The Best Way To Get Rid Of Soap Scum

Soap scum — the inevitable bane of the bathroom's existence — plagues all but the most conscientious homes. This filmy white combo of minerals in your water and soap residue can form everywhere, from shower walls and tubs to glass doors and faucets. There are numerous ways to prevent soap scum buildup in the first place, like those shared by Property24. But making sure every member of your home squeegees or oils surfaces diligently is nearly impossible. Even the most well-kept bathrooms will have soap scum that needs to be cleaned from time to time.

You'll be happy to learn then that the best remedy for banishing soap scum accumulation in bathtubs and showers isn't complicated. It does take some consideration based on the type of surface you're cleaning though, and concocting an appropriate mixture tough enough for the job. Chances are, you have what you need to get started right in your kitchen cabinets.

Whether you're trying to remove soap scum from shower stalls or garden tubs, you have a number of options to choose from, including well-known homemade mixtures like baking soda and vinegar. An alternative solution is to use vinegar and a bit of dishwashing liquid. For this home remedy, you'll need a spray bottle and the two ingredients likely found in your kitchen, per Sunrise Specialty.

Once the ingredients are combined (Everyday Cheapskate recommends adding half a cup of dishwashing liquid to a 16-ounce spray bottle and then filling the rest of the bottle up with white vinegar), generously spritz all surfaces in your bathroom that have soap scum buildup. If the scum is light, 30 minutes might do the trick.

For heavier cleaning, let it sit longer and use a scrubber to really loosen it up. Once the soap scum is softened, give the surface a rinse with clean water. With regular use, say once a week, you shouldn't have to scrub again to keep soap scum in check.

Remember that squeegee you don't use often enough? With natural stone in wet areas like baths and showers, a regular wipe-down with a squeegee is the best way to prevent soap scum buildup and keep your stone shining like new. Too late? There's still a solution you can try.

Vinegar, unfortunately, is too acidic to use on natural stone surfaces so don't go that route. Instead, try a simple solution of ammonia and fresh water, as suggested by LSI Stone. The mixing ratio is half a cup of ammonia to 1 gallon of water. Apply while avoiding scrubbing with abrasive tools and rinse with clean water.

The only caveat is that using ammonia on natural stone too often, or adding too much ammonia to your mixture, can make the stone look dull over time. With that in mind, you may want to contact the manufacturer or the contractor that installed your specific stone for cleaning advice before you begin.