The Best Soap Scum Remover for Fast and Effective Cleaning

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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Soap scum is the white or grey filmy layer that usually covers the surfaces of showers, sinks, and bathtubs. This substance can be found on shower curtains, shower doors, bathroom fixtures, among others. This article will guide you in purchasing the best soap scum remover for your cleaning activities.

The scum forms when soap is used in hard water. If you use hard water in your place, then you're familiar with soap scum. It can be ugly and annoying, so you will want to get rid of it.

It can also be difficult to tell which remover is effective and which one is not. That is why I did my research and came up with a list of the best soap scum removers. Most of them are skin-friendly and also affordable. No more excuses for having scum in your bathroom or sink.

Let's look at some of the best soap scum removers.

Best Soap Scum Removers

1. Rejuvenate No Scrub Soap Scum Remover (Best Overall)

Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover Shower Glass...
  • Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover Non-abrasive Cleaning...
  • Effective to use on glass, ceramic tile, fiberglass, natural...
  • Easy to use, just spray and rinse, for a streak finish
  • The no scrub soap scum remover is the winner of multiple cleaning...
  • Winner of multiple cleaning product awards | Proudly Made in...

Rejuvenate no Scrub cleaner is a prestigious cleaning agent. It is mild and works perfectly on various surfaces like glass, plastic, porcelain, stone, stainless steel, and chrome.

This product is non-toxic and is free of bleach. It leaves you with a streak-free finish each time, whether you choose to clean your shower, the tub, floors, or counters. Spray and rinse. It is scent-free and is great for cleaning shower doors, and is a great shower cleaner. You can use the cleaner daily as it is not harmful. Using this soap scum remover frequently or daily if possible, ensures that your bathroom remains clean throughout.

Pros:

  • Fragrance-free and does not leave any soap scum.
  • Easy to use.
  • It is beach-free.
  • Affordable.It is not harmful.
  • It is non-abrasive.

Cons:

  • It does not sanitize.

2. Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser (Best Budget)

Sale
Soft Scrub Cleanser with Bleach, 24 Ounce (Pack of 2)
  • Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser cleans in one step to leave...
  • Cleans surfaces in 3 minutes.
  • Tough on stains and gentle on surfaces.
  • Achieve a brilliant, scratch-free shine on most surfaces.

Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser is an antibacterial cleanser that cleans by penetrating soap scum, residue, and grime. It is a mildly abrasive cleanser.

It is good for removing dirt, soap scum, toothpaste, mildew, and toilet bowl pigments. You can as well use it to clean your kitchen sink and your glass stovetop. Soft Scrub with Bleach also kills germs found on plastic laminate, fiberglass, sealed granite, and stainless steel.

For best results, leave it on the surface for up to 3 minutes and wipe it away with a damp microfiber cloth.

Pros:

  • It is easy to use.
  • It disinfects surfaces by killing viruses and bacteria.
  • It is versatile.
  • It is very affordable.
  • Soft scrub is highly effective.
  • It is perfect for cleaning white surfaces.
  • It comes in a pack of two.
  • The bleach scent in this product quickly fades.
  • It is not too 'bleachy.'
  • This cleaning product is nearly scratch-free.
  • The product is biodegradable; it contains no phosphorus.

Cons:

  • It may harm some surfaces.
  • The cleanser can mark clothing and other non-color fast surfaces.
  • It needs a hard shaking before use.
  • Not easily/locally available.

3. Scrubbing Bubbles Disinfectant Bathroom Grime Fighter Spray (Best for Tubs)

Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter Aerosol,...
  • Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter Aerosol is a...
  • Removes 100% soap scum and smells amazing
  • A fresh scent, available in Citrus and Rainshower, that gives...
  • Penetrating foam cleans hard to reach places
  • Ideal for tubs, shower walls, vinyl shower curtains, shower...

Scrubbing Bubbles is the best cleanser for tubs. It frees your bathtub of all soap scum and leaves a spotless surface and a nice citrus fragrance.

This cleanser works greatly on showers, sinks, and any other bathroom surfaces. It erases mold and mildew stains and cleans soap scum.

When used to clean shower doors, sinks, toilets, tubs, and counters, it leaves behind a brilliant shine. Using the scrubbing bubbles disinfectant bathroom grime fighter is quite simple.

All you need to do is hold the disinfectant can approximately 10 inches from the tub to cover the whole of it. Permit it to rest for some time. After about minutes, wipe the tub with a wet piece of cloth. Easy right? And just like that, you have your bathtub sparkling.

Pros:

  • It is highly effective.
  • The cleanser is versatile.
  • The penetrating foam removes soap scum in hard-to-reach places.
  • It acts as a disinfectant.
  • It has a pleasant scent without harsh smells.

Cons:

  • It can be dangerous if mishandled.
  • The smell can be overpowering if you decide to scrub.

4. Rain-X Shower Door X-treme Clean (Best for Glass)

Sale
Rain-X 630035 Shower Door Cleaner, 12 fl. oz.
  • Provides an extreme, deep clean on shower doors leaving behind a...
  • Specially formulated to clean soap scum and hard water stains on...
  • An ideal cleaning prep for Rain-X Shower Door Water Repellent
  • For glass surfaces only
  • Comes in 12 ounce bottle

Rain-X Shower cleaner is the epitome of removing soap scum, including stains of hard water from glass surfaces. It is specially formulated for use on glass shower doors.

To use it, apply the cleanser on your glass shower door or mirror and gently clean it in circular motions. The final step involves rinsing it off with clean water. You can also use a damp cloth to wipe it. This Shower Door X-treme Clean removes soap scum buildup on glass doors to deliver the ultimate in sparkling clean.

Pros:

  • It is effective on the first use.
  • It is easy to rinse off.
  • The cleanser has a neutral fragrance.
  • It is also non-abrasive.

Cons:

  • This cleanser is labor-intensive.

5. Bring It On! Cleaner (Best for Fiberglass)

Sale
Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover, Shower...
  • HARD WATER STAIN REMOVER – This innovative cleaning solution...
  • SHOWER DOOR CLEANER – Bring It On Cleaner was formulated to...
  • REMOVES CALCIUM, MINERAL, & RUST STAINS – Hard water can...
  • TILE AND GROUT CLEANER – Not only is Bring It On Cleaner great...
  • FRESH MINT SCENT – Bring It On Cleaner has a fresh mint scent....

Bring It On! Cleaner is ideal for cleaning fiberglass. It is formulated with non-toxic oxygen bleach. This product can cleanse your fiberglass shower doors that are stained with hard water patches, residue streaks, or even an accumulation of soap scum.

You can use Bring It On cleanser on different surfaces like chrome, ceramic, stainless steel, and porcelain. To use it, apply Bring It On! on a piece of cloth, gently scrub the surface in circular motions and then rinse.

Pros:

  • It is versatile.
  • It cleans rust and minerals.
  • It has a fresh mint scent that leaves your bathroom smelling fresh.
  • It is safe to use around children and pets.
  • The cleaner is environmentally friendly.

Cons:

  • None.

6. CLR PRO Multi-Surface Industrial Strength Heavy Duty Cleaner

Sale
CLR PRO Heavy Duty Cleaner, Industrial Strength,...
  • Effective: CLR Pro Heavy Duty Cleaner is a multi-purpose...
  • Industrial Strength: This ready-to-use, full strength formulation...
  • Easy to Use and Multi-Purpose: CLR PRO Heavy Duty Cleaner can be...
  • Water-Based Formula: This multi-purpose non-toxic biodegradable...
  • The Power You Expect, The Clean You Need: CLR PRO offers a...

This Multi-Surface Industrial cleaner is a multi-functional power grease remover. It removes oil, lubricant, and tar. It is used for commercialized kitchens, factory flooring, tiles, tools, manufacturing environments, and hospitality regions.

It is water-based. CLR Pro heavy-duty cleaner is biodegradable; it contains no acids, abrasives, or petroleum solvents. It cannot harm nearby grass or vegetation. It offers a professional line of products for industrial and commercial segments, including metal cleaner and calcium, lime, and rust remover.

CLR Pro can be used at home when serious cleaning power is needed. When you need to remove those stubborn stains from your porcelain, ceramic, or stone tile surfaces, CLR Pro cleaner is the best choice. Spray the foamy substance in an even coat whenever hard water stains or soap scum builds up. Allow it to sit for a short time, then sponge it.

Pros:

  • It is a multi-purpose agent for cleaning soap scum.
  • Easy to use in the removal of soap scum.
  • It's affordable.
  • It is safe for the environment, humans, and pets.

Cons:

  • None.

7. Bio-Clean Hard Water Stain Remover (Best for Shower Wall)

Sale
Bio-Clean Products: Hard Water Spot Calcium Stain...
  • Trusted by Restaurants, Hotels and Households World-Wide for Over...
  • Used in hospitals, nursing homes, manufacturing plants, hotels,...
  • Made in the USA, Lab Tested & Industry Approved. Professional...
  • Biodegradable formula produces no bad smell or harmful fumes....
  • Removes Severe Calcium, Rust and Mineral Deposits

This hard water stain remover is ideal for getting rid of most soap scum stuck on the shower wall. It cleans and covers your shower walls with a protective sealant.

You can use Bio-Clean to remove scum and hard water stains from your countertops, toilet, bathtub and, sink. It works perfectly in the removal of tough hard water stains and residue.

This cleaner also removes calcium, soap scum, rust, mildew, mold, and paint overspray. It is recommended for use in hospitals, public facilities, hotels, and manufacturing plants. It is made from non-chemical and non-acidic compounds and is safe to use on pools, septic tanks, and aquariums.

Pros:

  • It has a mild, minty smell.
  • It's eco-friendly.
  • Removes water stains and rust.
  • Comes with cleaning brushes.
  • Works well on hard surfaces.
  • It is easy to remove from surfaces.

Cons:

  • Can scratch delicate surfaces.
  • Labor intensive.

Factors to Consider When Buying Soap Scum Remover

Choosing the right product can be difficult if you're not sure about what you need. If you want to get the best product and yet to decide, I am here to help you. Let's look at the factors that you should consider before buying soap scum removers.

1. Strength of the Clean

The cleaning agent's strength is the most important factor because you need a cleaning agent that speeds up scum removal. You would not like to buy a substance that does not meet your expectations. To ensure its ability to clean, I would advise you to check other customers' reviews before purchasing the product.

2. Health Concern

Some products are very harmful. Using such them can cause serious harm to you, children, or pets. It is important to check which ingredients of a product before purchasing it. Being cautious when buying the chemicals can help you prevent health hazards before they occur.

3. Price

The item's price is a factor you should consider if you want to stay within your budget. If it is affordable to you, go ahead and buy it. However, if you feel like its price is too high, you should consider other options. There are a variety of soap scum removers.

4. Eco-Friendly

Using eco-friendly scum removers helps save the environment by reducing air pollution and ozone depletion. Eco-friendly products promote recycling. Many bottles are made from recycled materials; this means fewer products go to landfills and, therefore, less disposal of toxic items in the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

1. How do you remove ingrained soap scum?

Boil a small amount of vinegar in a pot. Use a measuring cylinder to add equal amounts of hot vinegar and dish soap to a spray bottle. Mix the ingredients well and spray the solution onto the soap scum. Leave it for about half an hour, then scrub it off.

2. What removes soap scum from the shower?

Metal shower heads easily show soap scum and water spots. You can clean these spots with substances that can remove them. Such products can either be commercially manufactured scum removers or simply products found at home. For example, you can use vinegar to remove scum. The cleaning is done by adding vinegar with dish soap and using the solution to remove scum.

3. What soap does not cause soap scum?

The only soap that you can use without the fear that it will cause scum is zest. All other types of soap will leave a film that becomes more noticeable with time. The best way to avoid soap scum in the bathroom is to wipe down the shower or tub after each use.

4. Does Magic Eraser remove soap scum

Yes, and to use it, add some Dawn liquid soap on your Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and scour the surface. If the scum does not come off easily, add little pressure and keep scrubbing. When you finish scrubbing, rinse it with clean water. It is a simple task but can give you amazing results without using too much force or energy.

5. Does vinegar damage porcelain tubs?

When cleaning a porcelain bathtub, try to use less abrasive cleaners. Avoid scouring powder, white vinegar, and steel wool. These products can damage the finish of the bathtub by chipping its surface. Don't use vinegar as its acidity will corrode the tub much quicker. However, this is not a major problem as you can easily solve it. If you must use vinegar to clean your bathtub, use water to dilute it. That way, it will be less acidic, and its corrosive power will reduce.

6. How can I restore the shine in my porcelain tub?

If the shine in your bathtub is fading away, you can still restore it. Porcelain shine restoration can be made possible by scrubbing the porcelain tub with any of the best soap scum removers or using dilute vinegar to scrub the tub. These substances can remove soap scum and restore the color of your tub. Just remember not to use concentrated vinegar, as this will erode your bathtub.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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