If left unchecked, soap scum can become difficult to remove and lead to mould and mildew growth.

What is Soap Scum?

Soap scum is a white, grey, or yellowish build up that forms on bathroom surfaces when soap reacts with hard water minerals like calcium and magnesium. 

As the soap breaks down, it leaves behind a residue that can bond with dirt, oil, and dead skin cells to create a sticky and often difficult-to-remove build up.

It can form on various surfaces, but soap scum is most commonly found on shower walls, bathtub rims, sink faucets, and shower doors.

It can be especially stubborn on textured or porous surfaces, like tile or stone, where it can settle into crevices and pores.

Why Do I Need to Clean Soap Scum?

Untreated soap scum can have some serious consequences other than being unsightly.

It can create a breeding ground for mould and mildew, which can harm your health and cause further damage to your bathroom.

Bathroom surfaces can also become slippery and dangerous with soap scum, increasing the risk of slips and falls.

Plus, it can cause discolouration and surface damage over time, especially if left untreated for extended periods.

How Often to Remove Soap Scum From Bathroom Surfaces

It’s generally recommended to clean bathroom surfaces at least once a week to prevent the build up of soap scum.

However, if you have a busy household with many people using the bathroom, you may need to clean more often than once a week to prevent soap scum build up.

Similarly, if you use a lot of bath products that contain oils, you may need to clean more frequently.

Using the right cleaning products can also help minimise soap scum build up and reduce the frequency of cleaning. 

For example, a daily shower spray can help prevent soap scum from accumulating on shower tiles and doors.

Also, using a squeegee to remove excess water from your shower surfaces after each use can help prevent soap scum from building up.

What Supplies Do I Need to Remove Soap Scum?

If you’re looking to remove soap scum from surfaces in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, the supplies you need to get the job done are already in your home.

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Dish soap
• Rubber gloves
• Scrub brush or sponge
• Microfiber cloth or another soft cloth
• Plastic spray bottle
• Plastic bowl
• Razor blade or scraper – If you have stubborn soap scum build up on glass surfaces, a razor blade or scraper can be useful for scraping it away.
• Protective eyewear – If you are using a scraper or razor blade, it’s essential to wear protective eyewear to prevent any debris from getting into your eyes.

How to Remove Stubborn Soap Scum

Trying to clean years of soap scum can be difficult, but there are several cleaning solutions you can try.

Baking soda and white vinegar

Make a paste by mixing baking soda and water, and apply it to the soap scum. Let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then spray the area with white vinegar.

The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar can help break down the soap scum, making it easier to remove.

Commercial soap scum removers

There are many commercial soap scum removers that can effectively remove stubborn buildup.

Look for products containing citric acid or other acids that can break down soap scum.

Hydrogen peroxide

Bleach or hydrogen peroxide can effectively remove stubborn soap scum, but it can be dangerous to work with. 

Always wear gloves and a mask when working with this chemical, and make sure the room is well-ventilated.

Mix equal parts bleach and water in a spray bottle, spray the affected area, and let it sit for 15-30 minutes before scrubbing and rinsing with water.

Keep in mind that some of these cleaning solutions may only be suitable for some surfaces. Always test a small, inconspicuous area before using any cleaning product or process to ensure that it won’t cause damage to your home.

How to Clean Soap Scum Build up from Different Surfaces

How to remove soap scum from shower walls, bathtubs, and sinks

1. Gather your cleaning supplies. You’ll need rubber gloves, a scrub brush, a bucket, a spray bottle, white vinegar, baking soda, and a microfiber cloth.
2. Ventilate the area. Make sure the room is well-ventilated to avoid inhaling any fumes from the cleaning products.
3. Remove any loose dirt. Use a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner to remove loose dirt and debris.
4. Mix and use a cleaning solution. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution on the soap scum and let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes to break down the soap build up.
5. Scrub the area. Use a scrub brush to scrub the soap scum vigorously and apply more vinegar solution as needed.
6. Use baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda over the area and use the scrub brush to work it into the soap scum.
7. Rinse and wipe. Rinse the area with warm water and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
8. Repeat as necessary. If the soap scum is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat these steps several times to remove it completely.

How to remove soap scum from glass doors

1. Gather your cleaning supplies. You’ll need rubber gloves, a spray bottle, white vinegar, baking soda, a scrub brush or sponge, and a squeegee.
2. Use white vinegar. Spray undiluted white vinegar on the glass shower doors, focusing on the areas with soap scum build up. Let the vinegar sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Apply baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the glass shower doors and use a scrub brush or sponge to work it into the soap scum.
4. Rinse and squeegee. Rinse the glass shower doors with warm water and use a squeegee to remove the excess water and any remaining soap scum.
5. Repeat as necessary. Repeat these steps several times if the soap scum is tough to remove.

How to clean years of soap scum off metal bathroom fixtures

1. Prepare your cleaning supplies. You can use household items like warm water, white vinegar, baking soda, a soft sponge, or some microfiber cloths. You’ll also need rubber gloves and a small plastic bowl.
2. Mix your cleaning solution. Mix two parts white vinegar with one part baking soda in the plastic bowl.
3. Apply the paste and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. When the mixture stops fizzing, dip the sponge or cloth into the cleaning solution and wipe it onto the soap scum.
4. Scrub the metal fixtures. Use a soft sponge or cloth to gently scrub away the soap scum.
5. Rinse and dry the fixtures. Pour warm water to rinse the cleaning solution and use a clean microfiber cloth to wipe it dry.
6. Optional: Use a metal polish. If your metal fixtures still look dull, apply the metal polish to a clean microfiber cloth and rub it onto the fixtures in a circular motion.

How to remove soap scum from a shower head

1. Remove the shower head. You may need a wrench, screwdriver or pliers to remove your shower head. Place a cloth over it to prevent scratching, and use your chosen tool to loosen the nut that attaches the shower head to the water supply line.
2. Soak the shower head in white vinegar. Fill a small plastic bag with undiluted vinegar and soak the shower head for 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Rinse and scrub the shower head. After soaking, remove the shower head from the plastic bag and use a soft bristled brush or sponge to clean the remaining soap scum. Rinse any excess vinegar away with hot water. Most of the soap scum should have been removed by now.
4. Deep clean with baking soda and vinegar if necessary. If there is remaining soap scum, mix equal parts vinegar and baking soda until it forms a paste. Spread the paste onto the affected area using a clean old toothbrush or scrub brush and let it sit for a few minutes.
5. Reinstall the showerhead. After rinsing, use your hands to screw the showerhead back onto the water supply line and tighten it with a wrench or pliers.

How to remove soap scum from toilet bowls

1. Prepare your cleaning supplies. You’ll need rubber gloves, a clean toilet brush, a bucket, a spray bottle, white vinegar, baking soda, and a toilet bowl cleaner.
2. Turn off the water. Turn off the water supply to the toilet and flush the toilet to remove as much water as possible.
3. Apply white vinegar. Spray undiluted white vinegar on the inside of the toilet bowl, focusing on the areas with soap scum build up. Let the vinegar sit for at least 30 minutes.
4. Sprinkle baking soda and scrub the bowl. Sprinkle baking soda on the inside of the bowl and use the toilet brush to work it into the soap scum.
5. Rinse the toilet bowl. Pour clean warm water into the bowl to rinse the cleaning product and check if the toilet needs a deep cleaning.
6. Deep clean the toilet bowl with a cleanser. Pour some toilet bowl cleaner into the inside of the bowl and let it sit for the recommended time.
7. Scrub again. Use the toilet brush to scrub the inside of the bowl again, scrubbing the areas with soap scum thoroughly.
8. Flush and rinse. Turn the water supply back on and flush the toilet several times to rinse away any remaining cleaning products.

How to remove soap scum from shower tiles

1. Make a cleaning solution. Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. If the soap scum build up is particularly stubborn, you can increase the concentration of vinegar to a two parts vinegar to one part water ratio.
2. Apply the cleaning solution. Spray the cleaning solution onto the shower tiles and let it sit for 15-30 minutes.
3. Scrub the tiles with a soft brush. After the cleaning solution has had time to work, use a soft bristled brush or sponge to scrub the tiles. Be sure to scrub in a circular motion, paying extra attention to areas with heavy buildup. If the soap scum is difficult to remove, you can add a small amount of baking soda to the cleaning solution to make a paste. Apply the paste to the tiles and scrub gently.
4. Rinse with warm water. After you have scrubbed the tiles, rinse them thoroughly with warm water. Be sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution to prevent it from leaving a residue.
5. Dry the tiles. After rinsing, dry the tiles with a clean, soft cloth to prevent water spots.
6. Repeat if necessary. If the soap scum buildup is particularly stubborn, you may need to repeat this process several times to remove the buildup completely.

FAQs about Removing Soap Scum

What is the best soap scum remover?

The best soap scum remover is a combination of two simple ingredients: distilled white vinegar and baking soda.

This concoction not only eliminates all residue problems, but it’s also environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive.

You don’t need fancy products or toxic chemicals to improve your bathroom cleaning experience — these two kitchen staples and some elbow grease should do the trick.

Does vinegar melt soap scum?

According to cleaning experts and experienced DIY-ers, white vinegar can effectively dissolve soap scum on various surfaces, including tiles, fibreglass, and glass.

The liquid’s acetic acid breaks down proteins and fat in the soap, which dries out in hard lathery deposits.

How do you dissolve thick soap scum?

Many people try a variety of chemical solutions, but if you’re looking for an eco-friendly and inexpensive solution, a great way to start is by using undiluted white vinegar. 

If this doesn’t get the job done, you could also create a paste of two parts baking soda and one part hydrogen peroxide.

Spread it onto the affected bathroom surface, leave it on for 15 minutes, and then give everything a good scrub and rinse with clean water.

What do Professionals Use to Clean Soap Scum?

Our house cleaning professionals like to use eco-friendly or natural cleaning solutions depending on the severity of the build up and the type of surface they’re cleaning.

That can include natural dish detergent, baking soda paste and distilled white vinegar.

With a bit of elbow grease and time, you can clean years of built-up soap scum and restore your bathroom to a sparkling clean state.

The post How To Clean Years Of Soap Scum appeared first on Maid2Match.

The best part is cleaning your bathtub is easy with the right tools and proper steps.

How often to clean a bathtub

A bathtub should be cleaned at least once a week, depending on how much it is being used. 

This will help prevent the buildup of hard-to-remove residue and reduce the need for more thorough deep cleans.

What cleaning supplies do you need to clean a bathtub?

• Dish soap
• Tile cleaner
• A scrub brush or sponge
• Clean microfiber cloths
• Paper towels
• Spray bottle (optional for spot cleaning with bleach solution)
• Hot water
• Rubber gloves
• Safety glasses (if you’re using bleach or other chemical cleaning solutions)

If your tub is really dirty, you might also want to pick up some baking soda and white vinegar to use together as a powerful cleaning agent. 

You can opt to use a bleach solution, too, if you want to whiten your bathtub as you deep clean it.

Cleaning bathtubs with different cleaning solutions

How to clean a bathtub with bleach solution

For this cleaning method, all you need are rubber gloves, paper towels, a clean cloth, a bucket, warm water, and bleach.

1. Start by wiping down the bathtub with paper towels.
2. Mix one part bleach and nine parts of warm water into the bucket. 
3. With your rubber gloves on, use a clean microfiber cloth to scrub gently in circular motions until any dirt or residue has been removed.
4. Rinse the tub with clean cold water.
5. Then give the area one more wipe down with another clean, soft cloth.

How to clean a bathtub with baking soda

Cleaning your bathtub with baking soda is a simple and effective way to get rid of dirt, soap scum, and stubborn stains. 

You will need the following materials: baking soda, white vinegar, a scrub brush, and a sponge or microfiber cloth.

1. Mix approximately 100 grams of baking soda with just enough water to create a paste.
2. Apply the baking soda paste to the entire tub, including the walls, the bottom, and the corners. Be sure to cover the whole surface.
3. Let the paste sit in the bathtub for at least 15 minutes. This will allow the baking soda time to break down the dirt and soap scum.
4. Use a scrub brush to scrub the entire tub, paying extra attention to any stains or tough spots.
5. Rinse the bathtub with white vinegar. The vinegar will react with the baking soda, creating a cleaning solution that will help to remove any remaining dirt or grime.
6. Wipe the bathtub with a sponge or microfiber cloth to remove the vinegar and baking soda solution.
7. Rinse the bathtub with water and dry it with a clean towel. This will help to remove any remaining cleaning solution and prevent water spots from forming.

How to clean a bathtub with dish soap

You don’t need expensive commercial products to clean a bathtub. You’ll need a few drops of dish soap and some elbow grease.

1. Start by wetting the surface of your tub with warm water.
2. Then apply the dish soap in small amounts, using an old sponge or brush to spread it across the entire area.
3. Work those suds into the bathtub walls, bottom and corners.
4. Rinse the tub with cold water and use a clean paper towel to give the tub one last buff.

How to clean different types of bathtubs

The best way to clean a bathtub will depend on its material.

It’s important to use a cleaner specifically designed for the type of bathtub you have and to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the tub’s surface. 

Here are some tips for cleaning different types of bathtubs:

Acrylic bathtub

Acrylic bathtubs are relatively easy to clean and maintain. You can use a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the tub’s surface.

Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the surface of the tub.

Fiberglass bathtub

A fiberglass tub is also relatively easy to clean. You can use a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner to wipe down the tub’s surface.

Avoid using abrasive sponges, as these can scratch the surface of the fiberglass.

Porcelain Bathtub

Porcelain bathtubs are durable but can be prone to staining. To clean a porcelain bathtub, use a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner.

For tough stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the tub’s surface.

Cast Iron Bathtub

Cast iron bathtubs are heavy and durable but can also be prone to rust and staining. To clean a cast iron bathtub, use a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner.

For tough stains, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to scrub the surface of the tub.

Stone Bathtub

Stone bathtubs, such as granite or marble, are durable but can be prone to staining.

To clean a stone bathtub, use a soft cloth or sponge and a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for stone surfaces.

Avoid using acidic cleaners, such as vinegar or lemon juice, as these can damage the stone’s surface.

How to clean a bathtub drain

With the right tools, even the most clogged drain can be cleared and cleaned in no time.

To prevent long-term problems, pour boiling water and baking soda into your drain at least once a month.

For tougher build-up, use an over-the-counter chemical cleaning product or a natural solution of white vinegar and baking soda.

How to clean hair from bathtub drain

If you have long hair or live with someone who does, you’ve had to remove locks of hair from a bathtub drain.

Some households have a drain catcher or strainer for these situations, but if you don’t have one — it’s okay. 

Here’s how to get the hair out of your bathtub drain:

1. Gather your cleaning supplies. You’ll need rubber gloves, a barbecue stick or needle-nose pliers, some baking soda and white vinegar.
2. Remove the drain stopper. Find the drain stopper in your bathtub and remove it or lift it.
3. Use the pliers or a barbecue stick to remove the hair. Most hair can be removed by hand, but some may be stuck to the drain and need to be picked by finer tools.
4. Pour baking soda and white vinegar into the drain. This will create a chemical reaction that will help to dissolve any remaining hair. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes.
5. Rinse the baking soda mix with hot water. If you have a shower head above your bathtub, now’s the time to use it to rinse the drain.
6. Repeat these steps as needed.

How to clean a clogged bathtub drain

Some clogged bathtub drains can easily be cleared with just hot water.

You can also use baking soda and white vinegar for this cleaning process.

How to clean jets in a bathtub

Nothing beats a relaxing soak in the tub after a long day, but if your bathtub has jets, you know that cleaning them can be a hassle.

1. Fill the bathtub with hot water and add a cleaning solution. You can use a formulated solution for cleaning jetted tubs or mild dish soap.
2. Turn on the jets and let them run for 15 minutes. This will help get rid of any built-up grime or dirt.
3. Turn off the jets and drain the bathtub.
4. Refill the bathtub with cold water and 500 mL of white vinegar.
5. Let the white vinegar solution sit for another 15 minutes.
6. Rinse the bathtub with clean water until all traces of vinegar are gone.

When to call a professional to clean your bathtub

Your bathtub is meant to be a place for respite, but without proper maintenance, it can become grimy and gross.

Fortunately, this doesn’t have to mean replacing your bathtub — you can call a cleaning professional to get it sparkling again.

Looking for more cleaning tips? You can use our guide on how to clean your bathroom as a starting point.

The post How To Clean A Bathtub appeared first on Maid2Match.

Cleaning a bathroom might be one of the least fun chores, but it’s one of the most necessary.

Here’s the best order to maximise your efficiency!

First, declutter the space – tidy up towels and dirty laundry, and put away bottles and tubs. Then start in the shower area before moving to the benchtops. After that, clean the sink, then the toilet. Last to go is the floor. Make sure you dry all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.

How to clean a bathroom is pretty simple – but it’ll take a lot of elbow grease.

Get ready to get down and dirty, then admire your sparkling space afterwards!

Why Clean Your Bathroom?

Do you really need to ask? The wet, enclosed nature of a bathroom means it’s the perfect place for bacteria, mould, and mildew to thrive.

These pose a health hazard to you and your loved ones, especially with how frequently you use the space.

It’s not the most pleasant chore, but bathroom cleaning is essential.

Fortunately, you’ve got friends in your home to help – including distilled white vinegar and bicarb soda. Alternatively, use eco-friendly cleaning products that won’t harm you or your home.

And if you don’t want to clean your bathroom? (Trust us, we don’t blame you.) Deep cleaning can be the job for expert home cleaners.

Just leave the task to the cleaners, go out for a few hours, and presto! A clean bathroom to come home to.

Cleaning The Whole Bathroom

The key to bathroom cleaning is efficiency. Don’t waste time and effort shuffling from space to space; do one step, then move on to the next.

Work from one side to the other and top to bottom to maximise your productivity.

1. Declutter

The first thing you need to do is declutter the bathroom!

Tidy up any laundry you have lying around, and put away any bottles and tubs. If your surfaces and shelves are disorganised, they’ll be harder to clean.

Now is also a good time to go through any skincare and personal care products you have on your benchtop or shelves. Some of them may have expired – here’s your sign to toss them out.

2. Shower Area

Start with the shower area – particularly the shower itself. You’ll need to clean your shower head often to prevent mineral build-up.

This also ensures you’re not spraying yourself with bacteria and grime (gross).

Tie a plastic bag filled with vinegar around your shower head and leave it there for about half an hour (or ideally overnight). Rinse afterwards.

Once that’s done, move to the main shower area.

Spray all the surfaces with a shower cleaner. Leave for 15 minutes, then get to scrubbing. The same strategy will work for cleaning the bathtub.

Lastly, you’ll need to clean your shower doors.

Glass cleaner can work well, but if you really want to get rid of soap scum, use a paste of vinegar and bicarb soda on your glass shower doors.

Let it sit for an hour, then scrub down with a microfibre cloth. Rinse with warm water, then buff dry.

For your shower curtain, toss it in the washing machine with regular detergent and a cup of vinegar for freshness. Hang it back up to dry.

3. Benchtops and Other Surfaces

You can use an all-purpose cleaner or simple white vinegar to clean your bathroom surfaces.

Alternatively, some dish soap and warm water will do the trick. Spray down the benchtop, then wipe down with a clean cloth.

For stubborn stains, you can use a scrub brush to get a good, deep clean.

Don’t forget your light fixtures and switches! Those are a magnet for bacteria.

Spritz disinfectant (such as isopropyl alcohol) on a clean cloth. Then use the damp cloth to wipe around the edges and crevices to ensure a thorough clean.

4. Sinks

Next up: the bathroom sink. To clean the sink drain, pour white vinegar in, then rinse with hot water.

Then you can use a disinfectant spray on the faucet handles and fixtures (or if you’re feeling lazy, a disinfectant wipe).

Finally, spray vinegar or your chosen cleaning solution onto the sink surface.

Scrub with a sponge to remove soap scum and other residues. Rinse the sink and dry with a cloth or paper towel.

5. Toilet

Yep, you got it: it’s time to clean the toilet. We know that’s the last thing you want to get up close and personal with, but it’s also one of the most essential places to clean!

To get your toilet sparkling clean, you can use one of two methods.

One: Pour a cup of bicarb soda into the bowl. Let it sit for 5 minutes, then grab your toilet brush and get scrubbing. Switch to a damp pumice stone if your toilet bowl needs heavy-duty cleaning. Flush afterwards.

Two: Pour in toilet cleaner, then use a toilet cleaning brush. Again, flush afterwards.

When you’ve finished cleaning the toilet bowl, move to the outside. Spray it down with an all-purpose cleaner, then wipe with a cloth.

Don’t forget to deep clean your toilet brush once a month and to clean the plunger after every use.

6. Floor

Last but not least – time to clean the bathroom floor! If you have one, use a steam mop on a high setting to clean the floor. If not, get your bicarb soda and grout brush.

First, sweep the floor along the edges then in the middle. Don’t forget all the nooks and crannies such as behind the toilet and under the sink!

Mix half a cup of vinegar and a tablespoon of dish soap into about 5–7 litres of warm water. Mix it until suds form.

Then submerge a clean rag or scrub brush into the cleaning solution and wring out the excess water.

Scrub down the floor, working from one side to the other. Rinse your rag or brush between passes.

Then towel-dry your floor (yep!) to get those tiles squeaky-clean.

If you need to clean your tile grout around ceramic or porcelain tiles, combine two parts bicarb soda with one part vinegar.

Use an old toothbrush to apply the paste to your grout lines. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub clean. Rinse with water.

Apply grout sealer 24 hours after cleaning, when the floor is completely dry. Repeat every 6 months.

Keeping a Clean Bathroom

No, you cannot get away with just deep cleaning your bathroom once a month.

Ideally, you should do a thorough bathroom cleaning once a week to avoid a build-up of mould and dirt.

Some tips for keeping your bathroom clean include:

• Sweeping frequently
• Installing a drain net to catch debris
• Squeegeeing shower walls after use
• Tidying up bottles on shelves and cabinets
• Cleaning dirty grout around your bathroom tiles

And of course, don’t forget to keep your bathroom cleaning tools ship-shape, too! You won’t clean anything with dirty rags and brushes.

If you’ve found yourself searching “how to clean a bathroom,” we hope this guide has helped.

Remember to keep your bathroom neat and tidy – that’s where you clean yourself up, after all!

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