About Soap Scum

The layer of gross compounds found in most bathrooms can be attributed to a combination of soap and the water that is released from your tap. Also known as limescale, soap scum can be difficult to remove without cleaning formulas that are specifically aimed at combating the problem. Allowing soap scum to build up on your shower doors and other bathroom fixtures can lead to corrosion when the minerals from the tap water are left on the metals for a long period of time.

Identification

Soap scum usually has a whitish gray appearance and is found on the surface of bathroom shower walls, doors, tubs and sinks. In excessive situations, soap scum can also be found in other areas of the bathroom such as the floor, ceiling and shower curtain. When soap scum combines with mildew, it can become blackened in color and acquire a moldy smell. On glass shower doors, soap scum is usually responsible for the foggy film left behind after multiple showers and baths.

Misconceptions

Hard water minerals that are released from the tap combine with the materials in bar soaps to create soap scum. A common misconception is that once you have hard water, it is impossible to remove these elements. This is untrue. It is possible to remove the minerals in hard water and make it soft. Contrary to popular belief, this switch does not have to be expensive. As a matter of fact, a water softener can actually save you money by reducing the need to invest in cleaners, preserve the fabrics in your clothing and protect your appliances by extending their functional time span.

Prevention/Solution

Soap scum removal requires a mixture of chemicals that have been created to break through the components and dissolve the soap and minerals that make up soap scum. Most of these cleaning solutions contain a combination of alkaline and abrasive elements that work together to solve the soap scum problem. Soap is made up of fatty materials that can be dissolved with the alkaline cleaner, and it is important to note that ammonia is also very effective in the removal of soap scum from your bathroom surfaces.

Considerations

In order to eliminate soap scum from your bathroom altogether, you may want to consider eliminating the use of bar soap from your household. The elements that bind bar soap can create the soap scum scenario in your bathroom, recreating the problem after each cleaning every time you bathe. The use of liquid soaps instead of bars can totally eliminate the need to use harsh soap scum removers in your bathroom. Because liquid soap has a completely different makeup from the bar soap, your home can become soap scum free.

Warning

When attempting to remove soap scum from your bathroom surfaces, it is important to remember to wear the proper protection in order to prevent chemical burns. Rubber gloves can protect the tender skin of your hands, while a pair of goggles can protect your eyes from splatters that may result while cleaning and scrubbing. Proper ventilation is also a necessity when using most commercial soap scum cleaners. Since most will contain an alkaline or ammonia base, fumes can encompass the cleaning area that can overcome an individual causing negative health effects. Keeping the bathroom door open while cleaning as well as a window can help to disperse these hazardous fumes and maintain a safe environment in your home.

Resources

• For more information on water softeners that can help reduce soap scum