How to Remove Heavy Soap Scum from Fiberglass
Soap scum forms when the fats present in soaps react to the minerals in hard water, creating a tough-to-remove, dingy buildup on the surfaces of bathtubs, sinks, shower stalls and shower doors. Soap scum on fiberglass takes extra care to remove, as many cleansers strong enough to dissolve the buildup of fats are also abrasive enough to mar the surface. A combination of gentle cleansers, gentle pressure and patience is required to remove soap scum and restore the shiny appearance of fiberglass. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Baking soda
- Sponge
- Soft-bristled nylon brush (optional)
- Warm water
- Washcloth
Instructions
-
-
1
Add half a cup of baking soda to a shallow bowl and combine with enough water to form a paste. Mix well.
-
2
Scoop some of the paste onto a sponge or a soft-bristled nylon brush. Spread it on the fiberglass surface and rub in gentle circles. Leave the paste on the surface for at least 10 minutes to give it time to work.
-
-
3
Rinse off the baking soda paste with warm water, using a washcloth or soft rag. If traces of the soap scum remain, repeat the process.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
To reduce the presence of soap scum, switch from a fat-based bar soap or creamy liquid soap to a gel-based formula. Wipe down the fiberglass surfaces of a tub or shower stall with a towel after bathing or showering. Spray fiberglass with a non-abrasive vinegar-based cleanser after bathing or showering. Prevent layers of soap scum from building up by cleaning the tub or shower stall weekly. To remove small, tough patches of soap scum, rub them with a dryer sheet. The dryer sheet is abrasive enough to remove the residue, yet gentle enough not to scratch the fiberglass.
When using chemical-based cleansers, work in a well-ventilated space. Never combine cleansers, as this can potentially create toxic fumes. Never use gritty scrubs or powdered cleansers on fiberglass, and never clean fiberglass surfaces with scouring pads, steel wool or hard-bristled brushes.
