Isn’t it funny that something that gets your body squeaky clean – like soap – can make your bathtub and shower area so dirty? It’s just one of life’s little ironies, we suppose. Luckily, we have a few different approaches not only for removing this stubborn, scaly build-up, but also for preventing future soap scum deposits. Read on to determine which method might work best for you.

Commercial Cleaners – Many popular store-bought cleaners do a decent job of getting rid of soap scum. And the process could not be easier. Simply spray down your bathtub and shower, let it sit for a few minutes, then give it a soft scrub with a sponge, brush, or cloth. Rinse clean and wipe dry with a clean towel.

DIY Cleaners – If you prefer the more natural DIY route, pour one cup of baking soda into a small bowl and add enough white vinegar to make a paste. After the fizzing stops, apply the mixture to your tub and shower, let it sit for 15 minutes, and wipe with a soft sponge before rinsing it clean and drying it with a towel.

Elbow Grease – If you have a porcelain tub and neither of the above methods produces the desired result, you can try removing soap scum with a wet pumice stone. However, be very careful as a dry stone or too much elbow grease can actually scratch the surface you’re working on. Use a stiff brush to remove soap scum from the pumice stone as it accumulates.

Once you’ve gotten rid of that nasty soap scum, follow these 3 tips to prevent it from coming back.

Use a squeegee or towel to dry your shower and bathtub after each use to remove soap-scum-creating particles.
Switch to liquid soap or shower gel as bar soap contains talc and fatty acids that contribute to soap scum
If you have hard water, consider installing a water softener. The minerals in hard water react with your soap to create soap scum.

Here at Connor Plumbing, we have a variety of water treatment options available to you, and we’d be happy to tell you all about them. With a whole-house water filter, for example, soft water is just the beginning. You’ll also clean, chemical-free water to drink and cook with, and from every water source inside and outside your home. Click here to read more or call us today for a free in-home consultation and proposal.