March 7, 2018
How to Naturally Get Rid of Soap Scum
Let’s talk about soap scum. You know what it is and I’m guessing it frustrates you too! I’m all about prevention but before we talk about the best way to keep it away, let’s talk about some natural ways to get rid of soap scum. I’m going to start with the simplest method and solution and work my way through other methods. Depending on your degree of scum, start at the top and see what works for you.
SOLUTION 1
MICROFIBER CLEANING CLOTH – start with either a wet shower or a barely wet microfiber cloth and scrub. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
SOLUTION 2
WHITE VINEGAR – mix together a 50:50 water to vinegar solution and put in a spray bottle. Spray over surface and scrub with a scrub brush or sponge. Add a drop or two of tea tree oil and/or peppermint essential oil to up the cleaning power. Rinse and repeat if necessary.
SOLUTION 3
BORAX +WATER – Mix 1/4 to 1/2 cup of Borax with 2 cups of hot water in a spray bottle. This is a one-time use cleaner, do not store this solution in a spray bottle – the Borax will harden and stick in your sprayer. Shake and spray surfaces thoroughly. Let it sit for up to 15 minutes and use a scrub brush to clean. Rinse and wipe dry.
PREVENTION
USE VEGETABLE-BASED SOAP
Once your shower is clean, you might want to switch to a natural, vegetable-based soap in the shower going forward. A natural soap, like castile soap will rinse clean and not leave the soap scummy build-up that a petroleum or animal-fat based soap will leave.
DAILY SHOWER CLEANER SPRAY
Once your shower is clean, I recommend using a daily shower spray to keep the soap scum and mildew away and to make it easier to clean. Use a squeegee at the end of your shower to remove excess water and to prevent water spots. 
Peppermint Daily Shower Cleaner Spray
1/2 cup vodka (you can use rubbing alcohol but I find that the vodka works better in this recipe)
1 cup water
10 drops peppermint essential oil
glass spray bottle
Mix and store in a spray bottle. Spray shower or tub daily after showering has occurred. No rinse needed.
Do you struggle with soap scum? What have you found that works?
Anne Brauner Says
Becky, do these cleaning methods apply to a fiberglass shower enclosure also?
Also, I have made the Daily Shower Spray a couple of times and the contents of the glass bottle sprayer ends up cloudy after storing for a couple of weeks. What am I not doing or doing wrong?
b r Says
Post authorYes, they’ll work with fiberglass and try using distilled water – if that doesn’t work, mix up half of a recipe at a time so you go through it a little more quickly.
Joleen Carlson Says
You often recommend a glass spray bottle for your recipes. Can you use plastic? I get leary of using glass in the shower.
b r Says
Post authorYou sure can!
Natalie Says
Magic eraser has worked really well for me in getting rid of soap scum also.
Lucille Lozier Says
For soap scum mix 1 cup vinegar and 1 cup dawn dish soap in spray bottle. It works wonders.
Cindy Says
I use dawn dish soap also, I put it in a dish scrubber with a soap dispenser in the handle. I go over the shower every time I shower. So easy!
Kristin Ebel Says
I was wondering if with the Vodka based Daily shower cleaner if you had anyone have issues with the caulking coming out on their tub? I was using an alcohol based cleaner and the contractor said that was the reason my tub caulking came out. He said that when they are trying to get the goop off they used alcohol. Just wondering if the Vodka has the same effect.
b r Says
Post authorI’ve never heard that or had anyone experience that….
Colleen Says
Is this effective without the peppermint oil? I have cats who play in my tub, and although I’d love to keep them out of there, for many reasons I won’t go into here, I unfortunately can’t. (Peppermint oil is toxic to cats.) Thanks!
b r Says
Post authorNo essential oil is necessary!
Marisa Says
Is peppermint oil just for scent purposes? Could I use a lavender oil instead?
b r Says
Post authorAbsolutely!
Colleen Says
Thank you!
Bonnie Says
Thank you for this post, Becky! I would love to get into “prevention” mode so I can finally enjoy taking baths again. 🙂 I’d love to know — are there specific natural, vegetable-based soaps you recommend for bathing/showering? In case it’s a factor in how you respond, we live in Southern California and have hard water. Love and gratitude, Bonnie
b r Says
Post authorHi Bonnie! You can find castile soap by the bar too – that’s great for showering and bathing. Or look for a goat’s milk or coconut oil based soap.
Jaime Ciavarri Says
Love you blog and insta feed! Would these methods work on marble tiles and glass shower doors?
Danielle Says
Thank you for sharing this! Soap scum is the most difficult to tackle – I’ll be trying this weekend.
Erin Says
What about for use on granite countertops? The vinegar would etch the granite, correct? Would Borax be a no-no too? My kids’ bathroom has major soap scum buildup behind the faucet and along the back splash because of them letting water and soap just sit on the counter. I’ve been hesitant to do much because I’m afraid anything I use will ruin the granite. Any advice would be great!
b r Says
Post authorTry this:
https://www.cleanmama.net/2016/04/diy-cleaners-marble-granite-cleaning-spray.html
McDonna Says
Can’t wait to try this, Becky! I was just thinking the other day that I needed to search your site for a soap scum cleaner. You always have the right solution at the right time!
Will this work on hard water stains, too, do you think?
Thanks, Becky!
b r Says
Post authorYay! Hooray for good timing! Yes, try it on the hard water for sure!
Julia Says
Is the daily shower spray safe for the marble tile in my shower?
b r Says
Post authorYes!
BEVERLY Says
Becky, Please tell me how to clean an old and very filthy fiberglass tub and shower. I also have an old filthy toilet to clean. Please help me.
b r Says
Post authorThis post should help!
https://www.cleanmama.net/2017/09/essential-guide-clean-bathrooms.html
Cristina Says
For the toilet bowl, look for a cleaner that attacks rust stains.
Lynn Says
Would the daily shower work on an acrylic tub and surround? I use a 50:50 mixture of vinegar and water to clean my tub but would love to have something I can use on a daily basis!
b r Says
Post authorAbsolutely!
Daniella Says
I have question, do you first use a squeegee to remove excess water then spray the shower cleaner or spray the shower cleaner then use the squeegee?
Thank you
b r Says
Post authorJust use the squeegee once – I use it before the shower spray.
Judith Says
For a glass shower door, do you recommend the daily shower spray or your glass and mirror spray for the daily use after shower?
b r Says
Post authorDaily shower for daily use 🙂
Belinda Says
I have well water and it has a lot of iron in it. We do have a filter system but I still get the orange stains. What is best for that?
b r Says
Post authorTry a 50:50 vinegar / water solution and spray that on and scrub off.
Pingback: It’s the Little Things #64 – Clean Mama
Natalie Says
Hi Becky, I tried mixing 1/2 cup of borax with 2 cups of water and the borax is very difficult to dissolve. Once I got it into a somewhat liquid consistency it would not spray from the spray bottle.
Ellen Says
I love your wall color featured in your dusting highlight! Would you mind sharing the name and brand?
Thank you!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorHere’s a post with all our paint colors:
https://cleanmama.com/paint-colors-for-the-whole-home-a-revere-pewter-paint-palette/
Carrie Says
Hi! I would love to try this, but am allergic to Peppermint oil, and don’t like the smell of tea tree. I understand that the oils are not necessary in a different comment. Above you state “Add a drop or two of tea tree oil and/or peppermint essential oil to up the cleaning power.” Is there a different one I can add to this recipe that is child safe?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorLemon, orange, or lavender will be kid safe – try those!