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Shower doors can get dirty from frequent use. For example, the door can get covered with fingerprint smudges and soap residue. However, you may forget to clean it often with your busy schedule.
You want to wash it at least once a week. If you have a glass, consider giving it a quick wipe after every use. Make sure to leave the door open so it can air dry. Follow these steps for how to clean shower doors effectively.
The first step is to organize your supplies. Keep them all together in a basket or caddy for easy transport. Consider placing them in easy-to-remember spots, like underneath the bathroom sink.
Here are a few standard supplies to get you started:
Keep in mind you may have more supplies, depending on the size of the job. Also, if you’re a do-it-yourself kinda person, you may have your own cleaning solutions. Check you have all your items the day before to prevent a last-minute trip to the store.
Spray down the door with a cleaning product to remove mold and mildew. Some also target hard-water stains or soap scum. You can also use natural cleaners, like distilled white vinegar and dish detergent. Be sure to heat the vinegar first before putting it in the spray bottle. Scrub the area with a bristle scrub brush and rinse the area with water.
You can also use a cut slice of lemon with one side dipped in baking soda. It can remove light soap scum and smells nice. Once you clean the surface, wait a few minutes before wiping with a sponge. Then dry and buff with a microfiber cloth.
Use ammonia and wipe free with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. When working with this chemical, open windows and doors for proper ventilation. Remember that you don’t want to use abrasive cleaners since they can scratch the surface.
Some areas may require additional methods. Simple cleaners may not do the trick. Here are a few more techniques to try.
Making sure you do a thorough clean prevents long-term issues. For example, bacteria can build up and lead to an unhealthy environment.
These stains form when water drains through deposits of limestone and chalk. It is mainly made up of calcium and magnesium carbonates. When they dry on the surface, it leaves marks that are easy to see on the glass. Use a damp sponge or brush with plastic bristles. You can use specially designed cleaners, such as Windex.
If you’re looking for an eco-friendly solution, use distilled white vinegar. Warm it up in the microwave and place it in a spray bottle. Give your door a mist, and then let it soak before scrubbing and rinsing clean. The benefit of using this solution is you probably have these ingredients at home. Also, it’s safer if you have pets or kids.
If you have natural stones, vinegar or acid cleaners can damage the stone. So, apply dish soap and baking soda to a damp sponge.
Soap scum forms when hard water and bar soap mix together. If left uncleaned, they can become tough to clean. So, use vinegar and baking soda. The solution will bubble up, so use the paste formed once it stops.
Let the mixture sit for a couple of minutes before scrubbing it with a non-scratch sponge and rinsing. You can also use lemon and baking soda instead. Scrub this directly on the glass. If neither trick is working, try to sprinkle some table salt. Just make sure you aren’t rubbing too hard.
Once you have cleaned off the scum and dirt, there still may be streaks left behind. Use a mix of ammonia and water to leave your doors sparkling. Combine water and ammonia in a spray bottle and mist the doors. Make sure to get the corners for that extra sparkle. Leave on the glass for a few minutes before removing the streaks with a dry microfiber cloth.
Giving your doors a good shine can make the room look more visually appealing. This is especially important if you have guests over often. So, remove stains from guest bathrooms or master suits.
This spot may not be the first to come to your mind when thinking about how to clean shower doors. However, grime can still build up in metal tracks. This may be harder to reach, so follow these steps.
You can also use a foaming bathroom cleaner or lemon. Try out a few different cleaning solutions to see which ingredient works best for your home.
To make regular cleaning more manageable, stick to a schedule. This will also minimize the time you have to spend deep cleaning. So, start by keeping a window squeegee in your shower. After each shower, use it to wipe away water and residue. This can prevent water droplets from drying on the glass. Then follow these steps:
Sticking to this routine is essential to prevent bacteria buildup. It also makes it easier to turn cleaning into a habit. Consider hanging a shower caddy for easy access to supplies, like sponges.
Once you know how to clean shower doors, you want to keep them that way. Since soap scum is a common issue, try switching to liquid soap. They don’t contain fatty acids that can lead to build-up. They also tend to be better for your skin. In fact, they can help to treat skin conditions, such as dryness and clogged pores.
Another problem is hard water stains. One way to prevent hard water in your shower is by installing a water softening system. Keep in mind it can be costly but worth it. It is around $500 – $6,000 to install. Although, a water softener can prevent scum marks and make cleaning easier. If you need a more immediate solution, hire the service of a professional, such as The Cleaning Authority.
Your bathroom is an area that quickly collects dirt and grime, especially if you have a big family. However, your shower doors are often places you forget to wash. Yet, it’s essential to prevent soap scum and marks. So, follow these tips for how to clean shower doors for your next spring cleaning day.
