Showers are an important part of our daily relaxation and cleaning, but soap scum on shower glass can be a real headache. When we use soaps and shampoos, the ingredients in them leave a residue on glass surfaces after the water droplets evaporate, forming soap scum. These soap scum not only make the shower glass blurred but also make removing them a hassle.
However, we can easily keep our shower glass clear and smooth by taking a few simple preventative and cleaning steps. This article will explain how soap scum form, how to clean your shower glass effectively, preventive measures to remove soap scum and solutions for long-term soap scum prevention.
What causes soap scum?
The interaction between soap or detergent residues and hard water minerals causes soap scum. When we use soap, shampoo, or body wash in the shower, they contain ingredients such as fatty acids and surfactants. These substances combine with the minerals in hard water to form a sticky film on surfaces such as shower glass, tiles and taps.
The soap scum residue is left behind when water evaporates from shower surfaces. Over time, it can build up and harden, making removing it difficult. Soap scum is particularly noticeable on shower glass because it adheres to the smooth surface and becomes visible as a cloudy or hazy film.
How to clean glass shower doors?
Step 1: Switch to a different type of soap
To prevent the build-up of soap scum on your tiled and glass shower doors, consider using glycerine bar soaps, liquid or gel body soaps instead of traditional bar soaps. Conventional bar soaps often contain talc and paraffin, which can leave residue on surfaces. When combined with minerals in the water, dirt, body oils, sloughed skin and bacteria, this residue can contribute to the formation of soap scum.
You can minimize the likelihood of soap scum forming by choosing glycerin-based products. Glycerin soaps are known for their ability to rinse more cleanly, leaving less residue. This can help maintain the cleanliness and appearance of your tiled and glass shower doors.
Step 2: Clean the glass surface after each use
To prevent soap scum from building up on the shower door, you can develop a few habits. Firstly, keep a hand-cranked squeegee in the shower and use it to quickly remove excess water from the door after each shower. This simple step will help reduce water stains and soap residue. If you are short of time, another option is to remove the shower head and rinse the walls and glass surfaces with fresh water to ensure that any soap residue is washed away thoroughly.
You can reduce soap scum build-up on the shower door by simply doing this. Firstly, keep a hand squeegee in the shower and use it to quickly remove excess water from the door after each shower. This simple step will help reduce water stains and soap residue. If you are short of time, another option is to remove the showerhead and rinse the walls and glass surfaces with water, ensuring that any soap residue is thoroughly washed off.
Alternatively, keep a spray bottle of undiluted white vinegar in the shower. After each shower, spray the glass shower door and other surfaces with vinegar. The acidity of vinegar reacts chemically with the soap scum, dissolving it and acting as a natural anti-mold agent. Always wipe the surface with a clean cloth or towel to complete the process.
Step 3: Use a natural cleaner for glass shower doors
Here are some cheap, effective, environmentally friendly ways to remove soap scum from your glass shower doors. Depending on the severity of the soap scum buildup, you can choose one of these options to resolve the problem:
Vinegar
Mix 4 cups of white vinegar, 4 cups of warm water and a suitable amount of washing-up liquid in a spray bottle and spray onto the glass shower door; leave for 20 minutes, scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or brush, then rinse well with water and dry thoroughly with a clean rag.
Baking soda
Baking soda is the all-purpose cleaner for basically any stubborn stain. Mix the baking soda with a small amount of water and stir to make a paste. Apply the paste to the soap scum area and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub the doors gently with a sponge or brush, then rinse with water.
Lemon juice
Cut a lemon in half and rub it directly onto the soap scum. The natural acidity of the lemon helps break down the scum. Leave it for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Dryer sheet
Wet a dryer sheet to scrub the soap scum off the glass doors. The texture of the sheet will help loosen and remove the residue. Rinse the doors thoroughly afterward.
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Take action to make the shower room cleaner
Now you know how to remove soap scum from glass shower doors. Choose the right cleaning products, especially those specifically designed to remove soap scum. Secondly, use the correct cleaning technique by scrubbing with a soft sponge or cloth, avoiding brushes or abrasives that can damage the surface of the glass. It is also important to know the correct way to scrub and the amount of detergent to use.
Keeping the bathroom well-ventilated and reducing humidity to shorten the time it takes for water droplets to evaporate will also help to reduce the formation of soap scum. Choosing liquid soap instead of bar soap and avoiding overly greasy ingredients can reduce soap scum. In addition, getting into the habit of wiping the shower glass quickly after each shower will prevent water droplets from drying out and reduce the formation of soap scum.
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