Fight Stubborn Soap Scum With A Natural Ingredient You Likely Have At Home
We've all experienced the frustration of trying to keep soap scum at bay. The white residue forms when soap mixes with hard water, and is therefore pretty much inevitable. However, there are a few ways to minimize its existence, as well as remove it without too much effort. First, assess the products you're using in the tub or shower. One mistake that creates more soap scum is using bar soap instead of liquid soap. That's because the ingredients in bar soap, especially its fatty acids, tend to have a stronger reaction with hard water, thus causing more scum at a faster rate. That being said, liquid soap will eventually cause buildup as well, so regular cleaning is key.
One of the easiest ways to clean soap scum off your bathroom surfaces is to use a natural ingredient you likely already have at home: Epsom salts. One DIY recipe that can work wonders is a paste made from 1 cup of Epsom salts mixed with 1/2 a cup of baking soda and 1/4 cup of dish soap. Another potent variation calls for 3 cups of white vinegar mixed with 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts and 2 tablespoons of dish soap. If you prefer the latter, just remember to let the mix sit for about half an hour before using it. Next, ensure that your soap scum-encrusted surfaces are totally dry; otherwise, the Epsom salts' scrubbing effect will be minimized. Now, it's time to get to work.
How to effectively use Epsom salts to clean soap scum
Once your DIY cleaner is properly mixed, spread the solution on any problem surfaces in a circular motion. You can use a sponge, cloth, or even your hand (as long as you're wearing plastic gloves for protection) to apply the mix to shower walls, doors, fixtures, or the inside of your bathtub. For particularly stubborn stains, we recommend using a cleaning brush or toothbrush for a deeper clean. Once applied, allow the mix to sit in place for about 10 minutes, then rinse it off using warm water and dry the area with a fresh cloth for a sparkling finish. You can even go a step further and clean the grout in your shower using Epsom salts. Dampen a microfiber cloth and use it to rub the salt, as is, into the grout lines. Leave it overnight, then wipe it all off in the morning before rinsing off any remaining residue.
There truly are plenty of smart ways to use Epsom salt around the house, and as you can see, the bathroom is no exception. One more hack to consider is to use Epsom salts as part of a regular prevention routine. If you love soaking in the tub, you can diminish soap scum buildup while also soothing your muscles by adding Epsom salts directly to your bath. Pair this with a new habit of rinsing your bath and shower with clean water after each use, then squeegeeing it dry, to keep soap scum deposits at bay.