Comparison: Best Drain Cleaner For Soap Scum (Updated | Oct 22nd)
When tackling stubborn soap scum in drains, choosing the right cleaner can make all the difference. This comparison explores top-performing products designed to dissolve mineral deposits, soap residue, and grime without damaging pipes. From enzymatic formulas to powerful chemical solutions, we evaluate effectiveness, safety, and ease of use to help you find a reliable option for maintaining clean, flowing drains. Whether you prioritize eco-friendliness or heavy-duty strength, our guide provides balanced insights to simplify your decision.
Editorβs Choice
Best for a specific purpose
-
Best for best budget:
Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Shower or Sink Drains -
Best for best value:
Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Shower or Sink Drains -
Best for epa certified:
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Bathroom Cleaner Spray – Dissolves Calcium -
Best for best overall:
The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner (32oz + Sprayer) -
Best for pro-strength gel:
Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer -
Best for enzyme formula:
Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner | Controls Foul Odors & Breaks Down Grease -
Best for scrub-free cleaner:
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover Shower Glass Door Cleaner Works on Ceramic Tile -
Best for fast-acting foam:
RMR – Xtreme Soap Scum Remover -
Best for odor eliminator:
SANI 360Β° Drain Power Cleaner
Product Comparison: Best Drain Cleaner For Soap Scum
Best budget
Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Shower or Sink Drains, Unclogs and Removes Hair, Soap Scum and Blockages, 80 Oz
Drano
- TRUSTED BRAND: Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover is the #1 Selling Gel Drain Cleaner*. Avoid spending money on a plumber and use Drano.
- FAST-ACTING: Starts working in 7 minutes. For best results, pour 16 oz slowly over drain. For extremely slow-running drains or complete clogs, use 32 oz. Allow Drano to sit for 15-30 minutes and flush with hot tap water. Repeat if necessary.
- REMOVES CLOGS: Pours through standing water straight to the clog. Use Drano whenever major clogs occur.
- SAFE ON PIPES: Safe for bathroom and kitchen and. Drano Max Gel includes an ingredient to protect pipes from corrosion over time without compromising the efficacy of the clog remover.
- GREAT FOR PREVENTING CLOGS: Act on slow running drains before the clog forms. Cheaper than a plumber.
Best value
Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover and Cleaner for Shower or Sink Drains, Unclogs and Removes Hair, Soap Scum and Blockages, 80 Oz, Pack of 2
Drano
- TRUSTED BRAND: Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover is the #1 Selling Gel Drain Cleaner*. Avoid spending money on a plumber and use Drano.
- FAST-ACTING: Starts working in 7 minutes. For best results, pour 16 oz slowly over drain. For extremely slow-running drains or complete clogs, use 32 oz. Allow Drano to sit for 15-30 minutes and flush with hot tap water. Repeat if necessary.
- REMOVES CLOGS: Pours through standing water straight to the clog. Use Drano whenever major clogs occur.
- SAFE ON PIPES: Safe for bathroom and kitchen sinks. Drano Max Gel includes an ingredient to protect pipes from corrosion over time without compromising the efficacy of the clog remover.
- GREAT FOR PREVENTING CLOGS: Act on slow running drains before the clog forms. Cheaper than a plumber.
EPA certified
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Bathroom Cleaner Spray – Dissolves Calcium, Lime, and Soap Scum – Fresh Scent, 26 Ounce Bottle (Pack of 4)
CLR
- Powerful Clean: CLR Brilliant Bath cleans surfaces with a formula that rapidly eliminates dirt; Its foam has the capacity to fight all kinds of bathroom dirt and grime buildup
- Many Uses: This versatile cleaner foams to remove even the toughest buildup from sinks, faucets, showerheads and bathtub surrounds; Safe for glass and stainless steel
- Easy to Use and Effective: Effectively remove stains in two steps; Just spray the solution onto the sink, shower door, or faucet, and wipe clean; CLR Brilliant Bath cleans one of the dirtiest rooms in your home with less effort
- EPA Safer Choice Certified: This daily cleaner is recognized as a safer alternative to harsher chemicals by EPA's Safer Choice Program; Contains zero ammonia, bleach or phosphates
- Fight the Clean Fight: CLR offers products for all of your household needs including Healthy Septic System, Spotless Stainless Steel, and Clog-Free Drain
Best overall
The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner (32oz + Sprayer)
The Bucko
- ππ’π π ππ₯ππππ π¦π§π₯ππ‘ππ§π: Dissolves tough soap scum and grime, leaving a beautiful shine. Makes glass shower doors, yellow stained textured acrylic bathtubs, dull chrome fixtures, sinks with dried out laundry detergent buildup, and wheel rims like new again
- π£ππππ¦ππ‘π§: Light scent of lemonwater. No bleach, no acid, and no harsh chemicals. Non-toxic, septic system safe. Pleasant to use for tough jobs and regular touch-ups alike
- πͺπ’π₯π π¦ππ©ππ₯: No scrubbing required for most jobs. Just spray and wipe away. For tougher jobs, may need to spray and let sit and some scrubbing. Leaves a beautiful, protective shine that will show up after the next shower or rinse.
- π£π₯π’π©ππ‘: Used by the most meticulous cleaners: professional cleaning companies and working moms
- π π¨ππ§π-π£π¨π₯π£π’π¦π: Use as bathroom cleaner, shower cleaner, on bathtubs, tile, grout, fiberglass, chrome wheel rims, boats, outdoor furniture, stainless steel, ceramic sinks, and much more
Pro-strength gel
Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer, Liquid Drain Cleaner, 80 Fluid Ounces (Package May Vary)
Clorox
- DRAIN CLOG REMOVER: This Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer Gel is fortified with 3X action to protect, prevent and destroy clogs; Packaging may vary
- WORKS ON MULTIPLE CLOG TYPES: This gel clog remover tackles the toughest clogs from hair (2), grease and soap scum and cuts through standing water to clear total blockages
- SAFE ON ALL PIPES: Made with Pipeguard, this Liquid-Plumr drain cleaner protects pipes and is safe for septic systems, disposals (3) and pipes, including PVC, plastic, copper and old drain pipes
- ODOR ELIMINATOR: Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer works great on bathtubs, bathroom sinks, showers, kitchen sinks and garbage disposals (3); Do not use with plunger or in toilets
- MAINTAIN CLEAR PIPES AND DRAINS: When used monthly, this Liquid-Plumr Pro-Strength Clog Destroyer prevents clogs from coming back (1) in your pipes or drains
Enzyme formula
Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner | Controls Foul Odors & Breaks Down Grease, Paper, Fat & Oil in Sewer Lines, Septic Tanks & Grease Traps | 1 Gallon
Green Gobbler
- ENZYME ENHANCED FORMULA: Green Gobbler Enzymatic Drain & Grease Trap Cleaner uses an enzyme enhanced formula to clear buildup and remove odors in grease traps, septic tanks and similar plumbing systems. It helps digests oils, fats, grease, sludge and other food waste within hours of application. This bottle uses anti-glug technology to help reduce splashing and provides up to eight treatments.
- SAFE FOR PIPES: Green Gobbler helps maintain drain lines, septic tanks, grease traps and grease interceptors. Our enzyme enhanced formula is an excellent alternative to sodium hydroxide and other caustic chemicals.
- IMPROVE GREASE TRAP EFFICIENCY: Green Gobbler increases the efficacy of grease traps by allowing enzymes & bacteria to work more efficiently to promote the separation of water and grease, helping your trap run more smoothly.
- KEEP SEPTIC TANKS HEALTHY: Green Gobbler helps prompt the biological breakdown of foul odors and organic material inside demanding environments such as drains, pipes and septic tanks.
- GREEN GOBBLER GUARANTEE: Green Gobbler cares about its customers. We take pride in developing innovative & effective products for your home or business. If for any reason you are unsatisfied, please contact us. We offer a money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase.
Scrub-free cleaner
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover Shower Glass Door Cleaner Works on Ceramic Tile, Chrome, Plastic and More 128oz
Rejuvenate
- SOAP SCUM REMOVER REFILL: Refills 24 oz or 32 oz bottle of Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover
- FOR DAILY CLEANING: Gentle enough for daily use
- NON-ABRASIVE FORMULA: Non-bleach formula is safe on glass showers, ceramic tile, chrome, plastic & fiberglass
- JUST SPRAY & RINSE: Rapidly dissolves soap scum without wiping or scrubbing
- SAFE FOR PETS & KIDS: When used per directions on product label. For additional details, visit rejuvenateproducts.com/safe.
Fast-acting foam
RMR – Xtreme Soap Scum Remover, Fast-Acting, No-Scrub Bathroom Cleaner for Soap Scum, Calcium, Hard Water, Limescale, and Shower Tile Residue, Bleach-Free, 30-Fluid Ounce Spray Bottle
RMR Brands
- Ultimate Bathroom, Tub, & Shower Power: RMRβs Xtreme Soap Scum Remover starts working on contact to break down layers of soap scum and grime, leaving your surfaces spotless and freshβwithout the back-breaking scrubbing
- Fast-Acting Foaming Formula: Clings to all surfaces, cracks, and corners, cutting through calcium, limescale, soap scum, grime, and hard water spots in just 2-3 minutes for a visibly cleaner bathroom with zero effort
- Quality Ingredients for a Deeper Clean: Safe on most shower, tub, or bathroom surfaces, including stainless steel, fiberglass, chrome, porcelain, marble, granite, plastic, tile, glass, and even ceramic stovetops to treat baked-on buildup
- Safe & Simple Solutions: Free from bleach and abrasives, our powerful formula delivers a deep clean without damaging most bathroom finishesβtest on a small area first, especially on natural stone or sealed surfaces to avoid any unwanted reactions
- America-Made, Professional-Grade: Developed by our U.S. Veteran-owned business, these high-performance cleaners are made in the USA and trusted by both professionals and homeowners to deliver powerful results every time
Odor eliminator
SANI 360Β° Drain Power Cleaner, Enzyme Gel Formula, Deodorizer, Stops Clogs, Odor, Grease, Soap Scum, Save Money on Plumbing, Safe for Pipes and Septic, Made in the USA, 16 Uses, Lemon Scent
SANI 360Β°
- ENZYME Action Drain & Pipe GEL Cleaner: Rapidly eliminates foul odors, breaks down food waste, fats, oils, and soap residue. Regular probiotic formula keeps sinks and drains, free-flowing and odor-free. Sani 360Β° Drain Power Cleaner leaves a fresh lemony scent. Ready-to-use formula.
- SAFE FORMULATION: SANI 360Β° Drain Power Cleaner thickened GEL formula carries the product to the site of blockage, breaking down organic materials into water soluble particles and eliminating odors. Safe for all drains, pipes, grease traps, and septic systems. It contains NO phosphates, ammonia, or bleachβjust powerful enzymes that work on all pipes and any septic system!
- EASY TO USE ENZYME CLEANING ACTION: SANI 360Β° Drain Power Cleanerβs unique enzyme formulation breaks down grease, fats, oils and other waste. Regular use allows active enzymes to continuously work to keep clogging accumulation from occurring.
- Effortless Drain Maintenance: Prevent drain clogs, keep drains free-flowing, and stop odors with weekly maintenance. Save money on plumbing.
- SANI 360Β° 30 DAY GUARANTEE: SANI 360Β° Drain Power Cleaner is from the producers of the original drain sticks, Sani Sticks. We are constantly developing innovative enzyme products that clean and eliminate odors efficiently. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with SANI 360Β° Drain Power Cleaner, we accept returns within 30 days of purchase.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Buying Guide
FAQs
Which product is most effective for dissolving soap scum?
RMR – Xtreme Soap Scum Remover is fast-acting and requires no scrubbing.
Is there a gel-based drain cleaner that targets soap scum?
Drano Max Gel Drain Clog Remover is designed for shower or sink drains and tackles soap scum.
What enzyme-based cleaner works on soap scum?
Green Gobbler Enzyme Drain Cleaner breaks down grease and controls odors.
Are there spray cleaners for soap scum removal?
CLR Brilliant Bath Foaming Bathroom Cleaner Spray dissolves calcium and lime buildup.
Which cleaner is best for glass shower doors?
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover is made for shower glass doors.
Is there a drain cleaner that also deodorizes?
SANI 360Β° Drain Power Cleaner is an enzyme gel formula that deodorizes and stops clogs.
What product requires no scrubbing for soap scum?
The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner (32oz + Sprayer) is a no-scrub solution.
