how to clean soap scum off glass shower doors. Homeowners should weigh the benefits of glass shower doors against the hassle of cleaning soap scum off of them. I’m not a fan of the etched swan because my glass shower is the original to my 1951 home and it makes the bathroom feel like a coffin in comparison to modern all-glass shower doors. Despite the challenges, I have been successful in avoiding soap buildup.
It wasn’t “keep soap scum away” but rather “keep soap scum at bay,” right? Leaving behind soap scum is inevitable. Just as essential as learning how to clean it is learning how to keep it in good working order.
Soap Scum: What’s the Deal?
Soap scum is caused by the paraffin wax in soap reacting with hard water, a phenomenon we’ve all come to know and hate. Soap scum is a common problem in bathrooms; whether you have a glass shower door, tile, a vinyl shower curtain, or a fiberglass tub, you’ve probably had to fight it at some point. On glass, it is most obvious.
Use Vinegar to Remove Soap Scum
White vinegar and grease-cutting dish soap should be mixed in a spray bottle to create a powerful cleaning solution. We recommend spraying the glass shower door with the cleaning solution and then closing it so that the solution can set and drain back into the shower. After 20 to 30 minutes, use a clean cloth to gently scrub the surface and dry it completely.
Using Ammonia to Remove Soap Scum
Wear rubber gloves and ventilate the bathroom. In a spray bottle, mix 1 part ammonia with 3 parts water, and mist the soap scum surface. While still wet, use a coarse scrub brush to agitate and loosen the soap scum. Let the ammonia solution run off the surface in a thorough rinsing. Dry it completely.
