How to Clean Soap Scum Off Every Bathroom Surface

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How to Clean Soap Scum Off Every Bathroom Surface

By : Melissa Collison
There is no rocket science behind maintaining a clean, sanitised and organised bathroom. Regular cleaning, removing stubborn stains and treating mould & mildew immediately are key aspects of a clean bathroom. Unfortunately, stubborn soap scum can become tough to remove if you don’t clean it with the right tools and products. The thick layer of soap scum onto tiles, shower doors, faucets, bathtubs and other surfaces should be removed quickly to keep your bathroom tidy. Instead of using fancy store-bought cleaners, use natural or homemade ones that are safe for the surfaces, humans and, of course, the environment. Here is a complete guide on cleaning soap scum off different bathroom surfaces like a pro. Make sure you follow these hacks and achieve sparkling results.

What is Soap Scum?

Soap scum is a white or grey filmy layer that accumulates on bathroom surfaces, such as bathtubs or shower walls, when soap and hard water combine. It is created by the reaction between soap, which is made of oil and calcium and magnesium minerals available in hard water. When both come in contact, it produces insoluble compounds that create a layer of soap scum on surfaces. Over time, it can build up and become hard to remove, causing discolouration and stubborn stains. Soap scum can also become a breeding ground for mould, lethal germs and bacteria. It is important to regularly clean your bathroom surfaces and get rid of soap residues and hard water stains immediately. Paying a little attention to your bathroom can make things easy for you. It is good to hire trained end of lease cleaners Wollongong if you are at the end of your lease. They come fully equipped with all the latest cleaning supplies to help you spruce up the entire rental property, including bathroom surfaces, to get your full bond back. If you want to tackle soap scum, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Arrange Necessary Cleaning Supplies

You need proper tools and products to remove stubborn stains from hard surfaces, tiles and other delicate areas of your bathroom. Make sure you have the following items: A non-abrasive scrub
  • A sponge
  • A squeegee
  • An old toothbrush
  • Microfiber cloths or towels
  • A stiff-bristled scrub brush
  • A pumice stone
  • Vinegar solution
  • Baking Soda
  • Salt
  • Magic Eraser
  • Dish soap
  • Hydrogen peroxide, and
  • Water

  • You can use safe and sound cleaning products, like distilled vinegar, baking soda, etc to clean bathroom surfaces. You can follow house cleaning tips using baking soda to remove stubborn stains, grime, grease, and mould like a pro.

    2. Remove Soap Scum From Shower Glass Doors

    It is good to wipe your shower glass door after every shower with a clean cloth or a squeegee to prevent hard water stains, soap scum and mould. Here is a quick hack to remove soap scum from this delicate surface:
  • Mix one part of white vinegar, 2 teaspoons of dish soap, and two parts of water into a spray bottle.
  • Spray the solution on your affected shower glass door.
  • Leave it for a few minutes
  • Gently scrub the area with a sponge.
  • For stubborn soap scum, apply a thick paste of baking soda and water and let it sit for another 10 minutes.
  • Rinse the surface and let it dry completely. You can also run a squeegee to get rid of excess water.

  • 3. Clean the Shower Door Tracks

    Do not forget to clean shower door tracks because it is one of the difficult spots to remove soap scum. You can mix 3 per cent of hydrogen peroxide and warm water into a spray bottle and apply it in the tight spaces. No, take an old toothbrush and scrub the area. Rinse and dry with a microfiber cloth. You can use other ways to eliminate mould from a house, including bathroom surfaces.

    4. Remove Soap Scum From Your Shower Head

    This is one of the most overlooked areas when it comes to removing stubborn stains like soap scum. If you want to clean your shower head without much elbow grease, follow these steps
  • Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a bowl
  • Remove the shower head from eh wall and place it in the bowl of solution.
  • Let it soak for an hour to break down stubborn stains
  • Use an old toothbrush to scrub away the soap scum
  • Rinse it thoroughly, wipe with a towel and reattach it.

  • Do not forget to hire professionals for a detailed end of lease cleaning Wollongong if you are concerned about your bond money. They will clean every nook and cranny to help you pass the rental inspection.

    5. Pay Attention to Chrome & Stainless Steel Faucets

    Instead of using ammonia or bleach based stain remover, you can prepare a homemade cleaner using white vinegar and water. This can help you remove a filmy layer of soap scum from chrome and stainless steel surfaces in no time. Make sure you scrub it with a non-abrasive tool to achieve sparkling results. Also, dry it with a soft microfiber cloth.

    6. Clean Brass and Bronze Fixtures

    Do you have oil-rubbed bronze or brass fixtures in your bathroom? If yes, then only use water for cleaning. Vinegar or any other cleaning product can damage its finish. You can use baking soda and water paste if the stain is stubborn. Let it dry, and then scrub it with a sponge.

    7. Get Rif of soap Scum From Ceramic Tiles

    Removing porcelain or ceramic tiles can be challenging because harsh scrubbing or strong products can damage the finish. Here is a quick guide to cleaning your bathroom tiles:
  • Create a paste by mixing baking soda, lemon and water in a small bowl.
  • Take an old toothpaste and rub it over the affected area of your tiles
  • Scrub with gentle hands
  • You can also use a pumice stone or magic eraser to get rid of tough soap scum.
  • Rinse and dry the surface to prevent mould infestation.

  • You can also make other DIY pet-friendly floor cleaners to treat other stains and grime.

    8. Use Borax Powder For Bathtubs

    Borax is one of the most effective natural cleaner that works wonder on soap scum, mould, mildew and hard water stains. Make sure you wear gloves and mask while using borax powder. Sprinkle some of it in the bathtub, add half a cup of water and make a paste. Let it soap for 1 hour and give a goo scrub. Now use warm water to get rid of soap residue.

    9. Remove Soap Scum From a Toilet

    Borax is one of the most effective natural cleaners that work wonders on soap scum, mould, mildew and hard water stains. Make sure you wear gloves and a mask while using borax powder. Sprinkle some of it in the bathtub, add half a cup of water and make a paste. Let it soap for 1 hour and give a good scrub. Now use warm water to get rid of soap residue.

    10. Remove Soap Scum From a Toilet

    You can use vinegar and lemon juice because both are acidic and cut through soap scum and other stains with ease. You can apply the solution around the seat and rim area in the toilet bowl. Scrub with a wet toilet cleaning brush and leave it for 10 minutes. This will make soap scum disappear.

    11. Focus on Shower Curtains

    Take a big container and mix vinegar, dish soap and water. Soak your dirty shower curtains in the solution for eight hours. This will remove soap scum, hard water stains and grime with ease. You can toss the curtain into the washing machine and wash it on a warm water cycle.

    Wrapping Up

    Tackling soap scum from different bathroom surfaces can be difficult but not impossible. You can follow these simple hacks and clean shower heads, glass doors, curtains, tiles, fixtures, floors, etc, using eco-friendly cleaning products that contain no ammonia and other harmful cleaners and maintain hygiene at home. You can use vinegar, borax powder, baking soda, etc to treat stains and grime.