Have you ever opened your sliding shower door to find a buildup of soap scum, grime, and mildew in the tracks? If so, you know just how difficult these areas can be to clean. The sliding glass doors concentrate dirt and debris over time, leaving an embarrassing mess that no one wants on display. Luckily, there are plenty of simple solutions for cleaning your sliding shower door tracks quickly and easily.
If you’re tired of scrubbing and scraping, discover the best methods for keeping your shower door tracks sparkling clean.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips for clearing out all the accumulated gunk fast and restoring their sparkle! Keep reading to learn more about how to clean sliding shower door tracks.
What Will You Need
Before you get started, here are a few items you’ll need to have on hand:
- Rubber gloves
- Vinegar or lemon juice
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Microfiber cloth
Once you have these supplies, let’s start cleaning those pesky shower door tracks!
10 Easy Steps on How to Clean Sliding Shower Door Tracks
Step 1. Prepare the Cleaning Solution:
Preparing the cleaning solution is the first step in getting your sliding shower door tracks sparkling clean. Mix equal parts of vinegar (or lemon juice) and baking soda in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste. This natural cleaning solution works wonders on soap scum and grime and is safe for all shower door tracks. Ensure you wear rubber gloves during the process to protect your hands.
Step 2. Apply the Cleaning Solution:
Now, it’s time to tackle those dirty tracks. Apply the cleaning paste to the shower door tracks using an old toothbrush. The bristles of the toothbrush are perfect for getting into those hard-to-reach places. Scrub the tracks thoroughly, ensure the paste covers all areas, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. This will allow the cleaning solution to break down the buildup of soap scum, grime, and mildew.
Step 3. Scrub the Tracks:
After letting the cleaning solution work its magic, it’s time to get scrubbing. Using your old toothbrush, scrub the tracks vigorously. The bristles of the toothbrush will reach into the nooks and crannies of the tracks, dislodging the accumulated grime. Remember to scrub all the tracks, including the corners and the vertical sides, where dirt and soap scum accumulate the most.
Step 4. Rinse and Dry:
Once you’ve thoroughly scrubbed the tracks, it’s time to rinse. Use a spray bottle filled with warm water to rinse off the cleaning solution and dislodged grime. If there are still stubborn spots, apply more cleaning paste and scrub again until all the dirt is gone. Once the tracks are clean, wipe them dry with a microfiber cloth. Drying the tracks prevents water spots and further buildup of grime. Remember, a dry track is a clean track!
Step 5. Maintenance:
Regular maintenance is key to keep your sliding shower door tracks clean in the future. After each shower, habitually wipe the tracks with a microfiber cloth to prevent the buildup of soap scum and grime. Additionally, do a deep cleaning with the vinegar and baking soda solution once a month.
By adopting these practices, you’ll find that your shower door tracks stay cleaner for longer, reducing the need for vigorous scrubbing sessions. Remember, a little preventative maintenance can go a long way in keeping your shower looking sparkling clean!
Step 6. Lubrication:
Over time, the sliding mechanism of your shower doors might become stiff due to the accumulation of grime or just general wear and tear. Lubrication can help in the smooth functioning of your sliding shower doors. After drying the tracks, apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the tracks to ensure the doors slide smoothly. Avoid using oil-based lubricants as they can attract dust and grime.
After applying the lubricant, slide the doors back and forth a few times to distribute it evenly along the tracks. Regular lubrication can prolong the life of your sliding shower doors and make them operate as smoothly as they did when they were new.
Step 7. Clean the Shower Doors:
While you’re at it, why not give your sliding shower doors a good cleaning, too? Apply a mixture of vinegar and water on the glass and gently scrub it with a soft sponge. This helps in removing soap scum and water spots. After scrubbing, rinse with warm water and dry the glass with a squeegee or microfiber cloth. For a finishing touch, buff the glass with a dry towel to give it a sparkling clean shine. Your shower doors will look as good as new!
Step 8. Regular Inspection:
Regular inspection is a major step towards prolonging the lifespan of your sliding shower doors. Once a month, take a few minutes to carefully check the tracks for any signs of wear or damage. Look for any rust, cracks, or loose screws that need attention. Also, check the rollers on your sliding doors to ensure they’re still intact.
If you spot any issues, take immediate action to repair or replace the damaged parts. Regular inspection can help keep your sliding shower doors in perfect condition, ensuring smooth operation and preventing costly repairs in the future.
Step 9. Address Hard Water Stains:
If you live in an area with hard water, you may notice stubborn water spots on your sliding shower door tracks. Minerals in the water cause these and can be tricky to remove. However, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water can help dissolve these mineral deposits.
Simply spray the solution on the spots, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with your toothbrush. Rinse with warm water and dry thoroughly. If the stains persist, consider using a commercial hard water stain remover. Remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.
Step 10. Final Check:
Once you’ve addressed all cleaning, maintenance, and inspection areas, conduct a final check of the sliding shower door tracks. Slide the doors back and forth to ensure they’re functioning correctly and smoothly. Any squeaks or resistance might indicate that more lubrication is needed. Look over your work and admire your clean, shiny, and well-maintained shower door tracks.
By following these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your sliding shower door tracks looking and functioning like new. Remember the importance of regular maintenance and inspection to prevent buildup and damage. With a little effort and regular cleaning, your shower doors will continue to shine for years to come.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Avoid Abrasives: Refrain from using abrasive cleaners on the tracks as they can scratch and damage the surface. Opt for gentle, non-abrasive cleaning solutions.
- Routine Cleaning: Regularly wipe down the tracks after each use to prevent the build-up of soap scum and hard water deposits.
- Use a Toothbrush: A toothbrush can effectively reach into the corners and remove accumulated grime.
- Vinegar Solution: White vinegar is a natural and effective cleaning solution. Fill a spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and warm water, spray it on the tracks, and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping clean.
- Lubricate Tracks: Once clean, lightly lubricate the tracks using a silicone-based lubricant. This will ensure the doors slide smoothly and reduce the chance of dirt and grime sticking to the tracks.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can easily keep your sliding shower door tracks clean and functioning smoothly.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Don’t Ignore Stains: While cleaning, pay careful attention to any stains or discoloration on the tracks. Ignoring these can lead to permanent damage.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Steer clear of cleaning solutions with harsh chemicals. These can cause corrosion or damage to the finish of the tracks, especially if they are made of metal.
- Don’t Use Sharp Objects: Avoid using sharp tools to scrape grime or dirt off the tracks. This could scratch or damage the tracks over time.
- Don’t Leave it Wet: Always pat the tracks dry after cleaning. Leaving them wet could lead to the growth of mold and mildew.
- Avoid Over-Lubrication: While it’s important to lubricate the tracks for smooth functioning, overdoing it can attract more dirt and grime.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can prolong the life of your sliding shower door tracks and maintain their functionality and appearance.
Conclusion
Cleaning and maintaining sliding shower door tracks can be easy. Following the simple steps outlined in this blog post, your shower door should move easily. Remember to thoroughly clean and inspect the tracks for buildup every 2-3 months to ensure they remain free of debris and grime. It is also important to always use cleaners specifically designated for shower doors to prolong the life and performance of your sliding door.
With a little effort, time, patience, and maintenance, your sliding shower door won’t just open easily — it will look just as stunning as the day it was installed! Now, there’s no excuse not to feel confident in the shower every day.
Hopefully, the article on how to clean sliding shower door tracks has been informative and helpful. Incorporate these tips into your cleaning routine, and you’ll have sparkling clean shower door tracks in no time!
