How To Clean Stainless Steel Shower Screen Hinges Without Harsh Chemicals

Chemical cleaners can cause respiratory, eye and skin irritation and some contain ingredients that are known carcinogens. They may be effective, but more and more people are turning their back on chemical cleaners in favour of safer natural cleaning solutions.

Cleaning stainless steel is often a concern when using natural cleaners as some are too abrasive and can cause damage. You may be able to get away with cleaning stainless steel appliances with just warm water and a little natural dishwashing liquid, but your shower screen hinges will require a more thorough solution as they are exposed to limescale, grease, soap scum, mildew and body hair.

Frameless and semi-frameless shower screens may also have stainless steel door knobs, floor supports and brackets, which can be cleaned in the same way as the hinges. Here are a few chemical-free cleaning tips:

Choose The Right Cloth

You can scratch stainless steel with abrasive cleaning pads and cloths, so use a soft microfibre cloth to apply cleaning products or buff the hinges. Microfibre is twice as fine as silk and is very absorbent, so it's ideal for drying off the hinges, which will help prevent rust spots developing.

Antibacterial Action

Using an antibacterial spray on your shower screen hinges, like from A.T. Glass & Aluminium, each day is the easiest way to keep them clean and prevent a build-up of grime. Pour 200ml of white distilled vinegar and 200ml of cold water into a spray bottle, add 8 drops of orange essential oil and shake the bottle before use. The acid in the vinegar is an effective bacteria buster and the orange oil is both antibacterial and antifungal. To use, simply spray a little of the solution onto your microfibre cloth and rub over the hinges.

Getting Into The Grooves

If you're faced with shower screen hinges that look so grubby you're thinking of replacing them, give this cleaning paste a try first. It's ideal for deep cleaning and gets into all the little grooves that tend to get caked with soap scum and the muck your sports loving kids insist on dragging through the house.

Shower Hinge Paste

  • 125g Bicarbonate of soda
  • 60ml castile soap
  • Juice of ½ a lemon

Combine the ingredients, scoop a little onto a microfibre cloth and rub the paste around the hinges.  Rinse the paste off with warm water before drying the hinges with a clean cloth. The bicarbonate of soda is a mild abrasive that will lift the dirt out of the grooves, and the lemon juice is antibacterial and adds shine.

Rust Spot Removal

Shower screen hinges are susceptible to rust if they're not cared for properly, but there's no need to panic if you notice a few rust spots. You can make an effective rust removal paste using cream of tartar and lemon juice. The acid in the lemon juice removes rust and the cream of tartar soaks it up and leaves stainless steel gleaming. Give this a try:

  • Start with 50g of cream of tartar and add just enough lemon juice to make a thick paste.
  • Smooth the paste over the rust, rub vigorously with your trusty microfibre cloth and leave for 10 minutes.
  • Rinse the paste off with warm water and buff the hinges with a dry cloth.

As always, follow the manufacturer's care guidelines and keep natural cleaners stored where little hands and paws can't reach.


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