Scrubbing Shower Pans: Removing Stubborn Dirt And Grime

Soap scum is a gross, filmy layer that coats your shower and tub. It is caused by the fatty acids, talc, and other ingredients in bar soap reacting with the minerals in hard water. Soap scum also contains body oil, dirt, bits of dead skin, and bacteria. To get rid of soap scum, there are various methods and products you can use. This includes both ready-made formulas and homemade soap scum remover recipes.

Baking soda and vinegar

Step 1: Gather Supplies and Prepare the Area

Clear the shower area by removing personal items. This provides a clutter-free space and ensures a smoother cleaning process. It also helps you reach all the nooks and crannies effectively.

Step 2: Remove Loose Debris and Hair

Use a handheld broom or vacuum to sweep away loose dirt and hair that might clog drains or make cleaning harder. This step clears the way for a more thorough and effective cleaning process.

Step 3: Make a Cleaning Solution

For a mild cleaning solution, mix baking soda and water. If you have a significant buildup of soap scum, add some vinegar to increase the cleaning power. Apply the solution evenly across the surface and let it sit for a few minutes to break down grime and stains.

Step 4: Scrub and Agitate the Scum Buildup

With a scrub brush or sponge, vigorously scrub the soapy buildup on your shower floor. Use circular motions to agitate the dirt and grime, focusing on those stubborn stain areas. This hands-on approach helps break down the buildup of soap and grime and loosens tough stains.

Step 5: Focus on Grout and Tile Joints

After applying your cleaning solution, let it sit for a few minutes, then use a grout brush or an old toothbrush to scrub along and between the grout lines and tiles. This targeted cleaning method helps revive the look of your grout and creates a fresh and neat appearance.

Step 6: Rinse and Wipe Down the Shower

After scrubbing, thoroughly rinse the shower floor and walls with clean water. Then, use a clean cloth or squeegee to wipe down the surface. This step removes any remaining residue and leaves your shower floor looking clean and refreshed.

Step 7: Prevent Future Scum Buildup

To prevent future soap scum buildup, consider using a daily shower spray. Regularly wiping down the floor and door after each use can also help minimise scum. Adequate ventilation and the use of a squeegee can reduce moisture, creating an environment less conducive to soap scum and grime accumulation.

Vinegar and dish detergent

Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, add one tablespoon of dish detergent or liquid dish soap to the mixture. You can use any brand of dish detergent for this purpose.

Step 2: Apply the Solution

Spray the solution directly onto the soap scum in your shower. Make sure to cover all the affected areas. Let the solution sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Scrub the Area

After the solution has had time to work, use a soft-bristle scrub brush to scrub the area gently. This will help remove the soap scum without damaging the surface. Rinse the area with hot water to wash away the loosened scum and detergent.

Step 4: Dry the Surface

Use a clean towel to dry the surface thoroughly. This step is important because it helps prevent the formation of new soap scum. Soap scum thrives in moist environments, so keeping your shower dry can help reduce its buildup.

Additional Tips:

• For tougher stains, you can adjust the ratio and use equal parts vinegar and dish detergent without diluting it with water.
• You can also add some baking soda to the mixture to create a paste. Apply this paste to the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing. Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive and can help lift stubborn stains.
• To prevent soap scum from building up in the future, consider using liquid soap instead of bar soap. Bar soap contains fatty acids and talc, which contribute to the formation of soap scum.
• Regular cleaning is key to maintaining a soap scum-free shower. Use a daily shower cleaner or a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls and floor after each use.

Pumice stone

It is important to note that pumice stones should not be used on fiberglass or acrylic surfaces, as they will scratch them. Always test the pumice stone on an inconspicuous spot first to ensure it will not damage the surface. In addition, pumice stones should always be used wet, as this makes them less likely to scratch the surface you are cleaning.

With its ability to cut through grease, grime, and hard water stains, a pumice stone is a must-have for anyone looking for a natural, non-toxic, and effective cleaning solution.

Dryer sheets

Using Dryer Sheets to Clean Shower Pans

• Start by thoroughly soaking a dryer sheet with warm water. Squeeze slightly to remove excess moisture.
• Use the wet dryer sheet as a scrubbing tool to gently buff away the stains and soap scum from your shower pan. The texture of the wet dryer sheet will help lift the grime without scratching the surface.
• Once the stains are removed, rinse the shower pan thoroughly with plain, warm water to remove any residue from the dryer sheet.
• If you are dealing with tough stains or burnt-on food, you can try soaking the dryer sheet in the pan overnight before scrubbing and rinsing.
• For burnt-on food or grease, you can also add a few drops of liquid dish soap to the pan along with the dryer sheet and hot water.

By using this method, you can easily remove soap scum and grime from your shower pan, leaving it clean and smooth.

Commercial cleaners

Choosing the Right Commercial Cleaner

Select a commercial cleaner that is specifically designed for removing soap scum from showers. Look for products that are suitable for the material of your shower pan, such as Scrubbing Bubbles Mega Shower Foamer, which is recommended for tile and bathtubs. If you have a fiberglass shower, choose a commercial cleaner made specifically for fiberglass enclosures. Natural stone surfaces require a natural stone cleaner rather than a typical commercial soap scum remover, which can be too abrasive.

Using the Commercial Cleaner

Follow the instructions on the product label for the best results. Typically, you will need to spray or apply the product onto the affected surfaces, wait a few minutes for it to penetrate the soap scum, and then wipe or scrub the area with a sponge, scrub brush, or cloth. Rinse the surfaces with clean water and dry them with a clean towel to prevent water spots and promote a sparkling finish.

Combining with Other Methods

For particularly tough soap scum buildup, you can combine commercial cleaners with other methods. For example, you can use a commercial cleaner in conjunction with a physical scrubber like Mr. Clean's Magic Eraser for added scrubbing power. Just be sure to never mix different commercial cleaners together, as this can produce dangerous fumes.

Regular Cleaning and Prevention

To make your life easier, focus on regular cleaning to prevent soap scum buildup. Use a daily shower cleaner or a homemade solution of vinegar and dish soap to wipe down high-use surfaces. Keep your shower dry by squeegeeing and towel-drying it after each use, as moisture attracts soap scum buildup.

Frequently asked questions