Shower screens require far less cleaning time than shower curtains or traditionally framed swinging or sliding shower doors (no railings to trap water or soap scum), but there’s still a little work to be done, however simple. You can clean a shower screen in one of two ways: with a commercial cream-based cleaning agent, or with a water and vinegar solution.

Using a Cream Cleanser

Grab a bucket and fill it with hot water. Wet a scrub sponge (a household sponge with an abrasive side for scouring) and dampen one side of the screen prior to cleaning it. Then apply the cream cleanser to the abrasive side of the sponge, and scrub the screen until clean. If any dirt or deposits seem particularly stubborn, there’s a small chance that deposits have actually etched the glass. But in all likelihood, the abrasive side of the household sponge is too soft for the job, in which case a metal scoring pad can be tried. When finished, rinse off the cream with a damp cloth, the dry with paper towels. Paper absorbs the water better than cloth, and takes less effort.

Using Vinegar

Some people don’t feel as though they’ve cleaned anything unless soap has been used, but if you’re willing to use vinegar, the procedure couldn’t be simpler. Mix one part water and one part vinegar. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray down one side of the screen, then wait at least 30 seconds for the vinegar to start loosening any dirt or soap residue. Wipe down the screen with a household sponge, then dry with paper towels. Repeat on the other side.

The same procedures used for cleaning shower screens can be used for conventional shower doors. The main difference is the the extra time and effort needed to clean any doors and ledges, which can become traps for mold and less accessible residue. These problems can be eliminated with frameless shower doors and walk in shower enclosures, which also happen to be more attractive alternatives to door and curtains in many cases.