The 6 Finest Cleaning soap Scum Removers of 2024
Even probably the most beautifully-designed and otherwise-tidy bogs can lose their shine when cleaning soap scum is seen. The chalky, white layer is a mixture of leftover cleaning soap and minerals from water, and it’s sometimes present in sinks, showers, and tubs.
Luckily, cleaning soap scum removers might be straightforward to use, lower by the buildup of cleaning soap and laborious water deposits, and even depart a contemporary scent behind. We have tried them out in our personal bogs, and surveyed practically 150 individuals who’ve had the misfortune of coping with cleaning soap scum in their very own lives, to search out probably the most environment friendly and efficient choices.
Sprays are typically the simplest to use and can be utilized throughout the lavatory, together with in your sink and fixtures. We additionally like bodily scrubbers, like Mr. Clear’s Magic Eraser, however these take extra effort and time to make use of. Nevertheless, they are often extra versatile—you may typically use them on every kind of stains and surfaces all through your property. In addition they do not often have fragrances added, making them choose for people who find themselves delicate to sturdy scents.
Sturdy, chemical-based cleaners are inclined to work quickest and be the simplest on any robust stains and cleaning soap scum buildup, which typically means much less scrubbing for you. The draw back is that they aren’t protected for all surfaces, they usually could require protecting gear (like rubber gloves and goggles), together with satisfactory air flow.
Our picks embrace straightforward and spectacular cleansing options designed with cleaning soap scum in thoughts, and some different favorites that aren’t particularly formulated for cleaning soap scum, however are nonetheless nice at tackling it, judging by our personal shiny sinks. A few of these could shock you (seems, pumice stones aren’t only for toes!), however we drew on our personal expertise and experience to provide the proper set of choices.
Editor’s Word: This story was revised in July 2024 with up to date shopping for issues.
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For one of the best clear on tile, showers, tubs, and glass, we suggest Scrub Free Cleaning soap Scum Remover. It’s an efficient, foaming formulation that breaks up cleaning soap scum and laborious water deposits with minimal effort, checking all of our bins for a loo cleaner.
Amongst our survey respondents, it earned a lot of reward for a way straightforward it’s to make use of and for its stellar efficiency throughout every kind of loo surfaces. The spray is fast-acting—you solely need to let it sit for a minute or two. It additionally comprises foaming OxiClean, so that you’ll see some effervescent because it cleans—which is at all times satisfying.
Simply watch out to keep away from direct contact together with your pores and skin or eyes, as this cleaner (like many) does comprise potential irritants. Carrying protecting gloves, clothes, and eyewear you may wash later is vital, in addition to following the product’s directions right down to the letter.
Finally, you should not want to clean a lot to see glowing outcomes; wipe the surplus away after the allotted time to do away with any residue. All you’re left with is a streak-free shine. As with many scented picks, the lemony perfume of this cleaner was a bit polarizing amongst our survey respondents. Some described it as clear, whereas others stated they need the product was unscented. We might like to see an unscented choice for individuals who are delicate to sturdy fragrances.
Sort: Spray | Secure for Use On: Glass, ceramic, plastic, fiberglass, tile, and vinyl | Scent: Lemon
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Can take away laborious water stains
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Can be utilized to wash, disinfect, and inhibit mould development
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Minimal scrubbing required
Tilex Cleaning soap Scum Remover guarantees to not solely deal with cleaning soap scum, however to additionally disinfect and kill 99.9 p.c of germs, and hinder mould and mildew development, too. In different phrases, if you wish to clear what you may and may’t see, it’s as much as the duty. The spray bottle is a cinch to make use of and you’ll apply the product straight to a floor in seconds. Relying on the severity of your stain, you may wipe or spray it as quickly because it penetrates the grime—or let it set for a couple of minutes so it may possibly flip right into a foam, or as much as 10 minutes for its disinfecting properties to kick in.
It is a stronger formulation than a few of our different picks. It has ammonium chloride, which ought to at all times be used fastidiously and with further consideration to directions. When you have young children or pets, undoubtedly preserve it out of attain and locked away—as you’ll with different cleaners. You also needs to ventilate your house, use rubber gloves and goggles to maintain it from irritating your pores and skin or eyes, and by no means combine it with different cleaners, particularly these containing bleach—doing so is very hazardous.
Nonetheless with us after these necessary disclaimers? Good, as a result of when used appropriately this formulation is efficient at eliminating cleaning soap scum and laborious water stains, which a lot of our survey respondents attested to. Some did word that it wants to take a seat on surfaces to essentially be efficient, and that scrubbing is important to essentially raise grime. The chemical scent might be sturdy, too, which can imply it is unsuitable for individuals who are delicate to sturdy fragrances.
Sort: Liquid | Secure for Use On: Glazed tile, fiberglass, chrome steel, bathrooms, sinks | Scent: Unique
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Can see the effervescent formulation working
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Straightforward to make use of on a wide range of surfaces
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Scent is less complicated to tolerate than different picks
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Formulated to kill 99.9 p.c of viruses and micro organism
Scrubbing Bubbles creates—you guessed it!—tiny bubbles that foam up and assist do away with stains, grime, and cleaning soap scum. Which means for mild stains and common repairs, you gained’t have to clean, as a result of the cleansing answer dissolves issues by itself. For more durable stains and buildup, it’s possible you’ll want to assist the method alongside by including some friction with a sponge (or a Mr. Clear eraser, as certainly one of our survey respondents beneficial).
Nonetheless, the cleaning soap scum remover is tremendous easy to make use of and straightforward sufficient to only rinse or wipe away on lighter stains. We additionally like the way it’s appropriate for a variety of surfaces, from tubs and sinks to counter tops in your toilet.
It’s additionally value mentioning that, in contrast to the plastic spray bottles our different picks are available, the metallic can may depart rust rings behind, relying on the way you retailer it. In consequence, we undoubtedly don’t suggest holding it in your bathe or tub long-term. It’s made in each a rain bathe or a citrus scent (though we’d like to see an unscented model, too, for individuals who are delicate to sturdy smells and fragrances).
Sort: Spray | Secure for Use On: Glazed ceramic tile, chrome steel, chrome, fiberglass, vinyl, glazed porcelain, glass, laminate, Corian, sealed granite and quartz surfaces | Scent: Rain bathe, citrus
Bonus Favorites for Tackling Cleaning soap Scum
Whether or not you prefer to keep away from harsh formulation, recognize the satisfaction of hands-on cleansing, or need to be as eco-friendly as attainable with cleansing provides, these fan favorites—examined by our writers and editors—are additionally value your consideration. These picks aren’t made solely for cleaning soap scum elimination, however they will undoubtedly deal with it—and are sensible sufficient to make use of elsewhere in your house, too.
Mr. Clear Magic Eraser
Amazon
Use it with simply water, or to take over the place one of many above cleaners leaves off. Mr. Clear Magic Erasers actually do appear to be magic generally, with their versatility and total performance. They require extra hands-on effort than your no and low-scrub cleaners, although, since you employ them very similar to a sponge—a really efficient sponge that simply wants just a little water earlier than scouring away stains. Nevertheless, it’ll be well worth the effort whenever you see the clear and glossy surfaces they depart behind.
Magic Erasers are primarily actually mild scrub brushes, so they are not appropriate for surfaces like marble. Moreover, they get smaller as you employ them, and it’s attainable to utterly scrub them into oblivion and overuse them in your floor, which is one thing to remember.
Pumice Stones
Amazon
An alternative choice that requires elbow grease, pumice stones are an incredible eco-friendly alternative since they clear and raise grime with friction alone. Should you’re seeking to keep away from cleaners or chemical compounds when tackling cleaning soap scum, and may spend a couple of further minutes on the chore, we extremely suggest utilizing these good scrubbing stones to scrape away cleaning soap scum and dirt. They’re offered with or with out handles, and if you happen to decide to purchase them with out, we suggest carrying rubber gloves to guard your pores and skin from the scratchy texture.
One other professional tip is to chip off smaller sections of the stone for every use, so that you’re not tasked with cleansing and sanitizing your stone in between jobs (since doing so is not any straightforward process). Like a Magic Eraser, you may additionally need to be very cautious to not overuse pumice stones, as doing so can scratch surfaces just like the porcelain of your tub.
Denture Tablets
Amazon
Yep! Those self same tablets that you just depend on to wash retainers, mouth guards, and dentures can do a quantity on cleaning soap scum. A few of The Spruce’s workers members have even been identified to maintain a stash below the kitchen sink for weekly refreshes. Simply plop a pill or two onto your floor of alternative when it’s damp (or add a little bit of water to get the bubbles going), and frivolously brush and scrub whereas they fizz. Bigger, or particularly soiled, areas might have a couple of rounds of cleansing, however the total course of is just some minutes per pill.
Denture tablets can be utilized to wash porcelain, along with glass, ceramic, and metallic surfaces you discover on fixtures, small home equipment, and bakeware. Identify manufacturers like Efferdent, or your retailer model of alternative, will do the trick when cleansing.
Nevertheless, these formulation can comprise baking soda and persulfates that will not be protected for some surfaces, and may trigger an allergic response. Earlier than shopping for them, make sure you seek the advice of the ingredient listing first. You should utilize them as typically as you want in your house, so long as you employ them appropriately.
Ideas for Cleansing With a Cleaning soap Scum Remover
Use heat water when working together with your cleaning soap scum remover of alternative—or sprucing up your toilet in any manner, says Krissia Garcia, CEO and founding father of KrissKlean. With pure surfaces particularly, heat water is right since hotter temperatures may cause harm.
Marble is delicate, she says. “We will solely use cleaning soap, heat water, and a non-scratch sponge.” (Should you’re uncertain about any of the supplies in your house, we’ve cleansing guides for each room that can assist you resolve it.)
To rinse a cleaner off of your floor, you may simply and shortly accomplish that with a detachable showerhead. In case your toilet or cleansing space isn’t outfitted with one, you may as well use a moist material or paper towel to wipe issues down. Both manner, watch out to keep away from direct contact together with your pores and skin or eyes, as cleaners could comprise potential irritants.
The Checkout Counter
Earlier than you take a look at, contemplate these merchandise for sprucing up your toilet safely and simply.
- Mr. Clear Massive Reusable Latex Gloves: A number of of our favourite cleaning soap scum removers include a security precaution: put on gloves whereas cleansing. These reusable latex gloves will preserve your palms coated, and are available a pack of two.
- Black+Decker Grimebuster Professional Energy Scrubber Brush: After tackling your cleaning soap scum, it’s possible you’ll need to clear your bathe or bathtub subsequent. This electrical scrubber is certainly one of our favourite toilet scrubbers and makes fast work of filth and dirt.
- Made by Design Bucket (16 quarts): A cleansing bucket like this one would not simply function a space for storing for all of your go-to cleansing merchandise; it is also a spot to rinse your material whereas tackling cleaning soap scum.
One Extra Factor
What causes cleaning soap scum? Minerals in your water that blend with the substances in your cleaning soap, after which depart behind a residue. Cleaning soap scum is widespread in consequence—although, some measures may also help to restrict or stop it, like holding your sink, bathe, and different surfaces dry after they’re not in use. Utilizing a squeegee post-shower is a fast, straightforward, and cheap methodology to start out with.
Why Belief The Spruce?
Dena Ogden is a life-style author who’s been writing professionally since 2016, and with The Spruce since August 2022. She focuses on home equipment, cleansing, and group matters, and has written about all the pieces from baskets and bins to carpet shampoos and robotic vacuums. For this story, she reviewed survey insights, and researched and assessed cleaning soap scum removers, with further consideration on high-performing merchandise with confirmed monitor data. With regards to cleaning soap scum in her own residence, she’s a fan of pumice stones and denture tablets (sure, actually!).
Our Consultants:
- Marisa Viglione, senior editor at The Spruce
- Katie Melynn, freelance author at The Spruce
- Krissia Garcia, CEO and founding father of KrissKlean
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