Nobody likes looking through blurry and discolored glass, especially when stepping out of a clean and refreshing shower. Shower spots are the little foggy dots that form on the surface of a shower door when the glass is exposed to hard water.
Despite the paradoxical name, you may have hard water and not even know it. Water is considered “hard” when it contains high levels of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. While these minerals are wonderful in your sports drink, they can leave behind an unpleasant residue in your bathroom.
Luckily, you can take some easy steps to clear and prevent these hard water hazards.
White Vinegar
One natural and effective way to clean water spots off a shower door is to use white vinegar, and the process could not be any more straightforward:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the vinegar solution onto the shower door, focusing on the cloudy white spots.
- Let the solution sit for a few minutes to penetrate the stains.
- Using a soft cloth or sponge to whip the door clean gently.
- Rinse with water to remove any leftover vinegar.
So how does this magic work? The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the minerals in the water spots making them easier to remove. As a bonus, vinegar can also help prevent the build-up of new spots, leaving your shower door shiny and clean. Plus, it is safe to use on most surfaces because it is natural and free of harsh chemicals.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another excellent way to clean water spots off your shower door using ingredients you already have handy. Follow these steps:
- First, make a paste by mixing baking soda and water in a small bowl.
- Next, apply the paste to the shower door’s water spots, covering the affected areas.
- Gently scrub the spots for several minutes.
- Rinse and repeat as needed.
This one works a little differently. The mild abrasiveness of the baking soda works like sandpaper to grip and separate the water spots without damaging the surface of the shower door. Baking soda neutralizes harsh acids and will leave your shower door sparkling!
Lemon Juice
For another option, skip the cleaning shelf and go straight to the refrigerator. Lemon juice is my favorite way to clean shower spots because it leaves the bathroom fresh and clean. A natural cleaner and air freshener all-in-one! Here’s how you can use it:
- Combine lemon juice and water in equal parts. Pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray the lemon juice solution onto the water spots, covering the whole shower door.
- Wait patiently, enjoying the smell of a lemon orchard.
- Using a sponge, wipe the door clean.
- Spray any remaining residue with clean water to rinse it away.
Like the vinegar we covered, lemon juice uses natural acids to break down the minerals. But unlike vinegar, you do not need to plug your nose while using it. The fresh citrus scent will add a pleasant aroma to your bathroom.
Borax
If your water spots have lingered for a while, call in the big guns: borax. Another natural mineral that can be used effectively is slightly harsher than baking soda and more abrasive. As such, it should be reserved to tackle the toughest stains, where mold and mildew may have begun to form. Why? Because while similar in application to baking soda, borax is also a powerful disinfectant. It is easy to use, too:
- Dissolve borax in water until it forms a thick paste.
- Apply the paste to the water spots on the shower door.
- Let it rest. The special powers of borax are activated.
- Scrub the spots with a stiff, bristled brush to remove them.
- Rinse the shower door clean.
Preventing Water Spots
When it comes to water spots, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The best option is to remove the water before it dries. Wiping down the doors after every shower would go a long way towards reducing build-up.
If this task seems tedious, it is time to go to the root of the problem. Get a water softener! Your water is hard because of the natural mineral content that has been present in the groundwater since the first deepwater wells. Still, nowadays, you can install a water softener that will use salt crystals to filter out those unnecessary minerals, leaving the water soft and clean.
Conclusion
Water spots may seem trivial in the grand scheme of household chores, but it is essential to have clean shower doors. Beyond presenting a dirty appearance, the build-up of soap scum and hard water spots can encourage the growth of mold and mildew. These tiny spores can cause allergic reactions or respiratory problems.
Clean shower doors can help prevent damage to the shower itself. As hard water lingers, it can etch and scratch the surface, making the shower door more susceptible to further damage, such as cracking or discoloration.
Keep your shower doors clean to maintain your bathroom’s appearance, cleanliness, and longevity. Start fresh with a new set of custom shower doors from Custom Glass and Mirror today!
