How to Remove Soap Scum From a Shower

How to Remove Soap Scum From a Shower

Soap scum is one of the most common cleaning problems in showers. It can leave shower walls, tile, doors and fixtures looking cloudy, dull or dirty even when the rest of the bathroom is clean.

Fortunately, regular cleaning can help remove soap scum and prevent heavy layers from building up.

What Is Soap Scum?

Soap scum is the film that develops when soap residue combines with body oils, dirt and minerals found in water.

Over time, repeated showers can create layers of residue on surfaces such as:

• Shower walls

• Bathroom tile

• Grout

• Shower doors

• Glass

• Fixtures

• Shower floors

The longer the residue remains, the more difficult it can become to remove.

What You'll Need

To clean soap scum from your shower, gather:

• Natural Armor Tub & Tile Cleaner

• Soft sponge or microfiber cloth

• Soft-bristle cleaning brush

• Grout brush for grout lines

• Clean water

• Clean towel, microfiber cloth or squeegee

Always follow the product label and the care instructions for the surface you're cleaning.

Step 1: Remove Items From the Shower

Take out shampoo bottles, soap, razors and other shower products.

Pay attention to the areas underneath bottles and containers, where water and soap residue frequently collect.

Step 2: Rinse the Shower

Rinse away loose hair, dirt and debris before applying your cleaner.

This allows the cleaner to work directly on the soap scum and bathroom buildup.

Step 3: Apply Natural Armor Tub & Tile Cleaner

Apply Natural Armor Tub & Tile Cleaner to the affected surfaces according to the product label directions.

Concentrate on areas where you can see cloudy film, streaks or heavier buildup.

Step 4: Allow the Cleaner to Work

Allow the cleaner the appropriate contact time specified on the label.

Giving the cleaner time to work can help loosen soap residue before you begin wiping or scrubbing.

Step 5: Wipe or Gently Scrub

Use a soft sponge, microfiber cloth or appropriate soft-bristle brush to work over the affected areas.

Give additional attention to:

• Shower corners

• Grout lines

• Around faucets and fixtures

• Shower shelves

• Areas around the drain

• Lower sections of shower walls

• Areas with visible soap scum

Avoid highly abrasive scrubbers that could scratch or damage the surface.

Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly

Rinse the cleaned surfaces thoroughly as directed.

This removes loosened soap scum, dirt and cleaner rather than allowing residue to dry back onto the shower.

Step 7: Dry the Shower

Use a clean microfiber cloth, towel or squeegee to remove remaining water.

Drying shower surfaces can help reduce water spots and slow the accumulation of new residue.

What About Heavy Soap Scum?

Soap scum that has accumulated over a long period may require additional effort.

Apply Natural Armor Tub & Tile Cleaner according to the label directions, allow the recommended contact time and gently scrub the affected area. Particularly stubborn buildup may require another application.

It's generally better to repeat the cleaning process than to use an excessively abrasive tool that could damage the surface.

How to Prevent Soap Scum From Building Up

Once the shower is clean, a few simple habits can make future cleaning easier:

• Rinse shower walls after use

• Use a squeegee on walls and shower doors

• Remove standing water

• Keep the bathroom properly ventilated

• Wipe up visible soap residue

• Clean frequently used shower surfaces regularly

Preventing thick layers from developing is much easier than removing months of accumulated residue.

Remove Shower Soap Scum With Natural Armor

Natural Armor Tub & Tile Cleaner is a ready-to-use bathroom cleaning solution designed to help tackle soap scum, dirt, grime and everyday bathroom buildup on compatible surfaces.

Use it regularly on tubs, showers, tile and other compatible bathroom surfaces to help keep soap residue under control and make routine bathroom cleaning easier.

Always follow the product label directions and test an inconspicuous area first if you're unsure about surface compatibility.