Start with mild routine cleaning and work a small section at a time. The cleaner that runs off the glass also touches the metal rail, curb and floor. Choose for all those surfaces before treating hard-water buildup.
In this answer
Which cleaner belongs on each surface?
Scroll across to read every column.
| Surface / source | Routine method | Restriction |
|---|---|---|
| Delta shower door and its metal components | Mild detergent with warm soapy water; nonabrasive cloth or sponge; rinse thoroughly | Avoid ammonia and household hydrogen peroxide on these Delta doors. |
| Natural stone / Natural Stone Institute | Neutral cleaner, stone soap or mild liquid dish detergent with warm water; soft cloth; thorough rinse and dry | Acids can etch calcareous stone such as marble. Avoid excessive cleaner concentration, which can leave a film. |
| Tile, grout and sealant | Identify the surface and the cleaner’s listed uses before treating stubborn deposits | A glass descaler may run onto stone or damage a nearby finish. |
Glass over a marble curb needs extra care
Follow the water: glass → bottom rail → curb → floor. A descaler used at the top reaches everything below. On marble, acidic runoff can leave a dull etched patch. A towel absorbs some liquid but will not isolate the stone.
For this combination, start with the mild wash above. If a glass-only product cannot be used on the curb or hardware, leave it out of the routine. This avoids turning one cloudy pane into a finish-repair job.
The cleaning sequence
On a Delta door, wipe with warm soapy water and a nonabrasive cloth or sponge, then rinse thoroughly. Start at an inconspicuous spot and check for discoloration before cleaning the rest. Use one cleaner at a time.
For natural stone, use a neutral stone cleaner or the mild-detergent routine in the table. Rinse away the solution and dry with a soft cloth. Change dirty rinse water so you are removing the residue rather than spreading it. Follow the cleaner’s dilution instructions: extra soap can leave its own film.
Still cloudy after it dries?
Compare the cleaned section with the untouched glass once both are dry. A clearer patch means the wash removed at least part of the film. An unchanged patch needs the deposit check below. Stop if you see new scratches, dullness or color transfer.
Loose or separating caulk needs a joint repair. Repeatedly scrubbing the surface will leave the opening underneath. Use the caulk guide if water is getting into that gap.
Check the surfaces on the runoff path.
Open shower checklistSources
- Natural Stone Institute: Care and Cleaning of Natural Stone ↗
Stone cleaning, acid sensitivity and residue from excess detergent.
- Delta shower doors: Care & Cleaning ↗
Routine care and chemical restrictions for Delta shower doors.
- Kohler: Shower Door CleanCoat Glass Treatment ↗
CleanCoat cleaning limits and fogging.