How To Clean Soap Scum Off Shower Doors

If you have a shower with sliding glass doors, you probably have an issue with a white film that builds up over the glass surface. It is actually soap scum caused by a combination of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium from water and animal fats in soap.

This sediment will quickly transform the transparent look of the glass and make it ugly and dirty, especially if you live in the region with hard water. Luckily, you can clean it efficiently with many homemade or commercial cleaners. Let's discover how to remove soap scum from the glass shower door.

Methods for Cleaning Glass Shower Doors

1. White vinegar

White vinegar

Once you decide to clean soap scum from your glass shower doors, it is time to go to your kitchen. Among a few useful ingredients, white vinegar is probably the most popular home cleaner you can find. Since it is inexpensive and readily available, it is an excellent option to get rid of ugly stains in the bathroom quickly.

Dip a sponge in white vinegar, add it over the glass, and let it sit for at least five minutes. It is an efficient way to get rid of both soap scum and the chalky streaks.

When the stains are particularly stubborn, it is better to clean the glass with boiling vinegar carefully. In the end, rinse it with warm water and dry the surface. The unpleasant smell will disappear after a while.

Vinegar is an excellent solution for cleaning all parts of your sliding glass door. Soak paper towels in it, cover the tracks and drain holes, and let it sit overnight. Then, remove the towel paper and rinse the door.

Keep in mind that you should avoid this cleaner if you have a stone floor in the shower cabin since acid may damage it. Also, never combine vinegar with bleach to prevent the creation of noxious fumes.

2. White vinegar and tea tree oil

Add a few drops of tea tree oil in white vinegar and use this solution to clean the glass shower door. Vinegar will remove soap scum, while antibacterial tea tree oil will make your cabin clean and safe for use.

3. White vinegar and dish soap

White vinegar and dish soap

Mix liquid grease-fighting dishwashing soap and white vinegar in equal amounts and pour them in a spray bottle. Spray glass shower door with this solution and let it sit for approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Rinse the glass and wipe it with a soft cloth until it dries entirely.

For particularly stubborn stains, you should bring vinegar to boil. Then, add an equal part of dish soap into hot vinegar and carefully pour the mixture into a spray bottle.

Spray the surface to soak soap scum and let it sit for half an hour. In case of stubborn stains, it is better to leave the mix there overnight and then rinse the glass and dry it with a microfiber cloth. Scrub the surface with a stiff-bristled brush if necessary.

4. White vinegar and detergent

You will need four cups of white vinegar and the same amount of water to clean your glass shower door. Add one tablespoon of detergent into the solution and pour it into a spray bottle.

Spray dirty surface and let it sit about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, scrub all the dirt with a soft-bristle brush and rinse the glass with hot water. In the end, dry the area with a microfiber cloth.

5. White vinegar and baking soda

It is one of the best methods to get rid of hard water stains and soap scum. You will need 0.25 cups of white vinegar and 0.5 cups of baking soda. Mix them in a bucket and stir them into a paste.

Use a sponge to apply the paste over the glass surface and then let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Rinse the glass and dry it with a microfiber cloth.

6. Baking soda

Baking soda

Make a thick paste of 0.5 cups of baking soda and enough water and rub it thoroughly over the glass shower door with a soft cloth. Rinse it after approximately 15 to 20 minutes with warm water and dry the surface with a soft cloth to remove the remains.

7. Baking soda and borax

Mix an equal amount of baking soda and borax and make a paste by adding warm water. Apply the mixture over the dirty glass shower door with a wet sponge and rub the area until removing all soap scum. Use a brush when necessary. Then, rinse thoroughly and dry the glass entirely.

Another way is to apply dry ingredients to the moistened glass directly. Scrub the scum with a wet sponge and brush when necessary.

8. Borax and detergent

Borax is highly efficient when you have an issue with mold in your bathroom. Mix one cup of borax with two tablespoons of detergent, and add two cups of warm water. Make a thick paste and apply it over the glass surface with a bristle brush.

Let the paste sit at least 15 to 20 minutes and remove it before drying. Then, rinse the glass with warm water and wipe it with a paper towel or soft cloth.

9. Lemon juice

Lemon juice

Lemon juice works in the same way as vinegar, but the bathroom will stay fragrant after using it. Combine the juice of at least three lemons with a cup of water. Pour the mixture in a spray bottle and apply it over your glass shower door. Wipe the surface with a soft microfiber cloth after five minutes until glass stays dry.

10. Lemon juice and baking soda

Cut the lemon in half and dip the cut side in baking soda. Then, rub the glass surface until removing soap scum. Rinse the area with warm water and dry it thoroughly.

11. Lemon juice and salt

You can use lemon to remove soap residue from the frame of your glass shower door, as well. Cut the lemon in half and dip the cut side in salt. By rubbing it over the metal, you will remove any soap scum and rust from the frame.

Another way is to mix lemon juice and salt in a 1: 2 ratio to get a paste. Apply it over the surface, let it sit about five minutes, and scrub the residue with an old toothbrush. In the end, rinse the glass with warm water.

12. Ammonia

Ammonia

Use ammonia in your bathroom to remove the highly stubborn soap scums only if you have a window or excellent ventilation. Always wear rubber gloves and mask during the procedure.

Fill a spray bottle with ammonia and water mixed in a 1: 3 ratio. Spray the solution over the affected area and let it sit for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Then, scrub the wet glass with a brush or old toothbrush to loosen the soap scum. Then, rinse it with warm water and dry it entirely with a microfiber cloth.

13. Dryer sheet

Soak a dryer sheet in warm water and clean the glass shower door in circular motions. Keep in mind that this method is convenient only for removing soap scum from the small area.

14. Commercial glass cleaner

If you prefer cleaning your shower door with a commercial glass cleaner, you can do it effortlessly by spraying it over the affected area. Wipe the glass with a clean cloth.

Always choose the product with alcohol to prevent the occurrence of ugly stripes over the glass surface. Also, take care to choose a non-toxic chemical to avoid any possible issues with allergies and skin damages.

15. All-purpose bathroom cleaner

All-purpose bathroom cleaner

Another option is to remove soap scum residue from the glass with an all-purpose bathroom surface cleaner. You can use it to remove persistent dirt in hard to reach places and corners.

16. Magic eraser

If you prefer not to use chemicals or scented products, you can clean your glass shower door with a magic cleaning eraser. Soak it in warm water and start scrubbing the shower door in a circular motion until cleaning it entirely.

You will get the best result when using it after taking a shower. The warm water will loosen soap scum and increase the effect of the magic eraser.

It is a convenient solution when you need to remove soap scum from a smaller area. Unfortunately, it is not the best option if you need to clean the entire glass door.

17. Toilet bowl cleaner

Toilet bowl cleaner is not designed for removing dirt from the glass shower door, but you can use it to remove soap scum when you don't have another solution for some reason.

Apply toilet bowl cleaner to the wet sponge. Keep in mind that a small amount of this chemical will be enough for this purpose.

Wipe the glass with the sponge, rinse the surface thoroughly, and dry it well. Never use this product in a small bathroom without a window or excellent ventilation.

Summary

In most cases, it is better to prevent soap scum building-up. If it is not possible for some reason, you should find an efficient solution to clean your shower door. Basically, there are many options available in your kitchen or on the market. Use any of them and keep your glass sparkly clean.