Singapore Plumbing Works

Ways To Get Rid Of Soap Scum

Getting rid of unsightly soap scum can be a breeze – IF you know how to.

Soap scum is a sticky, white or off-white residue that forms on surfaces, especially in bathrooms, due to the reaction between soap and hard water. It’s a common problem in areas with high mineral content in the water. Soap scum can be difficult to remove, but there are some effective ways to get rid of it.

Common Causes of Soap Scum:

1. Hard water: Mineral-rich water reacts with soap to form soap scum.
2. Soap type: Using regular soap or body wash can contribute to soap scum buildup.
3. Water temperature: Hot water can cause soap scum to form more easily.
4. Humidity: High humidity can contribute to soap scum buildup.

What Is Soap Scum?

Soaps and detergents combine with the mineral salts in water to form the scum that gets left behind on sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls and tiles. It builds up over time to form a dull greyish film, and is difficult to remove.

While that stubborn, scaly buildup forms when the fatty acids, talc, and other ingredients in bar soap react with the minerals in hard water, soap scum also contains body oil, dirt, bits of dead skin, and bacteria – accumulated from the washing of dirty bodies. All these are attractive to bacteria, mould and mildew.

4 Powerful Methods To Clean Off Soap Scum

Method 1: Vinegar

Vinegar is acidic, which helps to cut grease. It is also a natural deodoriser.

• Spray with dilute vinegar after bathing or showering.
• Leave on for a few minutes.
• Scrub with a soft bristle brush.
• Rinse off with hot water.
• Dry thoroughly.

Method 2: Baking Soda

Baking soda is a deodorising abrasive that will help to remove soap scum.

• Mix baking soda, dishwashing  detergent and water to form a paste.
• Use a soft bristle brush to apply to the affected area.
• Let the solution sit for a few minutes.
• Scrub with a soft bristle brush until the soap scum is gone.
• Rinse completely with hot water.
• Dry thoroughly.

Method 3: Borax

Borax is a natural mineral and is used as cleaning agent and scouring powder. It is safer to use than many other chemicals on the market. Like vinegar, it is a great deodoriser, and is a very effective abrasive in removing soap scum.

Another advantage of Borax is that it also kills mould and mildew, and helps to stop their growth.

Borax is slippery when used as a cleaner, so rinse well to remove all traces.

• Mix borax, dishwashing detergent and water to form a paste.
• Use a soft bristle brush to apply to the affected area.
• Let the solution sit on the soap scum for a few minutes.
• Do not allow the cleaning solution to dry.
• Scrub with a soft bristle brush until the soap scum is gone.
• Rinse completely with hot water.
• Dry thoroughly.

Method 4: Ammonia

Ammonia is alkaline and is very effective at cutting through waxy soap scum build up.

• Mix 1 part ammonia with 2 parts water in a spray bottle.
• Spray the ammonia solution on the soap scum.
• Let the solution sit for 30 minutes.
• Do not allow the ammonia to dry.
• Scrub with a soft bristle brush until the soap scum is gone.
• Rinse completely with hot water.
• Dry thoroughly.

How To Prevent Soap Scum?

1. Use a bath foam or shower gel instead of a bar soap. 

It is the talc and fatty acids in bar soap that cause soap scum. So by switching to bath foam or shower gel, the filmy residue will reduce significantly.

2. Do not use oily bubble bath or scented water conditioners

Soap scum is formed in conjunction with soap and oil. Bubble bath is notorious for causing the ring around your bathtub. The next time you bathe, add some baking soda to soften the water first for a smooth as silk bath experience.

3. Keep your shower cubicle and bathtub dry. 

By wiping dry your shower area and bathtub after every use, you are also cleaning off a good part of the soap scum left behind, before it hardens.

4. Soften your water. 

Install a water softener system to remove those minerals in your water that react with soap to make soap scum. Alternatively, consider adding Epsom salts to your bathwater to help soften it and keep soap scum under control.

We hope this article is useful in your fight against soap scum. Do share it with your family and friends to help them achieve scum-free bathrooms too!