• Shower doors require frequent maintenance to stay clean and transparent.raindrops image by jovica antoski from Fotolia.com
  
  Shower doors are among the most difficult-to-clean items in a house. The residue can include any and all of the following: hard water deposits, body oils, soap scum, mildew, dead skin, hair and bacteria. The best way to keep shower doors clean is to maintain them after each shower, and then carry out a thorough inspection and cleaning at least once a month.
  
  

Maintenance

• Shower doors are much easier to keep clean if they are wiped down after each shower. Simply wipe with a dry cloth or squeegee, and leave door ajar to allow air to circulate. In addition to keeping the glass looking its best, this will prevent hard water deposits and mildew from forming.
  
  

Removing Hard Water Buildup

• Removing hard water buildup from the shower door requires an acidic cleanser. A solution of vinegar and water works well. Use a spray bottle to apply, and wipe off with a dry towel.
  
  For particularly difficult hard water deposits, try a commercial preparation designed for this purpose such as CLR (Calcium, Lime & Rust).
  
  

Removing Soap Scum

• Soap scum is best removed by products that dissolve soap. Many commercial preparations are available. Homemade versions include diluted ammonia (follow instructions on bottle) and diluted liquid fabric softener (1 part fabric softener to 4 parts water). These solutions are easily applied with a spray bottle. Spray on and wipe off with a dry towel.
  
  For particularly tough soap scum, a Mister Clean Magic Eraser Bath Scrubber might be helpful. Follow package instructions.
  
  

Cleaning Metal Frames and Tracks

• A vinegar and water solution may be used on the metal shower door frames and tracks. Use an old toothbrush to scrub thoroughly before wiping off with a dry towel. To get into small cracks and corners, use a toothpick or cotton swab.
  
  

After Cleaning

• After cleaning, spray nonstick cooking spray on glass, wait five minutes, and then wipe thoroughly with a towel or paper towels. This will keep soap scum from adhering to glass for about a week.
  
  Lemon oil can also be applied to the metal frames and tracks to repel hard water deposits, soap scum and mildew.
  
  

Prevention

• To prevent soap scum from forming, try switching from bath bar soaps to body wash products, which are less likely to leave a residue.