How to Remove Soap Scum from Glass Showers!
Let's tackle one of the most stubborn bathroom challenges: removing soap scum. This sneaky buildup can be a real headache, but with a few simple DIY solutions, you can keep your bathroom sparkling clean.
What is Soap Scum?
Soap scum is a mixture of soap residue, body oils, dead skin cells, and hard water minerals. This sticky combination clings to the surfaces of your shower or bathtub, making them feel rough and grimy. The easiest way to tell if soap scum is present? Simply run your hand across a surface—if it’s not perfectly smooth, there’s soap scum!
DIY Soap Scum Removers
There are plenty of commercial products available to tackle soap scum, but you can achieve the same results with inexpensive, homemade solutions. Plus, DIY cleaners are often safer for your surfaces and better for the environment.
1. Dish Soap & Vinegar Soap Scum Buster
This simple yet effective solution is perfect for glass and tile surfaces.
Ingredients:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix the vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution onto the affected areas, working from top to bottom.
- Let it sit for one to two minutes to break down the scum.
- Use a non-scratch scrub cloth to scrub in an S-pattern.
- Rinse thoroughly.
- Run your hand over the surface—if it’s still rough, repeat the process.
Important Note: If you have a natural stone shower, avoid vinegar, as acids can damage the stone. Opt for a pH-neutral cleaner instead.
2. Baking Soda & Dish Soap Paste
For extra scrubbing power, swap out vinegar for baking soda to create a paste.
Ingredients:
- 1 part baking soda
- 1 part dish soap
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda and dish soap until you get a pudding-like consistency.
- Apply the paste using a sponge and scrub in an S-pattern.
- Let it sit for one to two minutes.
- Scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
Caution: Be cautious when using baking soda on glass. It is mildly abrasive, so test in a hidden area first to ensure it doesn’t scratch the surface.
Preventing Soap Scum Buildup
Prevention is key! Here are two easy ways to keep soap scum at bay:
1. Squeegee After Every Shower
Make it a habit to squeegee the walls and floor after every shower. It takes under 30 seconds and prevents soap scum from forming in the first place. My shower still looks brand new after four years because of this simple routine!
2. DIY Daily Shower Spray
A daily shower spray can help prevent buildup between deep cleans.
Ingredients:
- 1 part water
- 1 part white vinegar
- 20 drops tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
- Mix the ingredients in a spray bottle.
- After each shower, lightly spritz the walls and floor.
- Ensure the bathroom is well-ventilated to speed up drying.
While this method helps reduce soap scum, squeegeeing is still the best defense against buildup.
Looking for more DIY cleaning recipes? We've got you covered!