Natural Glass Shower Door Cleaner

Natural Home Solutions: Removing Soap Scum from a Glass Shower Door

Many people, when asked, would define soap scum as that irritating, cloudy residue on their tub or shower door!

Soap scum is a white build-up consisting of minerals from the water, dirt, bacteria, and sloughed-off skin. The very best way to keep soap scum off glass shower doors is to prevent it from happening in the first place by wiping the glass completely dry after every shower.

But who has the time for that?

Instructions

Prevention

1. In a spray bottle, combine a mixture of 2 parts white vinegar and 1 part water.
2. Leave spray bottle in the shower and spray on the glass after every use.
3. Allow to air dry. (Note: It is best to use a squeegee if you have one available.)     

Solution



1. Gather the following ingredients:
• 2 teaspoons borax
• 1 teaspoon castile soap
• 3/4 cup white vinegar
• 1 1/2 cup hot water
• 10 drops tea tree oil
2. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle. Shake to blend.
3. Spray mixture on glass and allow to penetrate. Follow with a sponge or brush.
4. Rinse off. Dry.

Alternative

1. When the job calls for a more heavy duty scrub here's my favorite soft scrub alternative (Note: It's actually the same one I use to clean my toilets.):
• 3/4 cup baking soda
• Enough liquid castile soap to form a paste
• 5 drops tea tree oil
• 5 drops of lemon, lemongrass, or sweet orange oil (optional)
2. Add liquid castile soap to baking soda slowly until paste is formed. Then proceed to add tea tree oil and optional antiseptic essential oils.
3. Apply scrub to sponge for use on shower doors.
4. Allow paste to stay on glass for 5-10 minutes. Spray with vinegar and wipe off with sponge.
5. Rinse off. Dry.

The results of these cleaning methods really are remarkable. See the difference for yourself!

Tips and Notes

-The best time to clean soap scum is right after taking a warm shower. The heat and steam aid in loosening the scum and allow a bit more ease when scrubbing.

-Tea tree oil is a natural fungicide and carries many antiseptic properties. Tea tree oil will kill most of the bacteria found in the soap scum and help prevent growth.

-Dislike the smell of vinegar...fear not! The vinegar smell will fade within a few hours of cleaning.

What are your favorite homemade recipes for cleaning soap scum? Please feel free to share with us!