Introduction
“How do I remove years of soap scum?” – Anonymous.
Want to remove soap scum or hard water stains easily? We have compiled a list of the best soap scum remover products for you. We understand the funny feeling you have when you notice soap scum or hard water stains in some critical areas. First, you may have tried a lot of non-toxic solutions like vinegar or baking soda, but even they are ineffective to a certain extent.
Non-toxic or natural soap residue removers can only work up to a certain limit. After that, you only have the option of using special soap removers! They are chosen for various advantages, such as surface compatibility, removal of various types of stains other than soap residue, removal of longer-lasting stains on surfaces and so on.
In this article, we have compiled a guide of the 12 best soap scum removers. Also providing insights into buying advice are some best homemade soap residue removers and essential FAQs.
What is a Soap Scum Remover?
Soap scum removers are generally applied on surfaces containing hard water stains, Soap residues, dull films, mineral deposits, or other kinds of deposits that you usually find in areas like showers, bathtubs, toilets, kitchen sinks, etc.
Soap remnants removers can be available in various forms and made in different mixtures. In terms of formula, there could be both a chemical-based or non-toxic plant-based formula.
You can also buy soap residue removers such as sprays, creams, concentrates and cleaning pads. The best thing about a soap residue remover is that a good quality product is compatible with different surfaces and will help you remove different types of stains.
What Factors to Check Before Buying The Best Soap Scum Remover?
Soap scum cleaners or soap scum removers can never go out of style if you manage to consider their use and corresponding importance. That’s why we have selected our top products based on several factors, which are explained below.
So read through to the end and be an informed buyer!
1 – Surface Applicability
Although there are different types of soap residue removers, they can also be used on other surfaces. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the applicability on different surfaces because you don’t want to buy cleaners for different characters in your home.
Depending on the level of soiling, check the application method of the different types before deciding on the best soap scum remover.
2 – Chemical vs. Non-Toxic or Plant-Based Cleaners
We’ve included approximately two homemade soap remnants removers or natural scum cleaners in our top 12 list. So, what’s the difference between using a chemical-based and plant-based soap residue cleaner?
It’s mainly the ingredients that are around the corner! For example, chemical-based cleaners may contain harsh abrasives, whereas plant-based cleaners or non-toxic cleaners are mild. Well, this basic information has been clarified by their respective names!
Again, you need to consider the type of surface on which a particular soap cleaner is applicable. Also, pay attention to the type of cleaning formulas or abrasives used in chemical-based cleaners.
Most of the time, brands strive to make only mild abrasive cleaners, even if they are chemical-based. For example, all of the best soap scum removers mentioned above do not contain a harsh formula.
3 – Is Scent or Fragrance Essential?
Every soap scum cleaner comes in a scented form. However, many are unscented as well! Considering fragrance is crucial because it may not harm your internal environment.
The scenario will be dangerous if the fragrance is too strong and the solution is a chemical! So, for instance, if you choose a product containing bleach, know that you will have to ventilate the room to avoid inhaling the harsh scent and fumes.
Natural or “green” products may consist of fewer harsh smells. Still, it is worth noting that one 2011 research reported that green cleaning products had virtually the exact levels of VOCs or volatile organic compounds called traditional products.
4 – Cleaning Formulation
Soap scum cleaners are available in a wide array of cleaning formulations. As mentioned above, these can be herbal, non-toxic or chemical cleansing formulas.
Non-toxic cleaners should not contain chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine bleach, phthalates, or strong fragrances. They consist only of mild abrasives, less corrosive acids, or plant-based chemicals.
EPA and USDA can also determine the best soap scum remover quality. You can explore the EWG’s Guide or Environmental Working Group to Healthy Cleaning for product toxicity and ratings.
However, you may need to resort to chemical-based solutions to remove stubborn stains that cannot be removed with herbal or non-toxic products. In this case, you should also check whether the solution contains harsh or mild abrasives.
5 – Application Method
Last but not least, you can also look for the method of application. There are different types of applications, from sprays to creams and concentrates to cleaning pads.
Spray and liquid solutions are the easiest to use. Creams and concentrates, on the other hand, are a little more professional and may need to be applied to the affected areas
Finally, cleaning pads are a scratch-free way to remove stains from affected areas in your kitchen, bathroom, or other areas. You can combine your chosen spray or concentrate with a cleaning pad only on hard surfaces such as tubs, tiles, shower doors, and sinks that can tolerate light wear and tear.
12 Best Soap Scum Removers for Your Tiles, Bathroom, & Glass Surfaces
1 – Arm & Hammer Scrub Free Bathroom Cleaner (Best For Hard Water Stains)
This is our top choice of scrub-free soap scum remover. It can be used on many surfaces and leaves no scratches. Instead, you will get a clean, smooth, and shiny surface on the affected area. Plus, you get a 32-ounce spray bottle in an 8-pack, which is a great deal in this price range.
Key Features
- Can be used on doors, tiles, sinks, porcelain, acrylic, fiberglass tubs, and showers
- Lemon fragrance
- Foam spray
- Non-scrubbing
- Non-abrasive formula
2 – Rain – X Shower Door X-Treme Clean (Best For Glass Surfaces)
This product has been specially developed to remove stubborn stains from glass shower doors. As it comes in gel form, you need to gently scrub it over the soiled surface and wait a while for it to work its magic. It comes in an easy applicator mode with 12 ounce bottle packaging.
Key Features
- Applicable on glass shower doors
- Lemon fragrance
- Gel form
- It must to be applied under pressure and rubbed in a circular motion for the best results
- A unique formulation to clean glass surfaces
3 – Clean Shower Daily Shower Cleaner (Best For Stain Prevention)
Again, the best soap scum remover joins our list with the easiest applicator! Its fresh-smelling 32oz bottle is available for versatile use on the surfaces in question. Moreover, the product has proven to be effective in cleaning grout only. Also, this product can be used regularly for hard water stain removal and can even be used while showering. It is not slippery at all!
Key Features
- Can be used on hard water stains and shower doors
- Fresh scent fragrance
- Liquid form
- Application without scrubbing
- Can also be used as a preventative
4 – The Bucko Soap Scum & Grime Cleaner (Best For Bathtubs)
This is a spray bottle for soap scum and grime cleaner from the Bucko brand. This product is available in a 32-ounce package and comes in several varieties. If you don’t need to scrub with this spray foam cleaner, let it sit for about 5-10 minutes, and then simply wipe the area for a shiny finish.
Key Features
- Applicable on glass shower doors, acrylic bathtubs, sinks, dull chrome fixtures, grout, boats, outdoor furniture, and wheel rims
- Lemon water fragrance
- Liquid spray form
- Scrub-free application
- Non-toxic and bleach-free formulation
5 – Good Life Solutions Bathroom Cleaner (Best Natural or Non-toxic)
When it comes to homemade soap scum remover, Good Life Solutions may be the ideal choice, even on a budget. It consists of a non-abrasive, pH-balanced, and plant-based cleaning formula that effectively removes soap scum, dirt buildup, hard water, and mineral deposits from various types of surfaces.
Key Features
- Applicable on floor, sink, toilet, wall, shower doors, tiles, countertops, and stones
- Oxy-Citrus powered
- Spray form
- Scrub application
- Non-abrasive, pH balanced, and plant-based formulation
6 – Soft Scrub Cleaner with Bleach (Best For Tough Stains on a Budget)
As the name suggests, this is a soft scrub remover that will leave you with a shiny, smooth finish. You get a pack of 2 bottles from this brand and you can apply it evenly to the stubborn stains. Just leave it on for 3 minutes and you’re done! This product contains only calcium as the active ingredient for hard water stain remover.
Key Features
- Applicable on multiple surfaces like glazed tiles, tubs, sinks, shower doors, toilets, and countertops.
- It comes with a bleach cleaner
- Liquid form
- Scrub application
- Average clean processing time: 3 minutes
7 – Eliminate Shower Tub & Tile Cleaner (Best For Metal Faucets)
This is a metal tap, tile, and bath cleaner from the Eliminate brand. It comes in a pack of 2 bottles with a sprayer attached to the top. You also have the option to buy a pack of 3 from the supplier. Although it is a scrubbing application, you need to scrub it gently over the affected areas such as porcelain, glass, steel, marble, and ceramic surfaces. Also, the product is formulated with a cherry-scented formula to eliminate bad odors.
Key Features
- Applicable on kitchen sinks, plexiglass, ceramic, fiberglass, stainless steel, shower doors, tiles, and glass surfaces
- Spray form
- It can also remove stubborn stains
- Cherry scented cleaning formula
- Eliminates various kinds of stains and dirt deposits
8 – CLR Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover (Best For Multipurpose)
Let’s move ahead with a hard water stain remover and soap remnants remover that is not only effective for soap residue but can also remove rust, lime, and calcium from the surfaces! You can apply it over any kind of surface and even utensils if they are affected by the mentioned type of grime.
Key Features
- Applicable on multipurpose kitchen-related & bathroom surfaces
- Unscented
- Liquid form
- Scrub application
- Patented lime, calcium, and rust remover
9 – Bring It On Cleaner (Best For Hard Water Stains)
Just clean them with the ‘Bring it On’ cleaner! This product can be used on various surfaces including grout, tiles, bathtubs, shower doors, glass, windows, and more. This 32-ounce package will remove all stains for at least a quarter of a year. Furthermore, the fresh mint scent and the oxygen bleach technology just made it super safe to use among children as well.
Key Features
- Applicable on shower doors, tiles, grout, windows, fiberglass, chrome surfaces, and tubs
- Mint scent fragrance
- Cream form
- Scrub application
- Contains an innovative oxygen bleach cleaning solution
10 – Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (Best as a Cleaning Pad)
This product has been around in the industry for a long time and is by no means heavily hyped by commercials. This cleaning pad or scrubber has a Febreze lavender scent and supposedly removes soap residue 3x as easily as other products. However, the pack comes in a quantity of 10 cleaning pads and each is designed with Duraform to remove even the most stubborn stains on areas.
Key Features
- Applicable on the kitchen, bathroom, and wall surfaces
- Water-activated micro-scrubber
- Built with dura form to eliminate all dirt
- Spray and squeeze from the eraser
- Lavender fragrance
11 – Kaboom with Oxi Clean Citric Formula Remover (Best as a Scrub-Free Formula)
Kaboom’s 19oz Oxi-Clean remover is designed to remove all hard water stains, soap scum and grime from affected areas. It is sprayed on in spray form and turns white when ready to wipe off surfaces. The product is 100% tough on dirt and grime without the need for hard scrubbing.
Key Features
- OxiClean technology
- Citrus fragrance
- Spray form
- Applicable on kitchen & bathroom surfaces
- Scrub-free application
12 – The Works Tub & Shower Cleaner (Best for Multipurpose)
The Works Ultimate Tub and Shower Remover removes hard water stains from your tub, sink or shower door cleaner. This powerful formula will leave your surfaces smooth and shiny. Easily removes everyday soap scum, rust and hard water stains.
Key Features
- Applicable on bathtubs and shower doors
- Liquid form
- Scrub application
- Unique cleaning formulation
- Unscented
Note – Image Source: Amazon (For All Below Images)
Final Words
So, you can use among the 12 best soap scum removers whenever dirt or other build-up starts forming in your bathroom, kitchen, glass surfaces, shower doors, and other similar surfaces.
Nobody desires scum formation in their attractive bathrooms. You can tackle it by keeping your bathroom and shower clean, but sometimes, build-up happens anyway. While there are various methods to remove soap residue with natural remedies, sometimes you need a heavy-duty remover.
Related FAQs
Q – Can soap scum be permanent?
Ans – Yes, soap residue can build up permanently if you haven’t taken steps to maintain your bathroom or other affected areas first. For example, you should follow regular cleaning procedures and avoid buildup on surfaces such as shower doors, glassware, etc. However, you will need to use a high-quality chemical soap scum cleaner to remove permanent, stubborn stains from soap residue if it has already built up.
Q – How do you prevent soap scum in bathtubs?
Ans – To avoid or stop scum formation, switch to synthetic soap, liquid soap, or gel body soap. For this purpose, you can also sprinkle some Epsom Salts into your bath. The soap residue from the bath will go right down the drain and won’t get stuck on your tub.
Q – What is the easiest way to remove soap scum?
Ans – The easiest way to remove soap residue is to use homemade soap scum removers or other non-toxic natural methods. Despite saving you on pockets, they prove to be highly effective methods when soap residues are not as permanent as already discussed.
Q – What does soap scum look like?
Ans – Soap remnants (also called lime soap) is a chalky, white residue that appears as a gray or white filmy layer over the areas like showers, bathtubs, and sinks. Soap residue is made of calcium stearate and magnesium stearate, among other materials, mixed with hard water.
Q – Can soap scum turn black?
Ans – Yes, it’s possible that you see it in black! However, it takes time for scum to build up and mix with other mineral deposits. The black, smelly, and green rings and spots on the shower stall are mildew and mold stains, which grow with the assistance of the bathroom’s humid air.
Q – How to eliminate soap scum from the shower?
Ans – Since prevention is better than cure, you can do so easily! Just follow the basic steps of cleaning after a shower. You need to clean the bathroom just after a family member has had a shower. The hot, steamy environment will help loosen soap scum making it easier to clean surfaces in the bathroom.
Q – How to choose the best soap scum remover?
Ans – You can look for several buying factors as mentioned above to look for the best soap scum remover. As a reference, you need to check for the form, any scent in it, the application procedure & type, and the surface compatibility upon which it can be applied.
