---
title: "The Easiest Way to Clean Shower Doors"
description: "It's always a challenge to clean shower doors, but that doesn’t mean you have to use harsh, chemical-cleaning products to get the job done."
date: "2019-10-03"
modified: "2021-03-12"
authors:
  - name: "Joe Provey"
    job_title: "Contributing Writer"
    link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/joe-provey/"
url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/clean-shower-doors/"
categories:
  - "Bathrooms"
  - "Cleaning"
  - "Cleaning & Organizing"
  - "DIY"
  - "Interior"
tags:
  - "bathroom"
  - "cleaning"
  - "How To"
  - "tubs & showers"
---

# The Easiest Way to Clean Shower Doors

![How to Clean Shower Doors](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/How_to_Clean_Shower_Doors.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

It's always a challenge to clean shower doors of the hard water stains and [soap scum](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-remove-soap-scum/>) that lingers after a wash, but you don’t have to resort to harsh chemicals. After all, ammonia and bleach are powerful, but the noxious fumes and side effects can be risky. Luckily, you can effectively learn how to clean shower doors in ways that are much safer for your family when you reach into the pantry for more natural ingredients.

### Tools & Materials

Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links.

- [Cellulose sponge](</asearch?q=Cellulose%20sponge>)
- [Squeegee](</asearch?q=Squeegee>)
- [Cleaning towel](</asearch?q=Cleaning%20towel>)
- [Wide-mouth glass jar](</asearch?q=Wide-mouth%20glass%20jar>)

- [Baking soda](</asearch?q=Baking%20soda>)
- [Vinegar](</asearch?q=Vinegar>)
- [Paper towels](</asearch?q=Paper%20towels>)

## Spread a baking soda paste over your shower doors, then activate with vinegar.

Start with a half cup of baking soda in a wide-mouth container, such as a jar. Add just enough water to form a thick paste. Rub the paste on shower doors with either your hand or a non-abrasive sponge, then rinse with vinegar. "The paste works amazingly well—better than any commercial cleaner I’ve ever used," says Jill Schoff, author of *[Green Up Your Cleanup](<https://amzn.to/2M9FfjA>)*.

**RELATED: [13 Unusual Tips for Your Cleanest Bathroom Ever](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/13-unusual-tips-for-your-cleanest-bathroom-ever-48495/>)**

## Soak the shower door’s track with vinegar.

If your shower doors slide, don't forget to clean the metal tracks that the doors run along. According to Schoff, this part of the process couldn't be simpler: "Plug the drain holes with a bit of paper towel, fill the track with vinegar, and let sit overnight."

## Dry off the shower door after each use.

Prevent soap scum and mold buildup by using a squeegee, sponge, or absorbent towel on the doors and walls of the enclosure after every shower. Doing so helps remove residue before it hardens, while also eliminating the moisture that [mold and mildew](<https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/12-big-mistakes-that-lead-to-mold-and-mildew-growth-52810/>) need in order to thrive. "If you use a sponge or towel, be sure to wring it well and allow it to dry completely between uses," Schoff says, adding, "Launder the towel or throw the sponge in the dishwasher to disinfect."

![How to Clean Glass Shower Doors](<https://www.bobvila.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/How_to_Clean_Glass_Shower.jpg>)
*Photo: istockphoto.com*

## Occasionally spiff up your shower door with diluted vinegar.

If you can get your family to adopt this regime, it won't be necessary to clean shower doors often, only to shine things up occasionally by spraying with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water.

If you're still searching for worthy additions to your cleaning caddy, check out [our guide to the best bathroom cleaners](<https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-bathroom-cleaner/>) for every surface.

## Author
Joe Provey is an expert on all things home and garden. His work has appeared in many national magazines, including [Popular Mechanics](<http://www.popularmechanics.com/>), [House Beautiful](<http://www.housebeautiful.com/>), [Better Homes & Gardens](<http://www.bhg.com/>), and [Fine Homebuilding](<http://www.finehomebuilding.com/>). Mr. Provey has also written more than dozen books, including [*Convert Your Home to Solar Energy*](<https://www.amazon.com/Convert-Your-Home-Solar-Energy/dp/1600852521?tag=bv-untagged-20>) and [*1001 Ideas for Kitchen Organization*](<https://www.amazon.com/Ideas-Kitchen-Organization-Creative-Homeowner/dp/B0036DE4B4/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1534346633&sr=1-2&tag=bv-untagged-20>)*.* Other titles include *Outdoor Kitchens, Easy Closets, Green-up Your Cleanup, and Design Ideas for Flooring.* Currently, Mr. Provey serves as the president of Home & Garden Editorial Services (HGES), a company that produces books for publishers in the home and garden category. In the past, he has been chief editor to several national home improvement magazines, including [The Family Handyman](<http://www.familyhandyman.com/>), Mechanix Illustrated, and Practical Homeowner. Joe lives in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with his wife MaryAnn, where they have seven children and four grandchildren between them.

### Author social links  
[LinkedIn](<https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-provey-08121aa/>)