Short answer
Mix equal parts warm white vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the tub and the tile above it, wait 15 to 30 minutes, then scrub with a non-scratch sponge. Rinse, and rub any spots that stay with a paste of baking soda and water. Rinse well and wipe the tub dry. On acrylic or fiberglass tubs, skip scouring powder and steel wool.
Safety first
Vinegar must never meet bleach: together they release chlorine gas. Rinse with water before you use any other cleaner and keep the fan on. A wet tub is slippery, so kneel on a towel and step out carefully.
How to remove soap scum from a bathtub
1A dull, gritty film on the tub
Soap scum is bar soap mixed with hard water minerals and body oils. It builds up as a gray film on the tub and the tile above it.
Read all the steps
- A dull, gritty film on the tub. Soap scum is bar soap mixed with hard water minerals and body oils. It builds up as a gray film on the tub and the tile above it.
- Spray warm vinegar and dish soap. Mix equal parts warm white vinegar and dish soap. Spray the tub and the tile, then let it sit 15 to 30 minutes.
- Scrub with a non-scratch sponge. Work in small circles. The softened film wipes off without hard scrubbing.
- Baking soda paste on what is left. Rinse, then rub a paste of baking soda and a little water on the stubborn spots with the sponge.
- Rinse well and wipe it dry. Rinse every bit of cleaner off with warm water. Dry the tub with a towel or a squeegee so new spots do not form.
- Still not fixed? Call a house cleaner Especially if: the tub stays dull or rough after a good cleaning: the finish may be worn.
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What not to do
- Do not use steel wool or scouring powder on acrylic or fiberglass: they scratch, and scum sticks to the scratches.
- Do not let vinegar sit on natural stone like marble or travertine. Its acid etches the stone, so rinse those tiles right away.
- Do not mix vinegar with bleach or a bleach-based cleaner.
Keep it from coming back
- Switch from bar soap to liquid body wash. It leaves much less residue.
- Wipe or squeegee the tub after each bath or shower.
- Run the exhaust fan so the tub dries fast.
- Very hard water? A water softener cuts soap scum and mineral spots all over the bathroom.
Old enamel tubs
Older porcelain enamel tubs are tough, but acids and grit can dull their gloss over the years. Keep the vinegar time short, rinse well and use a soft sponge. If the finish already feels rough or is worn through, no cleaner will bring the shine back: a tub refinishing company can recoat it.
When to call a house cleaner
- The tub stays dull or rough after a good cleaning: the finish may be worn.
- You want the whole bathroom deep cleaned, tile, grout and glass included.
- There is black mold on the caulk or it is cracking, and it is time to re-caulk.
Frequently asked questions
What dissolves soap scum fast?
An acid plus a degreaser. Equal parts warm white vinegar and dish soap break up the minerals and the oils. Let it sit 15 to 30 minutes before you scrub.
Can I use dish soap and vinegar on an acrylic tub?
Yes, they are gentle enough for acrylic and fiberglass. Use a soft sponge, never steel wool or scouring powder, and rinse well.
Will baking soda remove soap scum?
Yes, as a gentle scrub. A paste of baking soda and water lifts the spots that vinegar has loosened, and it is mild enough for most tubs.
Why does soap scum keep coming back?
Bar soap and hard water. Each bath leaves a thin layer of soap and minerals that dries on the tub. Liquid body wash and a quick wipe after bathing slow it down a lot.
Is soap scum the same as hard water stains?
Not quite. Hard water stains are mineral spots alone, while soap scum is minerals bound with soap and oils, so it feels greasy and gritty. Vinegar helps with both.
How do I get soap scum off tile and grout?
Use the same vinegar and dish soap spray, then scrub the grout lines with a stiff nylon brush. Rinse well, and skip the vinegar on natural stone.