Use the Right Cleaning Products
When it comes to keeping my shower doors clean, using the right cleaning products is essential. Vinegar and dish soap make an effective homemade cleaner that helps cut through soap scum and hard water stains. I mix together:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1⁄2 tsp dish soap
- Warm water
This solution helps remove stubborn deposits from my shower doors. I also like to use glass cleaner specifically formulated for showers. These products contain ingredients like ammonia which help leave a streak-free shine.
Clean Regularly
Cleaning my shower doors regularly prevents buildup of soap scum, hard water stains and mineral deposits. I make it part of my weekly cleaning routine. Cleaning regularly takes less effort than scrubbing away stubborn stains and dirt.
Here’s my schedule:
- Daily – I squeegee my shower doors after each use to wipe away excess water. This quick habit prevents water spots.
- Weekly – I spray my doors with homemade vinegar cleaner or glass shower cleaner. After letting it sit briefly, I scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth. Last, I rinse and squeegee dry.
Use a High Quality Squeegee
A squeegee is a must-have for getting shower doors spotless and streak free. I always keep one handy in my shower. I use it to wipe water off after each use.
Pro tips:
- Choose a squeegee with a flexible rubber blade. It allows you to wipe in one smooth stroke.
- Replace squeegees once the blade starts to wear out. Worn blades can leave streaks.
- Rinse and wipe the blade with your fingers after each use to keep it clean.
Dry and Polish
After cleaning my shower doors, I take a few extra steps to really make them sparkle:
- I use a lint-free microfiber cloth to dry the doors. This prevents water spots from forming.
- Next, I apply a vinegar and water solution (1:1 ratio) to the doors and polish them with newspaper or a lint-free cloth. The acetic acid in vinegar helps dissolve residual soap scum.
- Lastly, I buff the doors dry with a lint-free cotton towel to polish them to a streak-free shine.
Prevent Soap Scum Buildup
To prevent soap scum from building up between deep cleans:
- I squeeze excess water out of my loofah or shower pouf before using it. Less water means less soap residue.
- I rinse my shower walls and doors after I turn the water off. This rinses away any soap before it has a chance to dry and stick.
- I use a soap dish instead of leaving a bar of soap directly on the shower floor or ledge. This prevents the soap from constantly being in contact with wet surfaces.
Maintain Door Seals and Hardware
To ensure my shower doors function properly for streak-free cleaning:
- I regularly clean the door seals with my vinegar spray cleaner. Soap scum and mildew can make the seals stick.
- I use silicone lubricant on the hinges and rollers. This prevents squeaking and sticking doors.
- I inspect the seals for wear and gaps. I re-apply clear sealant if needed to prevent leaks.
- I immediately wipe up any drips or spills on the shower floor. Standing water can damage door seals over time.
By using the right products and techniques, I’m able to keep my shower doors clean, clear and streak-free! A little effort goes a long way to prevent soap scum and mineral buildup.
