A shower screen, also known as a shower door or enclosure, is an important part of your bathroom. It helps keep water from spraying out of the shower and making a mess.

Over time, soap scum, hard water deposits, and mold can build up on the glass and frames.

Without proper maintenance, these things can damage your shower screen, meaning you’ll have to pay for repairs or replacement.

Prevent this by taking good care of your shower enclosure.

Clean the Shower Screen Regularly

The number one thing you can do to extend the life of your shower screen is clean it often. Give it a good scrub at least once a week when you’re cleaning your bathroom.

Here’s how:

Supplies Needed:

• Glass cleaner
• Soft cleaning cloth or sponge
• Old toothbrush
• Vinegar or limescale remover (if needed)

Instructions:

1. Spray your shower screen generously with glass cleaner, covering both sides of the glass as well as the tracks and framework. Avoid cleaners with ammonia or bleach.
2. Let the cleaner sit for 2-3 minutes. This gives it time to break down soap scum and mineral deposits.
3. Scrub both sides of the glass with a damp cloth or sponge. Use a gentle, circular motion.
4. For stubborn areas like limescale or soap buildup, spray vinegar or a limescale remover and let it soak in for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing.
5. Use an old toothbrush to get into small crevices and corners in the framework.
6. Rinse everything thoroughly with water once finished cleaning.
7. Squeegee excess moisture off the glass so it dries clear without spots or streaks.
8. Leave the shower door open after use to allow the glass to fully air dry.

Deep Clean Every 1-2 Months

In addition to weekly maintenance, give your shower screen a thorough deep cleaning every month or two. This helps prevent soap scum, mold, mildew, and hard water stains from becoming ingrained issues you can’t scrub off.

For a powerful deep clean, try using baking soda. Its gritty texture dissolves stuck-on gunk without harsh chemicals. Mix it with dish soap or vinegar for extra cleaning power. Spray the paste all over the glass, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then scrub. Rinse thoroughly when finished.

You can also use a limescale removing acid like CLR if you have hard water staining. Use protective gloves when handling these chemicals and only apply to the glass itself. Rinse completely afterward.

Check and Maintain Gaskets

The gaskets, or seals, around your shower screen keep water from seeping out between movable panels and fixed walls. If these become worn out or develop mold, they can leak and need repair.

Once a month, inspect the gaskets for deterioration or damage. Also clean them thoroughly when you deep clean the glass to prevent mold growth. Use a toothbrush and bathroom cleaner to scrub away any grunge or residue buildup.

If your gaskets become loose, cracked, or start leaking, contact a professional to replace them right away. It’s an easy fix that prevents water damage down the line.

Keep Tracks and Rollers Clean

Shower screens usually slide open on rollers that run along a track on the tub or walls. These easily fill with hair, soap, shampoos, and conditioners that stop them from gliding smoothly. Not only is this annoying, but trying to force sticky doors can bend the frame or wheels.

Each week when cleaning your shower, use a toothbrush or cotton swab to sweep any debris out of the tracks along the bottom and top of your shower enclosure. Then spray glass cleaner onto the rollers themselves as well as directly into the tracks and wipe everything dry. Spin the wheels with your finger as you clean to dislodge gunk.

Apply lubricant to these areas when needed if the doors still don’t glide well after cleaning. A lubricating spray made for shower doors and tracks works best. Avoid household oils and greases that can get gummy.

Invest in Good Ventilation

The humid, damp environment inside your shower makes an ideal breeding ground for mold, especially in the cracks and crevices of shower tracks and around gaskets. Prevent this moist atmosphere from damaging your screen by improving airflow.

First, always leave the shower door fully open after each use so everything dries completely. You can also crack the bathroom window or run an exhaust fan for about 20 minutes post-shower. If your bathroom doesn’t have proper ventilation, consider installing an overhead exhaust fan to reduce moisture in the air over the long run.

Using a squeegee to wipe excess water off tile walls as well as the glass also lowers ambient humidity levels after showering. Make this part of your regular cleaning routine.

Do Not Use Harsh Chemicals

It can be tempting to use potent cleaners like those with bleach, ammonia, acids, antibacterial ingredients, or abrasive formulas when tackling soap scum and dirt on your shower screen. However, these can damage the glass and frames, strip protective finishes, or leave behind residue you can’t rinse off.

Stick to mild, natural cleaning solutions when maintaining your shower screen. Great options include vinegars, lemon juice, liquid dish soap mixed with warm water, or gentle all-purpose cleaners labeled specifically for use on glass and showers.

If needed, occasionally use a specialty limescale remover made for bathrooms, but thoroughly rinse it away once it has dissolved mineral deposits.

By avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasive tools, you ensure a long-lasting clear shine without scratching or etching the surface of your shower enclosure.

Final Words

While shower screens add style and luxury to your bathroom, they also require regular TLC to stay functional and prevent damage over many years of use. By cleaning the glass, frames, tracks, and gaskets several times a month along with good moisture control, you can avoid expensive repairs or early replacement. Be gentle when cleaning, watch for leaks, lubricate moving parts, and keep the area dry. Following these maintenance tips helps your shower screen withstand daily use so you can continue enjoying its benefits for a long time.