Few things ruin a bathroom’s appearance faster than cloudy shower glass or streaky mirrors. Even if the floor and sink are spotless, one glance at foggy glass makes the whole space feel dirty.
I know the feeling too well. I used to scrub my shower door with whatever sponge was lying around, getting frustrated that water spots still stuck no matter how much effort I put in. It wasn’t until I learned a few professional tricks—like letting vinegar sit first and using microfiber instead of paper towels—that cleaning became quick and satisfying.
This guide will walk you through step-by-step methods, the best supplies to use, and hacks to keep your glass and mirrors looking new for longer.
👉 For a complete bathroom plan, see our Bathroom Cleaning Master Guide.
Why Shower Glass and Mirrors Get Dirty
Bathrooms combine three tricky enemies of glass:
- Hard water spots. Minerals dry onto the surface and form cloudy patches.
- Soap scum. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash leave sticky films.
- Steam & condensation. Fog makes streaks worse.
- Touch marks. Toothpaste splatters, fingerprints, and hairspray leave residue.
💡 Think of your bathroom glass as a magnet—it attracts minerals, soap, and steam until you create a barrier or wipe them away consistently.
Supplies You’ll Need
- White vinegar (natural cleaner).
- Baking soda for scrubbing.
- Spray bottle.
- Microfiber cloths (no lint).
- Squeegee.
- Rubber gloves.
- Optional: commercial glass treatment spray (like Rain-X).
👉 See our Best Bathroom Cleaning Supplies & Tools for full recommendations.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Shower Glass
1. Spray with Vinegar Solution
Mix vinegar + water (1:1). Spray the entire shower door and let it sit 10–15 minutes.
- Why: Vinegar breaks down hard water minerals and softens scum.
- Mistake to avoid: wiping too early. Letting it sit does the heavy lifting.
2. Scrub Soap Scum with Baking Soda
Make paste (3 parts baking soda, 1 part water). Apply with soft sponge or cloth.
- Why: Baking soda is mildly abrasive—it scrubs without scratching glass.
- Where: Focus on lower areas of glass where soap splashes most.
💡 I once gave up on a cloudy patch until I tried baking soda paste. Ten minutes later, it looked brand new.
3. Rinse and Squeegee for Streak-Free Finish
Rinse glass with warm water. Then use a squeegee, pulling top to bottom in straight lines.
- Why: Straight lines prevent streak marks that zig-zags cause.
- Tip: Wipe the squeegee blade after each pass.
4. Optional: Apply Glass Treatment
A hydrophobic spray (like Rain-X) repels water.
- Lasts weeks to months.
- Reduces spotting between cleans.
Step-by-Step: How to Clean Bathroom Mirrors
1. Prepare Cleaner
Use vinegar + water solution or commercial glass cleaner.
2. Spray Lightly
Less is more—too much spray causes streaks.
3. Wipe with Microfiber Cloth
Use an “S” motion side to side. Microfiber prevents lint.
- Mistake: using paper towels, which leave fuzz and waste more product.
4. Prevent Fogging
Rub thin layer of shaving cream on mirror, then buff dry. Acts as anti-fog barrier.
💡 Story: My bathroom mirror used to fog every morning shower. Since trying shaving cream once a month, it stays clear—even during the steamiest showers.
Tips to Keep Glass & Mirrors Clean Longer
- Squeegee daily. Takes 30 seconds, prevents buildup.
- Run exhaust fan. Reduces steam that causes fog.
- Declutter shower. Fewer bottles = less residue.
- Keep microfiber cloth handy. Quick wipe after brushing teeth = streak-free mirror daily.
👉 Add these into your Bathroom Cleaning Checklist routine.
Lifestyle Variations
- Busy households: Hang a squeegee in the shower for quick swipes after each use.
- Apartments with hard water: Use vinegar more often—weekly instead of monthly.
- Families with kids: Teach kids to spray and wipe mirrors—it doubles as a fun chore.
Eco-Friendly Options
- Vinegar + water for daily use.
- Baking soda paste for scrubbing.
- Lemon juice mixed with water for fresh scent and shine.
👉 More in Eco-Friendly Bathroom Cleaning Tips.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using abrasive scrub pads → scratches glass.
- Spraying too much cleaner → streaks worse.
- Skipping daily wipes → buildup happens quickly.
- Ignoring corners → dust and mildew hide there.
FAQs
Q: Can I use vinegar on all surfaces?
Safe for glass, but avoid marble or stone near shower.
Q: How often should I deep clean shower glass?
Weekly if you don’t squeegee daily; monthly if you do.
Q: Is commercial glass spray better than vinegar?
Both work—vinegar is cheaper and eco-friendly, commercial sprays last longer.
Q: How do I stop mirrors from fogging permanently?
Install better ventilation + use shaving cream anti-fog monthly.
Q: Quick fix before guests?
Spray vinegar, wipe with microfiber, finish with dry buff. Takes 2 minutes.
Closing
Streaky mirrors and cloudy shower doors don’t mean endless scrubbing—they just mean you need the right method. With vinegar, baking soda, and a simple squeegee, your bathroom glass can look crystal clear in minutes.
👉 For the full bathroom routine, head to our Bathroom Cleaning Master Guide.