Soap scum is that icky grey stuff which forms on tubs and tiles after you’ve showered. It is a combination of body oils, hard water and oils from soap and shampoos. This slurry sits in your tub and shower, dries, and sticks to any surface. Purchasing tub and tile cleaner can be around $5-$6 and to boot, typically these have very strong and unsavoury smells. This version costs just cents to make and I find it works just as well, if not better, than traditional soap scum products. To bust it up, use this quick and powerful combo which costs pennies to make. Scent with essential oils for added anti-mildew properties and a nicer cleaning experience. The ingredients are safe, but are strong – so be sure to air out the bathroom while you clean!
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup dish soap
- 10 drops of essential oils, tea tree would be great here (optional)
Mix in a spray bottle, shake well and spray on affected areas. Let this sit for a few moments, and then scrub well with a sponge. Rinse well and buff surfaces dry. Do not use this on natural stone such as marble or granite, vinegar doesn’t react well with those surfaces and may cause harm.
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This solution is one of my favorites from Clean My Space. I use it all over my bathroom from soap scum in and around the bathroom sink, to my shower tiles and floor. I will say the odor of the white vinegar is very strong, even with the EO so bare that in mind. Between this recipe and her tile cleaner, I would say this one hands down works the best.
This is AMAZING soap scum killer! I’m not sure if my spray bottle was dying or if it was the mixture, but I ended up just pouring a little at a time into a microfiber cleaning cloth and that worked like a charm. I’m really astounded how well it works. Thanks Melissa!
I’m completely obsessed with spray bottles now and I blame you! 😉
Why do so many of these cleaners call for essential oils? Is it just for the smell? Do they work as well without the oil? Seems to me they would make the things you are cleaning oily instead of clean.
That was my reaction before but I think The dish soap will counter the oiliness from the oil
Quality essential oils don’t actually leave an oily residue like other fatty oils like coconut oil or olive oil. Plus, several have surface cleansing, disinfectant, and anti-bacterial properties that boost the efficacy of homemade cleaners.
Will this be safe to use on my “Bath Fitter” acrylic tub and shower?
Melissa, do you ever have issues with the tea tree eating through your spray bottle? I just experienced this with my homemade mold treatment–did I just use too much?
TIA
~Ali
Some essential oils actually eat away at plastics (specifically citrus essential oils). Use a glass container and don’t use those EO on any kind of surface with sealer.
Yes, many essential oils have caustic properties which is why it is usually suggested that you use glass containers for homemade cleaners