Tile or bathroom cleanser typically comes in two formulas: a liquid or foam spray. A liquid spray is effective on horizontal tile surfaces where you don’t have to worry about it dripping. The foam is often easier to use on tile walls because it stays in place without dripping off. Always read the instructions on a commercial tile or bathroom cleaner before using it on any tile. Before applying the cleaner all over the tile, test it in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure that it won’t damage the tile.
Some cleaners may need to be left on longer than 5 minutes. Consult the bottle’s instructions to determine the proper amount of time.
Make sure to use a non-abrasive sponge or you may scratch the tile. You can substitute a damp cloth for the sponge if you prefer. If there are areas of the tile where the soap scum is particularly stubborn, you may need to use a soft scrub brush to remove the residue. Be careful not to scrub too hard, though, or you may scratch the tile.
If you don’t have a spray bottle, you can wet a cloth with warm water and use it to rinse the tile.
If you want to make enough of the cleaner to use repeatedly, it’s best to measure between 1 and 2 cups (237 to 473 ml) of both the vinegar and dish detergent.
Heating the vinegar makes it easier to blend it with the thick dish soap.
Test the spray after you’ve mixed it. If it’s too thick to spray, you can mix in a little bit of warm, distilled water to thin it out.
If the tile has a particularly thick layer of soap scum, you may want to leave the spray on the surface for an hour or longer.
If the soap scum isn’t wiping away on the sponge, you can use a soft scrub brush to work on the stubborn areas. Scrub lightly, though, to avoid scratching the tile. If you don’t have a spray bottle to rinse the tile, wet a clean cloth or rag with warm water to rinse it.
The homemade soap scum cleaner should stay effective for 6 months to 1 year.
It’s normal for the mixture to fizz when you combine the ingredients.
You may want to leave the baking soda paste on the tile for up to a half hour if the soap scum is particularly thick.
If there are some areas where the soap scum hasn’t come off, you can scrub them with a soft-bristled brush.
You can even use a magic eraser to get rid of soap scum. [16] X Expert Source Ashley MatuskaProfessional Cleaner Expert Interview. 15 April 2019. It is better to use soaps that are in plastic bottles instead of bars of soap. [17] X Expert Source Ashley MatuskaProfessional Cleaner Expert Interview. 15 April 2019. The products in bottles are more soluble and drain a little quicker than bar soap. [18] X Expert Source Ashley MatuskaProfessional Cleaner Expert Interview. 15 April 2019.
