How to Remove Mineral Deposits From Glass Shower Doors
Mineral deposits are caused by a high mineral content in water. People with hard or mineral-heavy water will see rust stains, discoloration spots and cloudiness on their bathroom glass, porcelain and chrome.
Removing mineral deposits from glass shower doors is a matter of abrasive cleaning techniques and a little old-fashioned elbow grease.
Things You Will Need
- Vinegar
- Bottle
- Mask
- Brush
- Water
- Cloth
- Lemon
- Cleaner
- Softener
Tip
Individuals on a non-sodium or low sodium diet should check with their doctor before installing a water softening unit. Realize that some glass door stains are actually etched into the glass and will not be removed using the methods above.
Process
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Place white vinegar into an empty spray bottle and spray onto the glass door. Be sure to fully saturate the area and let the excess vinegar drip into the bottom of the stall; it will do no harm. The smell may be quite overpowering, so consider a face mask or turn on the extractor fan.
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Allow the vinegar to soak the door for a few moments before scrubbing gently with a plastic bristle brush. Avoid using metal brushes or scouring pads as they may scratch the glass and allow dirt and deposits to enter the scratched surface.
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Rinse the entire area with cold water to remove vinegar and mineral deposits. If there are still signs of buildup, consider a second or third dose of vinegar spray and scrubbing.
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Wipe the area dry with a soft absorbent towel or cloth. A main cause of buildup on glass shower doors is the residual moisture left over after every shower use. Wiping the glass dry as you get out can reduce a lot of mineral buildup.
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Mix lemon juice with hot water and place in a spray bottle for use on areas where mineral deposits are not as heavily built up. The lemon juice will not be as strong as the vinegar spray but should work well on mild cases of deposit and buildup.
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Choose a commercial bathroom cleaner that contains phosphoric acid to remove mineral deposits from your glass shower door. More expensive than the methods listed above and potentially more dangerous (because of the chemical content of the cleaner), commercial cleaners are capable of removing built-up deposits quickly and effectively.
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Invest in a water softener to help reduce mineral deposit buildup over time. Water softeners help break up and dissolve minerals that enter the home through the pipe system. This helps deter and eliminate buildup on shower doors and other bathroom fixtures. Call the local municipality for information about specific requirements in your area.
The Drip Cap
- Mineral deposits are caused by a high mineral content in water.
- Removing mineral deposits from glass shower doors is a matter of abrasive cleaning techniques and a little old-fashioned elbow grease.
- Be sure to fully saturate the area and let the excess vinegar drip into the bottom of the stall; it will do no harm.
- Wipe the area dry with a soft absorbent towel or cloth.
- Mix lemon juice with hot water and place in a spray bottle for use on areas where mineral deposits are not as heavily built up.
References
Resources
Writer Bio
Trish Popovitch is a freelance writer with 10 years of professional writing experience and a degree in the social sciences. A former print journalist and current blogger and magazine writer, her content writing is a reflection of her varied background.
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