How to Remove Soap Scum From Shower Doors, Tile, and More

How to Remove Soap Scum From Glass Shower Doors

The easiest way to remove soap scum from glass shower doors is by using baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Follow the steps below to make your own DIY cleaner, though, if it's easier for you to buy a product, there are commercial cleaners that will also do the trick.

1. Mix Vinegar and Dish Soap

   Create a daily cleaning solution of 1 cup of distilled white vinegar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.

2. Spray the Shower Doors 

   It's best to spray the doors and glass after every shower. Spray the solution on the glass, top to bottom, and allow it to work for 20 to 30 minutes.

3. Rinse and Dry

   • After 20 to 30 minutes, rinse with hot water.
   • Use a shower squeegee to remove water or dry the glass completely with a microfiber towel.

4. Add Baking Soda for Deep Cleans 

   If vinegar and dish soap don’t remove all of the soap scum, you can make a paste of baking soda and vinegar to remove stubborn stains.
   

   • Pour one cup of baking soda into a small plastic bowl and add enough distilled white vinegar to form a thick paste. The mixture will fizz.
   • When it stops, dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the paste and apply it to the glass doors. Let the paste remain on the glass for at least 15 minutes.
   • Wipe down the surfaces with a cloth and water. Rinse well and dry completely to prevent spotting.
   • If the soap scum is particularly heavy, dip your cloth or sponge in a small bowl of table salt after dipping it in the baking soda mixture. The table salt will add a bit more abrasiveness to the mixture, which will cut through the buildup.
     

   Warning

   Keep the salt away from any natural stone surfaces: These are soft enough that salt could easily scratch them, particularly during scrubbing.

5. Clean Shower Door Tracks With a Toothbrush

   Use an old toothbrush to reach all the tight spaces in between your shower door tracks with a commercial cleaner or a homemade mixture.

   • Use a toothbrush to apply the cleaner to the shower door tracks, then give the cleaner 20 to 30 minutes to work.
   • Rinse with water.
   • Dry well with a cloth or paper towel wrapped around the toothbrush to absorb all the moisture.

How to Remove Soap Scum from Fiberglass Showers

Fiberglass tubs and showers can quickly become dull due to soap scum, and fiberglass cannot stand up to harsh cleaners and abrasive scouring pads. There are commercial cleaners made specifically for fiberglass enclosures, or you can make your own.

• For weekly cleanings, make a paste of 1 cup baking soda and 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar.
• When it stops foaming, spread the paste on the floor and walls of the enclosure with a non-abrasive sponge or microfiber cloth.
• Allow it to work for ten minutes and then rinse.
• Dry the surfaces completely with a soft towel.
• For a deeper cleaning, substitute 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide instead of vinegar in the baking soda paste. Spread the mixture on the fiberglass enclosure and let it rest for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing and drying
• If there is a stain on the fiberglass, grab some borax from the laundry room and add a bit of lemon juice to form a paste. Spread the mixture on the stain and allow it to work for 15 minutes before wiping it away with a microfiber cloth. Rinse well and buff dry.

How to Remove Soap Scum From Shower Heads

Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning metal fixtures, but here are tips on how to remove soap scum and mineral build-up from shower heads.

• Fill a plastic bag with vinegar (or 50/50 vinegar and water solution) and attach the bag over the fixture using a rubber band with the showerhead completely submerged.
• Allow the vinegar (or vinegar and water solution) to work for at least one hour and then remove the bag.
• Rinse the surfaces with water and dry them with a towel.

How to Remove Soap Scum From Metal Faucets

When removing soap scum from metal faucets, it's critical to pay attention to the finish or you could risk damaging the metal.

• For surfaces made of chrome, brass, or bronze, use a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water. Use undiluted vinegar for stainless steel, and use only water for oil-rubbed brass or bronze.
• Wipe down the surface with the appropriate cleaning mixture.
• Rinse with water and thoroughly dry the surface to prevent water spots.

How to Remove Soap Scum from Ceramic Tile

Glazed ceramic tile and porcelain tubs are hard finishes that make removing soap scum easier than other finishes. You can use commercial cleaners or a homemade version of baking soda and distilled white vinegar.

• Create a paste with 1 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar in a small bowl. Dip a sponge into the paste and apply it to the tile. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
• Wipe down the surfaces with a microfiber cloth and water. Rinse well and dry.
  
• Use a pumice stone to carefully remove heavy soap scum buildup on a tile or porcelain surface. Wet both the pumice stone and surface before beginning.
• Very gently rub the wet stone over the soap scum. Work in a small area and as the scum is transferred to the stone, rinse the stone in plain water and scrub the stone with a stiff-bristled brush.
• Finish by wiping down the surface with distilled white vinegar, rinse with plain water, and dry with a soft cloth.

How to Remove Soap Scum from Fabric and Plastic Shower Curtains

Soap scum can be removed from both plastic and fabric shower curtains with vinegar, water, and a run through the washing machine.

Plastic Shower Curtains and Liners

• Mix enough equal amounts of distilled white vinegar and water to completely cover the plastic curtain in a bathtub, large plastic container, or washing machine drum.
• Allow it to soak for at least eight hours (overnight is better).
• To machine wash, toss the curtain into the washer with a few towels and wash with regular detergent on a warm water cycle.
• Hang to drip dry. NEVER place a plastic shower curtain in a dryer machine.

Fabric Shower Curtains

• Add one cup of distilled white vinegar to the washer drum at the beginning of the cycle and follow the remaining washing instructions on the curtain's care tag. The vinegar will cut through any soap scum build-up.
• Hang to drip dry or toss in a tumble dryer for a few minutes to remove wrinkles.
• Remove while slightly damp and hang to dry

How to Remove Soap Scum from Natural Stone Tile

Most commercial soap scum removers should not be used on natural stone. They can be abrasive, damage finishes, and leave the stone looking dull and chalky. Instead, opt for a natural stone cleaner. Follow product instructions for dilution and cleaning. You will have the most success if the cleaner is used weekly to prevent excessive buildup of soap scum.

How to Prevent Soap Scum

Save yourself from extra scrubbing by preventing soap scum from forming in the first place. 

• Use liquid soap. Bar soap contains fatty acids and talc, which increases the buildup of soap scum. Liquid body washes or shower gel will significantly reduce residue. 
• Dry your shower and tub after every use. Use a squeegee to dry your shower and tub after every use. This will remove most of the soap scum before it has time to harden. 
• Soften your water. Hard water contains more minerals, which makes it easier for soap scum to form. Install a water softener to remove the excess minerals that create soap scum. 
• Use a daily shower cleaner. Don’t let soap scum build up in your shower or tub by using a daily shower cleaner. This will remove the majority of the residue and keep your bathroom cleaner longer.