Maintaining Your Shower Door for Safety and Longevity

Shower doors require regular maintenance to function safely and look their best. According to FGIA, proper care extends life and prevents safety issues.

Regular Cleaning

According to GANA, proper cleaning practices:

What to Use

• Mild dish soap and water
• White vinegar solution
• Commercial glass cleaners (non-abrasive)
• Squeegee after each use (best practice)

What to Avoid

• Abrasive cleaners or pads
• Harsh chemicals that damage coatings
• Steel wool or scotch-brite
• Ammonia-based cleaners on coated glass (check manufacturer)

Cleaning Frequency

According to FGIA, recommended schedule:

| Task | Frequency |
|------|-----------|
| Squeegee after use | Daily |
| Wipe down surfaces | Weekly |
| Deep clean glass | Monthly |
| Clean tracks/seals | Monthly |
| Inspect hardware | Quarterly |

Hardware Maintenance

According to FGIA, maintain hardware by:

Hinges

• Check for loose screws monthly
• Lubricate with silicone spray annually
• Look for corrosion or wear
• Ensure smooth operation

Handles

• Tighten if loose
• Check for corrosion around mounting points
• Verify secure attachment

Seals and Gaskets

• Clean regularly to prevent mold
• Replace if cracked, hardened, or missing
• Check for proper water containment

Safety Inspection Points

According to GANA guidance, inspect for:

Glass

• Chips or cracks (any crack is replacement-worthy)
• Stress marks (whitish lines in tempered glass)
• Loose in frame or hardware

Hardware

• Corrosion that weakens mounting
• Loose hinges or pivots
• Worn gaskets where metal meets glass
• Stripped screws or damaged anchors

Operation

• Door swings smoothly
• Door stays in position when open
• No grinding or catching
• Proper alignment with frame/fixed panels

When to Call a Professional

According to FGIA, seek professional help when:

• Any chip or crack appears in glass
• Door won't stay open or closes unexpectedly
• Hardware is visibly damaged or heavily corroded
• Door has shifted out of alignment
• Seals leak despite cleaning

Extending Life

According to GANA, longevity tips:

1. Don't slam: Closes should be controlled
2. Ventilate: Run exhaust fan to reduce moisture
3. Address issues early: Small problems become big problems
4. Use protection: Coatings reduce mineral buildup
5. Quality installation: Prevents premature failure

The Bottom Line

Regular maintenance takes minutes but prevents expensive repairs and safety hazards. According to FGIA, most shower door problems are preventable with basic care.

*For complete safety information, see: [Shower Door Safety](/guides/shower-door-safety)*