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10 Best Soap Scum Removers of 2024

Updated
Say goodbye to soap scum with these incredible cleaners. 

Soap scum is an unsightly hard water residue left behind when the water mixes with soap (1). Finding a product that removes it effectively can be tricky.

Thankfully, after hours of dedicated research, we’ve found 10 reliable, effective, easy-to-apply, and mostly environmentally friendly products. With these 10 best soap scum removers, you can see your bathroom fixtures gleam again.

We investigated each product’s features, including where they work, what stains they remove, and their toxicity level. Backed by research into real customer reviews and expert advice, you can trust these thorough reviews.

Let’s get into it!

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the CLR Pro Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
Best for Heavy Soap Scum
CLR Pro Calcium, Lime & Rust Remover
  • Works on multiple surfaces
  • Approved for food service facilities
  • Industrial strength but eco-friendly formula
Product Image of the Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover
No Scrubbing Required
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover
  • Bleach-free, non-toxic
  • Dissolves soap scum well
  • No added fragrance
Product Image of the The Bucko Soap Scum & Grime Cleaner
Best Non-Toxic Soap Scum Remover
The Bucko Soap Scum & Grime Cleaner
  • Scrub free cleaning
  • Multi-purpose
  • Non-toxic formula
Product Image of the Tilex Disinfecting Soap Scum Remover Spray
Best for Tiles
Tilex Disinfecting Soap Scum Remover Spray
  • Cleans mold & mildew too
  • Kills 9.99% of bacteria
  • Whitens tiles and grout
Product Image of the ForceField ScumBlaster Industrial Strength
Best Spray Option
ForceField ScumBlaster Industrial Strength
  • Long-lasting formula
  • Professional-grade cleaner
  • Works multiple surfaces
Product Image of the Bio Clean: Eco Friendly Hard Water Stain Remover
Best Liquid Soap Scum Remover
Bio Clean: Eco Friendly Hard Water Stain Remover
  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic
  • Remove years of build up
  • Works on hard water & other stains
Product Image of the Better Life Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner
Best Budget Choice
Better Life Natural Tub & Tile Cleaner
  • Plant-powered ingredients
  • Dissolves mineral deposits
  • Removes mold, mildew & rust
Product Image of the Bring It On Cleaner
Best for Glass Shower Doors
Bring It On Cleaner
  • Multi-use cleaner
  • Removes multiple types of stains
  • Works on tile & grout
Product Image of the Bar Keepers Friend Hard Water Stain Remover
Most Versatile
Bar Keepers Friend Hard Water Stain Remover
  • Fast-acting formula
  • Works on many surfaces
  • Great for heavy build-up
Product Image of the Ettore Water Spot Remover Paste
Best Paste
Ettore Water Spot Remover Paste
  • Removes hard water spots too
  • Works on various surfaces
  • Easy to apply with damp cloth

Review Methodology: At Oh So Spotless, we understand the importance of finding the best soap scum removers for a spotless and hygienic home. Our experienced team of professionals conducts thorough research, analysis, and hands-on testing of various products to provide you with an unbiased evaluation. We compare these products based on their performance, effectiveness, and user experience, highlighting key decision-making factors such as ingredients, ease of use, and safety. With a focus on data-driven results, we measure and rank the top soap scum removers, delving into their unique design choices and their impact on users. Our comprehensive review also identifies what sets each product apart from its competitors, ensuring that you have all the information you need to make an informed decision. Trust our expertise as we guide you through the world of soap scum removers, backed by first-hand evidence and our commitment to helping you achieve a sparkling clean home.



The Best Soap Scum Removers of 2024

After hours of research into genuine customer reviews and expert advice, we concluded what makes an effective soap scum remover. We looked at each product’s ingredients, formula, and cleaning ability. With that in mind, here are 10 super soap scum removers to make your bathroom shine again.

CLR Pro Calcium, Lime and Rust Remover

Best for Heavy Soap Scum

If nothing else is working to remove your heavy build-up — try this. This professional-grade soap scum remover is made with an industrial-strength formula. It works to break down calcium, lime, and soap scum, leaving behind no residue or streaks.

You might be thinking… industrial strength? That must be full of harsh chemicals. Actually, no! It’s an eco-friendly, non-toxic formula with the same power as harsh chemicals but without nasty fumes!

Another thing you’ll love about this is how quickly it works. The fast-acting formula removes your stains, discoloration, and dirt quickly. You can use it for stainless steel, countertops, tubs, showers, tile, fixtures, and sinks. Talk about versatility.

Looking for something to take a dirty, old, nasty bathroom to brand new perfection? Then this is a well-loved and trusted product to try.

Pros

  • It works on a variety of surfaces, including coffee machines.
  • It’s approved for use in food service facilities.
  • Industrial strength but eco-friendly formula.
  • Works in as little as two minutes.
  • Removes calcium, rust, and lime stains.

Cons

  • You have to scrub quite hard on certain stains, such as calcium.
  • Not as effective on rust or iron.

Product Specs

Type Liquid
Surface Multi-purpose, such as stainless steel, countertops, tubs, showers, and tile
Scented Lemon
Removes What Stains Calcium, lime, hard water deposits, soap scum, discoloration, and dirt
Toxicity Eco-friendly

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
4 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Environmental Impact
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

Got this product to tackle a stubborn blockage in my shower pipe and was pleasantly surprised by its effectiveness. After using vinegar with no success, I switched to CLR and followed the customer service representative's advice on the application. Not only did it clear the blockage, but it also didn't harm my copper pipes. I've also used this product for cleaning my stainless cookware and car rims with great results. However, I found that it didn't work as well on my slow kitchen drain, despite multiple applications, so it may not be ideal for every situation.

Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover

No Scrubbing Required

Don’t want to scrub? We don’t blame you! Elbow grease is a big drawback for many people as it can take time and give you a sore arm!

That’s why we recommend this Scrub Free cleaner from Rejuvenate. It’s a liquid, but you can buy the spray bottle version if you’d prefer.

It works by instantly dissolving soap scum, leaving behind a streak-free finish. Just spray and rinse!

You’ll also love that it’s a non-toxic and non-abrasive formula that keeps you, your family, and your surfaces safe. You can use this on glass, ceramic tile, chrome, plastic, and many more surfaces.

It’s also free of added fragrances. If you experience headaches or irritation from artificial or even natural scents, then this is a great option to consider.

Pros

  • Bleach-free, non-toxic cleaner.
  • No scrubbing required, you can save time and energy.
  • No added fragrance — skip the irritation.
  • Dissolves soap scum and leaves behind a streak-free finish.
  • Works on ceramic, glass, plastic, chrome, and more.

Cons

  • You may need to scrub if you have heavy build-up.
  • It may lighten stone after repeated use.

Product Specs

Type Liquid
Surface Glass, ceramic tile, fiberglass, natural stone, and more
Scented Unscented
Removes What Stains Soap scum
Toxicity Non-toxic

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
5 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Environmental Impact
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Personal Perspective

I'm thrilled with this product's ability to tackle soap scum on my bathroom glass door and shower doors. While it's not entirely "scrub-free," it considerably reduces the effort needed to clean the tub and shower area, making it easier on my arms. The only downside is the strong fumes, so I recommend wearing a mask while using it. Additionally, be cautious of the slippery residue it leaves behind on the base; cleaning with another product afterward can help with that.

The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner

Best Non-Toxic Soap Scum Remover

While many of our product recommendations are non-toxic, here’s another to add to the pile. The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime cleaner is a non-toxic, septic-safe liquid that is gentle on surfaces but tough on dirt. It contains no bleach, no strong acids, and no harsh chemicals.

You can use it for heavy-duty jobs or daily maintenance.

It works without the need for any scrubbing, so you can leave the elbow grease in the past. It also leaves a streak-free finish on your surfaces, ensuring no evidence of dirt at all.

Although it’s an eco-friendly formula, it’s a commercial-strength product. It can dissolve tough soap scum and grime, leaving behind a sparkling shine. Use this to remove hard water stains from glass shower doors, acrylic tubs, chrome fixtures, tile, grout, sinks, and even wheel rims!

Pros

  • Lemon scent for a fresh-smelling home.
  • Scrub-free cleaning.
  • Multi-purpose — more bang for your buck.
  • Non-toxic formula, safe for kids and pets.
  • Effectively dissolves soap scum and grime.
  • Commercial-strength formula.

Cons

  • The scent is quite strong and overpowering.
  • It’s on the pricier side.

Product Specs

Type Liquid
Surface Shower, tub, tiles, grout, fiberglass, chrome wheel rims, and more
Scented Lemon
Removes What Stains Soap scum and grime
Toxicity Non-toxic

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
4.5 / 5
Safety
5 / 5
Environmental Impact
4 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

When I first received this product, I noticed some leakage in the packaging, but that didn't deter me from giving it a try. I initially used it on my shower doors, and with a bit of elbow grease, it managed to remove the stubborn soap scum that other products failed to clean. I also tested it on my grimy grill, and the cleaning results were impressive, making it look almost new. However, when I tried it on my shower tiles, it didn't work as effectively on the lower rows, requiring more effort and time. While the product's odor is not as strong as bleach, it might still cause some skin irritation for sensitive individuals.

Tilex Disinfecting Soap Scum Remover Spray

Best for Tiles

Give your tiles new life with the Tilex soap scum remover spray. Soap scum can scruff up your shower tiles and make your whole bathing area look really grimy — not relaxing at all.

With this spray, not only are you removing soap scum stains, but you’re also disinfecting. It kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria, leaving your bathroom as clean as can be.

It also removes tough mold and mildew, substances nobody wants in their bathroom. Another awesome feature is that it brightens and whitens tiles and grout. Of course, if your tile and grout aren’t white, test in an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it doesn’t bleach a colored bathroom.

This product uses a bactericidal formula to lift soap scum, leaving your surfaces sparkling clean. It also deodorizes surfaces, so if you’ve got a bad bathroom smell you can’t budge, this might be just the product.

Pros

  • Works well on a variety of surfaces.
  • Cleans soap scum, mold, and mildew, and deodorizes surfaces.
  • Kills 99.9 percent of bacteria and mold.
  • Smart Tube technology to get every last drop of cleaner out of the bottle.
  • Whitens grout and tile surfaces.
  • Great product for commercial use.

Cons

  • Some customers had issues with the bottle leaking.
  • It may whiten your colored tiles.

Product Specs

Type Spray
Surface Ceramic tile, grout, fiberglass, shower doors, and more
Scented Clean, fresh scent
Removes What Stains Soap scum, mold, and mildew
Toxicity It does contain harsh chemicals

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
4.5 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Environmental Impact
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Definitely impressed with this product for tackling soap scum in my bathroom. I've tried other cleaners with citric acid but they were nowhere near as effective as this one with its powerful chemicals. This product does an amazing job at dissolving soap scum on my back deck and railings too. I must admit, I still needed a bit of elbow grease for the harder-to-clean areas, but overall, it made the cleaning process much easier. Now, I can confidently invite guests over without worrying about soap scum in my bathroom.

ForceField ScumBlaster Industrial Strength

Best Spray Option

Spritz, spritz! If you’re looking for a spray option, this ForceField ScumBlaster is a great one to have on hand. It comes with a spray bottle plus a concentrated refill for when you run out.

It even includes a grout brush for deep cleaning between tiles and other hard-to-reach places. Remove every last speck of soap scum with this cleaner.

We love how versatile this product is. You can use it on a huge range of surfaces. This includes fiberglass, acrylic, plastic, glass, porcelain, vinyl, shower doors, grout, bathtubs, and much more.

The professional strength formula works to remove soap scum. It also removes hard water stains, mildew stains, and rust. So your bathroom will be so much cleaner than before, giving you back your favorite spa-like atmosphere.

You’ll also be happy to know that this eco-friendly formula works up to professional standards. It’s made without bleach or corrosive acids. Instead, it’s made with organic salt that works well to clean but is also safe for septic tanks.

Pros

  • Long-lasting formula with included refill — save more money.
  • Professional-grade cleaner.
  • Works on a variety of surfaces to remove a variety of stains.
  • Eco-friendly formula.
  • The formula works quickly.

Cons

  • The smell is overwhelming.
  • It requires quite a bit of elbow grease.

Product Specs

Type Spray with liquid refill
Surface Many, including acrylic, plastic, glass, porcelain, vinyl, and more
Scented Overwhelming scent, fragrance not specified
Removes What Stains Soap scum, hard water stains, rust, mildew
Toxicity Eco-friendly

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
4 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Environmental Impact
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

User Experience

In my experience, this product has been highly effective at removing stubborn soap scum and hard water build-up. I used it on my bathtub and tiled shower, and the results were impressive. After letting the solution sit for a while and scrubbing with the provided brush, my shower and tub looked as good as new. The strong smell is a downside, so make sure to ventilate the area well during use.

Bio Clean: Eco Friendly Hard Water Stain Remover

Best Liquid Soap Scum Remover

The Bio Clean eco-friendly stain remover is a popular choice, especially for a liquid option. We love that it’s eco-friendly and non-toxic, so you can tackle hard stains without harsh chemicals tackling you back.

So if you’re looking for a safe but effective way to bring life back to stained surfaces, this is an excellent product.

It can remove years of hard water, mineral stains, and soap scum build-up. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these stains, put this product to the test.

It also works for limescale, phosphorus, calcium, iron, acid rain, and paint stains! And with minimal scrubbing, so you don’t have to break an arm trying to remove the stains.

This works on shower doors, windows, tubs, and shower pans, as well as brick, concrete, tile, and grout. Its versatility is a huge bonus! You can even use this on glass stovetops to get rid of other stains.

Overall, this is a safe, effective, and non-toxic way to blast away soap scum and hard water stains.

Pros

  • Eco-friendly and non-toxic.
  • It can remove years of build-up.
  • Works on hard water stains, soap scum, and other stains.
  • Works on a variety of surfaces.

Cons

  • Strong medicinal smells customers aren’t a massive fan of.
  • It’s not very effective on shower doors.

Product Specs

Type Liquid
Surface Shower doors (though not very effective), windows, tubs, shower pans, brick, concrete, tile, and grout
Scented Scent not specified, hit or miss for customers
Removes What Stains Hard water, soap scum, limescale, phosphorous, calcium, and more
Toxicity Eco-friendly

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Application Ease
3.5 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Environmental Impact
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

My experience with this product has been quite positive, as it effectively removed the buildup on our shower doors and made them look better with each cleaning. It's an abrasive cleaner, so I'd recommend only using it on glass surfaces. I noticed that it not only removed hard water stains but also kept the door cleaner for longer periods and made subsequent cleanings easier. The product has a thick consistency, similar to yogurt, and contains a very fine polishing agent that works well in dissolving calcium and scale. I also used it on our stainless steel dish drying rack and it left a nice polished finish. However, I'd advise against using it on plastic shower doors or auto glass, as the fine polishing agent might cause tiny scratches or damage.

Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner

Best Budget Choice

You may notice the price of soap scum removers is a little high in the market of cleaning products. If you’re on a tighter budget, we can recommend the Better Life natural cleaner, which is slightly cheaper per fluid ounce even though you’re not buying it in bulk. So it’s not a huge upfront cost, but you’re still making good savings over time.

This dissolves hard water and soap scum stains on tubs and tiles while brightening your bathroom. You’ll walk into your bathroom next time and just be wowed by how spotless it looks!

One of the coolest things about this product is that even though it’s budget-friendly, it’s also made with plant-powered ingredients. No more harsh chemicals.

This is made from plant-derived cleaning agents from coconut, corn, and citrus. It contains no alcohols, petroleum solvents, synthetic fragrances, dyes, chlorine, bleach, SLS, or SLES.

Pros

  • Plant-powered ingredients, more eco-friendly.
  • Dissolves soap scum, hard water, and mineral deposits.
  • Budget-friendly.
  • Removes mold, mildew, and rust stains.
  • Never tested on animals.

Cons

  • A lot of customers disliked the scent.
  • It requires quite a bit of scrubbing.

Product Specs

Type Spray with liquid refill
Surface Tub and tile
Scented Tea tree and eucalyptus
Removes What Stains Soap scum, hard water, mineral deposits, mold, mildew, and rust
Toxicity Non-toxic, naturally derived ingredients

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Application Ease
3 / 5
Safety
4.5 / 5
Environmental Impact
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

Bought this cleaner and it truly exceeded my expectations! As someone who cleans houses for a living, I've tried many products, but this one is a cut above the rest. I swapped out the foaming sprayer for a regular mist sprayer to cover more area in less time. With this product, I simply spray it on, let it sit while I clean other things, and then spray it off – no scrubbing required! It's fantastic at removing soap scum and it doesn't have those toxic fumes that many other cleaners possess. Although the scent is just okay and the sprayer could use some improvement, this cleaner has become a staple in my cleaning routine.

Bring It On Cleaner

Best for Glass Shower Doors

Take those glass shower doors from opaque to translucent with the Bring It On cleaner. This is specifically designed to work super well on shower doors, as well as other surfaces.

It’s been created to remove even the toughest stains, including hard water build-up, soap scum, and more. Finally, you can say goodbye to these stains and enjoy a spotless bathroom once again.

As well as hard water and soap scum, this product also removes calcium, mineral, and rust stains. So if you notice a build-up of these stains around your bathroom, you can use this product to remove them.

How does the product work? It’s an innovative cleaner that uses oxygen bleach as its active ingredient. Unlike chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach is non-toxic and safe for use on multiple surfaces. You can even use it around kids and pets.

Lastly, enjoy the fresh mint scent this cleaner has to offer. Not only will your bathroom look good, but it’ll also smell good.

Pros

  • Multi-use cleaner that can be used on a range of surfaces.
  • Removes many different types of stains.
  • It works on tile and grout.
  • Fresh mint scent.
  • Uses detergents, abrasives, and oxygen bleach.
  • Easy to apply.

Cons

  • It requires a bit of scrubbing and elbow grease.
  • The consistency is strange and thick. You should test in an inconspicuous spot as it is a bit abrasive.

Product Specs

Type Liquid
Surface Showers, tubs, sinks, window, stone, and more
Scented Fresh mint
Removes What Stains Soap scum, hard water, calcium, rust, and grime
Toxicity Non-toxic

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
3.5 / 5
Safety
4 / 5
Environmental Impact
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Definitely a powerful cleaner, this product effectively removed stubborn soap scum and water stains from my shower door with minimal effort. However, it did require some scrubbing and patience for older buildups, as well as a follow-up with window cleaner to remove excess residue. While the smell wasn't overwhelming, I wish the product had a more natural formula and a list of ingredients for transparency.

Bar Keepers Friend Hard Water Stain Remover Spray

Most Versatile

Many of our suggestions are versatile products that you can use to clean all kinds of surfaces and stains. Bar Keepers Friend stain remover is another to add to your watch list.

It is designed for just about any bathroom surface. This includes glass shower doors, mirrors, windows, tiles, toilets, stainless steel, granite, and more. So you can spruce up the whole bathroom with just this one product.

It effectively removes hard water stains and soap scum easily. Just apply it to the area, leave it for approximately 30 minutes, firmly scrub and then rinse away. You’ll be super impressed with the spotless results.

Customers love how quickly this product works, even on surfaces with years of build-up. If you think your shower doors or other surfaces are past the point of repair, think again because this product can change the game.

Pros

  • Versatile product which works on many surface types.
  • Gentle on surfaces, tough on stains.
  • Works quickly.
  • It’s great for heavy build-up.
  • Includes a scrubber.

Cons

  • The formula may irritate your skin.
  • New formula isn’t as effective.

Product Specs

Type Liquid
Surface Most bathroom surfaces
Scented None
Removes What Stains Hard water and soap scum stains
Toxicity Non-toxic

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4.5 / 5
Application Ease
4 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Environmental Impact
3.5 / 5
Total Rating
3.75 / 5

User Experience

This product has been a lifesaver for tackling rust stains in my shower and returning it to a pristine condition without needing to scrub. I was amazed at how effortlessly it worked on various surfaces, including Trex decking, painted wood, and even my grill. Furthermore, this product has been effective in dealing with hard water stains on shower doors and removing blackish oxidation from stainless steel sinks, making them look new again. I've also found it to be gentle on my glass top stove and stainless steel pans, removing stubborn stains without causing any scratches. Overall, I am thrilled with the cleaning power and versatility of this product and can't imagine being without it. Give it a try, and you might find yourself just as excited about a cleaning product as I am!

Ettore Water Spot Remover Paste

Best Paste

The Ettore Water Spot Remover Paste is a handy product if you prefer a paste cleaner.

It’s designed to remove water spots and soap scum, so if you live in a hard water area — this may be your lifesaver! It works on glass, shower doors, windows, tile, porcelain, and chrome. This is very versatile, so you’ll get a lot of use out of this one product.

Simply apply the paste onto the affected area with a damp cloth and rub quickly in circular motions. Rinse off with water. Keep in mind it is mildly abrasive, so test in an inconspicuous spot first to be sure to avoid damage.

Customers have used this on heavy-duty stains and found that with repeated use and elbow grease, the surface has looked as good as new. So yes, it does require a bit extra work, but if you want a paste — this is the way to go.

Please Note

The paste is very hard in the packaging, but once you add water to the damp cloth, it will soften and be easy to apply.

Pros

  • Removes hard water spots and soap scum.
  • It works on a variety of surfaces.
  • Easy to apply with a damp cloth.
  • Ready to use — no mixing required.

Cons

  • Requires quite a bit of elbow grease and, sometimes, repeated use.
  • Slightly abrasive, so you do need to test in an inconspicuous spot.

Product Specs

Type Paste
Surface Glass, shower doors, windows, tile, porcelain, and chrome
Scented None
Removes What Stains Hard water and soap scum stains
Toxicity Ingredients not specified

Our Ratings

Cleaning Effectiveness
4 / 5
Application Ease
3 / 5
Safety
3.5 / 5
Environmental Impact
3 / 5
Total Rating
3.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

Got this product to tackle the stubborn water spots on my glass shower doors. Initially, I had to figure out the right amount of dampness to apply to the pad, but once I got that down, it cleaned the glass spotlessly. It took a few applications and some elbow grease, but the results were impressive. This paste is different from other products I've tried, and it lasts a long time - it barely made a dent in the tub after cleaning a large walk-in shower. One downside is that the product arrived very dry, but adding a bit of warm water fixed that issue.

Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Type Surface Scented Removes What Stains Toxicity
CLR Pro Calcium & Lime Remover For Heavy Soap Scum Liquid Multi-purpose Lemon Calcium, lime, hard water deposits, soap scum, discoloration & dirt Eco-friendly
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Remover No Scrubbing Required Liquid Glass, ceramic tile, fiberglass, stone Unscented Soap scum Non-toxic
The Bucko Soap Scum Cleaner Non-Toxic Soap Scum Remover Liquid Shower, tub, tiles, grout, fiberglass, chrome wheel rims Lemon Soap scum & grime Non-toxic
Tilex Disinfecting Soap  Spray For Tiles Spray Ceramic tile, grout, fiberglass, shower doors Clean, fresh scent Soap scum, mold & mildew Non-toxic
ForceField ScumBlaster Spray Option Spray Many, including acrylic, plastic, glass, porcelain, vinyl N/A Soap scum, hard water stains, rust, mildew Eco-friendly
Bio-Clean: Eco-Friendly Stain Remover Liquid Soap Scrum Remover Liquid Shower doors, windows,  tubs,  shower pans,  brick, concrete, tile & grout N/A Hard water, soap scum, limescale, phosphorous, calcium, & more Eco-friendly
Better Life Tub & Tile Cleaner Budget Choice Spray Tub & tile Tea tree & eucalyptus Soap scum, hard water, mineral deposits, mold, mildew & rust Non-toxic
Bring It On Cleaner For Glass Shower Doors Liquid Showers, tubs, sinks, window, stone & more Fresh mint Soap scum, hard water, calcium, rust, & grime Non-toxic
Bar Keepers Friend Spray Versatile Liquid Most bathroom surfaces Unscented Hard water Non-toxic
Ettore Water Spot Remover Paste Paste Soap Paste Glass, shower doors, windows, tile, porcelain & chrome Unscented Hard water & soap scum stains N/A

Types of Soap Scum Removers

Knowing the pros and cons of each type of soap scum remover can help you make the best decision for you.

Liquid

Liquid cleaners are top-rated as they’re easy to dissolve, and a little goes a long way. These liquid cleaners usually come in a bottle with either a small opening or a nozzle, so you can apply the cleaner to a sponge or cloth first before cleaning the soap scum.

Pros

  • There are lots of options on the market.
  • A little goes a long way.
  • They’re good value for money.
  • Quite a few eco-friendly options.
  • They’re easy to apply and dissolve.

Cons

  • You do need to apply it to a cloth first.
  • It’s easier to spill the entire contents of the bottle.
  • Some use quite toxic chemicals.

Spray

Spray soap scum removers are the easiest to use because you just squirt out the liquid. You can easily aim it where you want it to go. If you’re used to using spray surface cleaners, this will be a breeze for you to use!

Pros

  • Easy to use.
  • There are many options on the market.
  • They’re affordable.
  • Many are multi-purpose.

Cons

  • Many are made with harsh cleaning chemicals.
  • Nozzles can get stuck.

Paste

Paste soap scum removers are the least common, but many prefer them. You apply the paste to the affected area with a cloth or sponge, and it doesn’t drip. This concentrates the product on the soap scum for longer, which can enhance cleaning results.

Pros

  • No drip, so you can apply it directly to the affected area for longer.
  • Many are eco-friendly formulas.
  • You don’t need to dilute it beforehand.
  • Many are multi-purpose.

Cons

  • There aren’t as many options on the market.
  • You may have to use more for each clean, meaning a little doesn’t a long way.
  • You’ll have to wear protective gloves to avoid getting it on your hand.

How To Choose the Best Soap Scum Remover

Before you start your shopping spree, be aware of these criteria. This will help you find the most suitable for your surface and preference.

Type

Consider which type sounds the easiest for you to use, recap the pros and cons, and let that help you narrow down which cleaner to go for. Will you choose a liquid, spray, or paste?

Surface

Always check what type of surface the soap scum remover is for. Is it best for tile, or granite, or something else? You don’t want to buy a product and realize it might damage your surfaces!

On another note — how versatile is it? Will it work on glass, fixtures, and other surfaces, too?

Severity

Some soap scum removers are more heavy-duty than others. So consider how severe your soap scum stains are and shop accordingly. Important ingredients to look out for are surfactants, acids, and ammonium chloride.

However, if you want an eco-friendly option, you may want to skip the ones with acids and ammonium chloride. These solutions can still be heavy-duty but may require some extra scrubbing.

Budget

Budget is important when shopping. If you look at the cost per fluid ounce, you’ll be able to see which products are the most affordable.

Soap scum removers tend to be more expensive than other multi-purpose cleaners, so keep that in mind. These cleaners are often between $20 and $30, whereas multi-purpose cleaners can often be only a couple of dollars.

The best way to get your value for money is to buy in bulk or buy bigger bottles at a time. Look at the cost per fluid ounce to see how much you pay by the ounce rather than overall. Sometimes a higher upfront cost actually works out cheaper because the product lasts longer.

Toxicity

You can determine the toxicity by checking the ingredients.

Sometimes the manufacturer states whether the product is non-toxic or eco-friendly. These cleaners are usually free of bleach, harsh acid, ammonia, and synthetic surfactants. Instead, the cleaners are made with natural surfactants, natural acids and scented with essential oils.

You might be happy to know that the majority of soap scum removers are non-toxic and eco-friendly and still work great.

To make it easier for you, we’ve let you know whether each product is non-toxic. We’ve also given an environmental rating for each product, ranked on a five-star system.


FAQs About Soap Scum Removers

What Color Is Soap Scum?

Soap scum is a white or gray color. It has a chalky filmy texture.

How Do You Get Rid of Pink Soap Scum?

This pink stuff that looks a bit like soap scum is actually called Serratia marcescens, and it’s a biofilm formed by colonies of bacterium (2). It’s mostly harmless, but you probably don’t want it there. There are a few different methods to get rid of it, but here’s one we think you’ll benefit from.

  1. Prepare: Wear protective gloves, long sleeves, and protective glasses. You want to avoid getting the substance on your skin if possible. If you have a protective mask, that would be great, too.
  2. Mix your potion: Mix together ¼ cup of baking soda and a tablespoon of dish soap in a bowl.
  3. Apply paste: Use a soft-bristled brush to apply the paste to the biofilm. Scrub vigorously. Elbow grease is key here.
  4. Rinse: Rinse away the loosened biofilm with a wet towel or use direct spray from the shower head. Let it go down the drain.
  5. Disinfect: Now, you need to disinfect the surface. You can use an antibacterial spray or bleach. This will help to kill the bacteria and remove stubborn stains. Let your chosen cleaner sit on the surface for 10 minutes.
  6. Scrub: Scrub well with a soft-bristled brush.
  7. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly afterward.
  8. Dry: Dry the area with a clean towel.

Does Shampoo Cause Soap Scum?

Yes, any type of soap you use in the shower can cause soap scum. It’s more likely with liquid products such as soap, body wash, and shampoo. Shampoo or soap bars may reduce the build-up of soap scum.

Does Steam Cleaning Remove Soap Scum?

Steam cleaning is a great way to remove stubborn bits of soap scum, specifically on natural stone. It can loosen up the dirt and soap scum. Combine that with a cloth or bristled brush, and voila, you’re cleaning without harsh chemicals!

Does Vinegar Remove Soap Scum?

Vinegar is a wonder product when it comes to cleaning. And yes, it can remove soap scum. Try this method:

  1. Heat vinegar: Heat ½ cup of distilled white vinegar in the microwave.
  2. Pour: Pour it into a spray bottle.
  3. Spray: Spray it over the soap scum and let it sit for 15 minutes.
  4. Scrub: Dip a cloth into salt so that your cloth is now slightly abrasive. Scrub the soap scum areas to loosen the scum.
  5. Wipe: Wipe down the areas with a damp cloth.
  6. Rinse: Rinse well.
  7. Dry: Dry completely.

You may need to repeat this process if necessary.

Is Limescale the Same as Soap Scum?

Limescale is not the same as soap scum, although the two are easily confused. Limescale is a white residue typically found on surfaces like kettles and shower screens. Soap scum is caused by a buildup of soap after washing or showering.

What Ingredient in Soap Causes Soap Scum?

The ingredient in soap that causes soap scum is limestone. Limestone consists of calcium and magnesium carbonate, and as the water dissolves the soap, it forms a residue known as soap scum.


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About the Author

Beth McCallum

Beth McCallum is a freelance writer & book blogger with a degree in creative writing, journalism, and English literature. Beth firmly believes that a tidy house is a tidy mind. She is always looking for new ways to sustainably clean and tidy her house, that's kind on the environment but effective in the house, too!