How to Remove Soap Scum from Tile and Shower Walls

Soap scum is a chalky film made from soap, body oils and hard water minerals. It dulls tile and makes showers look dirty even right after cleaning. Here's how to dissolve it.

What You'll Need

• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Baking soda
• A spray bottle
• A non-scratch sponge
• A squeegee

Step 1: Make a Warm Vinegar Spray

Heat 1 cup of white vinegar until warm, then pour it into a spray bottle with 1 cup of dish soap. Shake gently.

Step 2: Spray and Wait

Spray the tile walls and let the solution sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Don't let it dry completely. Spray again if needed.

Step 3: Scrub

Scrub the tile with a non-scratch sponge. For thick buildup, dip the sponge in baking soda first.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Rinse the walls with warm water and dry with a squeegee or towel.

Natural Stone Showers

Don't use vinegar on marble, travertine or other natural stone. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner and a soft cloth instead.

Prevention

• Squeegee after every shower.
• Switch from bar soap to body wash, which leaves less residue.
• Use a daily shower spray.
• Run the bathroom fan.

FAQ

Can I use a magic eraser on tile? Yes, on ceramic and porcelain tile. Test first on glossy finishes.

Why does soap scum return so quickly? Hard water and bar soap speed it up. Daily squeegeeing makes the biggest difference.