How to Properly Care for & Clean Your Shower Door?

A beautiful and unscathed shower door can add a nice touch to any bathroom. However, with all the moisture, soap suds, and hard water spots that come with frequent use, it can be hard to maintain its quality.

Is your glass shower door not sliding smoothly? Do you want help preventing buildup on your shower door? Dixie Shower Doors recommends you to learn how to take proper care of and clean your shower door.

Tips and Methods to Care and Clean your Shower Door

Following are some tips to remember while cleaning your shower doors.

• Regularly Apply a Water Repellent

Shower doors are treated with a glass sealant to protect against water, dirt, and debris. However, long-term exposure to water and soap can destroy that sealant, potentially resulting in water seeping into the wood interior of your shower door.

Allowing water to seep into the wood can potentially cause your shower door to swell or warp. It may also allow water to seep into the wall behind your shower door, resulting in mold and mildew growth.

To prevent moisture from getting into the wood and building up behind your shower door, you should regularly apply a water-repellent sealant to the door.

For glass shower doors, you can use vinegar to remove hard water deposits. Fill a small spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of vinegar and water. Besides, spray your shower door with this mixture, then rinse with warm water.

If your shower door has a plastic surface, you can follow the same steps. However, remember to use only water with vinegar.

• Avoid Scratching Or Gouging Your Shower Door 

While the glass in your shower door is typically treated for water repellency, you should still wash it with a soft cloth (to prevent scratching), especially if there are hard water spots or soap scum buildup on your shower door. You can also use a commercial glass cleaner. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label.

If you scratch or gouge the glass, don’t fret. Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scratch or gouge and gently polish it with a soft cloth. This should fill it up. However, always check with your home improvement professional for advice on repairing the scratch or gouge.

• Clean the Door at least Once a Month 

You should clean your shower door at least once a month. Why?

Because fingerprints, water spots, and soap scum can build up quickly, resulting in unattractive streaks on your shower door.

To clean your shower door, you should use a soft cloth or paper towel soaked in a mixture of warm water and liquid soap. Gently rub in a circular motion.

For soap scum on metal shower doors, you must pay attention to the joints and cracks as those are where dirt and residue gather. This can lead to rust and corrosion damage over time and you don’t want that. It may also lead to the shower door not sliding smoothly. Vinegar can also be used for this task. Pour some vinegar on a soft clean cloth, then wipe the shower door with the cloth.

To remove water spots on glass shower doors, use a commercial glass cleaner on a soft clean cloth.

• Use a Mild Scrub to Remove Build Up 

If you have pieces of hair and other unidentifiable materials stuck to your shower door and are unable to remove them with a soft cloth, use a mild scrub. Do not use anything with a razor.

You can buy a special mild scrub at your local supermarket or home improvement store, or use a mild dish detergent in a spray bottle. Just make sure you test the spray in an inconspicuous area before using it on your door.

• Clean the Tracks to Make Your Door Slide Smoothly

Is your shower door not sliding smoothly? Occasionally, you should clean the track of your shower door to ensure it slides smoothly. Use a small piece of tape to clean in between the rails, and remove dirt and grime. This will help your shower door work more smoothly.

Conclusion 

Caring for your shower door properly will ensure it lasts a long time and retains its shine and quality. Most people know this but seem confused about how to go about it. However, if you follow these steps, you should be able to maintain the quality of your shower door easily.

Do you still have any questions about maintenance of shower doors? Contact us for more details and information now.

For informational purposes only.