By Joe Provey | Updated Mar 12, 2021 11:08 AM
It’s always a challenge to clean shower doors of the hard water stains and soap scum that lingers after a wash, but you don’t have to resort to harsh chemicals. After all, ammonia and bleach are powerful, but the noxious fumes and side effects can be risky. Luckily, you can effectively learn how to clean shower doors in ways that are much safer for your family when you reach into the pantry for more natural ingredients.
Start with a half cup of baking soda in a wide-mouth container, such as a jar. Add just enough water to form a thick paste. Rub the paste on shower doors with either your hand or a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse with vinegar. “The paste works amazingly well—better than any commercial cleaner I’ve ever used,” says Jill Schoff, author of Green Up Your Cleanup.
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If your shower doors slide, don’t forget to clean the metal tracks that the doors run along. According to Schoff, this part of the process couldn’t be simpler: “Plug the drain holes with a bit of paper towel, fill the track with vinegar, and let sit overnight.”
Prevent soap scum and mold buildup by using a squeegee, sponge, or absorbent towel on the doors and walls of the enclosure after every shower. Doing so helps remove residue before it hardens, while also eliminating the moisture that mold and mildew need in order to thrive. “If you use a sponge or towel, be sure to wring it well and allow it to dry completely between uses,” Schoff says, adding, “Launder the towel or throw the sponge in the dishwasher to disinfect.”
If you can get your family to adopt this regime, it won’t be necessary to clean shower doors often, only to shine things up occasionally by spraying with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water.
If you’re still searching for worthy additions to your cleaning caddy, check out our guide to the best bathroom cleaners for every surface.
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