Will a Steam Cleaner Remove Soap Scum: Know These Things?

Have you ever wondered why there is a filmy layer in and around your sink, shower, or bathtub? It is primarily because of the mixture of soap with hard water that gradually leaves behind its presence. The soap scums are highly stubborn to remove as it sticks to the wall of the various laundry surfaces. Now, the question that arises is will a steam cleaner remove soap scum?

Here’s a complete guide on it:

What is Soap Scum?

What is Soap Scum?
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Soap Scum is a whitish or gray accumulation of layers that sticks to the walls of sinks, bathtubs, or showers. It is formed due to the reaction of soap with salt and minerals, especially calcium and magnesium.

Therefore, when you see the glass of your door giving a frosted or creamy look, there is a formation of soap scum. If you do not take the necessary steps instantly, it can lead to disastrous results.

What are the causes of Soap Scum?

Soap scum usually occurs in those areas where water comes in contact with soap. It happens due to the presence of minerals in the water. The occurrence of soap scum is not instant, it gradually forms, and eventually, you will see its presence. Hence, the primary cause for the formation of soap scum is hard water.

When you use hard water for cleaning, it combines with the minerals of the soap to form soap scum. It is because the water you use to clean yourself comes in contact with dirt and oil. Though most of it drains off, the ones left behind gradually form scum on the tiles, showers, and glass doors.

How Will a Steam Cleaner Remove Soap Scum?

How will a Steam Cleaner Remove Soap Scum?
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Though various cleansing agents like vinegar, borax, and similar substances help to clear the soap scum from your laundry surfaces, the ultimate result is unsatisfactory. It is because the stubborn soap scum doesn’t move and spoils the entire look of your kitchen or bathroom. Therefore, one of the best and finest solutions to permanently remove soap scum is to use a steam cleaner.

The primary reason to use steam clear to wade off the sticky soap scum is to use a steam cleaner. The steam cleaner can generate high steam temperatures that can wash away the soap scum from the floor tiles of your bathroom. Many times we ignore removing the soap scum from the surface. It is one of the reasons why it becomes difficult to remove. You can try conventional cleaning methods, but they will be useless. Hence, the best option is to use a steam cleaner.

Moreover, if you use pressure washers, it can damage the tiles of your bathroom. Therefore, the only option is steam cleaners, as they can altogether remove the stubborn deposits immediately. It is because steam cleaners can generate steam at extremely high temperatures. Hence, it can easily crumble and break the complex chemical bond of the soap scum attached to the surface of your bathroom, basins, or glass door. 

If you follow the simple steps, you can easily remove scum from the tiles of your bathroom surface, doors, and similar things exposed to soap scum. Steam cleaners are ideal for your bathroom as they clean the area thoroughly, and for these reasons, steam cleaners are also used in commercial places.

The working of a steam cleaner

The steam cleaner draws ordinary water from a hose and converts it to high temperature forming hot steam. The tool has a particular device or nozzle with which the hot steam comes out at extremely high pressure. Therefore, when you use the hot steam coming out of the nozzle, it cleans the surface from soap scum immediately.

There is no need to pour hot water into the steam cleaner as it has a separate boiler to heat the water at high temperatures. Once the steam is released at high pressure, your entire bathing area will get a new look, clean and perfect.

What Dissolves Soap Scum quickly?

1. Wipe Down Surfaces

One of the best ways to prevent the formation of soap scum is to stop building it on your bathroom surface. When you use soap or shampoo, it leaves behind oil and other substances, eventually forming soap scum. Therefore, the best way to prevent the formation of soap scum is to wipe the floor of your bathroom with a dry cloth.

Wiping the walls and other objects prone to water and soap would be best. It helps to protect your bathroom floor and walls from bacteria and other unwanted substances. 

2. Borax

Borax is one of the most popular ingredients that you will find in every household. It is ideal for cleaning off the soap scum immediately. However, you need to use the powder immediately on the surface to prevent the formation of soap scum.

If you want the best results, add borax in a little proportion of water until it becomes a paste. You can use the paste as a scrubber to wipe off the soap scum. You can wash the surface with warm water when the process is over. 

3. Vinegar

Vinegar is another popular home remedy you can use as a cleaning agent. You can use vinegar with warm water and dishwashing liquid. You need to spray the mixture on the areas where there is a formation of soap scum. Scrub the area and wash it properly. 

4. Baking Soda

You can use baking soda to remove soap scum from your bathroom. It is a valuable household item you can use as a cleaning agent. Mixing baking soda with water would be best to make a paste.

Use the paste on the bathroom areas prone to soap and water. Keep the paste for a while, and then scrub them off. Use warm water to clean the entire area of your bathroom surface. 

Final Thoughts

So, the question is, will a steam cleaner remove soap scum? The answer is positive, as steam under high pressure can wade away all the soap scum from the surface of your bathroom, tiles, and other materials prone to soap and water. Hence, it is essential that if you do not want to make matters worse, it is advisable to remove and clean your bathroom surface immediately after a wash.