The shower cleaning mistake leaving stains on your glass screens

Cleaning shower glass so that it sparkles can seem like an unattainable goal with layers of soap scum and limescale buildup to contend with.

But when we don't get the result we want from cleaning products it's likely to be the method we're using that's at fault.

It's something cleaning expert Jacqueline Stein has been trying to correct with her Instagram series, "You're Cleaning It Wrong".

Watch the video above.

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After helping us rethink how we clean our kitchen sink and bathtub, she's moved on to glass shower panels.

The first mistake she said we might be making is not leaving our cleaning product on the shower glass for long enough before we start cleaning.

"Most people grab some shower cleaner on their door, grab a sponge or a wipe and just start scrubbing away, but that's exactly why your shower never actually looks clean," she said in an Instagram post.

"When I spray my showers with a mixture of vinegar, water and a little dish soap I don't touch it for at least 15 minutes. Why? Because the cleaner needs time to break down the soap scum and grime. If you wipe right away you're only removing the surface layer, the dirt underneath stays stuck and you end up cleaning again way too soon."

If you're using a store-bought cleaner, the information on the back of the product should tell you how long to let it sit before wiping away, usually it's at least five to 10 minutes.

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Another mistake Stein said she's seen people make is tackling all stains the same way. So if your shower glass has stains you'll require more than just your regular shower cleaner to get rid of them.

Due to the oomph needed to get rid of hard water stains look beyond vinegar and try something more heavy duty – as long as it's safe for shower glass.

"Hard water stains need extra power – try Bar Keepers Friend... a magic eraser, or even a razor blade (carefully!) to tackle calcium buildup," she added.

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The third mistake isn't something we're doing while cleaning the shower, but a habit that will make the shower easier to clean when you do it each week or fortnight.

Sorry to everyone who wants to step straight out of a relaxing shower into a fluffy towel (this writer included), but it's squeegeeing the shower after every use.

"I know, I know, it feels like a chore but it literally takes 10 seconds and it saves you hours of scrubbing later. Skipping this step is why your glass door keeps getting those cloudy water spots and hard water stains," Stein explained.

"Trust me – future you will thank present you if you just squeegee."

The squeegee tip was backed up in the comment section of Stein's Instagram reel.

"Yes! Squeegeeing after every shower is a huge help for keeping your shower clean!" a woman said.

It's a little easier to make this a habit if you keep a squeegee in the shower ready to go as it serves as a reminder.

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If it helps make the squeegee tip feel a little more important, know that using it to remove excess water from both the glass and the wall tiles helps prevent mould in the bathroom.

Removing water from the shower not only stops mould growing on the glass and on grout, it helps the entire bathroom by reducing the amount of moisture in the space. This means even less cleaning later on, which is something we all want.

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