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How To Clean Discolorations from Glass

There's a wide variety of stains that can occur on glass. In the case of shower glass, many of them are due to the constant heat and humidity, as well as the heavy use and the potential for buildup of body oils, mineral deposits and other residues. Most household glass is fairly resistant to cleaning chemicals and to scratching. However, shower glass may be treated with materials that make it more susceptible to damage while cleaning. These instructions are created to minimize risk of damage to shower glass.

Some discolorations are significant enough to be more severe than light soil, but their origin is not always clear. Try this cyclical cleaning technique to alleviate discolorations, and treat stains of mysterious origin. Recently installed shower door glass is a regulated type of safety glass, but features such as protective vinyl coating, textures and decorative appliqués can vary and may affect your decision on how to deal with the stain. Test all cleaning solutions and application techniques in an inconspicuous location before using them in a wider area.

Brush any loose debris away from the shower glass. Use a clean sponge to wipe the glass well with a lightly sudsy solution of mild dish liquid and water. Rinse the shower glass well with water. Pat dry with clean paper towels. Peel a lemon or orange and discard the fruit and pith. Lightly score the colorful outside of the peel to release natural oils containing the de-greasing active ingredient d-limonene. Rub the scored side of the peel on the discolorations, using gentle pressure and a circular motion. Set the peel aside. Rinse the shower door well with water. Next, use a clean sponge to wipe a cleaning solution of 1/2 cup of a powdered "oxygenated" cleaning product containing sodium percarbonate - a commercially available example is Oxyclean. Rinse the shower door well with water. Use a squeegee to wick away excess water. In the areas that are still more noticeably discolored, use a clean rag to apply rubbing alcohol to the stain.

Repeat this cycle of cleaning solutions until the stain is alleviated to your satisfaction. Finish with a light overall cleaning of first sponging with a lightly sudsy solution of mild dish liquid and water. Use a squeegee to wick away water and prevent excess moisture that can encourage further staining. Finally, wipe the area with crumpled newspaper dampened with rubbing alcohol to help provide your shower glass with a happy, streak-free ending.

If you are dissatisfied with the results, try the various solutions for specific shower glass stains that are provided in this section. Remember to rinse well between methods, and not to mix cleaning agents or chemicals.


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