Removing Soap and Streaks from Shower Doors | Pittsburgh | Terrys Plumbing

Removing Soap and Streaks from Shower Doors


It’s always challenging to get those glass shower doors clean and free of hard water stains and soap scum. Luckily, in this blog we teach you a couple different ways to effectively clean your shower doors. So, say goodbye to streaks and soap scum and hello to crystal clear shower doors!

What is Soap Scum?

Soap Scum is a white or grey film let behind after showers–the film is a mix of soap, dirt and dead skin cells. These films form around the bathtub and sink, and even on your shower doors when soap is mixed with hard water.

To explain further, soap scum is formed when magnesium and calcium particles in water combine with soap. As you shower the water and soap mixture splashes onto the shower doors leaving behind a trail of scum and streaks. Those who have hard water will experience more soap scum on shower doors because hard water contains more minerals. If you leave the scum for too long it can build rapidly and be tougher to remove. With that being said, let’s go through different ways to get rid of soap scum and streaks.

How to get rid of Buildup

Baking soda and vinegar: Start with a half cup of baking soda and add just enough water to it to create a paste. Rub the paste on your shower doors and let it sit for 10-15 minutes, after letting it sit, rise it with vinegar. The abrasive properties of the baking soda mixed with the cleaning power of vinegar are an unstoppable pair.

Baking soda and Hydrogen Peroxide: Mix a half a cup of baking soda with just enough peroxide to make a paste. Spread it onto your shower doors and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, afterwards rinse with water and pat the doors dry. This is a good combination to use if you need something stronger than baking soda and vinegar.

Diluted Ammonia: If the above methods don’t remove the scum or streaks from your shower doors, it may be time to bust out the big guns. Mix 1-part ammonia and 3 parts water in a spray bottle, and mist the surface you’re trying to clean. While the surface is still wet, use a coarse scrub brush to loosen the debris. Lastly, rinse it clean and dry the surface with a microfiber cloth.

Prevention is Best

Dry off the shower doors after each use: Prevent soap scum buildup by using a squeegee, sponge, or towel to dry the doors and walls of the shower after each use. Doing so removes the residue before it gets a chance to harden and stick to surfaces.

Occasionally spray your shower doors with diluted vinegar: If you make a habit of spraying down your shower with vinegar, it won’t be necessary to clean your shower doors so often. By spraying them with a 50-50 mixture of water and vinegar, it will help break up debris and prevent it from sticking.

Use Rain-X: Rain-X was made to be used on vehicles windows to repel water, dried on dirt, and even squished bugs. If sprayed on your shower doors, Rain-X can protect them from debris buildup–not to mention it’s budget friendly. If you want to apply it to your shower doors, follow the steps below:

  •   First make sure your surface is completely clean and dry.
  •   Next, spray a bit of Rain-X on the shower door.
  •   Take a clean microfiber cloth and use circular motions to buff it in.
  •   Wait 5 minutes to ensure the Rain-X is completely dry.

And that’s it! It’s just that easy. Once the Rain-X is applied the water should collect in beads and roll off the shower door with ease. If you use this method it’s recommended you repeat this process every couple of weeks, or every time after you give your shower a good deep clean.

Terry’s Plumbing is here for you!

Now that your shower is shining, why not make the rest of your bathroom match! Not only can we fulfill all your plumbing needs, Terry’s Plumbing can also do full bathroom remodels to fit any style or trend. Get in touch today to discuss the details of your remodel–you won’t regret it!