How to Remove Heavy Soap Scum
Soap scum is a nasty film that forms on bath, kitchen and laundry room surfaces. It’s made of soap and the minerals in your water, such as calcium and magnesium. It’s not only icky, but it can also attract mold and mildew, which can turn your shower curtains and sinks white and grey, and can even leave behind foul smells.
How to Remove Heavy Soap Scum
One of the most effective ways to get rid of heavy soap scum is to use a homemade cleaner. It’s simple and you can use a product that you probably already have in your kitchen.
The best homemade soap scum remover is a combination of baking soda and white wine vinegar. The combination will fizz when mixed together, and it will help break up the soap scum that you have in your bathroom.
You can also use a spray cleaner that contains ammonia and water. The ammonia helps break up the soap scum, while the water will rinse it away. You can also try commercial cleaners that are available at most stores.
If you’re having a tough time removing the soap scum, you may need to use a pumice stone or another abrasive tool. A pumice stone can remove the scum without damaging the surface.
It’s important to be careful when using a pumice stone, though, as it can scratch the bathtub or shower enclosure. Instead, consider using a toothbrush or soft-bristled brush to scrub the areas you can’t reach with a pumice stone.
How to Remove Heavy Soap scum on Metal Fixtures
If you have faucets or shower heads that are covered in a thick layer of soap scum, you can use a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to break up the scum. The vinegar will react and fizz with the baking soda, eating into the scum and helping it lift off.
You might need to let the mixture sit on the fixture for a few minutes before you use your non-abrasive brush to scrub away any remaining scum. This will help to make sure you get all the scum from the fixture and its surrounding area.
The same goes for any hard-to-reach corners. You can use a sponge to clean the edges and let them dry thoroughly before scrubbing, but you will need your toothbrush or soft-bristled brush for the rest of the fixtures.
How to Remove Heavy Soap Spatter in Fiberglass Tubs and Shower Enclosures
If you have fiberglass tubs or shower enclosures in your bathroom, it’s going to be harder to keep them looking great. They aren’t as tough as ceramic, but they can still accumulate a thick layer of soap scum over time.
To avoid the scum from building up, use a soap that doesn’t contain the same fatty acids that are in bar soap. You can try a liquid body soap, or switching to a more water-based shower gel that won’t leave an oily residue on the shower or tub.