Soap scum and hard water stains are the two things that make an otherwise clean bathroom look dirty. They build up a little every day, and once they harden they resist a quick wipe. The good news is that both come off with simple methods, as long as you use the right approach for the surface.
What you are dealing with
Soap scum is the filmy residue left when soap mixes with the minerals in hard water. Hard water stains are the chalky white or rusty marks left behind when water evaporates. Knowing which one you have matters: scum is greasy and dulls the shine, while mineral deposits feel rough and crusty.
Showers and tubs
Spray the walls and tub with a bathroom cleaner or a mix of equal parts white vinegar and warm water, and let it sit for ten to fifteen minutes before scrubbing. Use a non-scratch scrub pad on fiberglass and acrylic, and a stiffer brush only on tile and grout. Rinse well, then dry the surfaces with a towel. Drying matters: water left standing is what leaves the next round of spots.
Faucets, fixtures, and glass
For faucets and showerheads, soak a cloth in white vinegar, wrap it around the fixture for fifteen minutes, then wipe and buff dry. For glass doors, the same vinegar mix cuts the film; follow with a squeegee after every shower and the buildup slows dramatically. Never mix vinegar with bleach, and never mix bleach with ammonia. If you use a bleach-based cleaner, use it on its own, with the fan running.
Keeping it from coming back
Switch to a liquid soap or a soap-free body wash, which leaves far less scum than bar soap. Keep a squeegee in the shower and use it after the last shower of the day. Wipe the fixtures dry once a week, and give the shower a two-minute spray-and-rinse midweek before the film hardens.
Stubborn buildup that has been there for months sometimes needs professional equipment and products. High End Cleaning LLC handles deep bathroom cleaning in Campton, NH and nearby towns. Call (603) 630-9987 for a free estimate.