The Easiest Hack For Cleaning Water Stains Off Glass Shower Doors

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Glass shower doors are notoriously hard to keep clean. They're prone to getting marred by everything from soap scum to hard water and can require near-constant scrubbing — and lots of elbow grease — to stay clear and shiny. It's such a chore that keeping them clean is one of the worst downsides of installing glass shower doors. Don't worry, though, as there's an easy cleaning hack you can try with products you probably already have in your house. Just grab a few microfiber cloths and some WD-40, a lubricant commonly used to fix squeaky door hinges and remove grease (although the company says it was once even used to squeeze a naked burglar out of an air vent!), to remove water stains off glass shower doors. 

This easy hack is among the genius tips for using WD-40 at home. The "W" and "D" in WD-40 stand for water displacement, and the product is a mix of solvents and lubricants that users report is actually a great cleaner for a long list of surfaces, including glass shower doors. As an added perk, those water displacement properties even help to repel future stains and grime from your glass shower doors. 

When cleaning your glass shower doors, carefully spray the WD-40 onto a clean cloth. This method ensures that the product goes only on the glass, where you want it, and doesn't end up on any of the places WD-40 should never be used. In your bathroom, this list includes natural stone — like your marble tile shower floor or granite countertop — where, if the surface isn't sealed properly, an errant spray of the lubricating oil could leave permanent staining.

Start by wiping your shower doors down with a microfiber cloth to remove any surface soap scum or dirt. Next, generously spray a new cloth with WD-40 and wipe down the doors. Let the product sit for about 15 minutes, and with a clean cloth, use a circular motion to wipe the doors. Once most of the product is removed, rinse the doors with hot water, and you're done. One more tip while you're at it: If the metal on your shower doors has any rust, spray the area with some WD-40, and let it sit for a few minutes before gently scrubbing away.

While it might be tempting to spray WD-40 directly onto the shower doors while cleaning, this isn't the best plan of attack. Since WD-40 is a blend of lubricants, any spray that misses the glass door and lands on the shower floor might create a slippery situation for the next person who showers. You also want to avoid rinsing WD-40 off your doors and down your drain every time you clean. While WD-40 can be used occasionally to loosen minor drain blockages, over time a build-up of WD-40 in your metal pipes could cause them to corrode. 

The petroleum in WD-40 can cause problems, too. First, it isn't great for the environment, particularly if it's being washed down the drain and into water treatment plants. Second, overspray could break down gaskets and rubber seals around the door, causing water to escape and puddle on the bathroom floor. This can lead to mildew and damage, and create a slipping hazard.