Banish soap scum naturally with my Soap Scum Remover recipe! It’s a potent blend that works great for a sparklingly clean bathroom and kitchen.
Soap scum is just one of life’s things that needs dealing with! It’s that grimy white stuff that forms around your sinks. Yep. You know it. That’s soap scum.
It develops fast if you don’t keep on top of it!
Soap scum remover recipe
You’ll adore this recipe I created for a soap scum remover, which works just as well as the leading brands.
Instead of opting for an expensive, toxic-laden soap scum remover from the store, why not save your hands (and your breathing space) with my DIY version?!
It’s made with ingredients you likely have in your kitchen already, making it super budget-friendly.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of white vinegar
- 1/2 cup (4 ounces) of liquid dish soap
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine the white vinegar and liquid dish soap in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Stir it well to combine.
Step 3: Transfer the soap scum remover into a spray bottle for easy application.
Top tip: Old cleaning spray bottles work well and will save you a trip to the store!
How to use soap scum remover
Step 1: Spray the soap scum remover onto the affected surfaces. With three bathrooms in our house, you can bet I use this all the time on my bathroom vanities!
Just note, this should not be used on natural stone.
Step 2: Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate and loosen the soap scum.
Step 3: Use a rag or a gentle scrub brush to scrub away the soap scum. Go carefully on delicate surfaces to avoid scratches.
Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with water.
What is soap scum?
Soap scum is a white or gray-colored coating that forms on hard surfaces after soap and hard water mix together.
The scum comprises a combination of soap, minerals, and dirt. And while it may seem odd to clean soap scum with soap, its really all about the action of scrubbing and rinsing it clean.
The culprit of soap scum is soap itself; being made from fats and oils, these are what react with hard water to create soapy mineral deposits that accumulate around sinks, baths, and faucets.
Where can I use this soap scum remover spray?
Use this on any surface with soap buildup. Generally, the bathroom vanities, tubs, and kitchen sinks are the biggest areas for soap scum buildup.
Please note: this recipe should not be used on granite or other natural stones. Use this granite cleaner instead.
Benefits
- Customizable: You can adjust the recipe according to your liking, making it weaker or stronger by adding in more or less vinegar. You could even consider adding in some essential oils for fragrance!
- Cost-effective: Homemade DIY solutions are generally more budget-friendly, and you get more in terms of quantity, too.
- Environmentally friendly: By reducing the use of harsh chemicals, you are living more eco-consciously, doing your bit for the environment!
- Transparency: You know exactly what ingredients are going into your cleaner, avoiding any mystery substances commonly found in store-bought products.
Safety Precautions
As with any cleaning solution, when using a soap scum remover, you need to take correct safety precautions.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Wear gloves: Wear gloves and, if you have them, eye protection or goggles when handling a cleaning solution. This helps protect your skin and eyes from potential irritation.
Additionally, consider wearing long sleeves and pants to minimize contact with the solution if you have sensitive skin.
Ventilate the room: When using soap scum remover, remember to open your windows! This allows fresh air to circulate, preventing the buildup of fumes.
Ingredient Handling: Be sure to handle the ingredients of this recipe with care. Keep the solution out of reach of children and pets.
Tips for successful cleaning
Use this as a regular cleaning. As I mentioned earlier, soap scum builds up quickly, so to prevent it in the first place, keep up regular cleaning. I recommend a rudimentary cleaning of your shower or bathtub at least once a week with a mild soap scum remover or general-purpose cleaner.
Prevent soap scum from forming in the first place. My best tip would be to use liquid soap instead of bar soap which tends to leave behind more residue, leading to more soap scum buildup.
Consider Installing a water softener. Hard water causes soap scum buildup, and a water softener would help reduce the mineral deposits and hard water stains.
Use a shower filter. A shower filter helps remove chlorine and other impurities that could contribute to soap scum buildup.
Wipe down your shower or bathtub after each use. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe over your shower walls and bathtub/faucets so they’re dry after each use. If you are starting out with a really dirty surface, I would use this shower scrub recipe first.
Ventilate the area. After bathing or showering, leave your windows and doors open so the humidity can escape.
Environmental Considerations
Biodegradable Ingredients
I often opt for biodegradable, natural ingredients in my cleaning products and DIY recipes that break down naturally. Not only are these ingredients safe for the environment, but they’re also non-toxic and won’t harm your family or pets.
Eco-Friendly Practices
In addition to using biodegradable ingredients, I also make sure to follow eco-friendly practices when cleaning my bathroom. This includes:
- Use a reusable cleaning cloth instead of a disposable one.
- Turning off the water while scrubbing to conserve water.
- Recycle or reuse any packaging or containers used.
Overall, I feel it’s super important to be mindful of our cleaning products’ impact on the environment, which is why I love DIY cleaning products so much!
By using natural ingredients and following eco-friendly practices, we can keep our homes clean while protecting the planet.
Summary
That’s all there is to my homemade soap scum remover! I hope it works well for you.
If you try using this recipe, please consider leaving a review in the comments section below so I can see how it worked for you, too!
What to read next.
Soap Scum Remover Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup (4 ounces) of white vinegar 5% acidity
- ½ cup (4 ounces) of liquid dish soap any liquid dish soap will work
Instructions
- Combine the white vinegar and liquid dish soap in a mixing bowl.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Transfer the soap scum remover into a spray bottle for easy application. (see notes below for application)
Notes
How to use
- Spray the soap scum remover onto the affected surfaces.
- Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the solution to penetrate and loosen the soap scum.
- Use a rag or a gentle scrub brush to scrub away the soap scum. Go carefully on delicate surfaces to avoid scratches.
- Rinse thoroughly with water.
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