There are few things less pleasant than stepping into your shower or bath and finding it covered in soap scum. Soap scum can build up in your sinks, on tile, the floors, and even glass surfaces. Some types of soap scum are more stubborn than others. Soap scum is not easily scrubbed away with regular cleaning products. In order to remove it, you must utilize the best soap scum remover for the job. However, with so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are the most effective.
We have compiled this list of the best soap scum remover options on the market. Each one provides something special, from more hands-on products to those you can just spray and walk away from. If you are ready to tackle the nasty grime in your home, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s kick off our review with a few FAQ’s that will help you decide which one of the products below will suit your needs.
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Product FAQ
1. What Is Soap Scum?
The name soap scum is pretty oxymoronic. After all, what is dirty about soap, and how can a place you go to get clean and drench in water and soap daily get so dirty? The fact is, soap scum is not necessarily made of soap or scum. The filmy layer we all despise is actually caused by minerals in the water. Namely calcium and magnesium. As you bathe, they mix with the soap you use and become sticky, allowing them to cling to various surfaces.
Doesn’t sound too bad right? Just wait, there’s more. The innocent little minerals we mentioned above also pick up your body’s oils, dead skin, hair, and any dirt left in your tub. The mixture is literally a gourmet feast for mold and algae. Once they get a taste, they attach themselves to the soap scum and multiply. That is why soap scum can be almost any color of the rainbow and smell so unpleasant.
2. How Can I Prevent Soap Scum?
With soap scum, prevention is nine-tenths of the cure, so to speak. The worst possible scenario is that it goes unchecked for weeks, months, or even years. Luckily, there are ways you can combat it. The easiest way is to be diligent about wiping down your bathroom surfaces regularly between deep cleanings.
At the minimum, clean your tubs, showers, sinks, and tile once a week. Many of the best soap scum remover options actually kill mold and mildew. Also, remember to give your shower curtains and bathmats equal attention. Putting them in the wash with a bit of vinegar will ensure they will be clean alongside your sparkling tubs and sinks.
3. Can Serious Soap Scum Build Up Be Cleaned?
If you have ever tried to clean soap scum, you know it is stubborn and very hard to get rid of. If you have an extreme case, you may wonder if anything will penetrate the thick layers built up on your surfaces. Despite how unsightly your soap scum may be, it is not invincible.
You may have to pull out the heavy artillery, but the battle can be won. For serious cases, be prepared with rubber gloves and proper ventilation; some of the most potent products require that bit of additional care.
4. Are Some Bathrooms More Prone to Soap Scum?
Yes! Some people are destined to be in a constant battle with soap scum by no fault of their own. If you live in an area with hard water, this is especially the case. Hard water exasperates soap scum issues because the water is far more rich in minerals than is common.
Hard water spots, or limescale, that build up as water dries on surfaces and leave behind mineral deposits which look much like scales. The overlapping scales give soap scum an ideal surface to stick to which means more soap scum is produced than normal. If you have hard water, include a high-quality cleaning product in your regimen.
Cleaners with a pH higher than 7 will not work. It is best to stick to a more acidic based cleaner, so the bonds on the surface can be broken for proper cleaning. Cleaners aside, installing a water softener will make your life easier. Also, if possible, replace plastic shower curtains with glass enclosures.
5. How Do I Pick the Best Soap Scum Remover?
The best soap scum remover for your needs will depend on a number of factors. As mentioned before, the type of water and soap scum you have may require either an alkaline or acidic cleaner. Also, the level of elbow grease you are willing to invest is a factor.
There are several effective products at lower price points that work but require more manual labor. In contrast, there are some products so powerful you barely even have to do anything more than rinse after application. Consider your needs and pick a cleaner that caters to them.
How We Reviewed
The most important factor in our review was effectiveness. Packaging, fancy jingles, and popularity don’t matter if the product won’t work. Our reviews are literally comprised of the best soap scum remover options on the market. Price point was another consideration. We wanted to provide both inexpensive and more expensive options. What you get for the money is something we will discuss next.
Overall Price Range
Our list has products as inexpensive as ten dollars up to about thirty dollars. The lower priced products are effective, but you will have to do a little old fashioned scrubbing. The more expensive options require less hands-on action and have more powerful formulas. Acidic cleaners tend to be more expensive as well.
What We Reviewed
- Marblelife Soap Scum Remover
- Bio Clean: Eco Friendly Hard Water Stain Remover
- The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner Gallon
- Rain-X 630035 Shower Door Cleaner
- Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath
- Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover
- Kaboom Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner
- Arm And Hammer Free Soap Scum Remover
- Tilex Shower Spray – 32 oz
Marblelife Soap Scum Remover
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Features
Marblelife is effective for removal of most stains and soap scum. The formulation is made to be environmentally friendly and easy to use. With regard to grunt work, there is little to none as when used properly, the product is designed to require no scrubbing. It is advertised as safe on most surfaces and has overall positive consumer reviews.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Bio Clean: Eco Friendly Hard Water Stain Remover
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Features
Bio clean is considered to be a professional grade cleaner. The industrial strength formula is capable of removing stains, spots, rust, mildew, and mold. It is ideal for people who have months or even years worth of limescale and rust build up. If you have hard water, this may be the option for you.
The product’s results are pretty amazing. Many people say it is impossible to tell anything was ever there after an application. Even more surprising is that it is completely biodegradable. Reviews of consumers validate Bio clean is a miracle worker. Their before and after pictures speak for themselves. In fact, the company is so confident in their product, they offer a 100 percent refund if you do not get exceptional results.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
The Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner Gallon
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Features
Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner comes in a large 128 oz bottle. It works wonderfully at dissolving grime and build up. It is a versatile cleaner that can be used on outdoor furniture, in bathrooms, sinks, and on glass. The formula is completely free of bleach, acid, and harsh chemicals. Best of all, there is no need to scrub. After application, simply wipe with a damp cloth!
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Rain-X 630035 Shower Door Cleaner
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Features
Soap scum on glass shower walls and doors is a common problem. Rain-X is specially designed to clean soap scum off of glass surfaces. Although the product is very effective, it cannot be used to clean your entire bathroom. That said, if you have a major issue with lime, mold, hard water stains, or soap scum build-up on glass, this cleaner will be your saving grace. Customers swear by it, and many say it made their glass crystal clear when nothing else would.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Bath
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Features
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is well known for delivering great results. Their bathroom pads are larger than standard and have the fresh smell of Febreze. Unlike their smaller counterparts, the bath pads have a foaming cleaning agent activated with water. They work best on fiberglass tubs and showers, but they are useful on all surfaces both inside and outside of the bathroom.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Bring It On Cleaner Hard Water Stain Remover
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Features
Bring It On is designed specifically to tackle hard water stains. The key ingredient in this cleaner’s formula is non-toxic, oxygen bleach. It is safe to use on most surfaces including tile, stone, and metal. The cleaner also has a somewhat pleasant minty smell. Customer reviews boast that a little of this cleaner goes a long way and that the results are impressive.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Kaboom Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner
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Features
Kaboom is known for its use of OxiClean to cut through grime, scum, and stains. It can be used in the bath and shower as well as on tile, grout, and sinks. It is worth noting some customers complain about the strong and unpleasant smell of this cleaner. That said, it is very effective, so it makes our list of best soap scum remover products.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Arm And Hammer Free Soap Scum Remover
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Features
Arm And Hammer Free lives up to its name. The formula is designed to eliminate the need for scrubbing. Similarly to Kaboom, this cleaner uses OxiClean to cut through stubborn soap scum. Unlike Kaboom, Arm and Hammer has a lemon-scented formula that leaves your bathroom smelling fresh. Just spray and rinse this non-abrasive cleaner for superior results.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Tilex Shower Spray – 32 oz
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Features
Tilex spray is the one product on our list that actually helps prevent soap scum. You can use it after every shower or bath. Simply spray and walk away. The protective barrier it forms helps to keep soap scum and mildew from taking hold. It has a much lighter and more pleasant smell than some of the other options on our list. It also has excellent user reviews.
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
The Verdict
Image by midascode via Pixabay
Overall, if we had to recommend one cleaner to take the top spot, it would be Bio Clean. The formula is powerful enough for professional use but gentle on the environment. It has some of the highest consumer reviews, and the before and after pictures are astonishing.
It is also one of the cleaners with a less potent smell whilst still tackling even hard water stains and scum. Best of all, the company backs it with a 100 percent money-back guarantee to make sure it works great for you. No doubt it is the jewel of our best soap scum remover picks.
Featured Image: Image by Free-Photos via Pixabay.
