How to Get Soap Scum Off a Shower Door

Removing tough soap scum from glass shower doors is easy with the right tools.

It's not pleasant taking a shower within the confines of glass doors that are caked with layers of opaque soap scum. Many different cleaning techniques exist---and depending on your type of water (hard, soft), one may work better than another. This article explains several basic methods for removing stubborn soap scum from glass shower doors, ensuring that it won't reappear.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup white distilled vinegar
• 1 no-scratch cellulose sponge
• 1 soft, lint-free, dry cloth
• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 small bottle liquid dishwashing soap (without bleach)
• 1 Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
• 1 bottle Rain-X
• 1 bottle glass cleaner spray (such as Windex)
• 1 roll paper towels
• 1 bottle commercially prepared bathroom cleaner (such as Method shower cleaner, Kaboom, or Scrubbing Bubbles)

Instructions

Simple Instructions for Sparkling Shower Doors

1. 

   Using white distilled vinegar is a safe, easy, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly way to remove difficult soap scum from glass shower doors. Dip your no-scratch sponge into full-strength vinegar and rub on the shower doors in a circular motion, applying slight pressure. Use the abrasive side for tough stains. Wipe the doors dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

2. 

   Another method for removing soap scum off glass shower doors involves creating a paste from baking soda and liquid dishwashing soap. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a small bowl, breaking up any lumps, and add just enough liquid dishwashing soap to make a paste. Dip your no-scratch sponge into the mixture and apply liberally to the glass door. Let sit for five minutes for best results. Rinse the doors with a spray of water, then wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

3. 

   Mr. Clean Magic Erasers are also successful in removing layers of soap scum stains. Saturate one eraser with warm water, squeeze to remove excess, and rub on your shower doors while applying heavy pressure. Repeat process until shower doors are completely clean. Wipe dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

4. Many commercially prepared shower cleaners---such as Method shower cleaner, Kaboom, and Scrubbing Bubbles---are also available. Make sure to read all package directions and use these products according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep ugly soap scum from returning, apply a dime-size amount of Rain-X solution to a soft, lint-free, dry cloth. After cleaning your shower doors using one of the methods mentioned earlier, rub the Rain-X onto your shower doors in a circular motion. Repeat until all traces of Rain-X are gone. Rain-X, which is normally used on automobile windshields, has the same effect in your shower: repelling water, causing it to bead instead of lingering on your shower doors. Molly, a homemaker from Katy, Texas, dislikes cleaning her shower doors and reports that she always uses the Rain-X method. Alternately, after using one of the cleaning methods mentioned earlier, spray glass cleaner (such as Windex) on your glass shower doors and wipe clean with paper towels or a soft, lint-free, dry cloth. Some knitters, such as SpruceGlenTreasures, choose to knit their own reusable dishcloths for drying glass shower doors.

• Never mix chlorine (bleach) with other cleaners or chemicals. A toxic reaction could occur, producing lethal fumes. Carefully follow the manufacturer's directions for any products you may use. Also, adequate ventilation is necessary when using cleaning products. Turn on the bathroom's exhaust fan and open a window if possible while cleaning. You may also choose to wear latex or vinyl gloves to protect your hands.

References

• SpruceGlen Treasures
• Molly from Katy, TX

Resources

• Glass Shower Doors Have Come a Long Way