Distilled white vinegar, a 35p household staple, can effectively remove limescale and water marks from shower glass when used as a spray, according to cleaning experts. The method involves mixing equal parts distilled white vinegar and warm water with a small amount of washing-up liquid to break down soap scum.
How to Apply the Vinegar Solution
Fill a clean spray bottle with the mixture and spray the shower screen from top to bottom. Leave it wet for 10 to 20 minutes. Then wipe the glass with a soft, non-scratch sponge or microfibre cloth, rinse thoroughly with clean water, and dry immediately with a squeegee or fresh cloth. For heavier marks, vinegar-soaked kitchen roll can be pressed onto the glass to keep the solution in place longer.
The key is to let the vinegar do the work rather than scrubbing hard, as heavy pressure or abrasive pads can mark some glass and bathroom finishes. Distilled white vinegar is available at most supermarkets, including Tesco, where a 568ml bottle costs 35p.
Alternative Cleaning Methods
Other options include a bicarbonate of soda and water paste for stubborn patches, ready-made limescale sprays, and even toothpaste for small water marks, though it should be used with a soft cloth. The Pink Stuff paste is also popular but its guidance warns against applying too much pressure on some surfaces to avoid scratching. A gentle patch test is recommended before using any paste cleaner on a shower screen.
Expert Advice on Shower Glass Care
Faz Salloo, director at Bathroom Fort, said: "Shower glass looks solid, but the coatings, seals and metal finishes around it can be more delicate than people realise. Vinegar can be very effective on limescale, but keep it on the glass, rinse it properly and avoid leaving acidic cleaners sitting on chrome-style fittings, natural stone or seals for longer than needed. A soft sponge, a squeegee and regular drying will protect the finish far better than attacking the screen with foil, wire wool or gritty pads."
He added: "If your enclosure is new or has an easy-clean coating, always check the manufacturer guidance first so you do not accidentally shorten the life of the coating."
Preventive Measures for Long-Lasting Sparkle
Keeping the glass clean is easier than removing months of build-up. After showering, squeegee the glass, open a window or run the extractor fan, and dry the seals where water tends to sit. Regular cleaning prevents cloudy patches from hardening into stubborn scale. A quick wipe every few days can save a bigger weekend scrub and helps keep a glass shower enclosure brighter for longer.
