If you have a shower with sliding shower doors you may have wondered how to clean it. The tracks and various parts of this type of shower just seem to collect soap scum and other dirt. It doesn't take too long before it just looks bad. The general rule of thumb is that the sliding shower doors will last about ten years before they need to be replaced so if yours are old you may want to start with a fresh set rather than taking the time to clean them.

The shower door contains four tracks; two on the top and two on the bottom. When these get dirty the doors don't slide properly and it can be frustrating. The tracks collect dirt and goop from the soapy water that runs into them during your shower. Since most people don't take the time to wipe out the tracks after their showers the water evaporates leaves an ever thickening layer of soap scum and mildew. If this process goes on too long the tracks can become permanently damaged.

The doors themselves are pretty easy to keep clean.

Cleaning the sliding shower door isn't difficult if you have the proper supplies on hand. You will need the following to make it as quick and easy a cleaning job as possible. Use vinegar and water or other homemade, eco friendly cleaning supplies for the best (and greenest) results. Use about three parts water to one part cleaning solution or white vinegar. Warm water will make it a little easier, as well.

• Bucket of rinse water
• Spray bottle of plain white vinegar
• Glass squeegee
• Sponge
• Old toothbrush for small areas
• Soft cloth for drying

1. Spray vinegar on any mold or mildew and let stand while you are cleaning.
2. Spray vinegar on the inside of the shower doors and let stand five minutes.
3. Get inside the shower and use a rag to wipe down the shower doors.
4. Rinse the doors with the clear water and a clean sponge.
5. Remove excess water with the squeegee.
6. Repeat if necessary to remove all of the soap scum on the door.
7. Wipe dry with the soft cloth.
8. Repeat on the outside of the glass shower doors.
9. Spray the vinegar on the chrome trim and polish.
10. Spray the track with vinegar.
11. Using the toothbrush scrub the shower track until the scum and mildew comes up.
12. Rinse with clear water and dry.

It is much easier to clean the sliding shower doors after each shower than to have to clean them when they haven't been cleaned in a month. Follow these easy steps to keeping the shower clean:

• Wipe out the tracks after each shower. This will keep the mildew from forming and will keep the doors sliding properly.
• Check the caulk seal around the doors often and make repairs as needed. Make sure that small spaces were left in the caulk to allow water drainage. If not you can make notches in the caulk with a knife.
• Have a cleaning schedule and thoroughly clean the shower on schedule.
• Run a bar of wax or a candle stub over the tracks after they are cleaned every week.
• Keep the squeegee in the bathroom and use it to remove water from the shower doors after each shower.

When items are maintained they last longer and save you money. Take the time to learn the best ways to maintain your home to save yourself time as well.