How to Remove Soap Scum From Shower Glass

How to Remove Soap Scum From Shower Glass

If your shower is starting to look cloudy, dull, or streaky, you are not alone. Soap scum and mineral buildup can collect quickly, especially on shower glass and around fixtures. The good news is you do not need a complicated routine to get it looking bright and fresh again.

This step by step shower cleaning method uses Mint Cleaning Scrub and a Mint Copper Scrubbie to lift buildup, then finishes with Mint Glass Cleaner and a dry Microfibre Cloth for a clear, polished shine. It is simple, effective, and easy to repeat weekly or whenever your shower needs a refresh.

Quick overview

  • Rinse the shower

  • Optional pre spray with all purpose

  • Scrub from top to bottom using cleaning scrub and a copper scrubbie

  • Rinse and repeat scrub where needed

  • Final rinse

  • Dry and buff with glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth

What you will need

Before you start, gather everything so the job stays quick and smooth.

Optional but helpful

  • A second microfibre cloth if you want one cloth for drying and one for buffing

  • A small bowl of warm water to re wet the scrubbie as you work

Why shower glass gets cloudy so fast

Most shower buildup comes from a mix of:

  • soap residue and body care products

  • hard water minerals

  • moisture that sits on glass and tile after showering

Over time, that combination creates a film that can look cloudy on glass and feel rough on tile. The key is to loosen it, scrub gently with the right texture, then fully rinse and dry so residue does not re settle.

Step by step How to deep clean a shower

Step 1 Rinse the shower first

Start by rinsing the entire shower with warm water. Rinse the walls, tile, glass, and fixtures.

This does two things:

  • loosens surface dirt and product residue

  • helps the cleaning scrub spread more evenly

Tip: Rinse from the top down so water carries grime downward instead of splashing onto areas you have already cleaned.

Step 2 Spray with all purpose cleaner (optional)

If your shower has heavier buildup, lightly spray the surfaces with all purpose cleaner. This step is optional, but it can help break down grime before scrubbing.

Let it sit briefly while you wet your copper scrubbie.

Step 3 Wet the copper scrubbie and add cleaning scrub

Wet the copper scrubbie thoroughly. Add cleaning scrub to the scrubbie, then start scrubbing from the top of the shower and work downward.

Scrub in gentle circles, keeping your pressure steady and controlled. The goal is to lift buildup without rushing.

Focus on:

  • corners and grout lines

  • ledges and shelves

  • around fixtures and handles

  • the lower half of the shower where buildup is often heavier

Tip: Working top to bottom keeps drips from running over freshly cleaned areas.

Step 4 Rinse and reapply cleaning scrub as needed

As you work, rinse sections of the shower to check your progress. If you still see cloudy spots or feel roughness on the surface, reapply cleaning scrub and scrub again in circles.

This is especially helpful on:

  • soap scum on shower walls

  • buildup near the base of the shower

  • areas around drains and edges

Tip: Keep the scrubbie wet as you go. If it starts to drag, dip it in water and add a little more scrub.

Step 5 Do a final rinse

Once everything looks clean, rinse the entire shower thoroughly. Make sure all cleaning scrub residue is washed away, especially in corners and along edges.

This step matters more than people think. Leftover residue can dry and leave a film, which makes the shower look dull again faster.

Step 6 Dry, buff, and shine with glass cleaner and a microfibre cloth

Now for the difference maker.

Spray glass cleaner on the shower glass and any shiny surfaces you want to polish. Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to dry and buff until the surface looks clear and shiny.

This step helps:

  • remove leftover water spots

  • prevent streaks

  • create a polished finish that looks freshly cleaned

Tip: Buffing while the surface is still slightly damp can help reduce streaks, then finish with a dry section of the cloth.

Click below to watch the full soap scum removal reel 

The best after shower habit to prevent soap scum

Want to keep your shower cleaner for longer with almost no extra effort

After you shower, do a quick spray of Mint Glass Cleaner on the shower glass. This helps stop soap scum from building up in the first place and can keep glass clearer between deep cleans.

If you have 10 seconds, you have time to make your next clean easier.

How often should you deep clean your shower

Most people do best with:

  • a deep clean once a week or every two weeks

  • an after shower spray to reduce buildup in between

If you have hard water or a busy household, weekly is usually ideal. If you are consistent with the after shower spray, you may be able to stretch it longer.

Tips for the best results

  • Start at the top and work down every time

  • Use gentle pressure with the copper scrubbie

  • Rinse often so you do not spread grime around

  • Dry the shower glass at the end for the clearest finish

  • Test a small spot first if you are cleaning a delicate surface

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