Sliding shower door maintenance really comes down to regular cleaning.

Most shower doors are not easy to clean, but making an effort to remove soap scum and mold on and around the door – paying particular attention to the tracks in which the door slides – keeps the door looking nice and operating smoothly for years.

Cleaning sliding door tracks after every shower is unnecessary.   However keeping your glass clean from stains and streaks can be easily handled with a glass squeegee or similar smooth glass swiper that will remove drops containing soap and oils.

A once-a-week cleaning routine using undiluted vinegar in a spray bottle, baking soda, a soft cloth and a toothbrush is also a good routine.

You may also want to wear rubber gloves and keep windows open while you work. A reminder: vinegar is not safe for use near or on certain bathroom tile types such as travertine.

Make sure the door is dry. Spray the vinegar on the inside, shower side of the glass door. Wait a moment and wipe to remove soap scum. You may have to do this twice on areas that have a thicker accumulation of soap, mold or mildew.

Rinse the door with water. While you’re at it, you may want to use the vinegar to remove mildew and soap scum from shower tile and fixtures, including the door handles.

Now spray the track with vinegar and use the toothbrush to scrub away soap scum and mold there. Add a mixture of baking soda and water to handle especially tough jobs.

Once you see how much more inviting and better-smelling a clean shower can be, you’ll fall into the cleaning routine quickly.

A last suggestion to maintain your sliding shower door: Running a bar of paraffin wax over the cleaned tracks makes it easier to subsequently clean and open the door. Paraffin wax is available at most big box and drug stores.   Don’t use items like WD-40 or normal oils as they will likely leave stains and oily residue in the shower.

Even well-maintained shower doors need replacing eventually. Call the professionals at A-1 On Track at 408-866-0267 for quick service and quality installation.