How to Clean Sliding Shower Door Tracks
Sliding shower doors are a great addition to any bathroom. They offer an easy and convenient way to clean the glass without taking it down or removing it from the track. The first thing you need to do is make sure that the glass is completely dry.
Unfortunately, sliding shower doors also have tracks that can become dirty with use due to water and soap residue. This blog post will give you tips on how to clean sliding shower door tracks in order for them not to interfere with your daily routine. Read on below!
10 Reasons To Clean Sliding Shower Door Tracks Regularly
- It will prevent the tracks from rusting and corroding.
- It will help keep the door moving smoothly along its track.
- A clean shower is a safe shower, as it can prevent bacteria build up in your shower that may cause an infection with use over time!
- If you have pets, you want to clean your shower carefully, as hair and dirt from pets can get stuck in the track of the door.
- It will make sure that all debris is removed and cleaned so soap scum and water do not build up on the glass itself, which can cause damage to it over time.
- If a sliding door does not move freely, it can become dangerous to the person using the shower.
- If you notice rust or oxidation on your sliding door tracks, this is a sign that water has been standing in the track for too long, and you should clean immediately!
- It will help keep glass doors from sticking to the metal of the shower track.
- Clean sliding shower door tracks will ensure that they do not rust and corrode and help keep them in good working condition.
- Sliding glass doors are an important part of your shower, as they allow the water to flow over you during use! A clean track means a better functioning sliding shower door.
Steps to Follow: How to Clean Sliding Shower Door Tracks
Step 1: Prepare the Work Area
Consult with the homeowner and be sure there is a bathtub or shower where you can work. Make certain there are no obstructions that may prevent you from accessing the sliding tracks. Find the proper diameter of plunger to fit over the track. You can find the model of your track on the box that contains your shower door. To remove the bottom roller, use a pair of needle nose pliers to pull the clip from the end of the track. This will allow you to slide out the roller.
Step 2: Turn Off the Water Supply
Shut off the water supply to the bathroom sink’s main shut-off valve if this is where water to the shower is coming from. Remember The supply valve must be turned off first before you try to turn off the hot/cold water feed lines. If the hot and cold water are coming from separate supply valves then you must turn both of them off. There is also a shut-off valve to the shower and you must turn this off too. Usually there is one for the hot water and another for the cold water. There will be two separate shut-off valves located on the hot and cold water supply lines under the bathroom sink.
Step 3: Remove the Shower Curtain and Doors from Tracks
Once the water has been shut off, remove all of the sliding doors and/or curtains so you can get to the tracks. Be sure to put them aside in a safe place where they will not become soiled or damaged. Once the glass doors and/or curtains have been removed, gently pry up the rubber stops that line the bottom of the track.
Begin removing the old wax from each of the tracks. A flat head screwdriver can help you scrape off the old wax, but it is better to use a soft toothbrush for any stubborn areas. Be sure to clean all of the tracks, corners and crevices. If the sliding door is not moving smoothly, it may be necessary to repeat this process.
Step 4: Remove Shower Track and Clean It
Remove the track from its mounting brackets or latches. If you are cleaning both sides of the sliding shower door tracks, repeat this step for both tracks. Wipe down with a household cleaner such as a glass cleaner. A toothbrush may be useful if there is a buildup of soap scum or hard water stains.
Step 5: Remove the Cleaning Product from Tracks
Once you’ve cleaned the sliding shower door tracks, spray them with glass cleaner to remove any remaining debris, then allow them to dry completely before reattaching them. If they still appear to be grimy after cleaning, you may want to pour some vinegar into a spray bottle and apply it directly onto the tracks. Then, allow them to sit for a few hours before wiping down with a clean cloth.
Step 6: Clean the Track Where the Shower Door Rollers Go
Use a toothbrush to remove any hard-water buildup or soap scum from inside the track on either side. This will allow the shower door to move freely. If your door doesn’t slide easily, there could be soap residue left on the bottom track. Clean it with a cloth dipped in warm, soapy water and wipe dry.
Step 7: Remove the Shower Door Roller
Wipe down the shower door rollers with a glass cleaner and a cloth. If there are any rollers that have been removed, also clean them off separately before reattaching them.
Step 8: Clean the Shower Door Rollers
Sometimes the shower doors become very difficult to open or close, so one of two things should be done lubricate the rollers or replace them. If you choose to lubricate the rollers, a good spray silicone is recommended. Be sure not to use WD-40 or any petroleum product as this will attract dirt and reduce its effectiveness.
Step 9: Clean and Bleach the Trim Surrounding the Tracks
Clean off any residue or dirt around the top and bottom of each track using a damp cloth and a household cleaner such as a glass cleaner. Do not use ammonia-based cleaners, which can damage certain components of your sliding tracks.
Step 10: Apply a Silicone Lubricant to the Track
Apply silicone lubricant to the tracks that you just cleaned. Also, grab your shower curtain or doors and reattach them. You can also spray some silicone over any rollers that you have removed or lubricate those too. The sliding track is now in great shape and should easily move.
Step 11: Inspect Tracks for Lasting Effectiveness
Be sure to keep an eye on the sliding shower door tracks in the coming days or weeks to make certain they are not becoming grimy again. If you still see any hard water stains or soap scum, repeat steps 4-10 to restore them.
Step 12: Wash and Dry Your Hands for Safety Purposes
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after you are finished with the project so that you don’t get any harmful bacteria on them. You can also use antibacterial soap or hand sanitizer if you want to be extra-cautious.
Note: If you have any glass doors in the shower, be sure to clean them as well by following Step 1.
5 Tips To Clean Sliding Shower Door Tracks
- Use an Alcohol wipe to clean off the door track and if necessary, use a razor blade or knife to get rid of any stubborn dirt or grime.
- Combine 1 cup of water with 2 teaspoons of vinegar (or lemon juice) in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture over the shower door tracks randomly for it to seep into the tracks. Do not spray directly on the door itself as it will cause damage.
- Wait for a few hours or overnight for the mixture of vinegar and water to do its magic in dissolving any dirt or grime, then wipe with a cloth soaked in warm soapy water to get rid of the residue left from the vinegar and water mixture.
- Rinse with water thoroughly once you have finished cleaning off any residue from the sliding shower door tracks. [ARTICLE ENDS]
6 Household Items You Can Use to Clean Sliding Shower Door Tracks
The most usual and intense places for grime to develop are the corners, where the sliding shower door tracks slide smoothly. They are hard to reach, but by utilizing a little creativity, you can have them looking clean again in no time at all. Here are some household items you can use to clean off the door tracks:
Lysol and water:
Apply a mixture of one part Lysol to five parts water to the grout on your shower’s floor or tiles. Allow it to stand for 15 minutes, and then remove with a wet sponge or mop.
Vinegar and Water mix:
Mix equal amounts of vinegar (or 10% white vinegar) and water in a spray bottle. Spray on the shower door tracks.
Rubbing Alcohol:
Pour rubbing alcohol into a spray bottle, and then spritz it onto tracks, grout or tiles. The alcohol will kill off most of the mildew while you wipe clean with a paper towel.
Plain old soap and water:
Scrub the tracks with a little Ivory liquid soap and water if you don’t have any other cleaning products handy.
Lemon Juice:
Mix equal parts lemon juice and sugar in a spray bottle; then spray on the shower doors or tiles. Let it sit for around 5 minutes, and wipe clean using a wet paper towel.
Dishwashing liquid and water:
If you don’t have any other cleaning products, dishwashing liquid can work. Just dab a little on a sponge or rag and wipe the doors clean.
Note:
If you’re out of luck in searching for materials to clean with, then try vinegar water mix if you have some around. Vinegar is an excellent cleaner that cuts through the toughest of mildew and dirt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What Is the Best Way to Clean the Track on a Shower Door?
A: There are some cleaning solutions that work better than others, and there is a procedure that may help, but taking apart a sliding shower door to reach the tracks inside would be easier. A combination of a brush and razor blade is usually used to clean tracks. Brushes will not damage or scratch the finish when cleaning with soap, but after several cleanings, they need to be replaced for best performance.
Q: How Do You Get Dirt Off a Sliding Door Track?
A: There are several ways to clean shower door tracks. Brushing the track with a nylon brush is usually enough to remove dirt buildup on either stainless steel or chrome shower doors. For dirty, grimy tracks that will not clean easily with a brush, soaking in vinegar and water may be necessary for an hour or two before scrubbing them again.
Q: How Do You Clean Rubber Strips on Shower Doors?
A: Cleaning the rubber strips on shower doors can be a challenging task. Whether you prefer to use soap and water or commercial products, it is important to maintain your shower door for a long-lasting shine.
Conclusion
To keep your shower door tracks in good shape, you may want to use a household cleaner like detergent and water with baking soda. If this solution doesn’t work for you, try vinegar mixed with liquid dish soap or hydrogen peroxide as an alternative. For more information on how to clean sliding shower door tracks, take a look at our blog post!
Angela Ervin
Angela is the executive editor of DIY quickly. She began her career as an interior designer before applying her strategic and creative passion to lifestyle and home. She has close to 15 years of experience in creative writing and online content strategy for housekeeping, home decorations as well as other niche efforts. She loves her job and has the privilege of working with an extraordinary team. She lives with her husband, two sons, and daughter in Petersburg. When she's not busy working she spent time with her family.
