Soap scum or lime scale is actually formed from insoluble calcium and magnesium salts and other minerals in tap water that combine with soap and dirt to create a layer of scaly buildup over the surfaces in our bathrooms. Those people with mineral filled hard water are much more likely to have soap scum buildup. Soap scum can be difficult to remove if it's left for too long, because it continues to build up each time the area around it is used. Of course, this makes for a very difficult mess to clean up and one that is dangerous for your family’s health. Soap scum that is left to build can sometimes combine with mold or mildew and have other discoloration’s and odors.

Tips For Cleaning

• You should take the time to wipe down the scum off of your tub or your shower after you get out of it. You should make sure to wipe down the sides and the bottom. This will make for the easiest method of cleaning up soap scum.
• You can apply a layer of furniture wax or polish to the walls of the shower and tub to help keep the soap scum from sticking to it. You should only do this once you have the entire thing cleaned first. Do not wax shower floor, because it will be slippery and dangerous.
• Mix one part ammonia with two parts water. Spray this solution onto the location and then wipe clean. You may need to rinse down the area thoroughly afterwards.
• Warm up about two cups of vinegar slightly in your microwave. Pour it into a spray bottle. Spray directly onto the soap scum and allow it to work for a minute or so. You can usually wipe it clean within minutes.
• Use a dryer sheet. You can rub these sheets right onto the walls and they will help to remove the scum.
• If you chose to go with a commercial product for cleaning the soap scum from your bathroom walls, you’ll want to make sure that you read the directions. Follow them as described for the best results. Using too much or too little will not allow for the best results.
• Its important to invest some time in keeping your shower and tub clean from soap scum. This is due in part to the fact of what is actually in that grime that is on your walls. For starters, it has soap in it. Yet, it has more including your body oils and bacteria as well. If you allow this to sit on your walls for too long, it will help to encourage the growth of mildew and mold.
• Wiping down tile shower enclosure walls with lemon oil also retards the formation of soap scum.
• Wiping after each use with chamois, squeegee or microfiber cloths tends to minimize soap scum and mineral deposits.
• Switching to liquid shower gel from bar soap will eliminate the talc in soap that tends to collect, along with body oils, on mineral deposits left behind when water dries on shower walls.