Aluminum shower doors are very prone to corrosion. The corrosion process (oxidation) naturally causes an unsightly thin layer of aluminum oxide to cover the aluminum metal, which provides some protection to the aluminum metal.
Corrosion of aluminum shower doors occurs when you expose them to soap scum, hard water, or dirt. It may also occur when the thin outer layer of your aluminum shower door reacts with other environmental elements. Besides forming an unsightly and dull appearance, corrosion causes holes or cracks in the door frames, leading to their
To recover corroded shower doors to their original condition, you can use homemade cleaning mixtures such as bleach or a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. You can also use other cleaners and polishes that are designed for use on aluminum shower doors.
Frequent cleaning, painting, and perfect ventilation will keep your shower doors looking fresh and help prevent them from becoming rusted. Scroll down for more information.
How To Clean Corroded Aluminum Shower Doors
If you have a hard time getting rid of the dirt or minerals that have built up on your shower doors, you should think about cleaning them using chemicals that are specifically meant for aluminum.
You can use ordinary household cleaning products or purchase special cleaners for cleaning aluminum shower frames.
Before you start, please read;
Safety precautions
- Remember to wear protective gear before cleaning because harsh cleaning chemicals can harm your skin and cause damage to your eyes.
- Avoid using strong acidic solvents since strong acidic chemicals can damage aluminum, causing holes in the door frames. Dilute acids with water before using them to ensure you get the best results.
- Don’t use harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners, like steel brushes, to clean your aluminum shower door. They may increase the damage to your aluminum shower door.
- Do not use very hard or salt water because it may cause holes in the shower doors.
- Don’t use a high-pressure cleaner or a high-pressure washer that emits a powerful sprinkling of water.
- If the dirt on your door appears mild, use mild detergent in the bathtub water to clean the shower doors.
Aluminum Shower Door corrosion Removal Using Vinegar
White vinegar is efficient and effective in removing grease, dirt, and grime found outside your shower door. Another advantage of vinegar cleaning a rusty shower bathroom door is that you probably already have some in your store. So, hurry and pick it up now!
Here is what you’ll need:
- White vinegar (4 cups)
- Warm water (4 cups)
- Nylon-designed bristle brush
- Steel wool
Procedure
Mix the vinegar and water in a medium-sized bucket and stir well.
Apply the mixture to your shower door and use a bristle brush to scrub away oxidation spots.
Some areas may remain stained stubborn \until you clean them up using warm water and steel wool.
Rinse off with warm water.
Use Baking Soda to Remove Aluminum Shower door corrosion.
Baking soda is effective in removing the old stains that have become embedded in shower doors. You can add a little lemon juice to your baking soda solution to make it more effective.
Not to mention, lemon juice is a great natural disinfectant and is also great at removing tough stains. It can easily reach tight spaces and small cracks.
Here is what you’ll need:
- Lemon juice (2 cups)
- Paper towel
- Old toothbrush
- Baking soda (1 cup)
- Mixing bowl
Procedure
Combine lemon juice and baking soda in a bowl. The stir well to make a thick paste.
Apply the baking soda paste to the aluminum frame with a toothbrush and allow it to dry.
Use a paper towel to clean baking soda remains from your shower door frame.
Please Note: It is advisable to scrub the aluminum as soon as the baking soda dries because it can damage the metal.
Using Bleach to Remove Aluminum Shower Door Corrosion
Use bleach-based cleaning agents to remove stains that seem impossible to remove.
Bleach is used chiefly as a household cleaner as it dissolves tough stains, kills germs, and is an affordable solvent. If you combine bleach with baking soda, you can easily remove tough stains.
Wear protective gloves when cleaning anodized aluminum shower doors with bleach.
What you’ll need:
- Baking powder (1/2 cup)
- Bleach (1 cup)
- Sponge
- Rubber gloves
- Mixing bowls
Procedure
Combine the baking soda and bleach in a bowl, and mix well to create a thick paste.
Apply the paste to the aluminum door
Let the mixture sit for approximately 5-10 minutes to dry.
Wash the aluminum door with clean water after applying the bleach paste.
Please note: It is also possible to clean aluminum shower doors using a mild form of acetic acid (muriatic acid), but it isn’t recommended for use indoors.
Other Cleaning Methods
There are other ways to clean corroded shower doors besides vinegar, baking soda, and bleach.
Here is what you’ll need:
What you need
- Isopropyl alcohol
- A small piece of cloth
- Sandpaper
- Wire brush
Procedure
Start by brushing off the rust with a wire brush.
Using a damp cloth, wipe out the rust from your shower door.
If it is still not possible to thoroughly remove the rust, use a piece of sandpaper to lightly sand the door. Avoid using sheer strength because you could damage the aluminum.
Isopropyl alcohol will help you clean the cloth after you soak it; wipe your shower door frame after you wash it with alcohol.
Aluminum Oxidation Restorers & Cleaners
A few products are available to help you remove rust from aluminum shower doors. Follow the directions on the product label to avoid damage. It is necessary that you use a microfiber cloth to apply the cleaner to the aluminum door surfaces.
5 Best Picks Aluminum
Restorers & Cleaners
#1. Al-new Cleaner
It is among the most popular aluminum rust cleaners on the market. Al-new restores and cleans painted aluminum doors, patio furniture, and window frames, giving them a more shiny appearance.
It’s easy to use because you need to wipe the metal with a soft cloth. Al-new not only cleans and oxidizes aluminum but also protects it from rust and corrosion.
#2. D Metal Polish
Here is a multi-purpose, heavy-duty product that you can use to restore, clean, shine, and protect your aluminum or metal surfaces. It is safe to use in the kitchen and the bathroom.
#3. Schultz Polish
This cleaner removes dirt and oil while you polish and protect your shower doors against damage. Schultz cleaner not only cleans and polishes your aluminum shower doors but also protects them from corrosion.
#4. ProtectaClear Clear, Protective Coating for Metal
ProtectaClear features a durable protective coating that is impervious to water and provides excellent protection against damages resulting from corrosion, salt air, salt water, acid rain, mildew, bleach, pollution, chlorine, etc. ProtectaClear also lowers maintenance costs.
Outstanding Features
- It’s self-leveling, clear, and fast-drying coating
- It’s excellent for both indoor/outdoor use
- It’s durable and tough yet practically invisible
#5. Dura-Coating Blue Premium Metal Polish
Dura-coating Blue Premium Metal Polish is another good multi-purpose polish that will help you to easily clean and polish the metal parts of your bathroom doors. It will remove stains from your aluminum doors and give them a new look. It’s primarily used to polish the exteriors of cars, but it can also be used to polish the frames of your shower doors.
Pro Tip
Once you’ve cleaned your aluminum shower door, remember to;
- Use a mild cleaning solution to clean windows and other glass surfaces.
- Lubricate the shower doors and the hardware that is attached to them.
- Use a clean, soft cloth or sponge to clean the glass.
How To Ensure Your Aluminum Shower Doors Are Clean and Rust Free
Painting
Painting aluminum shower doors prevents them from rusting by providing a hard coat of paint. Paint helps protect metals by creating a protective layer between them and oxygen from the environment. This avoids oxygen in the air from reacting with metals and causing them to rust. This prevents water from reacting with the metal and causing it to rust.
Regular Cleaning
Regularly cleaning the shower doors will help to prevent mineral deposits and soap scum from building up on your shower door and causing them to oxidize. Immediately after each shower, apply car wax to the shower door to keep it from rusting.
You can apply other maintenance tips to prevent them from rusting.
- Wipe your shower doors every time you’re done taking a shower. Water is one of the critical elements that cause rust to form. If your shower doors are regularly cleaned, there are low chances for corrosion.
- Use a rust-resistant seal on the exterior of your shower door.
- Check for proper ventilation in the bathroom. Poor ventilation can cause rusty shower doors.
- If you plan to install shower doors on newly constructed bathrooms, ensure the bathroom’s overall design is flawless. If your shower door is not properly designed to allow for proper drainage, it may aggravate the problem.
- Avoid exposing the shower door frames to acidic or alkaline water.
- Choose to have your frame anodized. This protects the aluminum product from corrosive elements while also improving its appearance.
FAQs
Can I Paint a Shower Surround in a Bathroom?
You can paint shower surrounds with a wire brush to remove corrosion. After that, you can apply high-quality primer paint to the shower frame. Use sandpaper to clean the corrosion and apply a protective sealant to the metal frame.
What paint is best to use in your Shower?
It is better to use good quality paint in a shower than low-quality paint that will not cure when it dries.
Are there showerproof paints?
Waterproof paint will stay on your shower walls for a long time. However, you don’t need to utilize this type of paint if you have a good primer and quality paint on the market.
Final Verdict
It is daunting to repair a shower frame that has become corroded, but it is doable! If you have the right supplies and tools, you can have your shower frame looking new in no time. Be patient and careful when working on the shower frame. If you want to do this project yourself, we wish you the best of luck! But remember, your safety is the top priority!
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.