How to clean a shower screen

Inspired by a helpful cleaning guide from Very Berry Cleaning, a professional cleaning company based in Bristol. Their short video on removing limescale from shower glass is one of the clearest demonstrations we've come across — good on the dwell time needed before scrubbing, and honest about which products actually shift heavy build-up versus the ones that barely touch it.

1. Gather your materials

White vinegar is the starting point for most limescale jobs. It's cheap, food-safe, and acid enough to break down calcium deposits without scratching glass. For heavier build-up, a dedicated limescale remover (Viakal is the most widely available in UK supermarkets) does the job faster. You'll also need a non-scratch cloth or sponge, a squeegee, rubber gloves, and an old spray bottle if decanting the vinegar.

2. Make up your cleaning solution

For light-to-medium limescale, neat white vinegar works well. For heavy deposits, mix equal parts vinegar and washing-up liquid in the spray bottle — the washing-up liquid helps the solution cling to vertical glass rather than running straight off. If you're going straight for a commercial product, follow the dilution instructions on the bottle.

3. Wet the screen first

Run the shower for a minute or spray the screen with warm water. A warm, slightly damp surface takes the solution better than a cold dry one. Limescale that's been softened slightly by warmth is noticeably easier to shift.

4. Apply and leave to dwell

Spray the screen generously, working from the top down, and let it sit for at least five minutes. For heavy build-up, 10 to 15 minutes is better. That said, don't let the solution dry on the glass — on a hot day, check it after a few minutes and re-spray if needed. The dwell time is what does most of the actual work.

5. Scrub in circles

Use a non-scratch cloth or sponge and work in small circular motions. You'll feel the texture change as the limescale breaks up. Pay particular attention to the bottom edge where water sits, the hinges, and the lower corners. For very stubborn spots, a soft toothbrush or a small plastic brush works well in tight areas.

6. Rinse thoroughly

Rinse the screen from top to bottom with clean warm water, making sure all the cleaning solution comes off. Any residue left on the glass will attract new deposits more quickly. A handheld shower head makes this much easier than a jug.

7. Squeegee and dry

Use a squeegee in downward strokes to remove the water, then buff with a dry microfibre cloth. This step makes a bigger difference than most people expect — it's water drying on the glass that leaves new marks. To be fair, most of us don't squeegee after every shower. But if you can manage it every few days, limescale becomes almost a non-issue.

8. Apply a glass protector (optional)

Rain-X or a similar water-repellent treatment applied to clean, dry glass gives future water something to run off rather than sit on. Apply a small amount to a cloth, buff it in, and polish off the residue. It won't last forever but it does extend the time between proper cleans significantly.

When to call a handyman

Limescale on the screen is a cleaning job, not a repair job. But if the seals around the screen are leaking, the hinges are stiff or failing, or the screen needs replacing entirely, Richard can help with those.