How to Eliminate Soap Scum and Keep the Bathroom Looking Pristine Clean

Design: MMJ Design Loft

What is Soap Scum?

Image from Pipe wrench plumbing

Soap scum is a thin layer of stubborn, whitish grey of mildew that coats the shower door, tiles, glass, bathtubs, sink bowl and faucet; basically, any place that has any contact with soap and water. It is formed when the minerals in the water, mainly calcium and magnesium, combine with soap to create a sticky mixture. Usually, the soapy water also contains filth such as dissolved body oils, dead skin, hair and so on.

Design: DreamCatcher Interior Design

Why is Soap Scum Undesirable?

When left alone for too long, the soap scum will build up and makes it difficult to remove. The soap scum also attracts mould, algae and bacteria which will feed on it and grow. Sometimes, the soap scum gives off a foul smell too. Furthermore, the soap scum once accumulated on glass, shower surfaces, the particles will etch and permanently scratch the glass.

Design: DISTINCTidENTITY

How to Safely Remove Soap Scum

In this post, we will show you how to remove the stubborn soap scum using non-toxic, environment and family friendly household cleaner.

Materials & Tools

1. 1x Pair of Plastic Gloves

2. 1 pack of Baking Soda

3. 1 bottle of Water Spritz/Mist Spray that contains diluted White Vinegar

4. 1 piece of Non Scratch Scrub Sponge (Scotch-Brite)

5. 1 piece of water absorbent cotton rug

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6. 1 bottle of Water Repellent (Rain-X 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner Plus Rain Repellent, available on Lazada)

Design: In-Expat

7 Steps for a Pristine Clean Bathroom!

Step 1. Spray the place which you want to clean with plenty of water By dampening the area with water, the baking soda powder is able to form a paste and "stick" on the grime more firmly.

Step 2. Sprinkle the baking soda on the dampened area Make sure that the area is completely covered with a thin layer of baking soda.

Step 3. Spray the baking soda paste with white vinegar and let the baking soda-white vinegar paste sits for around an hour When white vinegar and baking soda are mixed together, hydrogen ions (white vinegar) react with the sodium and bicarbonate ions (baking soda). "The result is a decomposition reaction and the carbonic acid formed as a result of the first reaction immediately begins to decompose into water and carbon dioxide gas" explosively and results in the fizzle. This reaction helps to dislodge the soap scum and makes it easier to clean off the soap scum.

Step 4. Wear the plastic gloves and use the non-scratch scrub sponge to scrub For tougher soap scum buildup, spray more white vinegar on the baking soda paste prior scrubbing. The pristine white baking soda paste will turn brown or grey when the dislodged soap scum is mixed with the paste.

Step 5. Rise the area thoroughly with water Use plenty of water to rinse the area to remove the baking soda and soap scum.

Step 6. Wipe the area completely dry Use the cotton rug to dry off the excess water.

Image from Triple Fat Goose

Step 7. Prevent soap scum from coming back by spraying the surface with a thin layer of water repellent To stop soap scum from building up, the best way is to prevent it from sticking to the surface. Several products are designed to prevent water from staying on the surface and one of them includes using water repellent for meant for the windshields.

Additional Tip:

Water repellent wax or oil furniture polish also helps water to bead off the surface easily. Reapply the water repellent wax or oil furniture polish monthly since the protective film will wear off after a while. Using a shower squeegee after every shower will also keep the soap scum buildup to the minimum.

Design: Linear Space Concepts