Keeping your shower screens spotless is almost impossible as there will always be at least one water mark, but one woman has shared a cleaning hack that is simple and effective
It’s a simple and effective hack
Homeowners are rushing to try a 10p cleaning trick that’s gone viral on TikTok and it promises to leave your shower screen sparkling clean without a single water mark.
The clever hack, shared by lifestyle creator Kerry Whelpdale to her 24.4K followers, has already gained thousands of likes and favourites from people impressed by how simple and effective it is. In the short clip, which has more than 5,600 likes and 3,400 favourites, Kerry reveals that the secret to keeping your shower screen spotless isn’t an expensive cleaner or specialist spray, it’s a sheet of baking paper.
After cleaning the glass as usual, she simply wipes it over with the baking paper, creating a thin, invisible film that repels water. According to bathroom and kitchen experts at Plumbworld, the method works because baking paper contains a light wax coating that helps water glide off the glass instead of drying into streaks or marks.
“When you wipe baking paper across a shower screen, you’re essentially creating a water-resistant layer,” a spokesperson explained. “That coating stops droplets from clinging to the surface, which prevents limescale and soap scum from building up.” The trick costs next to nothing, around 10p per sheet and most households already have baking paper in the kitchen.
Unlike chemical sprays or polishing agents, it doesn’t leave behind a strong smell, residue, or chemical traces, making it ideal for homes with children or pets.
It’s a simple and effective hack
Experts say it can be particularly effective in hard water areas, where mineral deposits often leave cloudy stains and streaks on bathroom glass. The wax film formed by the baking paper helps protect against this, keeping the surface clear for longer and cutting down the need for constant scrubbing. Experts recommend combining the method with a simple daily routine for the best results.
“After each shower, wiping the glass with a squeegee or soft towel helps reduce water spots,” they advise. “Following that with the baking paper trick once or twice a week makes a noticeable difference and keeps your shower screen looking freshly cleaned.” Bathroom cleaning is a task many people find time-consuming, particularly when it comes to removing limescale or streaks that seem to return overnight.
That’s one reason why practical, affordable cleaning tips like this have become so popular especially when they use everyday items rather than specialist products. For those keen to try it, experts suggest starting with a clean, dry shower screen. Take a fresh sheet of baking paper and wipe it evenly across the glass using light, circular motions. This helps spread the wax coating evenly and ensures a smooth finish.
The process takes less than two minutes and can keep your shower looking clear for several days, depending on how often it’s used. The science behind it is simple but effective. The wax layer on baking paper, which prevents food from sticking during baking, naturally repels water.
When applied to a shower screen, it has the same effect, stopping droplets from settling and reducing the amount of residue left behind as the water evaporates. Another advantage of this trick is that it can extend the life of your shower glass. Continuous water exposure and mineral deposits can dull the surface over time, but a water-repelling barrier helps protect the clarity and shine of the glass. It’s also far cheaper than applying commercial glass coatings, which can cost several pounds per use. Unlike some viral cleaning trends that rely on vinegar, lemon juice or harsh mixtures that may damage sealants or fittings, this one is safe for most modern shower enclosures. As the expert note, “It’s a quick, low-cost way to prevent build-up and keep your bathroom looking its best without constant polishing.” So, before reaching for expensive cleaning sprays or chemical treatments, it might be worth checking your kitchen cupboard instead. For less than the price of a cup of tea and a few minutes of your time, a simple sheet of baking paper can leave your shower screen gleaming, proving that sometimes, the most effective cleaning solutions are also the simplest.
