Removing Soap Scum

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated January 29, 2024)

Have you ever noticed how easy it is for soap scum to begin building up, and just how quickly it can become noticeable? In large part this is because many people do not even begin thinking about removing soap scum until they finally notice it. By the time that the soap scum has become noticeable, most people can also begin to smell a slightly musty odor that is faintly offensive. Luckily removing soap scum isn't all that difficult if you follow the guidelines listed below.

  • Unique combinations. Use unique combinations of commercial cleaners to ensure that you really get the soap scum off. One of the best combinations that you can use for removing soap scum is to first saturate the afflicted area with Scrubbing Bubbles, and then to scrub the area with a Magic Eraser.
  • Dish soap and scrubbers. If you are unable, or unwilling, to purchase Scrubbing Bubbles and a Magic Eraser, then you can often use some regular dishwashing detergent and a green scrubbie. Use a brand of dishwashing soap that is designed to cut through grease, such as Dawn or Palmolive, and any type of green scrubbie. Get the scrubbie wet, and apply a little bit of detergent to it. Work everything up to a lather, and then begin scrubbing away at the soap scum. Be sure to rinse thoroughly when you are finished.
  • Strong commercial cleaners. If you are finding removing soap scum to be particularly difficult, then you may want to try a stronger commercial cleaner. One of the best that you can use is CLR (which stands for Calcium, Lime, and Rust Remover). Simply spray it onto the afflicted area then cover with some wet cloths to keep the area moist, and to allow the cleaner to stay in contact with the scum. Allow the cloths to stay on the area for about an hour, and then begin scrubbing away with some plastic scrub pads. You may need to repeat the process a few times, but it should remove the soap scum without any serious problem.
  • Use lint free cloths. When removing soap scum, be sure that you are using materials that are lint free. Some examples of these are microfiber cloth, sponges, and even linen. However, if you are interested in using a linen cloth to clean, then you will need to be aware of a couple of things. First, the linen that you want to use cannot be a cotton blend or the material will still leave some lint behind. Second, linen can be pretty expensive when compared to other cleaning materials, and won't be found in your regular stores. Rather you will need to go and look at craft stores where you can purchase it in squares that are usually 18 or 20 inch swatches.
  • Prevent it from building up. The best way to remove soap scum is to prevent it from building up in the first place. Do this by using soaps other than your regular bar soap. Instead use something that has less scum producing additives, such as liquid and glycerin based soaps. In addition, you should always wipe down your shower or tub after every use, using a microfiber or lint free cloth. This will help you in removing any soap scum before it has a chance to dry and harden.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

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