glass, soap scum on the bathtub, and grime on tile and grout. Despite its fluffy texture, avoid using a Magic Eraser on delicate surfaces such as marble, granite, wood, and stainless steel. Type: Foam sponge | Size: 4.6 by 2.3 by 0.7 inches | Compatible Surfaces: Glass, acrylic, tile, grout Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner for Soap Scum Magic Glass Cleaner Spray for Shower and Mirror PHOTO: The Home Depot $8 at Amazon $8 at Home Depot $10 at Ace Hardware What Stands Out It has enough cleaning power to last a week. What Could Be Improved Some reviews say this has a very strong, chemical smell. It’s easy to be wooed by a cleaning product with “magic” in the name, but it’s also easy to understand why this glass cleaner was given that name in the first place. The Stay Clean technology builds a coating for your shower that protects it from hard water, soap scum, and even rust buildup for a full week. It’s super easy to use this cleaner—just spray it on, let it sit for a minute or two, and wipe it off with your tool of choice, such as a microfiber cloth, sponge, or squeegee. Soap scum and hard water stains disappear with every swipe, leaving clean, smudge-free, fogless glass. The best part? The spray leaves behind a transparent coating that keeps all the yucky stuff at bay for a week’s worth of showers, so there’s no worry about daily maintenance to keep your shower clean. Type: Spray | Size: 28 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Glass Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner for Mold & Mildew Clorox Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover PHOTO: Walgreens $6 at Amazon View on Walmart $7 at Home Depot What Stands Out It's safe and effective for combating mold and mildew on glass, grout, glazed and unglazed ceramic, vinyl shower curtains, ceramic, and plastic. What Could Be Improved It does contain bleach. Sometimes, despite the best cleaning efforts, mold and mildew can accumulate in the shower's humid environment. To best combat this issue, we recommend Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover. Besides getting rid of stains and residue, this cleaner quickly kills mold, mildew, and common bacteria found in bathrooms, including Staph, Strep, and athlete's foot fungus. This cleaner is safe and effective to use on glass, grout, glazed and unglazed ceramic, vinyl shower curtains, ceramic, and plastic. For the best results when using Clorox Plus Tilex Mold and Mildew Remover, spray until the surface is thoroughly wet, let sit for five minutes, and rinse. This cleaner requires minimal elbow grease and can even whiten tile and grout. Since this cleaner contains bleach, do not mix it with other chemicals containing ammonia, and make sure there is proper ventilation when using it. Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Glass, grout, glazed and unglazed ceramic, vinyl shower curtains, ceramic, and plastic Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner for Hard Water CLR Pro Restroom Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $14 at Amazon What Stands Out This EPA Safer Choice-Certified cleaner removes hard water buildup from a variety of surfaces. What Could Be Improved It's not ideal for those who want a more abrasive formula. Depending on where you live, hard water buildup is nearly inevitable, especially on glass shower doors. When it comes to getting rid of hard water stains, we recommend CLR Pro Multi-Purpose Restroom Cleaner. This product is effective at removing soap scum, calcium, and grime, and is safe to use on a variety of surfaces including glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and granite. As a bonus, this cleaner is formulated without harsh chemicals. The non-abrasive formula clears hard water stains almost immediately and leaves behind a streak-free shine. CLR is one of Barton's most highly recommended brands, and most CLR products, including this cleaner, are EPA Safer Choice-Certified, meaning they meet strict criteria for ingredients, packaging, performance, and more. Type: Spray | Size: 32 fluid ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Glass, ceramic, stainless steel, and granite Best Glass Shower Door Cleaner Concentrate Grove Co. Shower Cleaner PHOTO: Grove Co. View on Grove.co What Stands Out It prevents soap scum, hard water buildup, and other types of grime without harsh chemicals. What Could Be Improved It's not for those who prefer a sponge or more abrasive cleaner. Cleaning your glass shower doors daily is one of the best ways to prevent soap scum, hard water buildup, and other types of grime, but not every cleaner is formulated for everyday use. The Grove Co. Daily Shower Cleaner Concentrate is our favorite daily glass shower door cleaner because it reduces buildup and gets rid of soap scum on shower surfaces with no rinsing or wiping required. It is also made with 89 percent plant-based ingredients, including essential oils and plant extracts, and does not contain harsh chemicals like parabens, phthalates, phosphates, or chlorine bleach. In addition to being an EPA Safer Choice-Certified product, this cleaner is packaged in recyclable glass and 100 percent recycled paper, and can be paired with a reusable glass bottle. You can also receive a prepaid packaging label to send the concentrate and spray bottles to Grove Co. for them to recycle. While we love the lavender and thyme scent, this concentrate also comes in orange and rosemary, and in a free and clear scent-free formula for those with fragrance sensitivities. Type: Concentrate | Size: 1 fluid ounce | Compatible Surfaces: Ceramic, tile, and fiberglass (not recommended for use on natural stone) Best Multipurpose Glass Shower Door Cleaner Clean-X Repel PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Walmart $9 at Home Depot What Stands Out It creates a protective barrier for your glass shower, much like wax on a car. What Could Be Improved Some reviews say the spray mechanism can be a bit difficult to use. Think streak-free glass doors are impossible to get on a shower that’s used everyday? Think again. Clean-X Repel Glass and Surface Cleaner coats glass with a protective microemulsion barrier that keeps soap scum, hard water and mineral stains, oil, and fingerprints at bay. It’s almost like waxing a car in that the next time you shower, you’ll see beads of water instead of soapy streaks. This cleaner is simple to use: Just spray and wipe with a paper towel, rag, or microfiber cloth. It’s perfect for cleaning everything from glass showers, windows, and mirrors to laminate surfaces and even solar panels. In addition to cleaning any gunk that’s already there, the coating it leaves behind will keep more from forming in between cleanings. If you’ve got chrome fixtures, spray some of this on it to maintain the shine. Type: Spray | Size: 32 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Multiple surfaces including shower doors, glass facades, windows, mirrors, laminates, solar panels, and other hard/glass surfaces Best Preventative Glass Shower Door Cleaner Invisible Shield Multi-Surface Cleaner PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $7 at Ace Hardware What Stands Out The cleaner works on every surface in the bathroom. What Could Be Improved It's not for those who want a specific formulation for each bathroom surface. Glass shower doors aren't the only bathroom surface that collects grime, soap scum, and other residue. To keep your entire bathroom clean, we recommend Invisible Shield Multi-Surface Cleaner. This product is safe and effective to use on glass, ceramic, granite, marble, stainless steel, and more, since it not only cleans and controls odor, but also prevents and repels buildup. The Invisible Shield Multi-Surface Cleaner contains hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural antimicrobial. For best results, spray the area thoroughly and wipe it with a microfiber cloth to leave your surface clean and polished. For heavier messes, spray thoroughly and massage the surface with a soft, non-scouring sponge before wiping with a dry cloth. Type: Spray | Size: 25 fluid ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Glass, ceramic, granite, marble, and stainless steel Best Water Repellent for Glass Shower Doors Rain-X Shower Door Water Repellent PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon $12 at Walmart What Stands Out Prevents buildup on glass shower doors with a protective coating. What Could Be Improved It's not a good option if you're looking for a daily cleaner. A water-repellent coating is the ultimate way to prevent buildup on glass shower doors. The powerful and effective formula of Rain-X Shower Door Water Repellent makes it our top choice for the best water repellent product for glass shower doors. We recommend cleaning your shower doors before spraying the repellent (keep in mind that this is a protective coating and not a cleaner) and then using a squeegee after every shower to yield the best and most lasting results. Another thing to note about Rain-X Shower Door Water Repellent is that it is formulated for glass only, but even as the priciest product on our list, it works wonders as a protective shield. With just a little patience, proper ventilation, and carefully following the application instructions, your glass shower doors can stay free of hard water stains, soap scum, and other types of buildup commonly found in the shower. This pick also has a strong scent, so for those with fragrance sensitivities you may want to opt for another product. Type: Spray | Size: 16 fluid ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Glass Best Foaming Glass Shower Door Cleaner CLR Brilliant Bath PHOTO: Amazon $10 at Walmart $7 at Tractor Supply Co. $5 at Home Depot What Stands Out It’s a powerful cleaner without harsh ingredients. What Could Be Improved There’s a long list of surfaces that this can’t be used on. CLR makes another appearance on our best glass shower doors list with a different yet still-powerful foam formula. Each spray of foam cuts through the calcium, lime, and rust that’s in its name, as well as dirt, soap scum, hard water deposits, and other gunk left behind after a shower. It’s easy to use: Just spray it on, let it sit for a moment, then wipe. After a few minutes, rinse it away. No worries if you’re on a septic system, because it’s septic-safe. This foam spray does all the work of a heavy-duty cleaner without the ammonia, bleach, phosphates, or other hefty chemicals—it is even noted as a Safer Choice, per the EPA’s Safer Product Standards. You can use CLR on most surfaces in your kitchen and bath—yes, that includes glass shower enclosures—but there’s a long enough list of surfaces you can’t clean with it, so be sure to read the label first before you start cleaning. Type: Spray | Size: 26 ounces | Compatible Surfaces: Stainless steel, tile, glass, fiberglass, sealed granite, ceramic, porcelain, tub, shower doors, and toilets Best Squeegee for Glass Shower Doors HIWARE All-Purpose Shower Squeegee PHOTO: Amazon $12 at Amazon What Stands Out The evenly constructed blade allows for a streak-free and squeak-free clean. What Could Be Improved It's not for those who prefer leave-on spray cleaners. With its ergonomic design, rust resistance, cleaning power, and variety of sizes and finishes, the Hiware All-Purpose Shower Squeegee is our pick for the best squeegee . This squeegee features an evenly constructed blade that allows for a streak-free and squeak-free clean, and also comes with a set of waterproof adhesive hooks so you can store it inside or outside your shower. With or without your preferred spray cleaner, the Hiware All-Purpose Shower Squeegee quickly gets rid of water spots, limescale, soap scum, and other sources of buildup. This product can also be used on other surfaces like marble countertops and windows without leaving scratches or streaks. If you'd like your cleaning tools to blend in cohesively with your bathroom, look no further, as this squeegee comes in three sizes and four finishes to match perfectly with the rest of your now spotless bathroom and shower. Type: Squeegee | Size: 10, 12, or 14 inches | Compatible Surfaces: Glass Final Verdict Our top pick for the best glass shower door cleaner is the Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover for its impressive cleaning power and versatility, which allows you to use it across the entire bathroom. For those who want an eco-friendly cleaner with the same effectiveness, we recommend the Ecos Bathroom Cleaner. How to Shop for Glass Shower Door Cleaners Like a Pro Application “While it’s best to let certain cleaning mixtures sit, it’s recommended to either rinse or wipe down with a cloth or squeegee to remove any leftover product,” Dills says. “This will also help rinse away any remaining loose grime or soap.” If you prefer to clean on a semi-regular basis rather than a daily basis, it might be best to opt for a water-repellant option or heavy-duty cleaner to power through any grime that accumulates. For those who opt to clean every day, a milder cleaner or squeegee can do the trick, though most showers can benefit from a deep clean every now and then. Make sure to follow application instructions carefully, especially with harsh cleaners, and don’t forget to ventilate your bathroom to avoid inhaling harmful fumes. Formula “I always recommend avoiding harsh chemicals that may damage surfaces or pose health risks,” Dills says. She’s a big fan of cleaners with gentler ingredients you can find around the house, like vinegar, which has acidic properties that can remove mineral deposits and soap scum. Barton echoes this, adding that cleaners with mild ingredients are safe enough to use daily, while heavy-duty cleaners and water-repelling products are best for monthly or bi-monthly use. To assess what type of formula is best suited to your bathroom, determine how frequently your shower gets used. For example, a guest bathroom with glass shower doors might benefit from a water repellent that can last months over a spray-and-go cleaner that is better suited for daily use. Function Most glass shower door cleaners work to get rid of residue and buildup such as hard water, soap, scum, and other grime. Some are disinfectants, which usually contain bleach, and others, like water-repellents, are protective treatments that prevent dangerous buildup like mold, mildew, and other bacteria. To choose the right cleaner for your glass shower, assess how often you use the shower, how frequently you clean, and any sensitivities to ingredients like bleach or ammonia. Experts recommend cleaning your shower weekly, unless you have a shared shower in a large household where it's used more frequently. In this case, it's best to use a daily shower spray to fight buildup and a squeegee to prevent streaks. Questions You Might Ask How do you clean shower glass doors? To use a spray cleaner, spray your glass shower doors thoroughly and either rinse, scrub, or wipe away depending on the product instructions. For water repellents, clean the doors before applying the product and then wipe thoroughly. "At home, I use the squeegee after every single shower, which doesn't take more than a minute," Barton says. "Work the entire surface by using fan-like, left-right-left movements, gliding from top to bottom, without lifting up the tool." How often should you clean glass shower doors? “Generally, it's a good idea to clean your shower doors weekly to prevent soap scum buildup and mineral deposits,” Dills says. Of course, it also depends on how frequently your shower is used. A shared shower in a large household could benefit from a daily shower spray, at least after the final shower of the day. But if you would prefer to avoid chemicals or simply save money on cleaning products, a squeegee is the tool you need to dry glass after a shower and keep it free of streaks. "It really only takes a couple of days to make it a habit," Barton says. "As soon as you turn off the shower, wipe the glass on the inside of the shower with a daily cleaner if you'd like and a squeegee. Once you're out and have wrapped yourself in a towel, spare another minute to bring down all the water and condensation from the outer glass. The only difficult part is to persuade all family members to do the same!" Can you use glass shower cleaners on other surfaces? There are some multisurface cleaners on this list that you can indeed use on surfaces other than glass shower doors. Still, before using any household cleaner, it’s a good idea to read the label to ensure that you won’t harm the surface, which is especially important when cleaning unsealed surfaces like natural stone or wood. Keep in mind, too, that even if it’s safe to use a cleaner on other surfaces, it might not be as effective. If you do decide to multitask with your glass shower cleaning spray, test the cleaner in a less visible area before moving on to the entire surface to avoid discoloration or other damage. Can you use regular glass cleaner on shower doors? You might be able to get away with using glass cleaner to remove the dust from that seldom-used shower in a guest bathroom, but stick to bathroom cleaners for glass doors on showers that are used on a daily basis. “Regular glass cleaner may not be the most effective choice for shower doors, as it may not properly treat soap scum or hard water stains,” Dills says. Take Our Word for It This article was written by L. Daniela Alvarez, contributing writer for Real Simple with nearly three years of experience writing lifestyle content and product reviews, and updated by Barbara Bellesi Zito, a freelance home and lifestyle writer from Staten Island, N.Y.. To compile this list, we spent hours researching cleaners for glass shower doors and reading customer reviews. We also interviewed Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen, as well as Katie Dills, president of The Cleaning Authority, for expertise on the best products and how to pick them.