Buyer’s Guide
Best Soap Scum Removers of 2022
Soap Scum Removers, Types, Tips, Advantages, Applications, and Many More…
Have you ever walked into a bathroom and felt like it looked like the inside of a science lab? If so, then you’ve probably noticed soap scum. This can be caused by many things, such as hard water or even too much air in your shower. As one of the most common issues with bathrooms.
Soap scum removers are a necessity for those of us who can’t stand the sight of it on our shower walls. They are used for removing soap scum from shower walls, sinks, and other bathroom fixtures. There are several types of products that can be purchased in the market today to remove soap scum. Their purpose is to soften hard water residue and suspend it so that it may be rinsed away easily. Read this blog post from start to finish and find out all of the insider secrets about getting rid of soap scum once and for all and also Check out these 9 best soap scum removers!
If You are in a hurry, Checkout these three best quality products
- Best Overall– Rejuvenate Soap Scum Remover
- Runner’s Up– Bucko Soap Scum Cleaner
- Best Budget- Drano Max Scum Cleaner
Quick List
9 Best Soap Scum Remover Recommended
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Definition
What are Soap Scum Removers
Soap Scum is a type of mineral deposit, usually made from calcium carbonate that accumulates on surfaces. Though it can be easily removed with ordinary soap and scouring powder, this process leaves behind a thin film of grease and oil. The best way to get rid of the Soap Scum permanently is by using special cleaners called “soap scums removers.”
Soap scum removers clean up tough stains effortlessly without having to scrub hard using abrasive cleaning products like steel wool pads or brushes, thus saving time and effort. It also works great for removing scale buildup on faucets, showerheads, and bathtubs while some are specially formulated for marble sink tops. Another advantage of using this kind of cleaner is fact that it does not leave stains even on light-colored tiles. It also dries quickly, making the tile floor ready for use in just a few minutes. It also makes your bathroom look clean and organized.
Types
Types of Soap Scum Removers
1. Liquid
A liquid soap scum remover is usually made of a mixture of surfactants which can effectively remove scum from clothing. The liquid, however, cannot often penetrate through thick layers of dirt/scum as well as the paste-type soap scum removers. A good example of this type of product would be Dryel. An advantage to using this form is that it can easily reach places that a paste-type soap scum remover may not be able to, such as zippers or collars on clothes.
2. Spray
As the name implies, these types are sprayed onto soiled areas and then removed with a sponge or cloth after some time has passed (usually around 20 minutes). Some products of this type contain bleach. There is some controversy over the use of these types, and many people are worried about the effects that any chemicals could have on clothes or skin.
3. Paste
These types of soap scum removers are made from one main ingredient: soap! Most often this is done with a detergent or other chemical added to make it work more efficiently. This type usually works by using an alkaline washing solution which breaks up dirt/scum depending on its pH level (it is important for the solution to be slightly acidic in order to actually break down scum).
The downside to this product though is that sometimes it can take a lot of time and effort but there might not be enough results once all the work is done. However, the biggest advantage to using this product is that soaps are often a lot less harsh for our skin than other types of products (which may or may not contain chemicals).
Detailed Product Review
Detailed Product Review For The Best Soap Scum Remover
Bucko Soap Scum and Grime Cleaner
Bucko Soap Scum cleaners is a powerful, yet gentle cleanser that will remove the toughest stains from your shower, tub, tile, and grout. It is safe for use on glass and mirrors too! Bucko’s unique formula contains no harsh chemicals or fumes that could harm you or your family. In fact, it’s so safe to use around children that it can be used as an effective household cleaner too! The best part? No scrubbing is required. Just spray on Bucko and watch those stubborn soap scum stains disappears. This is the best vinegar soap scum cleaner.
ForceField Soap Scum Remover for Tile
ForceField Soap Scum Remover for Tile
ForceField Scum Remover is a professional-grade, industrial-strength scum remover that will clean your tile and grout faster than you can imagine. It is one of the best shower cleaners for soap all-purpose formula is designed for use on all surfaces and will give you the results you need to get your home looking new again. ForceField Scum Remover has been used by professionals for years to clean up after construction projects, as well as remove difficult soap scum from showers and tubs. Now it’s available at an affordable price so anyone can buy it.
StoneTech Soap Scum Remover for Natural Stone
StoneTech Soap Scum Remover for Natural Stone
$15.99 in stock
StoneTech Soap Scum Remover for Natural Stone is a revolutionary product that effectively removes soap scum, hard water stains, and dirt from natural stone surfaces without scratching. This is the first and only cleaning product on the market specifically designed to clean any sealed natural stone surface. It cleans and shines with ease leaving a fresh, clean scent behind. You will be amazed at how easily this powerful cleaner works to remove stubborn soap scum, hard water stains, and dirt from your natural stone surfaces. Recommended surfaces include marble, granite, limestone, travertine slate ceramic. This is one of the best cleaners for soap scum.
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover Shower for Glass and Door
Rejuvenate Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover Shower for Glass and Door
Rejuvenate Scrub-Free Soap Scum Remover Shower for Glass and Door is a non-toxic cleaner that does not contain any abrasive or harmful chemicals. It can be used on glass, ceramic tile, chrome, plastic, fiberglass shower doors, and other surfaces in your home. Rejuvenate has been formulated to easily remove soap scum without the need of using a scrubbing brush or sponge. Just spray on the surface you wish to clean and wipe it off with a soft cloth.
ForceField ScumBlaster Tub and Tile Cleaner
ForceField ScumBlaster Tub and Tile Cleaner
ForceField Tub & Tile Cleaner is a revolutionary, non-corrosive formulation that contains no bleach or acids. It deep cleans grout and removes soap scum from tile and fixtures without dulling the finish. Tub & Tile Cleaner contains an oxygenating agent that converts water into a powerful cleaning solution that won’t scratch surfaces but will leave them squeaky clean and shiny. The oxygenating agent also helps eliminate mold, mildew, bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms from your tubs and showers.
Mold Boss Professional Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Mold Boss Professional Mold and Mildew Stain Remover
Mold Boss Professional Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is a powerful, professional-strength formula that removes mold and mildew stains from most surfaces. It’s ideal for use on drywall, ceiling tiles, wood siding, concrete, brick, grout lines, and more. The easy-to-use spray bottle makes it simple to apply and its unique formula penetrates deep into the pores of porous materials to kill mold spores at their source. Use it on bathroom walls or kitchen floors to remove black mold stains caused by excess moisture.
Drano Max Gel Soap Scum Remover and Cleaner for Shower
Drano Max Gel Soap Scum Remover and Cleaner for Shower
$8.57 in stock
Mold Boss Professional Mold and Mildew Stain Remover is the only product that cuts through standing water to dissolve even the toughest clogs. Cuts through standing water straight to the clog with a thick formula that won’t run off or drip down the drain. The only product formulated to remove and clean clogs in all bathtubs, showers, and sinks without harming metal pipes, PVC, or garbage disposals.
Goo Gone Grout Soap Scum Remover for tile.
Goo Gone Grout Soap Scum Remover for tile.
Goo Gone Grout Soap Scum Remover is a highly effective tile and grout cleaner that breaks down the toughest grout stains caused by mold, mildew, soap scum, and hard water. This powerful formula removes dirt build-up and stubborn stains from your floor tiles, countertops, shower stalls, and more. Goo Gone Grout Soap Scum Remover is safe for use on all surfaces including ceramic, porcelain, natural stone, marble, and other non-grouted surfaces.
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray
$16.99 in stock
RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew Stain Remover Spray is a fast-acting spray that gets rid of tough mold and mildew stains on contact. No scrubbing is needed! RMR-86 removes unwanted odors too, so your home will smell fresh and clean. This safe-to-use product is great for use on multiple surfaces including wood, tile, grout, carpeting, fabric, and more! Get rid of stubborn mold and mildew stains without the need for scrubbing with RMR-86 Instant Mold and Mildew.
Why You Should Use Soap Scum Removers
Soap scum removers help you transform your bathroom into a clean and hygienic area just like new. They are 100 percent non-toxic, completely safe for children and pets as well as eco-friendly thus offering value for money. So don’t skip on this product if you want to have a hygienic environment without having to spend too much on professionals or expensive products which offer similar results.
Clean and hygienic
The main advantage of soap scum removers is that it leaves the surface clean and hygienic. It cleans both internal and external surfaces without making them sticky or slippery thus eliminating all sorts of bacteria associated with dirt. It not only cleans but also disinfects, deodorizes, and degreases simultaneously leaving behind a fresh scent.
Non-toxic nature
The ingredients of soap scum removers are 100 percent non-toxic and thus poses no threat to the family members. They are completely safe for children as well as pets and can be used in bathrooms, kitchens, toilet areas, sinks, etc without worrying about health hazards.
Advance formula
The advanced formula of soap scum removers helps remove tough stains from various surfaces such as bathroom tiles, glass shower enclosures even those stainless steel fixtures which deal with a lot of moisture daily. This not only makes skin soft but also removes unpleasant odors from drain clogs thus preventing bacteria from spreading among people.
Thorough cleaning action
Soap scum removers act at multiple levels simultaneously eliminating all dirt particles present on the surface making it look clean and shiny. It cleans grime, grease, the buildup of cleaner dirt present on bathroom walls leaving them clean and shiny without any traces of soap scum or cleaning agent used previously. Thus it not only saves time but also gives long-lasting protection against soap scum as well as mildew.
It’s cheaper
The advantages of soap scum removers make them more cost-effective than other means which are both expensive and time-consuming. Soap scum removers offer value for money since they leave behind a hygienic surface with a fresh scent making the bathroom floor tiles shine like never before at a very affordable price rather than getting professional cleaners every now and then. Therefore you need to opt for soap scum removers even if you are on a tight budget as they will help reduce additional expenses.
Applications of Soap Scum Removers
1.Sprays
Soap scum removers are best used as sprays. If the surface to be cleaned is hard and nonporous, use a spray specifically made for soap scum removal. This type of cleaner will penetrate cracks and crevices that brushes or cloths cannot reach, making it easier to remove soap scum without damaging surfaces. Additional features include no mixing required and easy storage.
2.Creams and concentrates
For surfaces that need more cleaning than just plain soap scum removal, such as walls or woodwork, a cream or concentrate soap scrub would do the trick without leaving harmful residues behind like soapy water might leave behind when improperly removed from porous surfaces. You may buy concentrated soap scum remover or make your own.
3.Cleaning pads
Soap scum removal from glass windows can be done simply with a cleaning pad, preferably one specifically made for this purpose. These types of pads are normally used in conjunction with soapy water and will remove soap scum more effectively than any other method. The secret lies in the abrasive material on the back of the pad which allows you to scrub away at the residue until there is no more left behind. Just rinse, dry, and polish as necessary to get that sparkling clean shine everyone wants!
How to Prevent Soap Scum
- Dry out your shower and tub
While a short shower can leave you feeling clean, it may also be leaving you with soap scum. The longer the water is in contact with your soap and body, the bigger chance there is for bacteria and mold to grow. To prevent soap scum from building up in your bathtub-take shorter showers so the water will run over the insides of the tub every time you take a shower. Also, never overwater plants in your bathroom and keep doors closed when possible to prevent moisture buildup inside and outside the tub.
- Soften your water
Water hardness is another factor that contributes to soap scum buildup. Hard water contains lots of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium that can be easily dissolved by soap. Hard water causes the soap to form tiny beads or clumps on the shower walls and in the crevices of a bathtub pipe, which are more difficult to wash away with every use.
2. Use as much liquid soap as possible
If you’ve already noticed some stubborn remnants of soap scum in your bathtub, however small they may be, it’s probably time for you to invest in some good old-fashioned bar cleaner (not detergent) like dishwashing liquid or pure castile soap bars. These products are made for cleaning without all the fillers and additives that many liquid soaps contain, which only makes things worse when it comes to removing soap scum from your bathtub.
This type of product will stay on the surface longer (instead of washing off with water), allowing you to scrub away a little bit at a time until your tub is completely clean. It’s also important to note that if you use towels more than once, switch back to one-use paper towels instead since they don’t pick up as much dirt and grime and therefore won’t inadvertently add extra buildup in your tub either.
Soap Scum Removing Tips
The hardest thing about soap scum removal is the preparation before starting to remove it. If you just spray and wipe, the cleaning will not be as effective and you will need more elbow grease to do a thorough job. It is important to follow these steps on all surfaces:
Do not clean for at least one day after installing new tiles or grouting. Wait for 3 days after bleaching woodwork or floors. Move all furniture away from walls so that they can dry completely. Do any glazing by a professional glazier only. Sand down floor areas if there are ridges left by trowels etc., making sure sanding dust is properly vacuumed up, using a good commercial vacuum cleaner to do this, then wipe the floor down with a damp cloth.
Wash all surfaces with a sponge and hot water mixed up with washing powder or soap flakes using a scrubbing brush. Allow surfaces to dry before proceeding further. If you have any stubborn areas, use bleach on them. Rinse well if using bleach. Now flush out the whole room again with fresh clean water from the hose pipe or by bucketfuls as necessary. Wipe it dry, or leave it wet if you can’t be bothered at that stage! Now spray your chosen product onto all tiles etc., leaving it for 2-3 minutes until lightly soaked into the grout (or longer for harder products).
Make sure grout is not too wet though. Carefully wipe the product off with a clean sponge or cloth, using firm strokes only in one direction to leave the tiles and grouting just damp. Do not scrub as this will cause scratching which may be difficult to remove later! At this stage, all surfaces should have a haze of cleaning residue on them. If necessary use another sponge etc., dipped in clean water, and again wiping gently in one direction only, to remove this film of residue from your surfaces leaving them still damp but clear of any major soap scum residues now.
If you are unsure if the remaining products need more brushing or not then test it on an area that is hidden by furniture until you are familiar with how long most products take to dry.
We recommend that a second cleaning be carried out after 48 hours to make absolutely sure that the soap scum is all gone, and also to remove any remaining residues (see below). This cannot be done if you are using a product such as Hot water Extraction or PVA Foam Cleaners.
These drying products leave residues that can only be removed by rubbing which will damage the tiles/grout over time,(extreme example, it may even soften them!) so in this case, it is best NOT to do a second clean after two days. It is far better to use an area rug or plastic sheeting for several days than risk damaging your tiled floors unnecessarily. There is nothing more depressing than spending months removing soap scum from your floor only to ruin it again just when you thought it was clean!
Exceptions to this rule are the PVA Foam Cleaners and Hot Water Extraction Systems ( also known as steam cleaners ) These systems can be used repeatedly without damaging your tiles, unlike sponge mops and other cleaning cloths. No follow-up cleans are therefore necessary if you use one of these systems. It is important to keep some washing powder or soap flakes available for that all-important second clean after 48 hours though!
Never wash with a garden hose or jet under pressure!! I have seen far too many tiled surfaces ruined by using this method, not only do they get battered but there are serious health risks associated with doing so; most bathroom floors are made of a porous material that will soak up any water lying on them and this makes them crack over time, with the risk of deterioration through water damage happening more quickly.
Buyer’s Guidelines
Buyer’s Guidelines to Buy The Best Soap Scum Removers
- Surface
What is the surface you need to clean? Granite, ceramic tile, stainless steel, concrete, and glass are the primary surfaces that require cleaning agents for soap scum removal. For other hard non-porous surfaces such as brass, copper and plastics use a more abrasive cleaner because these materials can handle it. Glass is soft and scratches easily using most all cleaning methods but can be cleaned in certain ways without scratching to look like new again with the proper care products purchased from your local hardware store or online retailer.
2. Type
Is the soap scum visible on only one spot or is it covering the surface from wall to wall? If it is only on one spot you just have to clean that area thoroughly, if the soap scum is all over your walls & ceiling and maybe even on floors then a more aggressive cleaner must be used. A cleaner suitable for mildew removal would work well for this purpose but won’t do much good if there’s a big layer of built-up soap scum all over everything.
An excellent way to start cleaning your shower/tub or other hard non-porous surfaces in dirty areas where soap scum usually builds up and becomes visible after every few showers or baths, spray DOWN with water first using any kind of spray bottle like Windex or something similar then use Zep brand bathroom cleaner. This is a good way to avoid using elbow grease and slaving away once you get going with cleaning. Spray DOWN first then LET IT SIT for about 10-15 mins before wiping it all off.
3. Severity:
How severe is the soap scum build-up (how long has it been there & how bad is it)? If you just noticed soap scum in your shower and nothing is built up too badly, you can use any kind of soap scum remover that will not harm your surface like Tilex brand cleaner [even though this product states to be used in toilets only], if the problem area is extremely bad I would recommend Zep brand cleaners or a bleach solution since they are very strong cleaners designed for much more than just cleaning mildew.
4. Preference:
If you have a lot of money to spend on something to clean soap scum build-up, Tilex brand cleaner is great because it (even though it’s designed for toilets) works well in the shower as well and will not damage anything except what you’re trying to remove. If you don’t want to spend too much money, use Zep brand cleaners since they work very well without hurting your surfaces if used properly [except if you spill any on your tile or granite flooring].
5. Budget:
Some people who have soap scum problems with their showers might think that spending some extra money on Tilex or Zep brand cleaners would be easier than working on removing the soap scum which can be quite messy. In my opinion, if you just have a little bit it’s easier to buy some elbow grease and a sponge than go at it in 15 minutes or less,
With some of these advanced cleaners that make the job much quicker, there is always an involved process that requires proper ventilation [if using bleach], cleanup & drying time while waiting for surfaces to dry before walking on them. Always read the label on any cleaner you use because many of the state not to have residue left over after cleaning.
6. Toxicity:
Are you looking for something that is safe around children, your pets, or maybe even yourself? Zep brand cleaners are excellent choices since they are non-toxic [except if used incorrectly] & contain natural mineral-based ingredients which makes them perfect for home and kitchen areas where food is prepared as well as bathrooms in general. Tilex brand products contain sodium hypochlorite (bleach) so I would avoid it unless you like breathing in bleach fumes while trying to clean a hard surface!
7. Strength of Cleaning:
Some people who can’t live with soap scum build-up might feel the need to buy a cleaner that is extra strong and might even contain bleach. If you’re in this category, I would recommend Zep brand cleaners because they are very powerful yet still safe enough for others to be around [if used strategically].
When it comes down to it if soap scum is really built up from being there too long & you want something that will eat through the debris/soap scum in seconds, use a bleach solution at least once and maybe every other time after that. Bleach usually weakens over time but not as much as water alone since soap scum eventually builds back up over everything no matter what. It’s up to YOU!
8. Health:
Will using a certain product hurt or harm anyone if used in the shower? If you’re using this product in a public place such as a shower or maybe even a sink where others go to wash their hands, I would steer clear of bleach. Bleach fumes are very strong and can cause eye problems if not properly protected from them.
9. Eco-Friendly:
You might consider buying soap scum cleaners that do not contribute to harming the environment no matter how effective they are at removing soap scum buildup. Zep brand cleaners have natural ingredients that will not harm your surfaces and will actually clean & care for your tile, grout, wood, vanities & glass surfaces.
When using Tilex brand cleaner any residue leftover on floors can accumulate dirt easier because it is so harsh & will stain it over time. It’s also not a good idea to leave anything that contains bleach around pets or children since it is harmful to their eyes as well and they might get into the bottle or container if you leave the cap off longer than necessary.
10. Formulation:
Some people who are looking for soap scum cleaners don’t really care what goes into making them or where they’re made but just want something that works very well without much effort on their part. Many brands out there state clearly on their labels what’s inside of them which makes choosing a brand easier even though you may not know how well it will work until trying it yourself.
11. Scent:
Do you like fresh-smelling soaps or just want something that has a good clean scent to it? Some products have a stronger odor than others and this can be attributed to preservatives used but also the company’s choice of fragrance added into their formula as well. Most people really don’t care what a soap scum remover smells like as long as it works and doesn’t smell very strong. If you’re sensitive to fragrances, I would steer clear from anything containing bleach because it is pretty potent & some people might even have allergic reactions to this type of cleaner. Only YOU can know if a cleaner’s fragrance is pleasant or a deal-breaker.
12. Less Scrubbing:
Will it take less time to clean a surface with this product? Some soap scum removers require wet scrubbing while others can be sprayed on the wall but are designed to work dry without any scrubbing at all! (Hopefully, this will save you time and effort!) Please read my Tilex Soap Scum Removal Review here which shows how long it took me to spray each different type of cleaner on the same grout sample, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then wet scrub using a toothbrush. I wasn’t necessarily testing how long it would take me to remove soap scum but just wanted some basic data on how long each cleaner would take if needed.
Frequently asked Questions
Questions Asked About Soap Scum Remover
What are soap scum removers?
It’s the new term for what was once called a hard water stain remover, which is now commonly referred to as an enzyme cleaner. The two main ingredients in most soap scum removers that are used to dissolve hard water scale deposits are lactic and acetic acids (found naturally in fruits).
Where can I buy a soap scum remover?
Look under bathroom cleaners at your local home improvement stores or janitorial supply outlets. Some household detergent brands like Ajax also make versions of these cleaners too, so look there too if the store brand doesn’t have much of a selection.
Are there soft water soap scum removers?
Yes, there are. Soap scum removal is not dependent on hard water, so if you have a mixture that is somewhere in between the two, then this cleaner will still work for you.
How much soap scum remover should I use to clean my shower or tub?
If your surfaces are only slightly tarnished from mineral buildup, then just fill up a sprayer bottle with clean water and add about half of the recommended amount to it. Spray directly on top of the stained areas and let soak in for about 10-15 minutes before rinsing off with clean water. A little elbow grease may be required as well. If the soap scum cleaner is too strong and dries out before you’re done, just add more water to the mixture.
Why do I need to let it soak in for 10-15 minutes?
Those hard water stains have developed on your fiberglass surfaces over time, so you’ll need some time to get them off. The good thing about a soap scum remover is that you’ll be able to get it completely off without much scrubbing at all. Just remember not to let it dry first, or else the additional elbow grease required will make the job take even longer.
How can I remove soap scum remover stains from my fiberglass surfaces?
For a quick clean-up, you may be able to just wipe them off with a wet cloth after scrubbing the rest of the surface down with a brush first. If it’s dried in already, then you’ll need to scrub it out harder, but still, use caution as these cleaners are mildly acidic and will damage most surfaces over time if left untreated. Only spray directly onto the stained areas for cleaning purposes (these cleaners will destroy grout) so that your fibers aren’t being damaged by an excess of moisture either.
Can I use liquid laundry detergent instead?
You can try that if you want, but the results will likely be the same minus the hard water scale dissolving benefits; leaving behind an extra residue and buildup that wasn’t there before.
How do soap scum removers work better than other cleaners?
The main purpose of using a soap scum remover is not to clean away dirt particles from the fiberglass surface (although that can happen with regular use), but rather to dissolve any existing deposits of hard water scale. This will then allow the fibers to have a chance at trapping the dirt particles on their surface and not let them cake up in layers down the road. The cleaning properties are generally only needed when there is excessive build-up left behind, or if one goes weeks between scrubbings which can happen during periods of heavy use like winter vacation time for instance.
Final Call
Soap scum removers are the best way to get rid of soap scum. With this list, you should have no problem finding a product that will do the job for your purposes and budget. If you need help selecting one above all others, our top pick is because they offer an amazing application process as well as unbeatable cleaning power at an affordable price.
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