Removing Soap Scum
How to Remove Soap Scum.
How to Clean and Remove Soap Scum
Talk about ruining a bath! Nothing kills relaxation faster than that dreaded ring around the tub – soap scum that is. Soap scum builds up after every shower and bath, and the longer you wait to clean it, the harder it is to remove. Over time, minerals in the water mix with soap, body oils, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria – forming a filmy, sticky mess that can feel almost like concrete. Not exactly something you want to bathe in – but removing soap scum and knowing how to do it will make those nightly baths more relaxing.
Soap scum doesn’t stand a chance if you know how to fight it. Below are methods for getting rid of it quickly and effectively.
How to Remove Soap Scum
If one method doesn’t fully remove the buildup, don’t worry! Try another solution, but always rinse thoroughly before switching cleaners.
If you’re cleaning vertical surfaces (like shower walls), use less water in your mixture to create a thicker paste that sticks better.
Borax (Best for Tough Stains & Mold Prevention)
Borax is a natural mineral cleaner that scrubs away soap scum while killing mold and mildew – and it even helps prevent them from coming back.
What You Need:
- 1 cup borax
- 2 tablespoons dish soap
- 1 – 2 cups water
How to Use It:
- Mix the ingredients into a thick paste (a little thicker than pancake batter).
- Apply to the soap scum using a soft-bristle brush.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes (don’t let it dry).
- Scrub with the brush until the scum is gone.
- Rinse with hot water and wipe dry.
Borax can be slippery, so be sure to rinse surfaces well to remove any residue.
Baking Soda (Gentle & Effective Scrub)
Baking soda is a mild abrasive that works great for deodorizing while scrubbing away soap scum.
What You Need:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 tablespoon dish soap (or one good squirt)
- 1 – 2 cups water
How to Use It:
- Mix ingredients into a pancake batter-like paste.
- Apply to the soap scum with a soft-bristle brush.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Scrub thoroughly, then rinse with hot water.
- Wipe dry to prevent residue.
Vinegar (Best for Grease & Soap Residue)
Vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down soap scum, grease, and odors with ease.
What You Need:
- 4 cups white vinegar
- 4 cups water
- 1 tablespoon dish soap
How to Use It:
- Mix and pour into a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto the soap scum.
- Let it sit for 15 minutes.
- Scrub with a soft-bristle brush.
- Rinse with hot water and wipe dry.
Note: Vinegar is not recommended for natural stone surfaces like marble, as it can cause damage.
Ammonia (Best for Heavy, Waxy Build-Up)
Ammonia is a strong alkaline cleaner that cuts through tough, waxy soap scum. However, it has a strong smell, so be sure to ventilate the room well.
What You Need:
- 1 cup ammonia
- 2 cups water
How to Use It:
- Mix in a spray bottle.
- Spray directly onto soap scum.
- Let it sit for 30 minutes (don’t let it dry).
- Scrub with a soft-bristle brush.
- Rinse with hot water and wipe dry.
Always wear gloves and never mix ammonia with bleach, as it creates toxic fumes.
Pumice Stone (for Stubborn Stains)
A pumice stone is a great heavy-duty cleaner, but it must be used carefully to avoid scratching surfaces.
How to Use It:
- Wet both the pumice stone and the surface before scrubbing.
- Gently rub the stone across the soap scum stain.
- Keep both the stone and surface wet at all times.
- Once the scum is loosened, scrub with a stiff brush.
- Rinse with hot water and wipe dry.
Do not use a pumice stone on colored tiles, glass, or delicate surfaces, as it can cause damage.
How to Prevent Soap Scum from Coming Back
The best way to fight soap scum? Stop it before it starts. Here’s how:
- Switch to liquid body wash – Bar soap reacts with minerals in water to create soap scum, but liquid soap (which is a detergent) doesn’t leave residue.
- Avoid oily bubble baths – Bubble bath and scented bath oils cause “ring around the tub”. If you love baths, try adding 1/4 cup of baking soda to the water – it softens the water and keeps your tub cleaner.
- Squeegee or wipe the shower dry – Drying surfaces after each use prevents residue buildup.
Use a daily shower spray – A quick spray of equal parts vinegar and water after each shower slows down soap scum formation.
Soap scum may be stubborn, but with the right cleaning tricks, you can beat it! Whether you choose borax, baking soda, vinegar, ammonia, or a pumice stone, there’s a solution for every level of buildup.
And remember – prevention is key! Make small changes to your routine, and you’ll spend less time scrubbing and more time actually enjoying your bath.
