How to clean soap scum from glass shower doors

What Is Soap Scum?

Soap scum (also called lime soap) is a white, chalky residue that appears as a white or gray filmy layer that covers the surfaces around our showers, bathtubs, and sinks. Soap scum is made by calcium stearate and magnesium stearate, among other materials, mixing with hard water.

What Causes Soap Scum?

Soap scum forms when the minerals in tap water react with soap and dirt to create a layer of scaliness over surfaces in our bathrooms. Soap scum can even show up in dirty washing machines which can then end up on our laundry.

Hard water has a high concentration of calcium, magnesium, and other hard metals, and homes with hard water are more likely to have soap scum buildup. Soap scum hardens over time and it even becomes difficult for the best bathroom cleaners to remove it. Over time, soap scum combines with mold or mildew to create more discoloration and odors.

Cleaning Shower Doors with Vinegar and Dish Soap

One of the most effective and eco-friendly ways to remove soap scum from glass shower doors is by using a simple solution of white vinegar, water, and dish soap. The acidity in vinegar helps break down the alkaline residue, while the dish soap provides extra cleaning power and helps the solution cling to vertical surfaces.

What You’ll Need:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dish soap
• Spray bottle
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Squeegee or clean towel

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. In a spray bottle, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then add a tablespoon of dish soap. Shake gently to combine.
2. Spray the solution liberally on the shower doors, making sure to cover all the affected areas. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes to penetrate the soap scum.
3. Using a damp microfiber cloth or non-abrasive sponge, gently scrub the doors in a circular motion. For tougher spots, you may need to apply more pressure or let the solution sit longer.
4. Rinse the doors thoroughly with warm water, using a squeegee or clean towel to remove excess water and prevent streaks.
5. Dry the doors completely with a clean, lint-free cloth to prevent water spots and new soap scum from forming.

How Do You Prevent Soap Scum?

Frequently cleaning your bathroom is the best way to prevent soap scum. Stay on top of cleaning your bathroom by removing all soap scum in the tub, shower, and other surface areas as soon as it begins to develop. Here are a few specific preventive tips:

• Apply a gel gloss or car wax to surfaces (except floors) after cleaning to make it more difficult for soap scum to form.
• Use a daily shower cleaner with a squeegee or a rag to stop soap scum from coming back.
• Switch from bar soap to a liquid or gel body soap to prevent soap scum from forming (liquid soap dissolves easier and discourages soap scum buildup).
• Sprinkle Epsom salt into your bath, which helps take soap residue down the drain and prevents it from sticking to surfaces.