How to Clean Soap Scum from Tile and Grout

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Soap Scum! It’s a pain in the neck to every homeowner who puts a lot of elbow grease to remove it. You tried out a scrub brush with Barkeeper’s Friend, but it resulted in a patchy. So, you try out scrubbing bubbles to get rid of the grimy spot from the tile and grout lines. And your tile floor just laughed it at, right?

After researching a lot, you can find the only solution to fight against soap scum is- never allow you and your family to use soap & water in your bathroom.

Can you allow you and other members to stop using soap? Now, you mourn and throw a question- how to clean soap scum from tile and grout?

Don’t be fret! There are a lot of effective ways to fight against filthy dirt. Continue to read to discover the proper method to get rid of the stubborn soap scum.

5 Best Cleaning Techniques to Remove Soap Scum from Tile & Grout

We bet you agree with us that removing the soap residue from the surface takes a lot of elbow grease. However, we introduce you to some homemade soap scum remover that will help to sniff up the grungy filth.

01. Try Out Borax Powder

No matter how stubborn the soap scum is, applying the borax powder will eliminate the dirt evenly. In this case, you must wet your tile floor and grout lines first with water. It will help to form a paste. 

Cleaning equipment you need:

  • Water
  • Borax powder
  • A scrubbing brush

How to Apply:

As we mentioned above, wet the tile floor and grout lines with water. Then, sprinkle a fair amount of borax powder on the tile surface and grout lines. Next, use the scrubbing brush to scrub the floor to form a paste. 

Leave the borax paste for 10 minutes to sit. Afterward, scrub the tile surface again using the scrubbing brush. Finally, rinse with water.

02. Use Ammonia or Ammonia-Based Cleaner

ammonia

Ammonia is also an effective cleaner you can use to clean the years of soap scum stain. However, it would be best to take some precautions before using it as it may have a solid irritating smell. So, we recommend you wear a mask.

Cleaning equipment you need:

  • Ammonia or ammonia-based cleaner
  • Water
  • A scrubbing brush

How to Apply:

First off, apply the cleaner on the tile surface and grout. Take a scrubbing brush and scrub to make a paste. Then, let it sit by leaving it for 10 minutes.

Secondly, use the scrubbing brush again to scrub the grout lines and tile floor thoroughly. And lastly, rinse with water to wash away the remaining residue.

03. the Mixture of Blue Dawn Dish Soap and Vinegar

Blue Dawn Dish Soap and Vinegar

Applying blue dawn dish soap and vinegar will be another best trait to get the soap scum off. Mix 50-50 dish soap and vinegar into a spray bottle to make a solution. 

Cleaning equipment you need:

  • Blue Dawn Dish Soap
  • Vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • A scrub brush
  • Water

How to Apply:

At first, ensure you mix both ingredients (dish soap & vinegar) into a spray bottle properly. Then, spray the mixture and coat the affected areas with it. Leave it for half an hour to sit it. It will help to dissolve the sticky & harden soap scum. 

Next, use the scrubbing brush to scrub the spot. Afterward, rinse every spec of dirt with water.

04. Apply the Paste of Baking Soda & Hydrogen Peroxide 

If you fail to eliminate the hard soap scum from the grout lines and tile floor, applying the paste of baking soda & hydrogen peroxide will be your best friend. Blend both ingredients to make a paste. 

Cleaning equipment you need:

  • Baking soda
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • A toothbrush
  • A scrubbing brush
  • Water

How to Apply:

Use the toothbrush to apply the paste to the dark spot area. Ensure you coat grout lines with the past evenly. Then, let it sit for a few minutes. 

Now, scrub the area with a scrubbing brush and rinse with water to wash away the remaining residue.

05. Try Out A Commercial Cleaner

A targeted tile and commercial grout cleaner will always do a great job of removing the stubborn soap scum. It works the best as it is specially formulated to clean the soap scum. 

Note: Before using it on your entire tile floor, test and apply it to a small area to check whether it brings any damage or not. Of course, don’t forget to read the instruction. 

Cleaning equipment you need:

  • A liquid commercial cleaner
  • A non-abrasive sponge
  • Water

How to Apply:

Start the cleaning workflow by applying the cleaner to your tile surface and grout lines. Give it at least 5-7 minutes to sit. It will help to cut through the stubborn residue and dissolve the dirt. 

Afterward, use the non-abrasive sponge and wet it with warm water. Then, wipe the tile surface and grout lines carefully to eradicate soap scum and stain. Finally, rinse the tile floor with warm water to remove the remaining residue.

How to Prevent Soap Scum?

Prevention is better than cure. Perhaps you are familiar with this idiom. The following tips will help you to stop soap scum from building on tile and grout. 

  • Stop using bar soap as the fatty acids contained in it will cause soap scum. Instead of bar soap, start using liquid soap or shower gel.
  • After every use, make sure you dry the bathroom floor, shower, and tub by running a bathroom fan. 
  • Avoid using hard water as it helps to build soap scum. Try to use soft water or mix Epsom salts to make your hard water smooth.
  • Clean your bathroom, tile floor, and grout line regularly.
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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do Vinegar and Dawn Get Rid of Soap Scum?

Vinegar helps to remove residue and bring back the natural shine. On the other hand, dawn breaks the grime and dirt. Applying them together, you can effectively get rid of soap scum.

Does Hydrogen Peroxide Remove Soap Scum?

Yes, hydrogen peroxide can remove the soap scum. It will be worth it if you use this ingredient with baking soda or white vinegar.

Is Hydrogen Peroxide Safe for Cleaning Grout?

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural ingredient. It means it is completely safe for cleaning grout.

What Is the Best Homemade Floor Tile Grout Cleaner?

You can make a paste of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, which will be the best homemade cleaner to clean tile floor and grout.

How Do You Clean Floor Tile Grout without Scrubbing?

Another vote for baking soda & hydrogen peroxide will help you clean tile floor and grout without scrubbing.

Is Baking Soda Good for Cleaning Grout?

Baking soda is a natural ingredient like vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. So, it doesn’t bring any damage to your floor and works well to clean grout.

Conclusion

You know how painful it is to remove the soap scum from the tile floor and grout lines. But you can effectively clean the stubborn residue by applying the five cleaning techniques we mentioned.

Indeed, every cleaning method for how to clean soap scum from tile and grout is safe and effective. After applying any technique, you can successfully remove the dirt & filth from the tile surface.

Now, it’s up to you.

Have you ever tried any cleaning methods to eliminate the grimy soap scum from the tile? If yes, share the effectiveness of the cleaning techniques by leaving a comment below.

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