Soap scum buildup can be a pesky problem in any bathroom. With regular cleaning, you can keep your bathroom surfaces sparkling and prevent soap scum from accumulating. Here are some tips for cleaning soap scum off of every bathroom surface.
Supplies You’ll Need
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Dish soap
- Sponge or cleaning rag
- Grout brush
- Scrubbing brush
- Rubber gloves
- Bucket
- Squeegee (for shower doors)
Cleaning the Bathtub and Shower
Remove Excess Soap Scum
Before scrubbing, use a squeegee on glass shower doors to remove excess soap scum and let it drip into the tub. For fiberglass or acrylic, spray the walls and floor with undiluted white vinegar and let sit for a few minutes before wiping and rinsing. The vinegar will help dissolve soap scum.
Use a Baking Soda Scrub
Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to walls and floor with a sponge or rag. Let sit briefly before scrubbing with a brush. Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that will help lift soap scum without damaging surfaces. Rinse thoroughly.
Clean the Grout
Use a grout brush and baking soda paste to scrub the grout lines. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. For tougher stains, apply full-strength vinegar with a toothbrush. Rinse with clean water.
Clean Glass Doors
Mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray glass doors and use a sponge or rag to wipe away soap scum. Squeegee again after rinsing for sparkling clean glass.
Cleaning the Sink
Baking Soda Paste
Apply a baking soda paste to the sink basin and faucet with a sponge or rag. Let sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing. The baking soda will remove discoloration and restore shine.
Vinegar Soak
For stubborn stains, plug the sink and pour in undiluted white vinegar. Let soak for 30 minutes before draining and rinsing. This can help dissolve hard water deposits and pesky soap scum rings.
Disinfect
After cleaning, spray sink surfaces with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. Let sit briefly before wiping down with a clean rag or paper towel. This will disinfect the sink naturally.
Cleaning the Toilet
Scrub Inside the Bowl
Use a toilet brush and baking soda or a mild abrasive cleaner to scrub away any buildup inside the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 10 minutes before scrubbing thoroughly and flushing.
Clean the Outside Surfaces
Spray the tank, lid, seat, and base with undiluted vinegar and let sit for a few minutes. Use a sponge or rag to wipe away soap scum and mineral deposits. Rinse surfaces thoroughly.
Disinfect
Spray vinegar solution on all surfaces and under the seat. Let sit briefly before wiping down. Flush to rinse the interior. This will sanitize the toilet without harsh chemicals.
Cleaning the Tile
Vinegar Spray
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray tile walls and flooring and let sit for 5 minutes. The vinegar will help break down soap scum and hard water stains.
Scrub Grout Lines
Use a grout brush or toothbrush and baking soda paste to scrub the grout lines. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Polish Faucets and Fixtures
For any chrome, stainless steel, or metal fixtures, use a microfiber cloth to apply a small amount of olive oil. Rub gently to remove water spots and restore shine. Rinse and wipe dry with a soft cloth.
Preventing Soap Scum Buildup
- Squeegee shower doors after each use.
- Rinse the tub and wipe down tile after showering.
- Use a soap dish for bar soap.
- Choose liquid bath products labeled “soap scum defense.”
- Ventilate the bathroom during and after showering.
- Use a bathroom fan or open a window.
- Clean on a regular basis to prevent buildup.
- Do a deep cleaning session monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to remove soap scum from tile?
Spraying tiles with a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water works very well to break down soap scum. Let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing. The vinegar dissolves the sticky soap residue.
How can I get soap scum off my glass shower door?
Use a squeegee to remove excess water after each use. Then mix equal parts vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray glass and wipe down with a sponge or rag. Rinse thoroughly and repeat if needed.
What natural cleaners work on soap scum?
White vinegar or a paste of baking soda and water make excellent natural cleaners for soap scum. Vinegar helps dissolve the gunky buildup, while baking soda scrubs it away gently but effectively.
How do I remove thick soap scum from my tile grout?
Apply undiluted white vinegar directly to the grout lines and let sit for 5-10 minutes. Then scrub with an old toothbrush or a grout brush. The vinegar will help dissolve the soap scum so you can brush it away more easily.
Why does my bathroom get soap scum so quickly?
Frequent steam from hot showers, inadequate ventilation, hard water, and using bar soap instead of liquid can all contribute to faster soap scum buildup. Be sure to turn on the vent fan, squeegee the shower doors, and rinse tile after bathing to help slow accumulation.
Should I seal my grout to prevent soap scum?
Yes, sealing porous grout can help prevent soap scum and mildew growth. Use a clear grout sealer made specifically for bathrooms. Reapply every 1-2 years. Caulk around joints can also help reduce water absorption and buildup.
Conclusion
Removing soap scum completely takes a little elbow grease, but with the right techniques and products you can eliminate buildup. Natural cleaners like vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap work wonders to dissolve soap scum and restore shine to bathroom surfaces. Preventing soap scum will save you from dealing with stuck-on gunk. Squeegee shower doors, wipe tiles dry, ventilate, and clean regularly. With some periodic scrubbing and these easy prevention tips, you can enjoy a fresh, scum-free bathroom.