Win the battle against soap scum
Q: How can I remove soap scum from the shower door? Thank you. — Roslyn M., via e-mail
A: Cleaning soap scum from glass shower doors seems like an easy chore, but it rarely is. These deposits from soap and minerals in the shower water build up gradually; one day the shower door is clean, and then, the next time you notice the door, it’s because it’s no longer clear.
Scrubbing it away can be problematic. There’s a risk of scratching the glass if you use the wrong cleaning materials. Sometimes over-the-counter cleaners work well, and sometimes they don’t. Using homemade cleaners is also hit-and-miss. And in both cases, you must be careful of toxicity.
If you use store-bought cleaning solutions, make sure they are specifically formulated for glass shower doors, and follow the directions. Keep in mind that some solutions should not be used on the door’s aluminum frames due to discoloration.
Several home cleaning solutions can be used. First, try fighting fire with fire: Most soap has an oil or lipid (fat) base. Apply a thin coat of lemon oil using a clean, nonabrasive cloth. Let it sit for several minutes and wipe clean. The oil should moisten and loosen up the deposits.
Another method is to break up the oil/fat base using a grease-fighting cleaner. One of the best (and least expensive) grease fighters is ordinary liquid dishwashing soap. Apply using a nonabrasive cloth or sponge, let it sit for about 10 minutes, wipe the doors well and rinse.
For really tough soap scum, baking soda is your best friend. It can be mixed with the dish liquid (1 part baking soda to 2 parts liquid) to provide minimally abrasive scrubbing power. To clean buildup from the corners of the door frame, make a thick paste of baking soda and vinegar, apply to the buildup, and let it foam for a few minutes. Wipe away the excess paste and rinse.
In all three cases, repeated application may be necessary. But the ingredients are less toxic than over-the-counter solutions and will not scratch the glass or discolor the frame.