While most shower door styles provide a bathroom with a clean, expansive look, actually keeping them clean can be a chore. Between stubborn soap scum and the plethora of commercial products, it can be hard to find the most effective cleaning methods. Our experts detail how to clean shower doors with basic vinegar or lemon juice and the tools that actually work.
From Grimy to Glowing: How to Clean Shower Doors Quickly and Easily
While using the right cleaning supplies can make all the difference, consistent shower door maintenance is also key. In addition to how to clean shower doors effectively, we’ll also provide a helpful cleaning schedule. But, first, here’s why regular cleaning is so necessary.
Why Do Shower Doors Get Dirty?
While the actual water in each droplet evaporates and dries, the minerals in every drop often linger on glass, specifically hard water with high mineral content. When water mixes with dirt and soap compounds, soap scum begins to form. If left untreated, this waxy buildup becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew in a shower’s warm, moist environment.
Here’s how to clean shower doors with vinegar or lemon juice to eliminate soap scum, mold, and mildew and keep them at bay.
How to Clean Shower Doors With Vinegar
Distilled white vinegar not only provides an environmentally-friendly alternative to commercial cleansers, it can prevent damage from harsh chemicals. Here’s how to use a vinegar-based shower door cleaner safely and effectively:
What You’ll Need:
- Distilled white vinegar
- Spray bottle
- Rubber gloves
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
Directions:
- Microwave ½ cup vinegar for 30 seconds.
- Pour warm vinegar into a spray bottle.
- Spray down the shower door, allowing the vinegar to sit for 5 minutes.
- Wearing rubber gloves, scrub the door with the brush or sponge.
- Rinse with cool water.
- Repeat as needed.
How to Clean Shower Doors with Lemon Juice
Though lemon juice is not as strong as vinegar, it can still eliminate water stains and soap scum and offers a more pleasing scent. Here are shower door cleaning tips using lemon juice for areas with lighter buildup:
What You’ll Need:
- 1-2 lemons
- Spray bottle
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloth
Directions:
- Combine 3 Tbsps of lemon juice with 1 cup of water.
- Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
- Spray down the shower door and let the mixture sit for 5 minutes.
- Wipe with a sponge to remove the solution.
- Dry and remove streaks with a microfiber cloth.
How Often Should You Clean Shower Doors?
Now that they’re sparkling, are you wondering how to keep glass shower doors clean? This cleaning schedule has our recommendations for daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance to keep your shower doors spotless:
- Daily: After each use, squeegee the shower doors to remove water. Spray with a commercial daily cleanser and leave the doors open to provide maximum airflow, preventing mold and mildew.
- Weekly: Wipe down shower glass and tile with a clean sponge or Magic Eraser.
- Monthly: Deep clean with the above vinegar or lemon juice solutions, including any shower door tracks and tile.
Knowing how to clean shower doors correctly can ensure they look their best for years to come. Have your current doors fallen victim to caked-on soap scum and mildew? Our experts can perform a professional shower door installation to give your bathroom a fresh start.
