A clean shower is one of the easiest ways to elevate the look and feel of your bathroom. But if you have shower doors, you know how quickly they can accumulate soap scum, water spots, and grime. While it’s tempting to ignore them until they’re fully covered in buildup, a little maintenance goes a long way in keeping your shower doors sparkling clean. In this blog, we’ll share effective tips and tricks to keep your shower doors looking as good as new, with minimal effort.
1. Use a Squeegee After Every Shower
The best way to prevent soap scum and hard water stains from forming on your shower doors is to use a squeegee after each use. Simply wipe down the glass doors with a squeegee to remove water droplets. This helps prevent mineral deposits, which contribute to water spots and stains. Not only will this keep your doors looking clean, but it’ll also save you time in the long run.
Pro Tip: Keep a squeegee in your shower for easy access. It only takes a few seconds to run it over the glass, but the results are worth it.
2. Rinse with Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most effective (and affordable) cleaners when it comes to battling soap scum and mineral deposits. You can make a simple vinegar solution by mixing equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution generously on the shower doors and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. The acidity of vinegar will break down soap scum and water deposits, making it easier to wipe them away.
Pro Tip: If you have particularly stubborn buildup, heat the vinegar before applying it. Warm vinegar works even better at dissolving grime.
3. Scrub with Baking Soda
For more stubborn stains or grime that vinegar alone can’t tackle, try using baking soda. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with water (or vinegar for a more potent solution), and then apply it to the affected areas of your shower doors. Gently scrub with a sponge or soft brush, focusing on any areas with built-up soap scum or water stains.
Pro Tip: Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so it’s safe to use on glass without scratching the surface. Just be sure not to scrub too hard, especially if your doors have delicate finishes.
3. Use a Commercial Cleaner (When Necessary)
If you’re dealing with tough, stubborn grime or if you want something more heavy-duty, consider investing in a commercial cleaner specifically designed for shower doors. These products are formulated to break down soap scum, hard water stains, and mildew. When choosing a cleaner, make sure it’s safe for the type of material your shower doors are made of (e.g., glass, acrylic, or tempered glass).
Pro Tip: Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using commercial cleaners to avoid damaging your doors.
4. Prevent Mildew with Proper Ventilation
Mildew can quickly grow on shower doors due to the combination of moisture and warmth. To keep mildew at bay, ensure your bathroom is properly ventilated. Use the exhaust fan during and after showers, or crack a window if possible. This helps reduce humidity and prevents mold from growing on the glass. Additionally, wiping down your shower doors after use can help minimize moisture buildup, further reducing the risk of mildew.
Pro Tip: If you do see mildew starting to form, mix equal parts water and bleach to create a mildew-fighting solution. Apply it to the affected areas and let it sit for about 10 minutes before wiping it away.
5. Use a Protective Coating for Long-Term Maintenance
If you want to make cleaning your shower doors even easier in the future, consider applying a water-repellent protective coating to the glass. These coatings help to create a barrier that prevents water from sticking to the glass in the first place. This means less soap scum buildup and fewer water spots, making your cleaning routine more effective and less frequent.
Pro Tip: Look for a product designed specifically for glass shower doors. These products are typically easy to apply and can last for several months before needing reapplication.
6. Regular Deep Cleaning (Once a Month)
Even with regular maintenance, it’s a good idea to give your shower doors a deep clean once a month. During this cleaning session, use a combination of vinegar, baking soda, or a commercial cleaner to thoroughly clean the glass. Pay special attention to the tracks and corners of your doors, as these areas tend to collect dirt and grime over time.
Pro Tip: For the tracks, use an old toothbrush or small brush to scrub away dirt and debris. These areas can easily be overlooked, but a quick scrub will keep everything looking fresh.
7. Don’t Forget the Door Tracks
The tracks at the bottom of sliding shower doors are notorious for collecting dirt, soap scum, and mildew. While cleaning the glass, don’t forget to clean these areas. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment or an old toothbrush to remove debris. Then, wipe down the tracks with a cleaning solution to remove any lingering soap scum.
Pro Tip: If the tracks are very dirty, try a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to help break up any grime. Just be sure to dry them thoroughly afterward to prevent mold growth.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your shower doors clean doesn’t have to be a difficult or time-consuming task. With a few simple steps, you can maintain that gleaming shine and prevent the buildup of soap scum, water spots, and mildew. Regular maintenance, such as using a squeegee after each shower and giving your doors a deep clean once a month, will go a long way in keeping your shower looking pristine.
Whether you opt for natural remedies like vinegar and baking soda or invest in a protective coating, the key is consistency. The more you stay on top of cleaning, the easier it will be to maintain a streak-free shine.
And if the doors aren’t operating properly – You can always Call OMG Shower Doors for a tune up!
Happy cleaning!
