Soap scum is an inevitable result of using your shower or bathtub. It is the white or grey film of soap and dirt that accumulates over time. Soap scum builds up in the sink and more noticeably on glass doors.

Although soap scum is more noticeable on glass shower doors and enclosures, glass doors still have excellent benefits;

• Glass shower doors come in a variety of sizes and designs. You can choose different types of colours, heights, and types that fit your style.
• They make the bathroom space seem more open and bright. Using glass reflects light making small spaces appear bigger and increases light for a relaxing environment.
• Glass shower doors give your bathroom a chic modern style.
• They are simple to clean and maintain. You will be able to remove soap scum and other stains easier than with different kinds of doors.

WHAT CAUSES SOAP SCUM?

When you are bathing or taking a shower, water, and soap splashes on the walls and door. Soap scum will form when minerals such as magnesium and calcium in hard water combine with the soap’s fatty acids. It can also contain dirt, bacteria, and skill cells from washing.

These splashes form a layer that builds up over time. Since soap scum is caused by minerals in the water, using hard water will lead to more scum. Scum contains a lot of dirt and even bacteria, which is unhygienic, and you need to clean as regularly as possible.

Many people find it difficult to remove soap scum. Let us look at ways to remove soap scum without damaging your bathroom glass.

WAYS TO REMOVE SOAP SCUM FROM GLASS DOORS

1. Use a squeegee and microfiber cloth

Microfiber cloths are effective in wiping away built-up soap scum or water stains on glass. After a shower, gently wipe your glass door to prevent a buildup of scum and stains or clean the glass surface.

A squeegee has a handle and a flat edge fitted with rubber commonly used to clean windows. You can use it to scrub things off a surface, including glass shower doors. Use a squeegee to clean off soap scum or after showering to prevent a buildup of scum.

2. Use a vinegar and baking soda solution

Baking soda and salt are natural abrasives. You can make a paste using the same amount of baking soda, salt, and a little water. Spray a small amount of white vinegar on the glass door and leave it to soak for a few minutes. Using a damp sponge, rub the baking soda and salt paste on the door to remove the soap scum. Rinse the glass shower door with clean water.

3. Use vinegar and dish soap solution

Pour 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of dish soap into a spray bottle a mix well. Spritz the solution on the glass door and let it soak in for at least 30 minutes. Using a soft cloth, scrub the glass surface and rinse with clean water. Dry the surface.

4. Use an ammonia solution

Ammonia is toxic, so you need to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands. Pour 1 cup ammonia and 3 cups of water in a bottle and mix well. Spray the solution onto the glass door and use a brush to scrub the scum off the glass. Rinse the surface thoroughly with water and ensure that all the ammonia solution has drained. Dry the surface thoroughly.

PRECAUTION: do not use ammonia or vinegar cleaning solutions and chlorine-based bleach at the same time. Fumes from ammonia or vinegar combined with bleach are toxic. Ensure that you ventilate the bathroom during and after cleaning.

5. Using borax and baking soda

Baking soda and borax are both abrasive substances, making them perfect to use as cleaning agents. Mix them with a small amount of water to make a paste. Apply the paste on the glass using a damp sponge to remove the soap scum. Rinse the glass shower door with water and dry the surface completely.

HOW TO PREVENT SOAP SCUM FROM BUILDING UP ON GLASS SHOWER DOORS

Preventing soap scum from building up on your glass shower doors make cleaning easier. You can do this in several ways;

• Apply barriers like car wax or furniture oil to the glass door after cleaning. It prevents soap scum from sticking on the surface.
• Use shower gel or liquid body wash to reduce the amount of soap scum. Talc in bar soaps contributes significantly to soap scum buildup. Liquid soap is also easier to wash off.
• Use a small amount of Epsom salts in your bath water to help drain all the soap residue.
• Set up a daily cleaning routine and dry the glass after showering to prevent a buildup of scam. Ensure enough ventilation.
• Use water filters or softeners to reduce minerals in hard water.

CONCLUSION

Soap scum is a result of using minerals in water and fatty acids in soap. You cannot permanently eliminate it, but you can prevent its buildup on your glass shower doors. Using Epsom salts, water filters, or softeners, switching to liquid soap and a daily cleaning routine will go a long way in significantly reducing the buildup of soap scum.