How to Remove Soap Scum

Want a sparkling bathroom? Yeah, us too.

If you've ever scrubbed your shower or sink, you know that remove soap scum takes time and a bit of elbow grease. Ok, that's a bad dad joke.

But still, it can be a frustrating process. Soap scum not only looks unsightly but can also create an environment for mold and mildew. Luckily, getting rid of it doesn't have to be a daunting task. Whether you prefer natural solutions or store-bought cleaners is up to you.

Understanding Soap Scum

Soap scum forms from the interaction between soap, hard water minerals, and body oils. This chalky, filmy residue often appears in showers, sinks, and bathtubs. Soap scum leads to the buildup of grime, making surfaces look dingy. It also creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew.

The composition of soap scum includes calcium, magnesium, and other minerals found in hard water. These minerals react with fatty acids in soap, resulting in a stubborn residue. Different factors, such as water temperature, soap type, and frequency of use, influence the rate of accumulated buildup. Regular cleaning helps prevent scum from becoming a persistent issue.

Also, the variety of surfaces affected, such as glass, ceramic, or metal, helps to determine the appropriate cleaning methods and products needed to mitigate the issue.

What Causes Soap Scum?

Soap scum develops due to specific ingredients in soap and various environmental factors. It is primarily caused by a reaction between soap, hard water minerals (like calcium and magnesium), and body oils. This interaction results in a chalky residue that can accumulate over time, especially in high humidity and warm water conditions.

• Soap Compounds: Traditional soaps often contain fatty acids that, when mixed with hard water, create a sticky residue.
• Body Oils: Natural oils from the skin mix with soap compounds, compounding the scum buildup on surfaces.
• Fragrance Additives: Some scented soaps contain additives that contribute to a film forming on surfaces when exposed to water.
• Hard Water: Water high in minerals like calcium and magnesium enhances soap scum formation when soap interacts with it.
• Humidity and Temperature: Warm, moist environments promote faster soap scum accumulation on surfaces.
• Cleaning Frequency: Infrequent cleaning allows soap scum to harden, making it tougher to remove later.

How Can I Remove It?

You can remove scum by using a variety of cleaning products, including some natural solutions, some commercial cleansers, and some DIY, homeschool-syle approaches.

Natural Cleaning Solutions

For sure, we always try to start with natural solutions deriving from common household items such as vinegar or baking soda.

• Vinegar: Its acidity breaks down mineral deposits. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on the affected area, let it sit for 10 minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
• Baking Soda: This mild abrasive removes buildup without scratching surfaces. Sprinkle baking soda directly on damp surfaces, scrub gently with a sponge, and rinse thoroughly.
• Lemon Juice: The natural acidity cuts through soap scum. Apply lemon juice directly to the surface, let it sit for five minutes, then wipe and rinse.
• Castile Soap: This plant-based soap can help dissolve soap scum. Mix with water, apply, scrub, and rinse. Not sure what we mean? Check out our Castile Soap Guide.

Commercial Cleaning Products

Sometimes you need to call in the big guns to get that baked-on soap scum cleaned and vaporized. Ok, maybe not vaporized by definition, but clean enough bathrooms in your lifestyle and you will understand what we're saying. It's not a thing, but we like to think of this process as desaponifying the soap.

• Scrubbing Bubbles: This foaming cleanser penetrates soap scum quickly. Spray, let sit for several minutes, then scrub and rinse.
• CLR: CLR IT! This calcium, lime, and rust remover effectively tackles soap scum. Apply to the surface, let it work for several minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
• Bar Keepers Friend: This powdered cleaner can handle stubborn soap scum. Mix with water to create a paste, apply, scrub gently, and rinse.
• Mister Clean Magic Eraser: This sponge removes soap scum with ease. Wet and rub the sponge on the surface, and rinse the area afterward.

DIY Techniques & Methods

• Vinegar and Dish Soap Mixture: Combine one cup of vinegar with one cup of dish soap in a spray bottle. Shake gently, spray on the buildup, let it sit, and scrub before rinsing.
• Essential Oil Addition: Add a few drops of essential oils, like tea tree or lavender, to your cleaning solution for added antibacterial properties and a pleasant scent.
• Salt Paste: Make a paste using salt and a small amount of water. Apply it to soap scum areas, scrub gently, then rinse off.
• Alcohol-Based Solution: Mix equal parts rubbing alcohol and water. Spray, let sit briefly, and wipe away soap scum effectively.

How Do I Prevent Buildup Over Time?

To prevent soap scum, establish a regular cleaning routine, ideally cleaning surfaces once a week. Daily quick wipes with a damp cloth and using a squeegee after showers help reduce moisture. Choosing low-sudsing or soap-free products can also minimize buildup.

Regular Cleaning Routines

Establishing regular cleaning routines reduces soap scum accumulation. I recommend cleaning surfaces at least once a week. This frequency prevents soap residue from hardening and makes removal easier. Daily quick wipes with a damp cloth can also help. I find that focusing on high-use areas, such as shower walls and sink basins, yields the best results in maintaining cleanliness.

Choosing The Right Products

Choosing the right cleaning products plays a crucial role in prevention. I suggest using low-sudsing soaps or body washes that minimize residue. Products labeled as “soap-free” generally leave less buildup. Opting for hard water-specific cleaners or rinse aids can reduce mineral deposits that contribute to soap scum. Additionally, using a squeegee after each shower helps remove excess moisture and soap, significantly decreasing the chances of buildup.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I remove soap scum from surfaces?

You can remove soap scum using natural solutions like vinegar, baking soda, or lemon juice. Commercial products such as Scrubbing Bubbles, CLR, and Bar Keepers Friend are also effective. For tougher buildup, a vinegar and dish soap mixture can work wonders.

Can soap type affect soap scum formation?

Yes, the type of soap you use can influence soap scum buildup. Traditional soaps containing fatty acids tend to react with hard water, leading to more residue. Opting for liquid soaps that are low-sudsing or soap-free can help mitigate the issue.

How often should I clean to avoid soap scum?

To prevent soap scum buildup, it's recommended to clean shower and sink surfaces at least once a week. Daily maintenance, such as wiping down surfaces with a damp cloth, can further help in reducing accumulation.

Does Turmeric Soap Buildup With Scum?

Almost all types of soaps can deliver soap scum if left to their own devices, and Turmeric Soap is one of them.

The TOP 5 Best Dr. Squatch Soaps

Super fans of good ol' Dr. Squatch and their lineup of...