Soap scum is the film left behind on our shower and tub walls once we're done bathing. Because it's made up of body oils, soap and minerals, it's especially difficult to remove. The result is a disgusting gray film or ring. The problem is, most people don't notice the damage until hours after their bath or shower. By that time the soap scum is hard and difficult to remove. All is not lost. If your shower has been taken over by soap scum, perhaps these handy tips will help.
Soap scum is a situation that's best tackled immediately. As soon as your shower or bath is over, wipe the entire area down with a squeegee or cloth. If you catch the soap scum before it hardens, it's easier to remove and there's less build up. If you keep the walls dry, mildew won't creep up on you. Some people also rub the walls of their shower and tubs with a furniture or car wax paste to prevent soap scum from building up. Be forewarned though, if you'd rather not have a serious accident, it's best not to rub any type of slippery substance on your shower floors.
Below is a list of some great home soap scum removal remedies. All of these are guaranteed to make your walls shine:
- One part ammonia and two parts water make a spray solution rivaling anything one can find in the supermarket. Spray onto your tiles and wipe away.
- Another great spray is warm vinegar. Heat some up in the microwave and pour it into a spray bottle. Spray and wipe.
- Baking soda and water mixed into a paste make a gritty scrub for tile walls. Rub it on, leave it for 30 minutes and remove with a damp sponge.
- Would you believe a dryer sheet also makes a wonderful soap scum removal product? Use a dry sheet to rub wet shower walls and a damp sheet to rub dry shower walls. Either way, your problem is solved.
If this isn't enough to do the trick, browse your supermarket aisles for the product that works best for your needs. Read all labels carefully and be sure to follow directions.
If soap scum is a frequent problem for you, you might consider switching from a bar soap to a gel soap. The bar soap contains talc, a main ingredient in the buildup one finds on shower doors and walls. Prevention is key, however. Wipe down the walls after each shower or bath, and you're bound to have tile and glass that is soap scum free.