This Cheap Kitchen Ingredient Removes Soap Scum & Water Stains From Glass Shower Doors

Hard water stains and soap scum can make a mess out of your glass shower doors. These stubborn marks are typically the result of minerals like calcium and magnesium in the water, as well as residue from bath products like shampoo and body wash. Although many cleaning products promise to make quick work of them, from store-bought shower cleaning solutions to classic distilled white vinegar, these stains can feel next to impossible to eliminate. Instead of reaching for the vinegar this time, you may have better luck with a pantry staple: coconut oil. 

You may already be using coconut oil in your shower as a hair-softener, or even to cleanse your face, but it turns out that it may also be the key to banishing hard water stains from your shower glass doors. Similarly to how coconut oil can be used to remove makeup and debris from the skin, it can help loosen these stains from the glass surface, making them easier to buff away. The key is to also include a bit of lemon juice with the coconut oil, the acidity of which can help break down mineral deposits, but won't be washed away as easily as when it's just mixed with water. You'll also want to follow up the oil cleanse with a vinegar-water rinsing solution. Here's how to use coconut oil on your shower doors for the best possible result. 

In a microwave-safe dish, add about ½ cup of coconut oil, then put it in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or just until the oil starts to turn into liquid. Add a splash of lemon juice and stir to combine. Next, apply the solution to the interior side of the shower doors. This part is going to look scary, as you're basically greasing up your shower doors and leaving even more unsightly streaks behind. Just ignore the mess while gently buffing the solution in with a microfiber cloth, taking extra care toward the bottom of the door where hard water stains may be the most concentrated. 

Once you've spread the solution evenly over the door, it's time for the vinegar rinse. In a spray bottle, add equal parts white distilled vinegar and distilled water. Generously spray the glass, then use a fresh microfiber cloth to work it in. This will cut through the oil while washing away the mineral deposits and stains, preventing a greasy film from forming on the glass. Rinse everything well with water, then use another dry towel or squeegee to give the door a final polish — you should be left with a remarkably clear glass shower door! 

You already know not to pour oil down your kitchen sink drain. Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it's also important to use extreme caution when using it in your shower, as it can clog pipes, especially when combined with hair. Take care not to rinse the oil directly down the drain, making sure it's thoroughly absorbed by the cloths instead. If you're concerned about oil stains on your towels, use older, dark towels, and launder them quickly after use. Leftover supplies? Try using coconut oil and vinegar to kill roaches in your home.