At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How do I Keep a Shower Clean?
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.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Lactic acid, which can help get rid of soap scum.]()
By: Igor SokolovLactic acid, which can help get rid of soap scum. -
![A baking soda and water mixture can be used to scrub shower walls.]()
By: VidadyA baking soda and water mixture can be used to scrub shower walls. -
![Homemade shower cleaner should be put into a spray bottle for easy use.]()
By: Africa StudioHomemade shower cleaner should be put into a spray bottle for easy use. -
![Some grout is maintained with regular mild cleaning.]()
By: flas100Some grout is maintained with regular mild cleaning. -
![Altough chlorine bleach kills mold and mildew, it also emits harmful fumes and can cause problems for people with sensitive skin.]()
By: AriwasabiAltough chlorine bleach kills mold and mildew, it also emits harmful fumes and can cause problems for people with sensitive skin.
Discussion Comments
If it's glass in the shower, it might not be soap scum, but could be etched by fluoride added to the water. The all time best soap scum foil on tile is to get a big pumice stone and just muscle it off.
I used mean green and a cleaner called bait. It's in a yellow bottle.
I found that nothing worked including vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, a variety of limescale removers.
I then found that I wasn't alone and that even the most diligent friends had the same problem with water staining/limescale on their shower screens.
I now run a company (Showerclean UK) dedicated to shower cleaning which uses and sells products that really work.
Tip: If it isn't a powder or a paste then it probably doesn't work on ground-in water marks.
Scum Off shower cleaner is all I have to say! I have used all the "natural methods" and they have worse fumes than Scum Off! I cannot handle the fumes of cleaners in the bathroom and when I found Scum Off I was so happy!
It is a concentrate so you apply it full strength to your shower to get rid of soap scum and hard water then dilute it with water to make a daily shower spray. It is a great product and has a 100 percent guarantee.
Just wipe with dishwasher rinse aid. it's that simple.
I have found that using rubbing alcohol works terrific for removing soap scum. Sometimes a soap scum will prevent hard mineral cleaner from working properly. Remove the soap scum first and then use a mineral cleaner if needed.
Post your comments