We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more.

9 Best Shower Glass Cleaners of 2024

It’s the foolproof way to keep your shower free of soap scum

Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover

The Spruce / Lecia Landis

Glass shower doors are like magnets for soap scum, water spots, and other mineral buildup. These pesky residues can make an otherwise sparkling bathroom look dirty. Luckily, consistent cleaning will make the job easier and keep future buildup at bay. 

"The more someone follows a routine to prevent mold, mildew, and soap scum from forming, the less likely they will need to resort to a heavy-duty acid-based cleaner or need to use them as frequently," says Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst from EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaners.

We think conventional shower glass cleaners have many advantages over do it yourself versions. “A specialized product designed for the job can ensure effective cleaning without causing any harm to the glass,” says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. Using a cleaner that contains ammonia or vinegar can help remove soap scum and hard water stains, she says. Many glass cleaners also deliver a protective coating, which can help make future cleaning tasks easier.

But you need the right tools to do the job effectively. That's why we researched the top shower glass cleaners, considering each one's scent, ingredients, environmental impact, efficacy, and overall value.

Best Overall

Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover

Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover

Amazon

What We Like
  • No-scrub formula

  • Can be used on multiple surfaces

  • Ultra-clear, streak-free finish

What We Don't Like
  • Works best with a removable shower head

Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover is our top pick for tackling soap scum and other buildup, because it's powerful, versatile, and exceptionally easy to use. But the shower is not the only spot where you can use the hardworking cleaner—it works on other bathroom surfaces, including sinks and counters, too. You can even use the non-abrasive formula on showers with stone tile. 

Simply mist it onto ceramic tile, fiberglass, stone, plastic, chrome, porcelain, and glass, and watch it work its magic, quickly dissolving mineral buildup and water spots. There’s absolutely no scrubbing required.

As the name suggests, you just spray it on your shower in an even layer, let it sit for three minutes, and wipe it away. (If you have a removable shower head, you can even rinse it off.) The result is crystal clear, shiny, and streak-free glass. 

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: N/A | Dimensions: 11 x 4 x 2 inches

Best Value

CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover

CLR Multi-Use Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Industrial-strength formula

  • Can be used on multiple surfaces

  • EPA-certified

What We Don't Like
  • Must mix with water and apply with sponge

  • Slightly acidic scent

It may be less than $6, but this industrial-strength solution instantly removes some of the toughest spots, including soap scum, calcium, lime, and hard water deposits, to leave your shower or tub pristine. 

Still, it’s safe to use on a variety of surfaces, including plastic, ceramic tile, stainless steel, and porcelain. Avoid using it on stone counters or tile, but otherwise you can use this concentrate to clean most of your bathroom. 

Just note: CLR isn’t available in a spray formula, so there’s a few things to do before you actually get to work. The concentrate needs to be mixed with equal parts warm water. Once that is done, you can apply it to whatever surface you’re cleaning with a cloth, sponge, or brush. The entire process is relatively safe, since CLR doesn’t contain any ammonia, bleach, or phosphates and is approved by the EPA's Safer Choice program.

Type: Concentrate | Amount: 28 ounces | Scent: Slightly acidic | Dimensions: 8.1 x 2.1 x 5.25 inches

Best for Hard Water

Bio-Clean Hard Water Stain Remover

Bio-Clean Hard Water Stain Remover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Biodegradable

  • Industrial strength

  • Scrubs and spreads easily

What We Don't Like
  • Labor-intensive cleaning process

  • Abrasive; can scratch soft surfaces

When you have hard water, your glass shower door is more susceptible to those pesky white spots—that’s because of all of the calcium in the water. Stock this industrial-strength cleaner from Bio-Clean, which is specially formulated to remove those stubborn mineral deposits. 

The powerful solution does require some elbow grease—it’s not a spray-and-walk-away option. But to make things a little easier, you can purchase an entire kit that comes with all the tools you need: three brushes, which can be attached to an electric drill for extra scrubbing, as well as a silicone sealant to protect glass from future staining. 

No matter which option you choose, the formula is the same: highly abrasive, yet biodegradable. That's why it’s important to avoid using it on soft surfaces and any items that scratch easily—like your faucet. If you’re not sure, take the time to do a spot test in an inconspicuous area to see whether the abrasiveness is too rough for your surface.

Type: Concentrate | Amount: 20.3 ounces | Scent: N/A | Dimensions: 8 x 8 x 8 inches

Best for Soap Scum

Clean-X Repel

Clean-X Repel Glass & Surface Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Can be used on multiple surfaces

  • Leaves an invisible repellent coating

  • Easy to use

What We Don't Like
  • Doesn’t always deliver a streak-free finish

  • Cherry scent

Like hard water spots, soap scum—buildup from soap and other bathing products—can be very difficult to clean, but this dual-purpose cleaner from Clean-X makes the task a near-effortless chore. It quickly dissolves scum and other grime, and it works to coat the glass with a protective layer that helps prevent future water stains and buildup. 

The formula is spray-and-wipe, so it’s easy to apply and doesn’t require any scrubbing. (You just have to make sure to thoroughly wipe it down for a streak-free finish.) It’s also safe to use on other hard surfaces in the bathroom, like wall tile and chrome fixtures, for convenience. You can spruce up your entire bathroom while you're cleaning your shower glass. 

If there’s any downside, it’s that the product is supposed to have a cherry scent, it’s very faint.

Type: Spray | Amount: 25 ounces | Scent: Cherry | Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 6.5 inches

Best for Mold and Mildew

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover

Amazon

What We Like
  • Fast-acting formula

  • Works on a variety of surfaces

  • Safe for indoor or outdoor use

What We Don't Like
  • Bleach may damage some surfaces

For showers with mold and mildew issues, try RMR-86’s instant formula. It also removes associated stains and odors simultaneously. It also helps prevent future mold and mildew growth—all in just 15 seconds. 

You can use the product both indoors and out, and it’s easy to use: Just spray and let it sit for a few seconds, and wipe it all away with a rag or microfiber cloth. There’s no need to scrub even stubborn stains heavily, thanks to the strong bleach-infused formula.

You should always test the spray on an inconspicuous area to make sure that it won’t alter the finish or color. It’s also smart to wear protection, like gloves, and even old clothes you won’t mind ruining if some of the spray gets on them. 

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Dimensions: 3.5 x 3.5 x 10 inches

Best Water Repellent

Invisible Shield Glass & Surface Cleaner

Invisible Shield Glass & Surface Cleaner

Bed Bath and Beyond

What We Like
  • Fast-acting

  • Versatile uses

  • Temporarily repels water

What We Don’t Like
  • Water-repellent only lasts for about a week

Invisible Shield Glass & Surface Cleaner is no match for soap scum, hard water, rust, and other residues that commonly affect glass shower doors. It works in a single step—there’s no mixing, waiting, or heavy-duty scrubbing.

Simply spray the dual-action formula onto the soiled area, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. The result is a streak-free shine, complete with water-repelling properties. Like car wax, the formula works hard to coat the glass with a water-repellent that works for about a week after your cleaning session. 

We love how versatile the product is, too. Besides being a disinfectant, it’s basically the only product you need to keep your bathroom clean, since it’s approved for use on all glass, porcelain, ceramic, metal, granite, and stone. Use the spray to make wall tile, sinks, counters, appliances, and faucets shine.  

Type: Spray | Amount: 32 ounces | Scent: Fresh | Dimensions: 10.83 x 7.09 x 5.83 inches

Best Streak-Free

Rain-X Shower Door X-treme Clean

Amazon Rain-X Shower Door X-treme Clean

Amazon

What We Like
  • Easy to rinse off

  • Non-abrasive formula

  • No strong scent

What We Don’t Like
  • You need to use a lot

  • Takes extra time to wipe clean

This chemical cleaner is a gel-based product that comes in a standard squeeze bottle. The hardworking formula cleans in just three steps. Apply the cleaner to a damp cloth or directly onto the shower door. Then, scrub in a circular motion while applying light pressure. Finally, rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. 

The formula is super thick, so you have to use a fair amount to coat your shower door, and budget some extra time for wiping it all away. It’s worth the effort, though: It’s specially designed to remove soap scum, dirt, hard water buildup, calcium deposits, lime stains, and rust stains. 

Type: Gel | Amount: 12 ounces | Scent: Unscented | Dimensions: 1.79 x 3.28 x 7.87 inches

Best Foam

OxiClean Foaming Bathroom Cleaner

OxiClean Foam-Tastic Foaming Bathroom Cleaner

Amazon

What We Like
  • Indicates when you can wipe off

  • No hard scrubbing required

  • Doesn’t drip on vertical surfaces

What We Don’t Like
  • Bottle goes quickly

  • Stubborn spots require longer contact time

One of the biggest challenges when cleaning shower doors is that traditional sprays tend to drip on the vertical surface. But not this foaming formula. It sits right where you put it—even on vertical surfaces—so the stain-fighting bubbles make better contact with soap scum, hard water, calcium, and lime stains.

What’s more, the formula is color-changing to take the guesswork out—it sprays on blue and turns to white when it’s time to wipe it off. No need for hard scrubbing. All you need to remove the foam (and the grime it takes off) is a wet cloth or sponge. It’s worth noting, however, that stubborn spots may require extra contact time or even multiple applications.

The lemon-scented product is highly versatile, too, because it can be used on other bathroom surfaces, like sinks, toilets, and countertops. It might not be the most cost-effective way to clean your bathroom, though. The 19-ounce bottles are on the smaller side, and the foam doesn’t seem to have as much mileage as sprays.  

Type: Foam | Amount: 19 ounces | Scent: Citrus | Dimensions: 2.69 x 2.69 x 9.63 inches

Best Sponge

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for Bathroom and Shower

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for Bathroom and Shower

Target

What We Like
  • Easy to use

  • Textured surface

  • Fresh scent

What We Don’t Like
  • Disintegrates as you use it

Soap scum can be very stubborn. To deal with those elements, we think a Magic Eraser can be an effective tool. “Magic Erasers are made of melamine foam, which is a material that works by creating a mild abrasive effect when wet,” says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. This allows them to scrub away stubborn dirt and grime without the need for harsh chemicals or excessive scrubbing.

We like the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber Sponges, because they are just like the original Magic Erasers, but they’re infused with foaming cleansers that aid in removing soap scum, stains, and buildup that affect shower doors. There are no messy sprays or liquids to contend with. You just add water to the sponge and start scrubbing. 

It can disintegrate in your hands while you use it, but it has a contoured shape that helps you get a good enough grip. The textured surface helps improve its abrasiveness, so you don’t need a ton of elbow grease—even for tough areas like hard water stains. It also has a fresh laundry-like scent to make your bathroom smell as clean as it looks. 

Type: Sponge | Amount: 2 | Scent: Meadows and Rain | Dimensions: 1 x 6 x 8 inches

Final Verdict

Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover is our best overall pick for an all-around amazing shower door cleaner. This scrub-free formula is effective at removing soap scum, water spots, limescale, and other residues almost immediately. If you need something a bit more powerful, consider CLR Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover, our best value option. This industrial-strength solution is affordable and will get your shower door immaculately clean.

What to Look for in a Shower Glass Cleaner

Type and Use

There are all different types of shower glass cleaners, including sprays, concentrates, foams, and gels. There are also other types of tools that can help, including sponges, squeegees, and cloths. We think these tools won’t always work autonomously, but they are very helpful to have on hand for a streak-free shine. 

Some shower glass cleaners require minimal to no scrubbing. These typically include gel and foam formulas that require a few minutes of contact time. Plus, these two options work well on vertical surfaces, even though they require a little more effort to wipe away. Sprays and concentrates fall somewhere in the middle, but note that concentrates, in particular, require some upfront work in mixing.

We think sprays are the most convenient, because you simply spray and wipe. For our best overall pick, we chose Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover. It's an all-around amazing shower glass spray that is scrub-free and effective at removing soap scum, water spots, limescale, and other residue.

Scent

Scented products may make your bathroom smell nice and clean, but they have a tendency to be very potent, which may bother some people. Plant-based fragrances are often created using essential oils; they tend to have a fresh and subtle smell. Cleaning products that contain ammonia, bleach, and other harsh chemicals often come with an overpowering scent. If you're sensitive to smells, a fragrance-free formula is your best bet.

Whether it's scented or not, it's always a good idea to properly ventilate your bathroom when using a glass cleaner. Samara Geller, senior director of cleaning science from EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaners, suggests spraying the cleaner directly on your cloth or sponge in order to limit the number of airborne particles.

Ingredients 

It's hard to know what ingredients to look for in a cleaner, and each one will affect the overall formula's cleaning ability. Ammonia, isopropyl alcohol, oxygen bleach, white vinegar, and citric acid are some of the most common active ingredients found in glass shower door cleaners.

Ammonia and isopropyl alcohol are best known for their ability to cut through grease, kill germs, and achieve a streak-free shine, so if you want to really deep clean your shower doors, these might be good ingredients to look for.

If you're looking for something eco-friendly, oxygen bleach effectively removes soap scum and other stains, and it is gentler and more environmentally friendly than chlorine bleach. Both white vinegar and citric acid are eco-friendly solutions for removing soap scum and breaking down hard residue as well.

Other Cleaning Tools

While a shower glass door cleaner is an undeniably helpful tool to have in your cleaning arsenal, there are other cleaning tools that can help you get the job done more effectively. A squeegee is definitely helpful for preventing streaks and removing excess water,” says Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning. (See below for our best recommendation.)

Another unique tool to try is a steamer, she says. “This can help loosen dirt and grime and make it easier to clean without the use of harsh chemicals.”

One option that many don’t consider is a magnetic scrubber, which is a two-piece tool that allows you to clean both sides of the glass at the same time. “It works by using magnets to hold the two pieces together, so you can clean the inside and outside of the glass simultaneously,” says Toner. 

The Checkout Counter

Before you checkout, consider these helpful tools to keep your shower looking good.

  1. Hiware Shower Squeegee: For streak-free shine, use this lightweight squeegee, which we ranked as our best overall. It comes in different finishes and includes waterproof, adhesive hooks.
  2. Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, Pack of 24: Leave your glass lint-free when you clean with one of our favorite microfiber cloths.
  3. Rubber Gloves, Set of 4: Keep your hands protected while cleaning by using rubber gloves. This set comes with four colorful pairs, so you can set one aside for the bathroom, kitchen, laundry room, and floor care.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Brigitt Earley, a freelance writer with nearly 15 years of experience writing about consumer products, including shower glass cleaners. To curate this list, she scoured top retailers to find the best, most highly rated options. Then, she vetted each and sought expert guidance as she analyzed the type, ingredients, scent, and overall efficacy of each one. 

Our Experts:

  • Karina Toner, operations manager at Spekless Cleaning
  • Samara Geller, senior research and database analyst from EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaners
  • Sage McHugh, a home and lifestyle writer for The Spruce, contributed additional reporting
  • Michelle Lau, editor at The Spruce
Advertisement