How to Clean Shower Screens Fast - 5 Simple Steps

Ever wonder why your shower screen looks super cloudy, even though it gets rinsed every day? Hard water build-up, soap scum, and shampoo splashes can build up fast. This leaves even the best-looking showers in a state of disarray.

I’ve managed hundreds of rental bathrooms — I know what works and what doesn’t. The key to reducing scrubbing and achieving that lasting clarity is in the right routine.

To help you bring your shower screen back to life, I’m sharing my go-to method — tested in homes across Australia. With a few simple tips, you can enjoy that satisfying, streak-free look every time you step foot in the shower.

How I Get Shower Screens Sparkling Fast

• Water (1 cup)
• White vinegar (1 cup)
• 600 ml Spray bottle
• Baking soda (a few tablespoons; you’ll use a teaspoon at a time).
• A soft sponge or cloth
• An old toothbrush
• Squeegee or microfibre towel
• Juice of 1 lemon
  
  Quick note: Don’t reuse old cleaning product bottles — especially if they’ve held bleach. Mixing vinegar with leftover bleach can cause toxic fumes.

Why This 10-Second Rinse Changes Everything

Looks basic, right? But this one rinse makes the rest 10x easier.

My Go-To Glass Cleaner (It’s Just 3 Ingredients)

Here’s what goes in the magic mix:

• 250 ml white vinegar
  
• 250 ml water
  
• 20–30 ml lemon juice (half to one lemon — fresh is best)
  
  

Give it a solid shake — seriously, every time. This trio separates fast, and you want that lemony vinegar hitting the grime head-on.

 

Spray generously. Hit the glass, the corners, the edges — anywhere soap scum likes to hang out.

 

Now let it sit and do its thing. In 3 to 5 minutes, the acids will:

• Loosen stuck-on soap scum
• Break down hard water gunk
  
• Soften grime so the next step’s a breeze
  

The Game-Changer: A Teaspoon of This

Now here’s the fun part. Sprinkle 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda onto a damp sponge or cloth. No need to scrub hard — gentle, circular motions are all it takes.

 

Once it mixes with moisture, it turns into a paste that lifts grime without scratching. For corners, spray first and use a toothbrush with a bit more pressure.

Lock In the Shine

Warm water rinse. Quick wipe with a squeegee or dry microfibre towel. Don’t skip this — drying is what makes the glass actually sparkle.

Drying really matters. Same goes when freshening up your mattress →

Still Seeing Spots?

Hit those with a vinegar-soaked cloth, then buff with a dry towel. Gone. No streaks, no stress.

DIY or Buy — What Actually Works

If you’re on a budget, the best tools are already in your pantry. Vinegar and baking soda tackle scum and hard water with ease. Lemon juice cuts grease and keeps it smelling fresh.

Prefer something pre-made? The one in the photo’s my personal go-to — a plant-based cleaner that comes with a refillable spray bottle. No vinegar smell, no lemon squeezing.

Get the exact one I use at home →

(For my own shower)

Still got questions? Let’s clear ’em up

How often should I clean the glass?

Once a week is plenty for most homes. Got a busy family? Every 2–3 days keeps the scum from setting in.

I’ve found the best trick

Hand everyone a squeegee and make it part of their shower. It takes 5 seconds and saves 20 minutes of scrubbing later.

Do I need a special cleaner for shower glass?

Not really. Vinegar and baking soda do the job for everyday grime — no fancy formulas needed.

Plus, they’re way gentler on your lungs than supermarket sprays.

What’s the best natural product to use?

White vinegar, hands down. It cuts through soap scum, handles hard water, and doesn’t cost much. 

Want something even easier? Plenty of Aussie brands make plant-based sprays just for bathroom glass. Just check the label for nasties. This one’s a favourite of mine →

Will any glass cleaner do the job?

Only if your glass is already clean. The regular stuff’s fine for fingerprints, but it chokes when it hits limescale or soap scum.

Unless it says “bathroom” on the label, don’t waste your time.

Can I stop soap scum and limescale from coming back?

Yep — stay consistent. A quick squeegee after each shower does most of the work.

Back it up with a vinegar spray once a week, and buildup won’t stand a chance.

Ready to Make Yours Shine?

You don’t need fancy sprays or harsh chemicals — just the right routine. This method works. I’ve used it in rentals across the country, and it never lets me down.

Give it a go. And if your kitchen’s due for a cleanup too, check out my no-fuss guide to range hood filters →