15 Best Soap Scum Removers To Brighten The Surfaces In 2024
Specialty: Domestic cleaningExperience: 10 yearsPaula is an experienced domestic cleaner and influencer sharing her professional cleaning tips and expertise. She loves to get results, specializes in deep cleaning and enjoys inspiring others whilst sharing honest reviews of products. Having had her Instagram platform for three years, Paula has worked with and is an advocate for many reputable brands.
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Most of us find it challenging to clean different surfaces. However, with the best soap scum removers, you can clean and brighten the surfaces prone to soap scum. This is a gray or white layer or residue on the surfaces that you may come across when you use soaps to clean bathtubs, showers, sinks, or other bathroom surfaces. Check out our list of removers that we have compiled and reviewed for you to choose a suitable product.
Top Picks
15 Best Soap Scum Removers
1. Best To Kill Bacteria: Tilex Bathroom Cleaner Soap Scum Remover Spray
Say goodbye to mineral build-up with this scum-busting soap cleanser. You can use this multi-surface cleaner for cleaning shower doors, fiberglass, glazed tiles, toilets, and sinks. Tilex cleaning products can kill and disinfect up to 99% of the bacteria in the bathroom, thereby providing you with a clean and sparkling space.
Pros
- Has a refreshing smell
- Does not require scrubbing
- Bleach-free combination
Cons
- May not be effective for cleaning showers
"The best part about this cleaner is its versatility, allowing me to use it for ceramic fixtures and fiberglass. Plus, it eliminates the grime and deodorizes and disinfects my bathroom. I must wear gloves while using it, but it's become my preferred professional-strength cleaner."
2. Best For All Surfaces: ForceField ScumBlaster Soap Scum Remover
ForceField offers a professional-grade soap scum cleaner with industrial strength to clean water spots, shower walls, bathroom surfaces, and septic tanks. This quality-tested and tough soap scum cleaner is free of corrosive acids and bleach and is formulated to save your cleaning time and effort.
Pros
- All-purpose cleaner for all surfaces
- Effective cleaning solution for daily usage
- Cuts through rust and hard water stains
- Made using organic salts
- Effective on stubborn soap scum and hard water stains
Cons
- May have a strong smell
"The way it combats hard water buildup has made it a dependable find for me. While I must apply extra product to clean tricky places, the results are always commendable. The only issue is the fumes, but keeping a window open solves that, too."
Quick tip3. Best For Hard Water Stains: Scrub-Free Arm & Hammer 3320000105 Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover
Clean the dulling film and hard water stains with this mineral deposit and soap residue remover. The non-abrasive formula is formulated for glass shower doors, ceramic tiles, plastic, porcelain, fiberglass tubs, chrome, and sinks and helps deodorize surfaces.
Pros
- Has a pleasant lemon scent
- Effective in cutting through the scum
- Does not require scratching and scrubbing
- Makes cleaning easier
Cons
- May not be effective against tough stains
"True to its claim, it restores the pristine condition of my bathrooms without me scrubbing the surfaces. It's also straightforward to apply, and the scent, though not the mildest, does not bombard the senses. It is too potent for marble but still gets a thumbs-up for its solid performance."
Tilex Bathroom Cleaner Soap Scum Remover Spray Best To Kill Bacteria | ForceField ScumBlaster Soap Scum Remover Best For All Surfaces | Scrub-Free Arm & Hammer 3320000105 Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover Best For Hard Water Stains | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Package Dimensions | 11.22 x 10.24 x 3.27 inches | - | - |
| Weight | 0.01 Ounces | 2.89 Pounds | 2 Pounds |
| Dimensions | - | 10.25 x 6.5 x 5 inches | 12.5 x 11.4 x 10 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 510 | 432 | 180 |
| Price | $17.49 | $32.99 | $28.85 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best For Different Surfaces: The Works Tubs & Shower Cleaner For Soap Scum
If you want to prevent scum on the glass, shower, and water. The Works Tubs & Shower Cleaner is ideal. The soap scum remover is designed to clean different kinds of spots in the bathroom. This multi-use scum remover comes as a value pack of six bottles.
Pros
- Does not scratch the surface
- Comes with a convenient flip-top lid
- Effective on hard water spots
Cons
- May require scrubbing
5. Best For Metal Faucets: Clean-X Eliminate Shower Tub & Tile Cleaner
Clean-X Eliminate offers a powerful soap scum dissolver in a pack of two. The tub, tile, and shower soap scum remover effectively eliminates mineral deposits, body oils, and soap scum within a few minutes. As per reviews, it can even effectively act on porcelain sinks and metal faucets to ensure your bathroom always shines.
Pros
- Has a pleasant, refreshing smell
- Saves cleaning time by up to 90 percent
- Fast and effective scum cleaner
- Easy to use
Cons
- May damage natural stone
"Since I got this liquid, keeping my bathroom clean is no longer synonymous with strenuous scrubbing. Even its fragrance isn't overpowering—it leaves my bathroom smelling like cherries. Plus, the lack of allergic reactions assures me it's safe to use."
Remember6. Best Cleaner For Bathtubs: The Bucko Soap Scum And Grime Cleaner
The Bucko soap scum remover is effective at cleaning glass shower doors, yellow-stained acrylic bathtubs, dried-out laundry detergent buildups, wheel rims, etc. Designed for tough stains, this is a non-toxic formulation that leaves a protective shine on the surface. This glass cleaner makes a valuable cleaning product for regular cleaning and touch-ups.
Pros
- Has a light lemon water scent
- Doesn’t contain any chemicals, bleach, or acid
- Easy to use–just spray and wipe in a circular motion
- Multi-purpose cleaner
Cons
- May not be effective against rust
"This cleaning solution has outperformed all my older cleaners when it comes to removing soap scum from my fixtures quickly and efficiently. It does not even require extensive scrubbing. However, I’d recommend wearing a mask as its fumes can feel intense."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 2,293 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
7. Best For Molds And Stains: Chomp Hard Water Stain Remover Bathroom Gel Cleaner With Scum Shield
Use this gel cleanser to clean the grime, residue, and scum in the bathroom. The hard water soap scum remover is formulated to eliminate scum from showers, chrome, and faucets and is effective on a wide range of surfaces. This unique multi-surface cleaner uses the Scum Shield formula to reduce weekly cleaning needs by resisting build-up.
Pros
- Removes molds and mildew stains
- Prevents and cleans hard water stains
- Keeps surfaces clean for long
- Has a pleasant fragrance
Cons
- May leave behind residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 1,963 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.
8. Best Non-Toxic: Good Life Solutions Plant-Based Bathroom Cleaner For Soap Scum
Good Life Solutions offers a natural and safe cleaning product to keep your bathroom free of soap scum and build-up. This product contains plant-based and natural ingredients, making it safe for daily cleaning needs. The all-purpose daily shower cleaner is ideal for bathroom fixtures, floors, and countertops.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Non-toxic and fragrance-free cleaner
- Environmentally-safe formulation
- Does not leave behind any residue
Cons
- Spray nozzle may not be durable
"I opted for this biodegradable spray for its environmentally friendly composition. Although gentle, it removes soap scum and mineral buildup without a hitch. Besides, it doesn't even demand scrubbing except when dealing with tough stains."
9. Best Eco-Friendly Formulation: Coastal Clarity Shower Door Restoration Kit
This effortless soap film and scum remover from Coastal Clarity adopts a three-step system to remove soap scum and hard water stains without testing your scrubbing strength and restores lost brilliance by filling scratches and microscopic pores. It is one of the most effective cleaning solutions for effortless cleaning of soap scum stains.
Pros
- Delivers a streak-free and residue-free performance
- Effectively cleans build-up of years
- Lengthens the lifespan of glass
- Comes with a water-repellent treatment that maintains shine for up to 18 months
- An eco-friendly formulation
Cons
- May have an unpleasant smell
"After trying multiple products, I have finally settled on this kit, as it cleans my shower glass without being abrasive. Despite being a pack of three products, it leaves no streaks or residue. The only downside is its strong smell, but that issue doesn't reduce its functionality."
Caution10. Best With Fresh Scent: StoneTech Soap Scum Remover For Natural Stone
StoneTech offers a pack of two soap scum dissolvers designed specially to remove scum from natural stone. Use this effective formula to clean your bathroom without damaging the natural stone and make your bathroom fresh and free of residue and dirt.
Pros
- Effective in cleaning water stains
- Does not harm natural stone
- Ideal for different surfaces
- Has a fresh and clean scent
Cons
- May require scrubbing and elbow grease
"I am impressed with how well this cleaner removes soap scum from the tiles without altering their gloss. It even got rid of the age-old build-up from the grout lines. Moreover, the smooth spraying mechanism also makes application a breeze."
11. Best For Marble: Marblelife Soap Scum Remover
Whether it is your bathroom or kitchen, Marblelife’s multipurpose cleaning product helps remove soap scum on different surfaces. This tried-and-tested product is an eco-friendly scum and film cleanser to ensure a safe and healthy home. You can use it on marbles, natural stones, and tiles to get a clean surface and restore lost luster.
Pros
- Does not contain any harsh chemicals
- 100% stone-safe
- Helps reduce build-ups
- Easy to use
Cons
- Scent may not be pleasing
"I finally found a powerful solution that cleans my delicate marbleware without leaving any streaks. Although it took me a while to get used to its wax-like consistency, the way with which it tackles scum is impressive. Also, a small amount goes a long way, making it cost-effective."
12. Best For Stubborn Stains: Invisible Shield Limescale And Stain Remover
If you are looking for a potent formula that can remove calcium, rust, soap scum, hard water minerals, grease, and other stubborn stains without heavy scrubbing, use Invisible Shield limescale and stain remover. As per reviews, it is a safe and effective formula that can remove scum and stains on sinks, faucets, shower glass, tubs, and tiles and eliminate residues and build-up in your bathroom.
Pros
- Reduces cleaning time by half
- Free of harsh chemicals
- Can be used on different surfaces
Cons
- Not safe to use on natural stones
13. Best For Bathroom: The Popular Shop Scrub Free Total Bathroom Cleaner
This scrub-free soap scum remover not only removes scum but also leaves your bathroom bright and smelling fresh. The soap scum remover is tested to deliver excellent results and can be used on bathtubs, showers, toilets, and tiles and make your bathroom shine.
Pros
- Has a pleasant lemon scent
- Does not damage surfaces
- Multipurpose bathroom cleaner
Cons
- May not be value for money
"I came across this option while looking for a cleaner that could remove soap scum from all kinds of surfaces. Its no-scrub formula also makes cleaning less taxing. Still, I’d recommend rinsing it off thoroughly to keep the floor from becoming slippery."
14. Best Fast-Acting Formula: Therapy Tub And Tile Cleaner, Soap Scum Remover
If you want to bring back the lost shine to tiles, floors, countertops, and fixtures, Fila Deterdek soap scum remover is ideal. This product is used as a water spot, limescale, grime and residue cleanser for all types of bathroom surfaces. You can use the produce on ceramics, porcelain, stainless steel, and glass surfaces.
Pros
- Has a soothing natural grapefruit oil scent
- Non-toxic formulation
- Effective in removing hard water stains
- Safe for all bathroom surfaces
Cons
- Cannot be used on marble, granite, and wood
"My search for a plant-based cleaner that also works well has come to an end with this variant. It also acts fast and leaves a pleasant citrusy fragrance. I wish it could tackle mold with the same efficacy as it does grime, but the non-toxic formulation keeps me hooked."
15. Best For Mosaics: Fila Deterdek Hard Water Spot And Soap Scum Remover
If you want to bring back the lost shine to tiles, floors, countertops, and fixtures, Fila Deterdek soap scum remover is ideal. This product is used as a water spot, limescale, grime and residue cleanser for all types of bathroom surfaces. You can use the produce on ceramics, porcelain, stainless steel, and glass surfaces.
Pros
- Perfect for mosaics
- Cleans professionally
- Does not harm surfaces
- Easy to use
- Biodegradable formulation
Cons
- May have a strong smell
"In addition to removing soap scum, this cleaner also came in handy to tackle limescale buildup. Besides, I just have to spray it, hardly wait for it to work, and wipe it off to eliminate buildup. Overall. It has made regular cleaning and maintenance of my bathroom convenient."
How To Choose The Right Soap Scum Remover?
To help you choose the right soap scum remover, we have listed a few points that you must keep in mind when buying:
- Surface type: The choice of soap scum remover depends on what kind of bathroom surface your bathroom has because some cleaners are effective on metals and fiberglass. In contrast, some soap scum removers are effective for ceramics and porcelain. Some cleaners may not be suitable for delicate surfaces. So, always check the surface type to choose the right product.
- Formulation: Thoroughly check the key ingredients in the product. It is best to choose products made using natural ingredients and that do not contain chemicals, bleach, ammonia, and phthalates.
- Ease of cleaning: It is best to choose easy-to-clean products. Compared with products that only require spraying and wiping, products that require a lot of scrubbing and elbow grease are certainly not a good choice.
- Scent: It is crucial to buy a soap scum remover that does not have a strong and unpleasant odor. Choose a product that has a soothing and pleasant scent.
, an experienced domestic cleaner and influencer, says, “Soap scum can build up quickly, and if left for too long, it can turn gray and look unsightly. While most bathroom cleaners are made to specifically target soap scum, I’m a fan of cleaners containing citric, as they are great at eliminating limescale too.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What causes soap scum?
When minerals found in hard water such as magnesium and calcium chemically combine with dirt and soap, they form a scaly film on metal surfaces, tiles, grouts, and other bathroom surfaces.
2. How should I get rid of thick soap scum?
One of the ideal ways of getting rid of thick soap scum is using a professional-grade soap scum cleaner. However, go through the product details to make sure that it is a non-corrosive and non-abrasive soap scum remover.
3. What is most effective against limescale and soap scum?
One of the most effective ways to get rid of limescale and soap scum is to use a commercial soap scum cleaner that is versatile on most surfaces, free of harsh chemicals, and easy to use.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah writes well-researched content and compiles product lists that make choosing products effortlessly. Here, he brings you a comprehensive list of the best soap scum removers to make your cleaning experience a lot easier and ensure there are no traces of dirt or stain lurking behind. These solutions can clean soap scum and grime on bathroom tiles, septic tanks, doors, glass windows, or other household items.
The Bottom Line
Sometimes cleaning can be challenging, especially when you have to remove soap scum. However, by using an effective soap scum remover, you can maintain your bathroom, showers, and other surfaces properly. You can consider choosing a soap scum remover with a pleasant and mild smell to give a fresh feel without being overbearing. It should remove stubborn soap scum and hard water stains from any surface, so pick a versatile product suitable for different materials. However, ensure the remover is free of harsh chemicals to prevent damaging the surface. Our favorites include the bacteria-eliminating Tilex Bathroom Cleaner Soap Scum Remover Spray and the multipurpose Bucko Soap Scum And Grime Cleaner. Similarly, The Works Tubs & Shower Cleaner can be ideal if you want to keep the surface scratch-free.
Infographic: How To Reduce The Chances Of Soap Scum Buildup?
Soap scum removers are effective and hassle-free solutions to eliminate scum and soap residue buildup. However, it is essential to follow specific measures to avoid the buildup of scum in the first place. Check out the following infographic to learn about these anti-scum precautions.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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