Homemade Shower Cleaner: The Best DIY Formula for Spotless Glass Doors
When soap scum and hard water stains take over your shower, it can feel impossible to get your doors looking clean again. But with this homemade shower cleaner, you can tackle grime without harsh chemicals.
This DIY solution is great for cleaning glass shower doors and making them look brand new.
Here’s how you can make it yourself and enjoy a spotless bathroom once again!
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Tools and Materials:
- Citric Acid
- Dishwashing Liquid
- ½ tsp  Xanthan Gum
- A few drops of  Lemon Essential Oil
- A cloth
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1. Mix Up Your Homemade Shower Cleaner
Start by pouring 3.5 ounces of citric acid into a bowl and slowly add about 2.5 ounces of warm water.
Mix until the citric acid dissolves.
Next, add 2 teaspoons of dishwashing liquid and stir gently.
Now comes the xanthan gum, which can be tricky. You will need 1/2 a teaspoon.
While using a whisk or stick blender sprinkle it slowly while mixing to avoid clumps. You want a smooth gel-like consistency.
Finally, add a few drops of lemon essential oil for that fresh, clean scent — trust me, this makes all the difference!
Let the gel sit for a few minutes to thicken properly.
Once it’s thickened, transfer it into a squeeze bottle.
If you only have a spray bottle, simply add a bit of warm water to thin the mixture slightly, making it easier to spray.
Looking for a Daily Shower Cleaner
2. Apply the Cleaner to the Shower Doors
Spread the cleaner evenly over the surface of your shower door glass with a soft sponge. Focus on areas with heavy buildup.
Apply a thick layer to give the cleaner time to work.
3. Let the Cleaner Sit
Let the cleaner sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the citric acid time to dissolve soap scum and mineral deposits.
4. Give the Doors a Scrub
Use a sponge to scrub the shower door glass. The hard water stains should melt away effortlessly.
5. Rinse the Shower Doors
Rinse the doors with warm water, using a bucket or showerhead.
For a streak-free finish, use a squeegee to remove excess water.
Why This DIY Shower Door Cleaner Is a Great Natural Solution
- The citric acid breaks down tough mineral deposits, leaving surfaces shiny and spotless.
- Dishwashing liquid helps cut through lingering grime
- Xanthan gum thickens the mixture, ensuring it clings to vertical surfaces long enough for a thorough clean.
No Xanthan Gum? No Problem!
Before and After
How to Make a Homemade Shower Cleaner With Citric Acid & Xantham Gum
There you have it—an easy and effective DIY shower door cleaner that leaves your bathroom looking pristine without the use of harsh chemicals.
Whether you’re tackling shower door cleaning or scrubbing the shower walls, this recipe is a game-changer. Try it out, and don’t forget to share your results in the comments!
For more DIY cleaning tips, check out how to use this cleaner on other surfaces like toilets and faucets!
Comments
Join the conversation
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Or you could buy a cheap squeegee and wipe water after each use, then dry residue with a towel. It takes about 30 seconds. I installed my shower doors over 15 years ago and they are almost as clear as when I installed them.
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I actually did that until I learned about flooding.. but the shower head has to be removable, you just hold it at the top and let the water flood down each wall, you can watch it disappear to the floor.. I seen it on Below Deck .. they do it to fiberglass boats! ..
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Yes!!! ....a lil Dawn with water in a spray bottle is ALL I need. ...been doing this for 20 years.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
Where do you get the GUM stuff from? And citric acid?
How do you make citric acid?