A soap scum, usually found in the shower, is more than just soap build-up. Apart from soap that has dried up, soap scum can also contain dead skin cells, mold, mildew, etc. Though it is harmless, soap scum is an eye sore that should be removed before they get any worse.
If you are having some problem removing soap scum in your bathroom, follow the tips below for an easy and cheap way to get rid of them.
* Materials that you will need:
o Knife
o Baking soda
o Bowl
o Sponge
o White vinegar
o Microwave
o Spray bottle
* Take a hot shower. No, this is not to prepare you for the activity. Rather, this is to prepare the bathroom. Run a hot shower for 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure that the bathroom door it shut. The humidity around the room caused by the hot shower will help soften the soap scrum. After 15 minutes, turn off the shower and look for soap scum. Gently scrape them off with a knife. Be careful not to scratch the tiles or the tub while doing so. Removing the top layer should do if you cannot get them all off. If the soap scum has been there for years, it will take more than humidity to get of it.
* Make a baking soda mixture. In a large bowl, pour baking soda and slowly add water. Mix it while water is being added until you get a consistent texture similar to toothpaste. You can make more of this mixture depending on how big the affected area is. Next, get a sponge and dip it to the mixture. Rub the tiles or tub with soap scum. Leave the baking soda mixture applied for 30 minutes.
* Create a soap scum remover. As you leave the baking soda mixture, go to the kitchen and make some soap scum remover. A few seconds before your 30 minutes is up, get one and a half cup of white vinegar and microwave it for 30 seconds under medium setting. Transfer the heated vinegar into a spray bottle.
* Remove the baking soda mixture. Using a wet sponge, rub the baking soda from the tiles and tub.
* Apply the soap scum remover. After removing the baking soda mixture, spray the heated vinegar on the soap scum. Let it sit for a minute, then start scrubbing using the sponge. Work on the top area first and move down as you go along.
* Finish off with hot water. Rinse the area you have scrubbed with hot water. It is best to use a hose so some pressure is applied. Then, get a clean cloth and wipe the area dry. Apply some wax on the walls if desired, but not on the floor.
You now have a soap scum free bathroom!
Try to clean and get rid of soap scum as soon as possible. This way, you get to avoid build-up that is harder to remove. Rub the tub and tiles with warm vinegar every week, rinse, and dry. This will avoid the soap and hard water deposits to accumulate.
