\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. For tougher jobs, add 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar to a cup of baking soda, and let it form into a paste. Tips to remove soap scum from shower curtains. Apply to the spots and let it sit for 15 minutes. To remove soap scum from a glass shower screen, the same products and techniques can be used as recommended for general bathroom surfaces. If your tub or shower enclosure is made of actual porcelain, you’ll probably have an easier time removing soap scum. Follow these steps to consistently keep any trace of soap scum at bay: While cleaning soap scum itself is not glamorous at all, the results of consistent hard work do pay off. Rinse well and dry. To remove the soap scum, follow these steps: Fill a large bowl or bucket with water, vinegar and dish soap. Use a sponge or a rag to thoroughly clean the soap scum build-ups, but don’t worry if some of it doesn’t come out. rallenwriter September 17, 2010 . But knowing how to remove soap scum from glass doors isn’t always that simple, especially if you live in a hard water area. This article was co-authored by Heather Isenberg. In fact, just by themselves, these are the cause of another kind of build-up, known as lime or calcium deposit. For best results, use kitchen gloves, and follow up your chemical cleaning with a light rinse and wiping dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. How To Remove Soap Scum from Natural Stone. Be careful using this product and take appropriate precautions. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. % of people told us that this article helped them. That filmy soap scum that accumulates on the glass is unsightly and notoriously tough to remove. From all-purpose cleaners to specific solvents for glass and tile, they loosen the scum chemically, and allow you to wipe it away. Unless you’re very consistent with housekeeping, soap scum is the kind of thing you probably only tackle once it becomes visible enough or have someone visiting. However, aside from looking very unpleasant, these build-ups have bacteria that could become airborne and inhaled, posing a threat to your health. Use one of the following methods about once a week. Soap scum is a common problem in travertine showers, according to the National Tile Cleaning Association site. Also, make sure to take frequent breaks outside of the area you’re cleaning and use rubber gloves as it can cause chemical burns or allergic reactions. Cleaning: Mrs Hinch fan shares ‘excellent’ 80p spray to remove soap scum from shower (Image: Getty) She said: “Tesco shower spray is … You can clean soap scum from your drains in several ways. Be very careful on tile, as it will scratch, and do not use pumice on fiberglass. 1-2 cups of water One way to help prevent soap scum is to try and soften your water, but that’s a topic for a different article. If the build-up is not too severe, stick to just using water and a sponge. Use a soft brush to clean it out as it gets dirty. The good news is that most cleaning methods that deal with soap scum will easily take care of lime build-ups. Keep a sharp watch, though, as it will collect a lot of scum to itself. Knowing the difference between the two may give you an idea of what you’re dealing with, providing a more permanent solution to your problems. Hot water: Boil water and pour it down the drain. With a liquid solvent, a little patience, and some friction, you can bring those grimy surfaces from scum to shine. Squeegee and/or towel dry your shower and tub after every use. Soap scum leaves behind an unattractive glaze on showers, sinks and bathtubs. While cleaning soap scum is by no means a complicated task, some methods do work better than others. Normally, after allowing the remover to soak in for some time, you can simply rinse with warm water and the scum will disappear. If not removed for years, it can result in mold, mildew, or discoloration, leaving our surfaces in bad condition. Let the paste sit for an hour, and then rinse thoroughly with water. Rinse completely with hot water. No elbow grease needed. Staples of home cleaning, white vinegar and baking soda are some of the most reliable, effective, and widely available products out there. We recommend you first apply it on a small area to check whether it damages the tile floor or not. Especially for sinks, even a quick once-over with a cloth or paper towel can go a long way toward preventing hardened water as well as soap scum. There’s a wide range of store products specifically designed to remove soap scum and other types of build-up we may find in the bathroom. Spray the cleaning mixture on the heavy soap scum and leave for about 15 minutes. This article has been viewed 3,376 times. However, you’ll realize that each method offers a set of benefits for different areas. The vinegar will also help loosen stubborn lime stains, and the dish soap will help dissolve the soap scum. It’s ideal for surfaces where bacteria thrive and contact our skin, like floors and bathtubs. You can get a water softener to help minimize this issue! You can clean soap scum from your drains in several ways. You can also find these build-ups in kettles and pots where water has been boiled. When it comes to your tile walls, grab the Dawn and vinegar. For example, what may work for floors and tiles may not be the best for bathroom glass doors. Not every method of cleaning is the most effective for the different spots where soap scum grows. Foaming mess all around you to a cup of baking soda is a deodorizing abrasive that will dissolve! 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