Shower door tracks often get overlooked in many homeowner’s cleaning routines, but that can be a big mistake. If you neglect them long enough, it can result in some problems, like doors that won’t open smoothly or (worse) a nasty buildup of grime and mold.
So, if you’re ready to tackle the grime buildup or just want to give door tracks a routine clean, you’re in luck! Check out these smart strategies to get your shower door tracks back to their pristine glory.
Keep these tools close
Since shower door tracks are very narrow, your regular cleaning gear might not do the trick, so let’s use something a little outside the box.
Improvise a tool for wiping and drying by attaching a cloth to a mini plastic spatula or dinner knife. For the heavy lifting (scrubbing that nasty grime), grab a toothbrush or a small brush.
Now, let’s dive into some effective ways to banish that grime from those tight spots.
Method #1. Vinegar cleaning
Limescale is a common issue in bathrooms, and shower door tracks aren’t immune. In fact, shower door tracks are even more prone to have it as water tends to fill them quite constantly—and when water dries, limescale forms.
The good news is that vinegar’s acidity is more than a match for those chalky white deposits. Just mix water and white vinegar in equal parts in a spray bottle. Spritz this magical mixture onto the tracks, then let it sit for a good ten minutes.
Once the time’s up, use your trusty small brush or toothbrush to scrub, then wipe the tracks with a damp cloth attached to a dinner knife or any other slim tool.
Method #2. Baking soda paste
For the stubborn grime that won’t budge, baking soda is your best choice. Plus, it also eliminates any nasty odors the gunk might be holding onto!
Whip up a thick paste with four parts baking soda and one part water. Apply this paste to the tracks using a small plastic spatula and let it sit for around 15 minutes, then get to work with your reliable brush and wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth.
Finish strong by wiping away any leftover residue with a damp cloth. If the grime is putting up a fight, repeat the process.
Method #3. Lemon-salt duo
Lemon’s acidity, combined with salt’s coarseness, is a formidable solution against mold and mildew. Grab a sizable lemon wedge, dip it in salt, and rub it along the tracks. The rubbing action and the salt’s grit will wear down the lemon after a while, so change it as needed.
Let the lemony solution work its magic for about 30 minutes. Then, pour some warm water to rinse and use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe away the grimy results.
Method #4. Hydrogen peroxide
Although hydrogen peroxide isn’t as strong as some alternatives, it can still tackle mild grime pretty well. But where it really shines is in its power for disinfecting—perfect for when you find mildew in the tracks!
Combine one cup of hydrogen peroxide with a couple of squirts of dish soap in a spray bottle. Give it a good shake, spritz it on the tracks, and let it sit for at least five minutes. Then, use your small brush to tackle the grime, and finish off by rinsing with a damp cloth.
Pro-tip: Opt for the 3% hydrogen peroxide for optimal results.
Take your cleaning skills to the next level with more tips!
Cleaning your shower door tracks isn’t the only tricky chore on your “to-do” list. Luckily, here at CalMaids, we’ve got cleaning guides and tricks for days! We’ll help you save time, money, and effort, but you’ll get awesome results. Check out our blog for more!
