How To Clean Stubborn Limescale From A Shower Screen

Although a common issue, limescale build up on shower screens can be a particularly frustrating issue. What’s more, without the right cleaning strategies in place, it can also prove extremely difficult to remove!

If you’ve noticed cloudy or chalky patches developing on the glass, keep reading to restore your shower screen to its full sparkle. 

Below, we’ve shared a handy best practice cleaning guide for removing stubborn limescale on shower screens. 

What is limescale, and what causes it?

Limescale is a chalky, white residue, which can commonly develop on glass surfaces in bathrooms. 

Limescale deposits start to develop when hard water evaporates. As this occurs, calcium and magnesium are left behind on the glass surface. Over time, these build up to form chalky residues or cloudy streaks. As shower screens are particularly exposed to water splashes, they are one of the most common areas where you see limescale develop. 

The longer it is left to escalate, the harder it is to shift the limescale. In fact, in severe cases, the limescale can actually start to cause permanent scratches and damage to the glass. 

Best ways to remove limescale

1. White vinegar and water

• Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water.
• Add the mixture to a clean and dry spray bottle.
• Spray the mixture liberally across the glass. 
• Allow it to soak for 15 minutes.
• Using a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, gently scrub the glass, using circular motions.
• Rinse the mixture away with water.

2. Lemon juice

• Cut a lemon in half. 
• Rub the lemon directly on the glass, using circular motions, and gently squeezing the lemon throughout (to ensure it keeps releasing juice across the glass).
• Allow it to soak for 5 minutes.
• Rinse the juice away with water.

3. Baking soda

• Combine around 20g of baking soda with a few drops of water, to form a thick paste.
• Using a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, apply the paste directly to the areas of limescale. 
• Allow it to soak for 20 minutes.
• Using a soft sponge or microfibre cloth, gently scrub the glass, using circular motions.
• Combine equal parts of white vinegar and warm water, and add the mixture to a clean and dry spray bottle. 
• Spray the vinegar mixture onto the baking soda patches. 
• Finally, rinse the mixture away with water.

4. Commercial cleaners

Alternatively, if you’re struggling to see results with these household methods, there are a wide range of commercial cleaning solutions available. 

These include:

• Limescale removers
• Bathroom descalers
• Anti-scale glass cleaners
• Magic erasers

These high performance chemicals are a great way to tackle particularly stubborn limescale buildups. 

At Stevenage Glass, we are one of the UK’s leading glaziers, trusted by property owners across the country to supply everything from Juliet balconies to bespoke glass shower screens. So, if you’re looking to upgrade your bathroom, get in touch to find out more.