Shower door tracks are most often overlooked during regular cleaning routines, but they play a vital role in the appearance as well as the function of your shower. Soap scum, hair, and water all accumulate over time on shower door tracks, creating the perfect breeding ground for grime, mold, and even rust. This gunk can ultimately cause the door to jam or rust if not cleaned out.
Luckily, keeping shower tracks clean and in working condition is simpler than it appears. With the right approach and a little bit of household supplies, you can return them to top shape in just a few steps.
Why It’s Important to Clean Shower Door Tracks
Shower door tracks are constantly exposed to water, shampoo, and other residue. That buildup not only makes the tracks look dirty but will gradually cause harm to the track mechanism, making it difficult to open and close the door. Good maintenance will prevent this erosion, minimize mold growth, and help extend the lifespan of your shower doors.
What You’ll Need:
Before you begin, set out the following items so that you can quickly get to cleaning:
- Small brush or used toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Spray bottle
- Microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive sponge
- Paper towels or absorbent rags
Step 1: Remove Loose Debris
Fill a spray bottle with white vinegar and spray it into the tracks completely. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes. The acid in vinegar breaks down soap scum and mineral deposits, easier to clean away.
If there’s any sign of mold, vinegar is a natural antifungal that will kill the spores. For heavy mold growth, let the vinegar sit for up to 10 minutes before following up.
Step 3: Scrub with Baking Soda
After allowing the vinegar time to work, sprinkle baking soda directly on the tracks, particularly where there is excessive buildup. The chemical reaction of the baking soda and vinegar will loosen grime and stains.
Scrub the entire track with a cleaning brush or an old toothbrush. Clean all corners and crevices where debris tends to collect. Add extra vinegar and baking soda as needed to tackle especially tough areas.
Step 4: Wipe Down the Tracks
Following scrubbing, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to remove any leftover residue. Wash the cloth regularly to prevent the distribution of dirt, instead of lifting it.
Step 5: Dry Thoroughly
Excess moisture in the tracks can quickly lead to mold or corrosion. Dry the surface completely with a clean paper towel or absorbent cloth. In hard-to-reach crevices, utilize a hairdryer on low to eliminate any trapped moisture.
Step 6: Keep Tracks Clean
To reduce the need for intensive cleaning, make a quick wipe-down of the shower door tracks part of your morning and evening bathroom cleaning routine. Dry the shower after each use and give it a deeper clean with vinegar and baking soda every month.
Leave the Messy Work to the Experts
Frustrated with being overwhelmed by all the little jobs that just seem to keep piling up? We at ProTouch Cleaners are here to help. With our professional staff, from dirty bathroom grime to house-cleaning services throughout, we tidy up the mess so that you can sit back and enjoy your home without worry.
Book today and let us put the sparkle back in your place.
