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How to tackle stubborn shower glass limescale — the simple solution is hiding in your kitchen

How to remove limescale from your shower glass
How to remove limescale from your shower glass (Image credit: Future)

Battling limescale on shower glass is one of bathroom cleaning's most persistent challenges. Those stubborn, chalky deposits appear when minerals in hard water evaporate, leaving behind unsightly stains that can make even a recently cleaned bathroom look neglected.

You may have encountered the viral TikTok lemon hack for tackling limescale, but this method often falls short when dealing with larger surfaces like shower doors. For related cleaning projects, such as how to clean a shower head, you'll need a similar but slightly modified approach.

What you'll need 

  • White vinegar or limescale remover
  • A spray bottle
  • A soft cloth or sponge
  • A squeegee
  • Protective gloves
  • Lemon and baking soda (optional)

1. Prepare the cleaning solution

(Image: © Shutterstock)

Before you begin, gather all the necessary materials you need. If using vinegar, mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water in a spray bottle. For stubborn buildup, you can use undiluted vinegar.

If you prefer a product for removing limescale on showerglass, follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and application.

2. Apply the solution

(Image: © Future)

Put on your protective gloves, then generously spray the cleaning solution onto the affected areas of your shower glass. Make sure to cover all the limescale-encrusted spots.

Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes to allow it to break down the mineral deposits.

3. Remedies for stubborn spots

(Image: © Shutterstock)

For particularly stubborn limescale, cut a lemon in half and dip the cut side in baking soda. Rub this directly on the affected areas, allowing the citric acid and abrasive texture to work together. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes.

For larger areas, you can make a paste with lemon juice and baking soda, apply it to the glass and let it sit.

4. Scrub gently

(Image: © Future)

Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently scrub the glass in circular motions. Pay extra attention to areas with heavy limescale buildup. Avoid using abrasive materials like steel wool, as these can scratch the glass surface.

5. Rinse thoroughly

(Image: © Shutterstock)

After scrubbing, rinse the glass thoroughly with warm water. You can use the shower head or a bucket of water to ensure all the cleaning solution and loosened limescale are washed away.

6. Squeegee and dry

(Image: © Future)

Use a squeegee to remove excess water from the glass, working from top to bottom in overlapping strokes. Alternatively, an electric window vac will work, such as Karcher's WV N Plus N Cordless Window Vacuum.

Finally, buff the glass with a clean, dry microfiber cloth to achieve a streak-free finish.


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(Image credit: Future)

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Kaycee Hill
How-to Editor

Kaycee is Tom's Guide's How-To Editor, known for tutorials that skip the fluff and get straight to what works. She writes across AI, homes, phones, and everything in between — because life doesn't stick to categories and neither should good advice. With years of experience in tech and content creation, she's built her reputation on turning complicated subjects into straightforward solutions. Kaycee is also an award-winning poet and co-editor at Fox and Star Books. Her debut collection is published by Bloodaxe, with a second book in the works.

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