Our top pick, the Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover, works on almost any surface and removes soap scum without scrubbing. Here are the best soap scum removers. For the best clean on tile, showers, tubs, and glass, we recommend Rejuvenate’s soap scum remover. It is an effective formula that breaks up soap scum and hard water deposits without any scrubbing. It is safe for almost all surfaces you can find in your bathroom, including glass, ceramic tile, chrome, plastic, fiberglass, natural stone, and porcelain. We always recommend testing it on an inconspicuous area first, but have used Rejuvenate soap scum remover on a variety of bathroom surfaces without issues. This formula is made in the United States, which may mean it’s easy to find in a variety of online and brick-and-mortar retailers. It is made without chemicals that can be irritating in enclosed areas, such as bathrooms. This also makes it safe for use on delicate surfaces, such as natural stone and grout. You will need to be able to rinse the cleaner off of your surface after it has done its work. If you have a removable shower head, this is the easiest and fastest way to reveal the soap scum-free surface after it has been cleaned. If not, you may need to use a wet cloth or paper towel. You still shouldn’t need to scrub; just wipe the excess away to get rid of any residue. All you’re left with is a streak-free shine and a sparkling clean bathroom. Price at time of publish: $10 Type: Spray | Amount: 24 fluid ounces | Safe for Use On: Glass, ceramic tile, chrome, plastic, fiberglass, natural stone, and porcelain | Scent: Unscented However, this formula is very effective at getting rid of soap scum and hard water stains. To use it, apply the liquid directly to your surface or to a cloth, and then scrub it on. This is a liquid cleaner and might be harder to use on vertical surfaces, such as showers and doors. The flip top can be hard to open and sometimes results in spills, as well. We recommend opening it inside the tub basin to keep from spilling it on other surfaces. Price at time of publish: $12 Type: Liquid | Amount: 24 fluid ounces | Safe for Use On: Showers, sinks, toilets | Scent: Unscented The cleaner is scented and the fresh scent can be quite powerful. It doesn’t use chlorine or bleach to clean, but we still recommend wearing gloves and goggles to protect your skin and eyes from the cleaner. It is also a good idea to vent the room using a window or bathroom fan if possible. It is safe for a variety of surfaces, but you should test it on natural stone before applying it to the entire area. It can cause scratching or discoloration in some cases. Price at time of publish: $17 Type: Spray | Amount: 32 fluid ounces | Safe for Use On: Chrome, glass, glazed ceramic, glazed porcelain, glazed tile, plastic laminate, sealed marble and granite, and stainless steel | Scent: Fresh scent In addition, you may need to do a bit more scrubbing with this gentler formula than some harsher chemical-based cleaners. It does foam up and can lift up a lot of soap scum and grime, if you let it sit for a few minutes before starting to scrub. It is also a little more expensive than some other options, although still an affordable cleaning product that has plenty of applications. Price at time of publish: $23 Type: Spray | Amount: 28 fluid ounces | Safe for Use On: Glass, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, tile, chrome, and metal | Scent: Eucalyptus mint This is safe for many surfaces, including glass, fiberglass, porcelain, and metal. But, it can damage some natural stone, such as marble. Always test it on a small surface, before applying it to your entire shower. Make sure when you test it that you let it set on the surface for a full 12 hours to see if there is any discoloration or scratching. Once you know it is good for your shower, apply it weekly for the best results and minimal in-between cleaning. Price at time of publish: $20 Type: Liquid | Amount: 64 fluid ounces | Safe for Use On: Glass, fiberglass, porcelain, and metal | Scent: Vanilla The scrubs are safe for grout and tile, but test it on a small area first to be sure. This is especially important if you are using them on natural stone, such as granite or marble. The Febreze lavender scent can also be overwhelming for those with sensitivities to chemical fragrances. It does dissipate quickly, but you may want to ventilate your room or run the bathroom fan while using the eraser. Price at time of publish: $14 Type: Sponge | Amount: 10 | Safe for Use On: Glass, fiberglass, stone, and grout | Scent: Lavender If you have built-up soap scum or hard water stains, you may need to do more scrubbing. Rather than use a stronger cleaning formula, put in some elbow grease or let the Granite Gold formula sit for a few minutes to penetrate the soap scum. If you opt for a harsher cleaning agent, especially those with citric acid, it can damage the finish of natural stone. Price at time of publish: $13 Type: Spray | Amount: 24 fluid ounces | Safe for Use On: Granite, marble, limestone, travertine, ceramic and glass | Scent: Unscented When shopping, you’ll also want to consider how much cleaning product you need. For formulas that can be used less frequently or have targeted applications, such as those for shower doors, a smaller container may be okay. You may prefer sticking with the larger size and just restocking less often. You can go through small bottles of daily cleaners faster, but the smaller size does make them more portable and easier to use. Look for ones that offer refill packages you can use to refill your smaller spray bottle.
Formula and Ingredients
Strong chemical-based cleaners tend to work the fastest and are the most effective on tough stains and a lot of soap scum buildup. These often mean less scrubbing for you. The downside is that they are not safe for all surfaces, especially natural stone. “Marble is very delicate,” says Krissia Garcia, CEO and founder of KrissKlean. “We can only use soap, warm water, and a non-scratch sponge,” she adds, so they don’t damage the surface. When cleaning natural stone, it is critical to look for gentle ingredients that are pH-balanced. Stronger chemical-based cleaners also require some personal protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, as well as adequate ventilation. You should also never mix cleaners, especially if they’re bleach-based. More eco-friendly or mild products, like Method’s Tub and Tile Bathroom Cleaner, are easier on you during application, but might need more scrubbing to get the same results as their bleach-based counterparts.
Scent
Bathrooms tend to be small, enclosed rooms, so strong, chemical fragrances can be especially powerful and overwhelming in these areas. Many cleaners recommend ventilation during application. If you are sensitive to fragrances or just want something milder, look for a product that uses essential oils for scent or one that is unscented.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. When compiling this list, she looked at the products she has relied on for years on a daily basis, as well as those meant for more intense deep cleaning. She also talked to Krissia Garcia, CEO and founder of KrissKlean, about the best tips and tricks for cleaning delicate surfaces, such as natural stone.
