Showering is an essential part of our daily routine, but over time soap scum can build up and make our showers feel dirty. As unpleasant as it looks, soap scum is relatively easy to remove with some simple cleaning solutions and techniques. Here’s what you need to know to tackle soap scum and get your shower sparkling clean again.
What Causes Soap Scum?
Soap scum forms when soap residues combine with mineral deposits from hard water and calcium/lime deposits. The ingredients in soap, shampoo, and body wash react with the minerals, resulting in a filmy, sticky residue that clings to shower walls, doors, and floors.
There are a few factors that contribute to soap scum buildup:
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Hard water – Water that contains high amounts of calcium and magnesium. These mineral ions bind with soap to form scum.
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Soap ingredients – Ingredients like animal fat, oils, and salts in bar soap can leave behind residue. Liquid soaps and body washes contain ingredients that also react with hard water.
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Shampoos & conditioners – Hair products often contain waxes, oils, and silicones that cling to surfaces.
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Skin cells and hair – Dead skin cells and hair get caught in the sticky soap film.
How to Remove Existing Soap Scum
To remove existing soap scum buildup, you’ll need to use abrasive cleaners, scrubbing, and some elbow grease. Here are some effective options:
Vinegar
White vinegar is a mild acid that dissolves soap scum. Follow these steps:
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Spray full-strength white vinegar directly onto soap scum deposits. Let sit for a few minutes.
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Scrub with a sponge, towel, or scrub brush. Rinse thoroughly.
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For extra stubborn scum, let the vinegar sit for 30 minutes before scrubbing.
Baking Soda
The abrasive texture of baking soda scrubs away soap scum easily.
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Make a paste by mixing 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water.
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Apply the paste to soap scum and let sit for 5 minutes.
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Scrub and rinse thoroughly.
Commercial Cleaners
Look for cleaners that specify soap scum removal on the label. Spray or wipe on according to directions:
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Lime scale removers – Contain acids that dissolve mineral deposits.
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Scrubbing cleaners – Often use bleach or oxygen bleach to break down scum. Let sit before scrubbing.
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Scrub sponges – Have an abrasive side for scrubbing.
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Tile cleaners – Designed to clean grout and remove soap buildup.
Preventing Soap Scum Buildup
Prevention is the best way to deal with soap scum long-term. Here are some tips:
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Wipe down the shower walls and doors after each use to dry up water pools where scum forms.
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Squeegee the shower walls and doors after use. Squeegees wipe water off surfaces.
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Rinse soap off surfaces thoroughly before exiting the shower. Leave shower doors open after use to allow air drying.
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Use a shower curtain liner designed to resist soap scum.
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Install a water softener to remove minerals from hard water. This prevents them from binding with soap.
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Switch to milder soaps and body washes without heavy oils and animal fats.
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Use shower cleaning sprays after each use to prevent buildup. Apply to surfaces according to directions.
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Do a deep clean 1-2 times per month to remove any existing scum before it gets out of hand.
When to Call a Professional
If you have attempted to remove heavy soap scum with the methods above and it still persists, you may need professional help. Signs it’s time to call in a cleaner include:
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Thick layers of scum that are difficult to scrub off
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Recurring scum that reappears quickly after cleaning
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Mold or mildew present along with the soap scum
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Mineral deposits that etching or pitting shower surfaces
A professional cleaning service can use more potent cleaners and tools to remove stubborn soap scum and prevent it from returning. This can save you time and frustration in the long run.
By understanding what causes soap scum and learning to remove and prevent it regularly, you can enjoy a fresh, clean shower with minimal effort. A combination of weekly cleaning and prevention habits will help tackle soap scum for good.
