If you look on your shower doors, you may notice a white film. This is soap scum. It forms when the fatty acids in your soap combine with certain minerals that are in your water. Since it is insoluble in water, it is extremely difficult to remove. Also, it is a breeding ground for bacteria. To maintain your health and to preserve the appearance of your shower, here are a few tips that will help you deal with problems regarding soap scum shower doors.
How Soap Scum Forms
When your home has hard water, it is highly likely that soap scum is present in your shower. It occurs as soap mixes with calcium and magnesium from your water. If left untreated, it will continue to build into a bigger and bigger mess. If it combines with mold and mildew, it may create terrible odors, discolor your shower walls, and become as hard as concrete.
How to Remove Soap Scum
There are many DIY ways to remove soap scum shower doors problems. To prevent scratching on your glass, do not use rough scouring pads during the cleaning process.
Use Vinegar and Dish Soap
Two of the simplest products in your pantry can help to eliminate soap scum. Fill a spray bottle halfway with white vinegar and halfway with dish soap. Spray this mixture onto your shower doors. Allow it to sit. When it is dry, you can use a cloth to scrub away the problem.
Use Ammonia
Ammonia can be used to clean away soap scum as well. Make sure to wear rubber gloves and to open your bathroom window when you are using this substance, especially if you use other chlorine bleach products for cleaning purposes. In a spray bottle, combine ammonia and water. This should be applied to the problem areas. While things are wet, use a scrub brush to loosen the scum. After everything is gone, rinse the area so that all remaining ammonia exits the drain.
Use Borax and Baking Soda
Another way to clean soap scum is with borax and baking soda. Both of these items contain natural abrasive materials, so they are excellent for eliminating the scum that attaches itself to your shower doors. Combine these ingredients into a paste. With a damp sponge, apply this mixture to the problem area. As you rub, the soap scum should become easier to clear away. When you are finished, you can use water to get rid of the leftover paste.
Use Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is less acidic than vinegar, but it will offer a more pleasant and fresh scent to your bathroom. This works best on soap scum that has not had the opportunity to build into a major problem. Combine 3 tablespoons of lemon juice for each cup of water that you use for cleaning. Spray the liquid over the soap scum. Allow it to sit a few minutes. Then, wipe it away with a sponge.
Preventing Soap Scum
After you manage to remove the existing soap scum on your shower doors, you want to learn how to stop it from overcoming your bathroom in the future. Here are some ways that you can prevent future issues.
- Use a daily shower cleaner
- Apply a wax to your shower walls so that it is difficult for soap scum to set
- Squeegee or towel dry your shower doors after bathing
- Use a liquid soap instead of a bar soap
- Install a water-softening product
The above tips should help you to clean soap scum from your shower doors. With some elbow grease, your bathroom will look its best. Also, you will create a healthy environment for you and your family. For more tips, consult with the experts at Helping Hands Cleaning Service. We will offer assistance with this problem and other cleaning issues around your home.
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