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Clean Soap Scum Off Every Bathroom Surface
Is stubborn soap scum making your bathroom look dull and dingy? Our tips on how to clean soap scum off bathroom surface will leave them sparkling clean.
As a homeowner, one of the most tedious tasks you’ll have to tackle is cleaning soap scum off of bathroom surfaces. Soap scum is an inevitable consequence in a bathroom. This filmy layer hangs onto shower doors, tiles, and faucets, and should be tackled quickly to remove it entirely. It is caused by the fatty ingredients in bar soap reacting with minerals in water and clinging to surfaces.
If you have hard water, there will be more soap scum, and when it is allowed to build up and harden, removing it can be difficult. Whether using a commercial cleaner or homemade cleaners, in this blog post, we’ll show you how to remove soap scum from any bathroom surface, from glass shower doors to fiberglass shower stalls. Keep reading to learn how to clean soap scum off of every bathroom surface and keep your bathroom looking fresh and clean.
All You’ll Need:
To clean soap scum off of every bathroom surface, you will need the following equipment and materials:
Equipment/Tools:
- Spray bottle (e.g. Misto Aluminum Spray Bottle)
- Stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush (e.g. OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Scrub Brush)
- Squeegee (e.g. OXO Good Grips All-Purpose Squeegee)
- Nonabrasive sponge (e.g. Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponges)
- Old toothbrush (can be reused from previous cleaning)
- Microfiber towels (e.g. AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloths, 2-3)
- Pumice stone (e.g. Pumie Scouring Stick)
- A large sink or washing machine (to rinse the surfaces)
Materials:
- Commercial bathroom cleaner (e.g. CLR Bathroom and Kitchen Cleaner)
- Hydrogen peroxide (e.g. Clorox Hydrogen Peroxide Cleaner)
- Rubber band (can be reused from the previous cleaning)
- Baking soda (e.g. Arm & Hammer Baking Soda)
- Distilled white vinegar (e.g. Heinz Distilled White Vinegar)
- Laundry detergent (e.g. Tide Original Laundry Detergent)
- Table salt (e.g. Morton Salt)
- Lemon juice (e.g. Santa Cruz Organic Lemon Juice)
- Dishwashing liquid (e.g. Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid)
- Commercial natural stone cleaner (e.g. Granite Gold Daily Cleaner)
- Paper towels (e.g. Bounty Select-A-Size Paper Towels)
- Borax (e.g. 20 Mule Team Borax)
It’s important to note that some of these materials may not be necessary for every cleaning task and some tasks may require additional materials. Be sure to read the instructions carefully and gather all necessary materials before starting. The quantity mentioned here is approximate and may vary as per the requirement of the task and the area to be cleaned. The product recommendations are just examples and you can use any similar product as per your preference.
How to Remove Soap Scum from Fiberglass Shower Stalls
Using Commercial Cleaners:
When it comes to removing soap scum from fiberglass shower stalls, using a commercial cleaner can be an effective solution. However, it’s important to choose a cleaner that is safe for use on fiberglass surfaces. Here are the instructions for using a commercial cleaner:
Step 1: Choose a commercial cleaner that is safe for use on fiberglass surfaces. (e.g. Scrubbing Bubbles Bathroom Grime Fighter)
Step 2: Read the instructions on the product label carefully.
Step 3: Spray the cleaner on the shower stall surface, making sure to cover the entire area.
Step 4: Allow the cleaner to sit on the surface for the amount of time recommended on the product label.
Step 5: Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the surface, paying extra attention to areas with heavy soap scum buildup.
Step 6: Rinse the surface thoroughly with water, and dry the surface with a microfiber towel.
Using Homemade Cleaners:
Another option for removing soap scum from fiberglass shower stalls is to use a homemade cleaner. Here is a recipe for a homemade cleaner and the instructions for using it:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of lemon juice
Instructions:
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.
Step 2: Apply the mixture to the shower stall surface, making sure to cover the entire area.
Step 3: Allow the mixture to sit on the surface for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Use a non-abrasive sponge to scrub the surface, paying extra attention to areas with heavy soap scum buildup.
Step 5: Rinse the surface thoroughly with water.
Step 7: Dry the surface with a microfiber towel.
Note: Be sure to use a non-abrasive sponge to avoid scratching the surface. It’s important to use a non-abrasive sponge when cleaning fiberglass shower stalls to avoid scratching the surface. Avoid using abrasive sponges or scrubbers, such as steel wool or scouring pads, as they can damage the fiberglass. A non-abrasive sponge, such as a Scotch-Brite Non-Scratch Scrub Sponge, is a safe choice for cleaning fiberglass surfaces.
Also, it’s always a good idea to test the cleaner on a small area first before using it on the entire surface, to make sure it does not cause any damage to the shower stall.
How to Remove Soap Scum from Tiles and Faucets
Using Commercial Cleaners
Instructions:
Step 1: Begin by spraying the commercial bathroom cleaner directly onto the tiles and faucets.
Step 2: Allow the cleaner to sit on the surfaces for the recommended amount of time, as stated on the product label. This will vary depending on the brand and type of cleaner.
Step 3: Use a stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush to scrub the surfaces, focusing on areas with heavy soap scum buildup.
Step 4: Rinse the surfaces thoroughly with water and dry them with a microfiber towel.
Using Homemade Cleaners
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup to 1 cup of table salt
Instructions:
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix together the baking soda and distilled white vinegar to form a thick paste.
Step 2: Spread the paste onto the tiles and faucets, focusing on areas with heavy soap scum buildup.
Step 3: Allow the paste to sit for at least 15 minutes.
Step 4: In another bowl, mix together the table salt.
Step 5: Dip a stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush into the table salt, then use it to scrub the surfaces. The table salt will add extra abrasiveness to the mixture, helping to cut through the buildup.
Step 6: Rinse the surfaces thoroughly with water and dry with a microfiber towel.
Note: Be sure to use a stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush to reach hard-to-reach areas and scrub away the soap scum. This type of brush will effectively remove the soap scum without causing damage to the tiles or faucets.
How to Remove Soap Scum from Glass Shower Doors
Mixing a Daily Cleaning Solution
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of dishwashing liquid
Instructions:
Step 1: Add the ingredients to a spray bottle and shake well to mix.
Step 2: After every shower, spray the solution on the glass shower doors and allow it to sit for several minutes.
Step 3: Rinse the doors with hot water and use a squeegee to remove the water or dry the glass completely with a microfiber towel.
Making Scum-Buster Cleaning Solutions
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar
- 1/2 cup to 1 cup of table salt (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: In a small plastic bowl, mix 1 cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar to form a thick paste.
Step 2: If the soap scum is particularly heavy, add 1/2 cup to 1 cup of table salt to the mixture.
Step 3: Dip a microfiber cloth or sponge into the paste and apply it to the glass shower doors.
Step 4: Let the paste remain on the glass for at least 15 minutes.
Step 5: Wipe down the surfaces with a microfiber cloth and plain water. Rinse very well and dry completely to prevent spotting.
Cleaning Shower Door Tracks
Instructions:
Step 1: Use a commercial cleaner or your homemade mixture and an old toothbrush to reach all the tight spaces in the shower door tracks.
Step 2: Give the cleaner plenty of time to work, rinse with plain water, and dry well with a microfiber towel or squeegee.
Note: Be sure to keep the salt away from any natural stone surfaces, as salt can scratch these surfaces.
Repeat the cleaning process on a weekly basis or as needed to keep your shower doors looking clean and clear.
How to Remove Soap Scum from Shower Curtains
Using Commercial Cleaners
Instructions:
Step 1: First, remove the shower curtain from the rod and lay it flat on a large sink or washing machine.
Step 2: Next, add a small amount of commercial bathroom cleaner or soap scum remover to a spray bottle and generously spray the curtain, making sure to cover all areas with soap scum.
Step 3: Allow the cleaner to sit on the curtain for at least 5-10 minutes.
Step 4: Gently scrub the curtain and don’t abrasively, pay extra attention to areas with heavy soap scum buildup.
Step 5: Rinse the curtain thoroughly with warm water, and squeeze to remove excess water.
Step 6: Hang the curtain at room temperature and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
Using Homemade Cleaners
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid
Instructions:
Step 1: First, remove the shower curtain from the rod and lay it flat on a large sink or washing machine.
Step 2: Next, mix the white vinegar, baking soda, and dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle to create a cleaning solution.
Step 3: Spray the solution generously on the curtain, making sure to cover all areas with soap scum.
Step 4: Allow the solution to sit on the curtain for at least 5-10 minutes.
Step 5: Wash or use a washing machine to gently wash the curtain.
Step 6: Rinse the curtain thoroughly with warm water, and squeeze to remove excess water.
Step 7: Hang the curtain at room temperature and allow it to dry completely before using it again.
FAQs
What removes soap scum without scrubbing?
There are commercial soap scum removers that can be left on for a certain period of time before being wiped away, which can help remove soap scum without scrubbing. Additionally, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar left on for a few minutes can also effectively remove soap scum without scrubbing.
What is the best way to clean soap scum off shower glass?
The best way to clean soap scum off shower glass is to use a combination of a commercial soap scum remover and a squeegee. Spray the cleaner on the glass, let it sit for a few minutes, and then scrub with a non-abrasive sponge or cloth and rinse with hot water. Use a squeegee to remove any remaining water and dry the glass.
Does baking soda and vinegar dissolve soap scum?
Yes, a mixture of baking soda and vinegar can effectively dissolve soap scum. The baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and the acid in the vinegar helps to break down the soap scum.
What removes heavy soap scum?
Heavy soap scum can be removed with a combination of a commercial soap scum remover, baking soda, and table salt. The commercial cleaner and baking soda provide the cleaning power, while the salt acts as an abrasive to help scrub away the heavy buildup.
Does Coca-Cola clean soap scum?
Coca-Cola has been known to remove soap scum and hard water stains, but it is not recommended as a regular cleaner. It is a highly acidic liquid and should be used with caution.
Will bleach remove soap scum?
Bleach can be effective in removing soap scum, but it is not recommended to use it on surfaces such as natural stone or grout. It can be used on surfaces like tiles and shower glass, but it should be used with caution and rinsed thoroughly.
Does hot water remove soap scum?
Hot water can help to loosen and remove soap scum, but it is not as effective as using a cleaning solution or a mixture of baking soda and vinegar. It can be used in conjunction with a cleaning solution for the best results.
Final Thoughts on Cleaning Soap Scum Off Every Bathroom Surface
In conclusion, soap scum is an inevitable consequence in a bathroom, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be easily removed. We have shown you how to remove soap scum from a variety of bathroom surfaces, including glass shower doors, fiberglass tubs/showers, and shower curtains. Whether using commercial cleaners or homemade solutions, it is important to use a non-abrasive sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the surfaces.
It is important to note that regular cleaning is key to preventing soap scum buildup. By cleaning bathroom surfaces on a weekly basis, it will be much easier to remove any soap scum that does accumulate. Additionally, it is essential to use a squeegee after every shower to prevent water from sitting on surfaces, which can lead to soap scum buildup.
