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How to Get Soap Scum Off Shower Doors: A Step-By-Step Guide

How to Get Soap Scum Off Shower Doors: A Step-By-Step Guide

Shower doors are a stylish and convenient addition to any bathroom, but they can quickly become covered in soap scum and hard water stains. Cleaning shower doors can be challenging, but it can be done quickly and efficiently with the right tools and techniques. 

This blog post will provide a step-by-step guide for cleaning shower doors, from preparing the cleaning solution to drying the doors. We’ll also offer tips for preventing soap scum buildup. 

Whether you’re dealing with a mild buildup or a stubborn layer of soap scum, this guide will help you get your shower doors sparkling clean in no time. Keep reading to learn more!

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Soap Scum Off Shower Doors

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

To start, you’ll need to gather the right cleaning supplies. You’ll want gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that will remove the soap scum without damaging the surface. 

For cleaning soap scum off shower doors, you’ll need the following supplies:

  • White vinegar
  • Dish soap
  • Baking soda
  • Microfiber cloth or scrub brush
  • Spray bottle
  • Warm water
  • Rubber gloves (optional)

These supplies will allow you to create a DIY cleaning solution that is effective against soap scum and safe for use on shower doors. 

The vinegar and dish soap work together to break down the soap scum, while the baking soda provides gentle abrasion to help scrub it away. The microfiber cloth or scrub brush is used to physically remove the soap scum, and warm water is used to rinse the doors clean. 

The spray bottle makes it easy to apply the cleaning solution evenly, and rubber gloves can be worn to protect your hands from any harsh chemicals. As noted above, wearing gloves is optional.

Step 2: Mix Your Cleaning Solution

The power of your cleaning supplies comes to life when you mix them together. 

  1. In a spray bottle, combine equal parts white vinegar and warm water. For example, if you use 1 cup of vinegar, you’ll also use 1 cup of water.
  2. Add a few drops of dish soap to the spray bottle. This will help break down the soap scum and make removing it easier.
  3. Shake the spray bottle gently to mix the ingredients together.

That’s it! The cleaning solution is now ready to use. If you have a particularly stubborn buildup of soap scum, you can also add a small amount of baking soda to the spray bottle. Just be sure to shake the bottle well to ensure that the baking soda is evenly distributed throughout the solution.

Step 3: Apply the Cleaning Solution

Once you have your cleaning solution prepared, it’s time to apply it to the soap scum. 

  1. Put on rubber gloves if desired to protect your hands.
  2. Spray the cleaning solution generously onto the shower doors, making sure to cover all areas with soap scum buildup.
  3. Allow the cleaning solution to sit for at least 10-15 minutes. This will give the vinegar and dish soap time to break down the soap scum.
  4. If you’re using baking soda, sprinkle it onto the shower doors after applying the cleaning solution. You can use a scrub brush or microfiber cloth to gently scrub the baking soda into the soap scum.
  5. For particularly stubborn buildup, you may need to let the cleaning solution sit longer or repeat the process.

It’s important to avoid using too much pressure when applying the cleaning solution, as this can scratch the shower doors. Instead, let the solution do the work for you and give it enough time to break down the soap scum before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Let the Solution Sit

You’ll want to let the solution soak for at least 10-15 minutes before you wash it away, or it won’t have time to break down the soap scum. You’ll want to avoid turning the water on during this time, as this could wash the solution away too quickly.

Once 15 minutes have passed, rinse the solution off. The soap scum should come off with a good scrubbing.

Step 5: Scrub the Shower Doors

  1. Wet a microfiber cloth or scrub brush with warm water.
  2. Starting at the top of the shower doors, gently scrub the doors using circular or back-and-forth motions. Be sure to apply enough pressure to remove the soap scum, but not so much that you scratch the doors.
  3. If you encounter particularly stubborn buildup, add more cleaning solution or baking soda to the cloth or brush and continue scrubbing.
  4. Work your way down the shower doors, paying special attention to areas with heavy soap scum buildup.
  5. Once you’ve scrubbed the entire surface of the shower doors, rinse them thoroughly with warm water.

It’s important to use a gentle touch when scrubbing shower doors to avoid scratching them. A microfiber cloth is a good choice for gentle scrubbing, while a scrub brush can be used for more stubborn buildup. If you’re using a scrub brush, choose one with soft bristles to avoid damaging the doors. Be sure to rinse the doors thoroughly with warm water after scrubbing to remove any remaining cleaning solution or soap scum.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Doors

  1. Use warm water to rinse the shower doors thoroughly, removing all traces of the cleaning solution and soap scum.
  2. Use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the shower doors. This will help prevent water spots and streaks from forming.
  3. Repeat the cleaning process if you notice any remaining soap scum or buildup.

Drying the shower doors thoroughly after cleaning is important to prevent water spots and streaks from forming. A microfiber cloth is a good choice for drying as it is absorbent and won’t leave lint or fibers behind. 

If you have hard water, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the shower doors before drying them with a cloth. This will help prevent mineral buildup and make it easier to keep the doors clean in the future.

Preventing Soap Scum Buildup

Preventing soap scum buildup is key to keeping your shower doors clean and sparkling. Here are a few tips to help prevent soap scum from forming:

  1. Use a Squeegee: After each shower, use a squeegee to remove excess water from the shower doors. This will help prevent soap scum from forming by removing the water that can cause it.
  2. Use a Shower Cleaner: Regularly cleaning your shower doors with a shower cleaner can help prevent soap scum buildup. Look for a cleaner designed to dissolve soap scum and use it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  3. Switch to a Soap-Free Body Wash: Soap scum is caused by the reaction between soap and hard water. Switching to a soap-free body wash can help prevent soap scum from forming in the first place.
  4. Use a Water Softener: If you have hard water, using a water softener can help prevent soap scum buildup. A water softener removes minerals from the water that can cause soap scum and other problems.

These tips can help prevent soap scum buildup and keep your shower doors clean and clear.

Get Your Glass Shower Doors From Murray Glass

Keeping your shower doors clean and free of soap scum is important to maintaining a clean and healthy bathroom. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can effectively clean your shower doors and prevent soap scum buildup. 

If you’re in the market for new shower doors, look no further than Murray Glass. Our high-quality glass shower doors are stylish, durable, and easy to clean. Contact us using our online form for a free estimate for your home. 

With proper care and maintenance, your Murray Glass shower doors will look great for years to come. So, try these cleaning tips and enjoy a sparkling clean shower every day!

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