How to Clean a Shower Screen
Remove soap scum and water marks from a glass shower screen with white vinegar, washing-up liquid and a non-scratch sponge. Rinse and squeegee for a streak-free finish.
Quick answer
Mix equal parts white vinegar and washing-up liquid in a spray bottle. Spray the shower screen generously. Leave it for five to ten minutes. Scrub with a non-scratch sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Dry with a squeegee and buff with a microfibre cloth.
Shower screens quickly collect soap scum, limescale and water spots. Regular cleaning keeps the glass clear and stops permanent staining. You only need basic household supplies.
What you’ll need
- white vinegar
- washing-up liquid
- spray bottle
- non-scratch sponge
- squeegee
- microfibre cloth
- lemon juice (optional)
Step by step
- 1
Mix your cleaning solution
Pour equal parts white vinegar and washing-up liquid into a spray bottle. Shake gently to combine. For extra degreasing power, add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- 2
Spray the screen thoroughly
Coat the entire glass surface with the solution. Pay extra attention to cloudy patches and corners where soap scum gathers.
- 3
Leave it to soak
Let the solution sit for five to ten minutes. This breaks down grease and dissolves limescale without heavy scrubbing.
- 4
Scrub gently
Wipe the screen with a non-scratch sponge in circular motions. Use the soft side to avoid scratching the glass.
- 5
Rinse with warm water
Run the shower or pour warm water over the screen to wash away the cleaner and loosened grime.
- 6
Dry and buff
Pull a squeegee from top to bottom in overlapping strokes. Finish by polishing the glass with a dry microfibre cloth for a streak-free shine.
Never use wire wool, razor blades or abrasive powders on a shower screen. These scratch glass permanently and can weaken toughened panels over time. Use a bleach-free washing-up liquid. Some washing-up liquids contain bleach, and bleach mixed with vinegar releases toxic chlorine gas — never combine the two.
Common mistakes
- Using abrasive scouring pads that scratch glass
- Spraying and wiping immediately without letting the solution soak
- Rinsing with cold water, which resets grease before it lifts
- Skipping the drying step, which leaves water spots
Frequently asked
Can I use lemon juice instead of vinegar?
Yes. Lemon juice contains citric acid that cuts through limescale and soap scum. Mix it with washing-up liquid in the same way.
How often should I clean my shower screen?
Wipe it down after each shower and deep-clean it once a week. This prevents heavy build-up.
Why does my screen still look cloudy after cleaning?
Cloudiness often means etched glass from previous abrasive cleaning or very hard water. You cannot polish out etching. Switch to a water softener or dry the screen religiously.
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