We Asked a Cleaning Pro How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower, and It’s Surprisingly Simple

That white, chalky film in your shower? It’s not just your glass fogging up—it’s soap scum. This mix of soap, water minerals, and grime can cling to anything from shower curtains to tubs, doors, and tiling.

While it may just look unsightly at first, soap scum hardens over time and can even combine with mold or mildew. Put simply, you’ll want to get rid of it—stat.

The good news? It’s easier than you think. Here, a cleaning pro shares a step-by-step breakdown of how to remove soap scum from every surface of your bathroom, from glass doors to tile grout and everything in between.

Glass Shower Doors

Glass doors present the most obvious signs of soap scum, since the surface is clear. To remove it, Trish Duarte—president of MaidPro Temecula—suggests using one of two solutions:

• 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup dish soap, and 1/4 cup water mixed into a thick paste
• 2 tablespoons dish soap, 2 tablespoons washing soda, 10 drops tea tree oil, and 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol mixed into a spray bottle

Apply the paste or spray and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

“Scrub in circles, rinse well with warm water, then dry with a towel or squeegee,” Duarte says.

The ingredients are effective since baking soda mildly lifts scum, while dish soap cuts through buildup. Additionally, washing soda saponifies fat and alcohol prevents streaks.

“Saponify means to turn oils or fats into soap,” Duarte says. “In cleaning, it helps break down greasy buildup, so it rinses away easily.”

Want more cleaning and organizing tips? Sign up for our free daily newsletter for the latest hacks, expert advice, and more!

Tile and Grout

Soap scum sinks into porous grout and textured tile, especially since water tends to linger there. Duarte suggests using a paste of baking soda and three percent hydrogen peroxide to treat these areas.

“Spread it on, let it bubble for a few minutes, then scrub with a soft bristle brush or an old toothbrush and rinse well,” she says.

As for how it works? “Hydrogen peroxide reacts with baking soda to lift grime and brighten grout,” Duarte says.

Plus, baking soda provides gentle abrasion, and peroxide can even help kill mold.

Bath Tubs

Soap scum tends to build up around the waterline and bottom of tubs, where bath products and water mix. Duarte recommends applying a simple baking soda paste to get rid of marks.

“Scrub with a non-scratch sponge or melamine foam pad—like a magic eraser—[and] rinse well,” she says.

Duarte also finds that dish soap and water work great for weekly wipe-downs to prevent buildup.

Drains, Faucets, and Hardware

Tight corners around drains and faucets are susceptible to gunk buildup, thanks to a combination of soap scum, hair, and grime.

“Use baking soda paste and a toothbrush to get into small crevices,” Duarte advises.

Need some extra power? “Mix baking soda with three percent hydrogen peroxide for a bubbling effect that loosens buildup and deodorizes,” she says.

Natural Stone

With natural stone like marble or granite, you’ll need a gentler touch so that the material doesn’t dull, scratch—or worse, crack.

“Start with the gentlest method of castile or dish soap and water for sensitive stone surfaces,” Duarte recommends. “Apply with a soft sponge or cloth, rinse, and dry thoroughly.”

Add a tablespoon of washing soda to the mix for extra degreasing power—but only for sealed stone.

“If you’re cleaning soft stone like marble or aren’t sure if the surface is sealed, it’s best to leave it out,” Duarte says.