The plastic seal along the bottom of a shower or bath screen can collect soap residue, limescale, dirt and mould. Regular cleaning helps the screen drain correctly and prevents black staining and unpleasant smells.
Tenants are expected to carry out routine cleaning and keep removable shower-screen seals reasonably free from dirt and limescale. Please follow the steps below before reporting the issue.
This guide applies to a removable plastic or rubber screen seal. Do not remove silicone sealant fixed around the bath, shower tray or tiles.
Important Safety Notice
```- Wear gloves when handling mould, limescale or cleaning products.
- Keep the bathroom ventilated while cleaning.
- Always follow the instructions on the cleaning product.
- Never mix descaler, bleach, vinegar or other cleaning chemicals.
- Do not use knives, metal scrapers or sharp tools on the seal or screen.
- Do not use an abrasive sponge that could scratch the glass or plastic.
- Do not force the seal off if it appears fixed or difficult to remove.
Video Guide
The video below shows a general method for removing and cleaning a shower or bath screen seal.
How to Clean the Screen Seal
1. Check whether the seal is removable
Most bottom screen seals slide or pull off the glass. Check how the seal is fitted before attempting to remove it.
Some seals slide off from one end, while others can be carefully pulled downward. Do not force it if it does not move easily.
2. Remove the seal carefully
Support the shower or bath screen with one hand and carefully remove the seal. Pull evenly so the seal does not split or distort.
If the screen feels loose, damaged or unstable, stop and report the issue.
3. Rinse away loose dirt
Rinse the seal with warm water to remove loose hair, soap residue and surface dirt.
4. Apply a suitable cleaning product
Spray the seal with a bathroom descaler, mould cleaner or another product suitable for plastic and rubber bathroom seals.
Leave the product on the seal for the period stated on the label. Do not leave strong descaler on for longer than recommended.
5. Scrub the seal gently
Use a soft sponge, cloth or toothbrush to clean:
- The outside surfaces
- The internal channel that grips the glass
- The flexible water deflector
- Any corners where mould or soap residue has collected
Avoid using metal brushes, abrasive pads or sharp tools.
6. Rinse thoroughly
Rinse the seal with clean water until all cleaning-product residue has been removed.
7. Clean the bottom of the glass
Before refitting the seal, clean and dry the bottom edge of the shower screen. Dirt trapped between the glass and seal can cause staining and prevent the seal from fitting correctly.
8. Dry the seal
Dry the seal with a clean cloth before placing it back on the screen.
9. Refit the seal correctly
Slide or press the seal back onto the bottom of the glass in the same position as before.
Make sure the flexible edge faces the correct direction so water drains back into the bath or shower tray.
10. Test the screen
Run the shower briefly and check whether:
- The seal remains securely attached
- Water drains into the bath or shower tray
- Water leaks underneath or around the screen
- The screen opens and closes normally
If the Seal Cannot Be Removed
If the seal appears fixed or cannot be removed safely, clean it while it remains attached.
- Spray a suitable product onto a cloth or directly onto the seal, following the label.
- Allow the product to work for the recommended time.
- Clean the seal with a soft sponge or toothbrush.
- Rinse it thoroughly.
- Dry the seal and surrounding glass.
Do not pull on the glass screen or use excessive force.
When the Seal Needs Replacing
Cleaning may not restore a seal that has permanently deteriorated. Please open a maintenance task if the seal is:
- Split or torn
- Hard, brittle or badly distorted
- Loose and repeatedly falling off
- Missing
- Permanently black after thorough cleaning
- No longer directing water into the bath or shower tray
- Allowing water to leak onto the bathroom floor
Do not purchase a replacement unless instructed to do so. Shower-screen seals come in different glass thicknesses, shapes and lengths.
How to Prevent Dirt and Mould Returning
- Rinse soap residue from the screen after showering.
- Wipe the glass and seal with a squeegee or cloth.
- Remove standing water from the bath edge or shower tray.
- Use the extractor fan and open the window where available.
- Do not leave bottles or bathroom products resting against the seal.
- Clean the seal regularly before deposits become heavily built up.
Photos and Information Required
If cleaning does not resolve the issue, please open a maintenance task and upload:
- A clear photo of the complete shower or bath screen
- A close-up photo of the seal before cleaning
- A close-up photo after cleaning
- A photo of any split, torn or missing section
- A short video showing where water is leaking
- A photo showing how the seal attaches to the glass
- Confirmation that the seal has been cleaned
- Confirmation of whether the seal can be removed
- Details of whether the screen itself feels loose or unstable
Providing this information helps us identify the correct seal and avoid unnecessary contractor visits.
Possible Contractor Charges
If a contractor attends and the issue consists only of routine dirt, soap residue, mould or limescale that could have been removed through normal cleaning, the call-out charge may be recharged to the tenant.
If the seal is damaged through normal wear, incorrectly fitted, defective or requires replacement for a reason not caused by tenant misuse, the landlord will normally be responsible for arranging the repair.
