How to Remove an Old Shower Door Seal and Leftover Tape
Most old seals pull right off. The work is cleaning up what they leave behind: tape residue, old silicone and soap film. A new seal only holds as well as the surface under it.
Step by step
- Pull the old seal. Pressure-fit sweeps and seals pull straight off the glass edge, starting at one end. Slide-in framed sweeps slide out the end of the rail.
- Peel stick-on seals slowly. For a taped bulb or fin seal, peel it back at a low angle. Warming it with a hair dryer for a minute softens the tape.
- Scrape off the leftover tape. Hold a razor blade scraper flat against the glass, at a low angle, and push it along the residue. Keep the glass wet with soapy water so the blade glides. Use razors on glass only, never on metal finishes, tile glaze or the seal channel.
- Dissolve stubborn adhesive. For old silicone or tape that won't scrape off, the Silicone and Adhesive Remover Kit loosens it so it wipes off clean. It's safe on glass, metal, mirrors, fiberglass and stone.
- Final clean. Wipe the edge and the area around it with rubbing alcohol and a lint-free glass wipe. Let it dry before the new seal goes on.
What not to use
- Steel wool or scouring pads. They scratch glass and dull metal hardware.
- Metal blades on hardware or tile. Razors are for bare glass only.
- Acidic cleaners. We don't use or recommend vinegar or other acidic cleaners on shower glass, hardware or seals.
Next step
Find the right replacement with the Seal Finder, or follow how to replace a frameless shower door sweep.
Use our Seal Finder
Pick your door, point to where it leaks and we'll show only the seals that fit your glass. Takes about 30 seconds.
Products in this guide
Common questions
How do I get old shower seal tape off glass?
Scrape it with a razor blade held flat while the glass is wet, then dissolve what's left with a silicone and adhesive remover.
Will a razor blade scratch shower glass?
Held flat and kept wet, a sharp new blade won't scratch plain glass. Don't use one on coated or textured glass, or on metal finishes.
Can I reuse my old seal?
Not usually. Old vinyl hardens and won't seal well. A new seal costs far less than the water damage a worn one lets through.