How to Remove Soap Scum from Tubs and Showers

You must have noticed a fair share of soap scum in your bathroom, especially on tubs and showers. Ironically, a substance responsible for cleaning our body can make a shower or bathtub so filthy, but it happens!

If left uncleaned, this layer of dried soap and mineral suds can easily combine with mold and mildew and become very difficult to remove.

But using the right cleaning steps and bathroom cleaners, such as Harpic, you can easily clean the soap scum buildup from a shower or tub.

Read on to find the right approach about how to clean years of soap scum from tubs and showers to ensure bathroom safety and transform it into a wellness oasis.

What is soap scum?

Soap scum is a white, chalky residue that appears as a white or gray filmy layer, which is a combination of soap, bodily oils, and minerals in hard water on your bathtub or shower surfaces.

When it’s deep-seated and built up over the years, this unflattering residue makes bathtub and shower surfaces look dirty.

Cleaning soap scum from tubs and showers

You’ll need Harpic Bathroom Cleaner Citrus, a bucket, a non-abrasive sponge, a stiff-bristled nylon scrub brush, a toothbrush, and a microfiber cloth.

Add 1.5 capfuls of Harpic Bathroom Cleaner Citrus in half a bucket of water (4 cups).
Apply the solution to the soap-scum-affected areas on the bathtub and shower walls.
Scrub the surfaces with a sponge or a scrub brush, focusing on the soap-scum areas.
Use the toothbrush to get through the grout, corners, and tough edges.
Rinse it with water and wipe it dry with a soft microfiber cloth.

Preventing soap scum

An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure! Here’s how you can prevent soap scum from building up in the tub and shower.

Using liquid soap instead of bar soap: Since liquid soap has less talc and fatty acids than bar soap, it should significantly decrease the filmy residue that you see in the bathtub or shower.
Keep your shower and tub dry: After each shower or bath, use a squeegee or microfiber cloth to dry your shower surfaces and tub. This routine helps remove a significant amount of leftover residue, reducing the accumulation of soap scum over time.
Soften your water: Hard water minerals are one of the basic components of soap scum. Install a water softener, which will reduce the concentration of these minerals in your water, preventing the soap scum buildup.

FAQs

Can soap scum damage tubs and showers?

If left untreated, soap scum can cause discoloration, staining, and a dull appearance on tub and shower surfaces.

How often should I clean tubs and showers to prevent soap scum buildup?

Using a squeegee or microfiber cloth to dry the tub and shower surfaces daily or after each use is the best way to prevent soap scum buildup.

Is soap scum harmful?

Soap scum is not harmful on its own, but it is unsightly and can lead to surface damage, fixture deterioration, clogged drains, bathroom falls, and poor indoor air quality.