How to Clean Soap Scum Off Shower Walls

Soap scum discolors shower walls.

Soap leaves behind a white, filmy scum on shower surfaces. This scum doesn't wipe off easily, as it consists of a mixture of both soap and hard water deposits that bond to shower walls and doors. Soap scum also provides a breeding ground for molds and mildews, which can cause permanent staining to the grout on shower wall tiles. Preventing the scum from developing in the first place is preferable, but if you already have a soapy residue on the walls removal is vital for your shower to look its best.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Vinegar
• Nylon brush
• Towel

Instructions

1. Mix together two parts of baking soda and one part of vinegar to make a paste. The mixture will fizz.

2. Spread the vinegar and baking soda paste onto the soap scum. Leave it in place for 10 minutes so it has time to break down the scum.

3. Rinse the paste from the shower walls with clear water. Apply a second time if soap scum is still severe. Rinse again.

4. Sprinkle plain baking soda on a nylon bristle brush. Scrub the grout and any areas with visible soap scum with the baking soda. Add more baking soda to the brush as necessary.

5. Rinse off the shower walls a final time with clear water. Wipe the walls dry with a towel.

Tips & Warnings

• If mildew stains have already appeared on the grout, clean them with a dilute bleach solution. Mix ¼ cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Wipe down the grout, then rinse with clear water.

• Prevent soap scum buildup from occurring in the first place. Wipe the shower walls dry after every use, and spread open the shower curtain so it dries completely.

References

• University of Florida Extension: Keeping it Clean: Cleaning Bathrooms, Sink, Bathtub, Shower, Toilet
• North Carolina Extension: Removing Mineral Deposits From Household Surfaces