Shower Curtain: How to Remove Soap Scum

Soap scum, along with mold and mildew, can render a shower curtain revolting in no time. If you have a shower curtain rather than a door, you will probably have to deal with this problem sooner or later. Once you learn the causes of soap scum, you can then learn how cleaning solutions and finally how to prevent soap scum buildup i the first place. These techniques work equally well on both plastic and vinyl curtains.

Causes of Soap Scum

Soap scum is caused by one or more of the following conditions: hard water, bar soap, bar soap that is 25 percent or more moisturizing cream, and ineffective rinsing of the shower area after use.

Step 1: Hard Water and What to Do About It

Hard water can be spotted by looking for mineral deposits around taps and faucets, and buildup of mineral scale in kettles and pots used to boil water. Water softening is no longer recommended as it harms pipes of all kinds, and increases the sodium content of municipal water supplies. Instead, find a cleaner that removes calcium, lime and rust  and use it to wipe down the tub, taps and shower curtain once a month. Twice a year, clean the shower head with this product.

Step 2: Use Proven Cleaning Products and Techniques

Mix a mild solution of ammonia and water in a spray bottle and spray the tub wall and the shower curtain daily after showers. Leave the bathroom fan on while cleaning with ammonia. Clean the outside face of the curtain, too, from the hem up about 12 to 15 inches, where it sticks to the tub wall.  Rinse with the shower sprayer or a fresh damp cloth. Scrub the shower curtain and tub twice a week with a stain eraser. These are excellent for any dirty substance that is stuck on or fused by heat to tiles and curtains. Baking soda, used twice a week to scrub the tub and curtain is an environmentally friendly cleaner. Wash the shower curtain once a month in a solution of hot water, laundry detergent and bleach. Also recommended for shower curtains is to add ½ cup of vinegar to the laundry detergent. Hang up the shower curtain to dry. CAUTION:  Add detergent and bleach to the washing machine first, then run water before putting in the shower curtain, to avoid white spots from bleach splashes.  

Step 3: Reduce Soap Scum Formation

Instead of bar soap, use a liquid soap or body wash, which rinse away thoroughly. Use a washcloth or shower puff with bar and liquid soaps to save soap and keep the shower area cleaner. Avoid using heavy cream soaps, which adhere firmly to everything in the shower, and will eventually block the shower drain. Convert your fixed shower head to a handheld spray nozzle to rinse the shower area more effectively. Pour furniture-quality lemon oil onto a sponge or cloth and wipe the shower curtain, shower tiles and tub walls once a week, or as an alternative, rub car wax onto your plastic or vinyl shower curtain every few months. Reapply the lemon oil or wax when water no longer beads up.