March 16, 2022
Is your bathtub or sink feeling grimy with soap scum? Learn how to clean years of soap scum and eliminate it for good.
Plus, we’ll share a few of our favorite soap scum cleaners that will get the job done.
What Is Soap Scum?
Soap scum results from fatty ingredients in bathing soap reacting with minerals in your water. This reaction creates a white, chalky residue comprised of magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, and other minerals.
Over time, it can build up and create those notorious soap rings you see in bathtubs, but it’s not limited to just the tub. You may notice soap residue coating your shower door, tub walls, tile, sink, or soap dishes.
Soap scum usually appears white, but don’t be surprised if it looks a bit yellow. The longer soap scum is left on surfaces, the thicker it will get, and it may take on a slight color.
P.S. Read this complete housecleaning guide to learn how to polish your home from top to bottom.
How to Get Rid of Soap Scum
Since you’re probably going to shower and bathe for the rest of your life, it’s best to learn how to get rid of soap scum.
Glass Shower Doors
Grab your favorite shower cleaner and spray down the glass doors until completely covered. Let the cleaner sit for several minutes, giving it enough time to cut through the soap scum. Rinse with water and wipe it down with a microfiber cloth.
One of the toughest parts of cleaning shower doors is actually the sliding door track- not the door itself. Again, spray the cleaner along the railing, and use a toothbrush to scrub it down.
Shower Walls
Many people often neglect the shower or tub walls. After a while, you’ll be trying to clean years of soap scum build-up. Grab a shower cleaner and spray down the walls, putting extra attention on problem areas. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes, but the longer the better.
Use a sponge and scrub the walls in circles. You may need a soft bristle brush for heavy build-up. Rinse the walls, and repeat if needed.
Tubs and Sinks
The inside of tubs and sinks usually receive the blunt force of soap residue. It might be hard to miss on walls or doors, but when you sit down in the tub for a bath, the feeling of grimy soap scum against your skin is hard to ignore.
Spray down the inner surface of the tub or sink, letting it foam and sit for about 30 minutes. Scrub the entire area with a sponge or soft brush. Rinse and repeat.
Best Soap Scum Remover
Now that you know how to get rid of soap scum, finding the best product to use is the next step. So, what are the best soap scum removers out there?
You can always go the natural route with vinegar and baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on a cloth, dampen it, and get to scrubbing. Or make a paste-like mixture with vinegar and baking soda to let sit on the surface before scrubbing.
However, eliminating years of soap scum will require something stronger than baking soda, such as hydrogen peroxide or a heavy-duty chemical cleaner.
Here are five fan-favorites you can use around the house. Listed in no particular order.
By the way, some of these cleaners can be used to kill household molds too.
1. Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover
This is one of the best soap scum cleaners for your glass shower doors! Just spray and rinse.
2. Soft Scrub Cleaner
Clean and disinfect in one step. This product also acts as a disinfectant since it contains bleach.
3. CLR PRO
We recommend using this to remove grime, dirt, and scum build-up from tile and grout.
4. Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter
This soap scum remover is ideal for tubs, shower walls, shower curtains, sinks, and countertops.
5. Bio-Clean
Grab this hard water stain remover to clean years of mineral build-up in tubs, showers, and even pools.
Real Cleaning Services
Ready to experience what a truly clean house feels like? Our team is professionally trained to ensure only the highest-quality cleaners step foot into your space. We are also insured, so that means you can rest easier knowing your space is protected while we work.
Whether you need a one-time deep clean for your home or a thorough office cleaning, we get our hands dirty in it all to give your space a real clean. Request a quote today to gift yourself a fresher environment tomorrow.