Cleaning acrylic shower doors is a somewhat daunting task, especially in the event that you’ve put off doing the task for so long a visible layer of soap scum has developed. It’s a great deal of surface area to tackle if you are cleaning the tub and walls at the exact same moment.
Get ready for Operation Clean
For a thorough shower door cleaning, you probably will need to enter the shower or tub to reach the insides of the doors, in which nearly all of the water spots, soap scum and general buildup occurs. If you’ve sliding acrylic shower doors — the sort that hinge at the top and overlap in the middle — you may be able to remove them out of their framework and then take them elsewhere to wash. Place old towels underneath the eliminated doors and then lie the doorways flat to wash them, which can be easier on the arms compared to brushing the doors while they are vertical. In case you need to get inside the tub, wear nonslip shoes. Also wear old clothes and rubber gloves, especially if you are using products containing bleach. Make sure the toilet is ventilated as far as you can.
Choose Your Weapons
Acrylic shower doors can stand up to a abrasion. Abrasive cleaning tools such as scourers and scrubbing brushes offer you the best chance of sloughing off tough soap scum. In addition, you need something soft and absorbent such as a sponge, fabric rag or microfiber cloth for rinsing off cleaning products and wiping away watermarks. Used laundry drier sheets are somewhat abrasive and useful as disposable cleaning cloths. A squeegee is the most effective tool for a final wipe down after cleaning, but also a moist rag or old towel additionally functions.
The Big Guns
Peruse the cleaning aisle and you’ll see dozens of products for cleaning your bathtub. Some are specifically made for cleaning showers, including those that claim to remove soap scum and lime deposits together with ease; others are meant for all-purpose cleaning. Choose a brand you trust, and check the label for any warnings against use on acrylic surfaces. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. You may be instructed to spray or wax the item to the doors and allow it to sit for a recommended amount of time before rinsing it off. Ample windows and turn on fans for ventilation when using chemical products, which is noxious.
A Gentler Touch
Natural and partially natural household products which are an adequate alternative to chemicals consist of white vinegar and baking soda. Dish soap and soap-filled scrubbing pads meant for cleaning dishes also are viable. Experiment with pastes made from baking soda, vinegar or water, and dish soap. Smear the paste over the bathtub doors, allow it to sit, then rinse it away while scrubbing. White vinegar is excellent for cutting water spots, and is especially powerful when you heat it in a pan or in the microwave until it’s boiling. Vinegar and dish soap alternatives also wash up soap scum efficiently. For lighter cleaning tasks, mix one part vinegar to one part water in a spray bottle and use it like a window cleaner.
Keep It Clean
Make the task of cleaning your shower doors easier next time by preventing the accumulation of water spots and soap scum. Mount a squeegee inside the bathtub and train family members to wipe down the doorways after showering. A scrubbing brush with a detergent-dispensing handle full of diluted cleaning solution is very good for fast cleaning up spots as soon as they look, so keep one handy in or from the bathtub. A light layer of lemon oil put on the doors using a damp cloth functions as a water and scum repellant. Products made to keep water droplets off auto windshields have a similar benefit.