Shower door seals can be places where hard water minerals and soap scum, mildew or mold build up. To keep them in good shape, you need to clean them regularly.
Once these become discoloured and brittle, they can let water seep into the gap around your shower. This can lead to water damage and can be very dangerous for people stepping into or out of the shower.
1. Clean the Seals Regularly
Shower seals are the place where minerals and mildew build up, especially if not cleaned regularly. This can cause them to break down and lose their effectiveness. It is also important to use non-abrasive cleaning supplies on the seals to avoid damage.
A simple solution of white vinegar and water can be used to clean the shower door seal strip. A non-abrasive scrubber is also helpful to remove any stubborn stains on the strip. It is recommended to wash the seals once a week to prevent a buildup of soap scum and other deposits that can damage the surface.
Once the seals are clean, it is important to dry them thoroughly to keep mold and mildew from forming. This can be done by using a soft cloth or sponge and warm water. A mild soap or detergent can also be used if needed. It is also a good idea to use a commercial mildew and soap scum remover on the seals at least once a year.
When replacing the seals, it is important to make sure they are the right length. This will ensure that they are able to create an effective seal and help prevent leaks. It is recommended to measure the gap where the seal is installed, and then buy a seal that is slightly longer than this measurement.
2. Keep the Water Away from the Glass
A leaking shower door seal isn’t just irritating, it can be expensive. Water can get into cracks and damage floorboards, walls, and other areas of the home, causing mold and rot. It’s best to replace the seal before it becomes a major problem.
The good news is that replacing a shower seal strip is an easy and inexpensive DIY job. Start by removing the old seal. This is usually a plastic or rubber strip that can be pulled outwards and then scraped off with a utility knife. Next, remove any mineral deposits that are holding the seal in place. Then clean the gap using a rag and cleaning spray. Once it’s clean, apply a new silicone caulk to the gap.
Besides regular cleaning, there are several other ways to prevent hard water spots and stains on your glass doors. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that’s effective against soap scum and hard water deposits. You can also try a solution of lemon juice and kosher salt. Mix the two ingredients in a spray bottle and use it to wipe down your shower doors. Lastly, you can use extra fine steel wool to scrub away stubborn stains. This will help dislodge mineral buildup without scratching the glass.
3. Check the Seals for Damage
The seals on your shower door help to contain the water in the shower so that it does not drip onto the floor. However, they are subject to a lot of wear and tear, and if you don’t clean them regularly or use the wrong chemicals, they can become damaged and start to leak. This is a problem because water leaking from the shower can cause drywall damage and promote mold growth in your bathroom.
If you do notice that your shower door seals are damaged, it is important to replace them as soon as possible. This will prevent water from escaping and damaging the drywall, wood flooring, or tile in your bathroom. The process for replacing the seals is actually quite simple and can be done by a beginner.
When you are ready to replace the seals, start by cleaning them with mild soap and water. Avoid using any harsh or acidic cleaners on the seals, as they can damage them and cause them to crack. You will also need to measure the gap that is present underneath the shower door to ensure that you get the correct size of seal. This will ensure that the new seal is able to bridge the gap and create an effective seal.
4. Clean the Hinge
The hinge on a shower door can collect grit and dirt, which may cause it to squeak when opened or closed. This can cause a lot of stress on the door, which may eventually need to be replaced. To clean the hinge, start with a natural acid like lemon juice or vinegar. Add the solution to a spray bottle and apply it to the glass and hinge. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before wiping off with a dry cloth.
Stainless steel hinges are popular for bathroom doors because they offer a sleek look. However, they can become covered in soap scum, mineral deposits, and mildew. This can cause the hinge to rust and corrode over time. To keep your stainless-steel hinges looking their best, clean them regularly.
Begin by opening your bathroom door as wide as possible for easy access to the hinges. Then remove the screws connecting the hinge plate to the frame using a screwdriver. If there are any plastic caps covering the screws, remove these as well. Next, mix together equal parts baking soda and water until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste to the hinges and scrub with a soft cloth until it is clean. Rinse off the paste residue with warm water and wipe down the hinges with a dry cloth to restore their shine.
5. Keep the Water Away from the Frame
Shower doors have seals that help prevent water from escaping the frame and onto the floor, but over time these seals can become damaged or discolored. Keeping the door seals clean and in good condition can save you from expensive damage to your floor, walls and other surfaces within your home.
One way to keep the door seals from becoming stained is to use a product that protects the surface from hard water stains. There are many different products on the market that can be applied to the surface and protect it from stains for as long as six months. However, a better option is to clean the glass and seals regularly with a squeegee. This will remove the stains before they have a chance to form, and it will also keep the seals in good condition.
Another tip for keeping your shower door seals in good condition is to replace them when necessary. Over time the plastic in the seal can become brittle or discolored, and it is important to replace the seal when this happens. Replacing the seal is easy and can be done in a few minutes. Just be sure to measure the gap under the door to ensure that you get the right size of seal strip.
6. Replace the Seals When Necessary
If your seals are worn or damaged, you need to replace them. This will prevent water from seeping through the gap and onto your bathroom floor. Thankfully, shower door seal strips are inexpensive and easy to install. You can usually find them at your local hardware store or online. But you’ll need expert shower sealing to prevent leaks in the long-term.
Start by removing the old seal strip. These usually pull right off, but sometimes they’re locked in place by mineral deposits or glue. Grab a damp cloth and wipe down the area where the old seal sat, to remove any hard water stains or mildew. Then, use a bit of mineral spirits if you need to soften the glue and scrape it off.
Once the area is clean and dry, you’re ready to install a new seal strip. Cut a length of seal strip slightly longer than the old one, then push it on with the drip edge facing towards the door. It might take some effort to get the seal seated correctly, but don’t press too hard and damage the glass or the hardware.
The bottom seal is designed to fill the gap between the two panes of glass on your shower. This keeps water from escaping the shower and getting on your bathroom floor. However, the bottom seal can also be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and soap scum, so it needs to be kept clean. Here’s a simple way to do it, thanks to cleaning sensation Mrs Hinch.
7. Keep the Water Away from the Tile
Having a functioning shower door seal is essential to keeping your bathroom clean and dry. A leaking seal can lead to water damage in the walls, floorboards, and other areas of your home, so it is important to check the seal regularly for cracks or discoloration and to replace it when necessary.
Shower door seals can be made from either rubber or plastic. To keep them in good condition, it is important to keep them away from any harsh cleaners and to regularly clean them with a mild detergent or cleaning spray. You can also use a vinegar-based cleaner, which is great for killing germs and cleaning tough stains.
When it is time to replace the shower door seal, you will need to remove the old one first. This can be done by using a utility knife to pry out a section of the seal. You can then pull out the entire strip by hand. Once the old seal is removed, you can begin to prepare the area for installing the new one. Start by using a rag and cleaning spray to remove any residue from the edge of the glass where the seal was. If you are using silicone caulk, make sure to use mineral spirit or denatured alcohol to soften it so that it can be scraped off the surface.
