Here’s Why There’s Soap Scum Buildup in Your Shower—and How to Prevent It

Keep that layer of grime away so you can feel truly clean when you shower.

You take a shower to clean your body, but sometimes the shower itself doesn’t look so clean Just the name “ soap scum ” sounds rather gross—and it’s not something you want to associate with the place you go to maintain personal hygiene.

Soap scum deposits can also be found in bathtubs and on metal bathroom fixtures. So, what’s causing it, and how can you prevent soap scum buildup from occurring in the first place? We asked the experts to explain what’s happening in your shower.

Meet the Experts

• Alessandro Gazzo , cleaning expert and founder of Emily’s Maids
• Joseph Wade , VP of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
• Jeramy Sibley , president of glass repair and replacement company Glass Doctor, a Neighborly company

What Causes Soap Scum Buildup in the Shower?

Soap scum buildup can be the result of various factors. Alessandro Gazzo at Emily’s Maids points to four primary reasons:

• You’re creating too many soap suds
• You don’t rinse your shower properly after each use
• You’re not using a proper cleaning agent
• You have hard water

According to Joseph Wade, VP of operations at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, ”Soap scum in your shower forms when minerals in hard water, such as calcium and magnesium, combine with the fatty acids in soap.” He explains that this reaction causes either a white or gray film that builds up on surfaces—and warns that the longer the buildup sits, the harder it is to remove it.

However, if you only have a light-colored film, perhaps you should consider yourself lucky, because soap scum can also be more problematic. “If soap scum mixes with mold or mildew, it can lead to discoloration and unpleasant odors in your shower,” Wade warns.

How to Prevent Soap Scum Buildup

You can prevent soap scum buildup in your shower by changing up a couple of your shower habits and staying on top of your cleaning routine. Here's what the expert say will help to keep that unwanted layer of film away.

Squeegee After Showering

“Using a squeegee after a shower or wiping down the area with a sponge or cleaning pad weekly can go a long way in preventing hard water from building up—which could lead to costly repairs down the line,” says Jeramy Sibley, president of Glass Doctor.

Use Lemon Juice as a Shield

Sibley also recommends adding some lemon juice to the shower doors after cleaning them, since the acidity can help break down the buildup. “This can keep the shower doors spotless for longer, helping you get the most out of your cleaning time,” he explains.

Related: 10 All-Natural, Homemade Cleaning Solutions to Scrub Every Inch of Your Home

Switch Your Soap

Another solution for reducing soap scum build up is to switch from bar soap to liquid or gel soap. “These products typically contain fewer fatty acids that react with hard water minerals,” Wade explains.

Clean Frequently

The more frequently you clean the shower, the less soap scum will accumulate. Gazzo suggests keeping a spray bottle filled with equal parts of vinegar and water, and 3-5 drops of dish soap. After taking a shower, spray the solution all over your shower walls, he says.

Gazzo also suggests trying a limescale remover. “Spray, let sit for 30 minutes, and rinse with plenty of water,” he says.

Related: How to Keep Your Shower Clean Daily With Low Effort Tasks

Soften the Water

If you’re looking for a long-term solution that won’t require tossing your favorite bar soap or cleaning routine, Wade recommends installing a water softener system. “Water softeners eliminate the minerals in tap water that cause soap scum, making cleaning easier and protecting your plumbing,” he says.

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