Shower Door Hard Water Stains Be Gone
If you've ever struggled with soap scum or water spots on your shower door, you're not alone. Let us show you how easy it is to get that glass shining again using just three simple products, and why it's the better choice for you and the planet.
Vinegar, dish soap and a plant-based sponge are all you need to clean your shower door. This method is not only effective, it's also a more thoughtful way to clean your space and be considerate of what goes down the drain after. Here's how to do it, how it compares in cost, and why it might be a better fit for your routine.
PSST - we made a reel to prove the results are truly sparkling. Watch it here.
The ingredients
What we used:
- Dish soap - just a small squirt is enough to help lift grime
- Vinegar - we used 5%, but we carry a more concentrated 12% cleaning vinegar option that can be diluted with water to get the same effect. Use about 1 part 12% vinegar to 1.4 parts water.
- Plant-based sponge - gentle on surfaces, durable enough to scrub away buildup, and can be sanitized for lots of use.
- Scrap fabric - we grabbed a cut up old shirt from a pile of rags to polish that sucker up at the end
The method:
- Use 1 part 5% vinegar to 1 part water and add a dash of dish soap.
- Shake, then spray on shower door.
- Let sit for 5 minutes and then scrub in circular motions with the sponge.
- Rinse off and polish it off with a dry rag (again, circular motions!)
Photo by bare market
The cost
You might be wondering what the price comparison is between our DIY method and your average store-bought cleaners. Most off-the-shelf glass or bathroom cleaners in Ontario range from $4-$7 per 500ml spray bottle. But when you make your own with our refill ingredients, the cost is significantly lower.
Here's a quick breakdown using bare market bulk pricing for comparison:
- Dish Soap: We sell 5kg for $40 = ~ $0.80 per 100g. Let's assume you use a tsp amount, that's about 4 cents. If you accidentally squirt in too much, say 1 tbsp - well that's about 12 cents.
- Vinegar (12%): We sell 5kg for $20. If you first dilute this to 5% vinegar, it works out to about $1.67 per kg (or per L - whatever is easier to visualize). Let's then half that amount to compare to a 500ml off-the-shelf brand, and you've got a whopping 84 cent total.
- Water: FREE
So for an equivalent 500ml diy cleaner, your total is: $0.04 + $0.84 + $0 = 88 cents. Not bad.
➡️ Much smaller sizes are also available of dish soap and vinegar — the 5kg pricing is just used here to show the best bang for your buck. If you went with our smallest size refills (270g), you'd be looking at a total of $2.18 for 500ml of our DIY mixture ($0.55 + $2.12 + $0).
Photo by natalia menin on Unsplash
A considerate approach to cleaning
What you clean with doesn't just stay on surfaces - it eventually goes down the drain. Using this kind of mixture means you're working with a few simple, effective ingredients that are widely used, rinsed easily, and not a strain on your local ecosystem in small quantities.
When compared to store-bought options, which can include bright dyes, strong synthetic fragrances and additional additives, this mix keeps things simple. And - you're not left guessing what's going into your home or into your local water system.
Photo by JESHOOTS.COM
How this supports your sustainability journey
In fact, it’s almost always about making the most of what you already have, choosing refill options when you can, and supporting returnable or refillable packaging.
Here's an off hand list of ways this diy recipe supports a lower-impact life:
♻️ Less Waste
Refill-sized products dramatically cut down on the number of plastic bottles that end up in recycling bins, landfills, and even waterways around the world.
For example, one 5L container can replace 10 or more standard 500ml bottles.
When you shop with us, every order — big or small — is filled into our 100% reusable, lightweight packaging, designed to be returned and refilled again and again. It’s better for the planet and easier on your storage space.
🚚 Fewer Emissions
Buying in bulk means fewer shipments and deliveries, which helps reduce the carbon footprint tied to transportation. Small choices like this make a real difference over time.
🌿 Longer-Lasting Tools
The sponge used in this recipe is durable, plant-based, and built to last, helping you avoid disposable tools and reduce waste even further.
💧 Simpler Ingredients
By sticking to straightforward, simple ingredients, you’re keeping unnecessary chemicals out of your home — and out of the water system.
🌎 Small Steps Add Up
Sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. Each small swap — like this DIY shower cleaner — helps build a cleaner home and a cleaner planet.
Should you try it?
Yes. Sustainability can be small steps that add up - and this is an easy one to start with. Might as well share what you've learned too! Check out our reel HERE.
Next time your shower door needs a refresh, skip the harsh cleaners and try this easy, effective alternative. It's quick to make, easy to use, and supports a cleaner space in more ways than one.