Soap Scum on Fiberglass

Does anyone here know how to remove years of soap scum build-up on fiberglass shower stall walls? So far, I have used vinegar & baking soda and CLR. and neither one seems to work. Any other suggestions? --68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by J [FL]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 5:56 PM
Message:

I just used something called Barkeeper's Friend on a tub.

My tub is either fiberglass or acrylic, not sure which.

It did remove most of the stains and didn't appear to damage the tub. --72.188.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 5:58 PM
Message:

Hammer and chisel. --199.192.xxx.x

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 6:06 PM
Message:

After the hammer and chisel try magic eraser bathroom version. It may take a few. That is my new go to. I used to use kaboom but the fumes were nasty. I used a paint scraper gently over the weekend when I discovered the handyman must have dumped paint in the tub and not run enough water to clean it up. --107.77.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by MikeA [TX]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 6:38 PM
Message:

Scrape it with a razor blade then CLR. --64.130.xx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Richard [MI]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 6:39 PM
Message:

Hire it done. Cleaning people likely look at this everyday and have their methods.Not worth the frustration.

--24.180.xx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Sisco [MO]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 6:45 PM
Message:

4 parts 30% Vinegar, 1 part Dawn Dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. --67.43.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Johnny B. [MA]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 7:39 PM
Message:

I had that issue on a unit I bought. Straight bleach and a Brillo pad did the trick. Lots of elbow grease. Fiberglass was not damaged. --24.147.xx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Johnny B. [MA]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 7:41 PM
Message:

Forgot to mention I also hit it with Krud Kutter. That stuff is an awesome general cleaner to have in your tool box. Works wonders. --24.147.xx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by RR78 [VA]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 8:42 PM
Message:

We usually use a combination of 3 products.

Odd thing they seem to work better than the others at different times.

Can there be different types of soap scum?

Gave up and just take all 3. But do mix together. Use seperatly..

cling bleach toilet bowl cleaner. Longer it sits the better.

zep tub & tile

Oven cleaner --73.40.xx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 8:45 PM
Message:

RB,

Maybe not a hammer and chisel but I have considered a pressure washer. Mine is 3000 psi, however, it may remove more than the soap scum. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 8:48 PM
Message:

I use regular bathroom cleaner, like scrubbing bubbles - or Krud Kutter.

The key is lots of elbow grease with a nylon scrubber. You only get off one layer at a time - it can take several times.

If bad enough, scrape with a razor blade first - very carefully, so as not to scratch the fiberglass. Or a stiff, plastic putty knife for less scratched but perhaps less effective.

Best bet is to give these instructions to someone else if you can. --70.160.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Still Learning [NH]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 9:15 PM
Message:

Krud Kutter is great. Greased Lightening is also great but not sure about soap scum. --107.77.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by NE [PA]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 9:21 PM
Message:

I use to use TSP, but now I use a girl named Nicole. --70.44.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Tony [NJ]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 10:22 PM
Message:

X-14 in a spray bottle if you can find it --73.215.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Nellie [ME]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 10:33 PM
Message:

I use Kaboom. Let it sit overnight (yes, it dries out). Then add a second dose of kaboom to remoisten it. Might take a couple of times to get it all.

My brother had an eviction of horrible housekeeping. He is an auto body mechanic. He used the product he uses for hand cleaning in the tub/shower. Said it worked really well.

I had a tenant use the magic eraser for bathrooms on the stained cast iron claw foot tub to excellent effect. --71.161.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by ROCKING BEAR [FL]) Posted on: Sep 8, 2020 10:52 PM
Message:

Just spit on it, you will do your own thing anyway!! --71.214.xx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 6:11 AM
Message:

Last night I tried Scrubbing Bubbles and let it soak for an hour. Rinsed it off and the soap film was still there. The razor blade is next. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 6:32 AM
Message:

Soap scum removal is one of those things in life that if you want it done right,...you just have to do it yourself. How many other rental house jobs fit this statement? --68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by RB [MI]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 6:58 AM
Message:

ROCKING BEAR [FL]

Right On and Accurate ! --199.192.xxx.x

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 8:01 AM
Message:

There is a little-known product called "The Works" that my housekeeper told me about. It will clean up crime scenes.

My husband used it this week on a white bathtub that was black with years of dirt and scum...

It's toxic and you have to wear gloves, but he had that tub clean in minutes.

Search Amazon for "The Works cleaner tub & shower cleaner"

Fantastic stuff. --67.55.xx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 9:15 AM
Message:

WMH,

I am done with all retail bathroom cleaning products. What they say on the label about removing soap scum is total BS. This morning I learned that soap scum peels off easily with a razor blade scraper,..the same .50 cent scraper you use to remove paint from window panes.

--68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Vee [OH]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 9:31 AM
Message:

After cleaning an oven with carpet cleaner I tried reversing the role of oven cleaner in sinks and tubs - stinky but effective. --76.188.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Steve [MA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 9:35 AM
Message:

I just say Joey take care of it & it gets done. --71.174.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by DJ [VA]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 10:23 AM
Message:

Glad the razor worked well for you. Of course, that only gets off the big stuff - it still needs to be scrubbed clean. The key word is SCRUBBED, not spray, soak, rinse. --70.160.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 10:53 AM
Message:

DJ,

Scrubbed clean with what though? I tried scrubbing with all of the retail products and they did not work, even with serious scrubbing. I want to try out Vee's suggestion and use oven cleaner. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 1:34 PM
Message:

This is a good thread, has given me some additional items to try. But to the OP...I doubt it's soap scum...it's probably hard water deposits...CALCIUM or LIME.

For me, the key has been letting the chemical sit on the surface. Try this...first off if it's really thick...use the razor blade although that takes a long time for an entire shower. Then take one bad area and place a paper towel against it and spray a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water. Soak it...and even if it's on a vertical surface it will stick to the shower wall. Let it sit for an hour, and spray it again. Do this 3-4 times...trying to keep it wet instead of letting it dry out. This gives the vinegar time to soften the calcium minerals. After this, remove the towel and use a soft sponge with barkeeper's friend.

Once you get it clean, wax the shower with automotive paste wax...this will make it easier to clean the next time. --99.92.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 2:00 PM
Message:

Hoosier,

Can you scrap hard water deposits off with your fingernail? What I have can be scraped off with a fingernail or a razor blade,..take your pick.

I do like your paper towel idea.

--68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by WMH [NC]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 3:11 PM
Message:

We had a tub that looked like a prop from Dexter. Old pinkish-beige tub with orange streaks everywhere. We thought it was hair dye. Bleach didn't touch it (turns out bleach is exactly the WRONG thing to use on an old tub, who knew?)

We thought we were going to have to replace tub. Housecleaner comes in with The Works and had it clean in 15 minutes. Just sayin' it's worth a try. --66.23.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 4:36 PM
Message:

Sounds like WMH has hit on a good product.

I was going to suggest a commercial grade degreaser or Original GoJo hand cleaner for mechanics. --73.120.xx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 7:39 PM
Message:

WMH,

Tonight I am using Easy Off oven cleaner. I will let it soak (marinate) overnight and give you a report in the morning.

I wish I could just hire your husband for a couple hours since he seems to be the expert tub cleaner here.

--68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by moby [IN]) Posted on: Sep 9, 2020 8:25 PM
Message:

Muratic acid, be careful, read the instructions. --76.16.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Sep 10, 2020 2:22 AM
Message:

I like N E’s suggestion the best...................................................... .charlie............but how do you get a hold of her?Does she travel?..............? --32.214.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Roy [AL]) Posted on: Sep 10, 2020 4:35 AM
Message:

The magic solution to easy soap scum removal has been discovered. Easy Off oven cleaner (blue can) did the trick with no scrubbing. Spray it on at night and rinse it off in the morning. Thanks Vee. --68.63.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by 6x6 [TN]) Posted on: Sep 10, 2020 1:30 PM
Message:

Thanks for the update --73.120.xx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Hoosier [IN]) Posted on: Sep 10, 2020 3:05 PM
Message:

Ray, no, cannot scrape of minerals with fingernail...so perhaps you DO have soap scum...that's unusual. --99.92.xxx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Sep 13, 2020 1:45 AM
Message:

Well,NE, did you come up with that phone number yet?.................charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Sep 13, 2020 2:03 AM
Message:

Still waiting,I’m retired,Have plenty of time 24 hours every day,or has that changed too..........charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Cjo’h [CT]) Posted on: Sep 13, 2020 2:09 AM
Message:

May have to get in touch with WMH ,unless the phone starts jingling...charlie --32.214.xxx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Steph [KS]) Posted on: Sep 19, 2020 2:45 PM
Message:

Thanks for this thread --99.203.xx.xx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Penny [MS]) Posted on: Sep 20, 2020 11:09 PM
Message:

I have been using this homemade recipe in my rental and it is awesome! I bought a small pump garden sprayer at Dollar General for about $3.50 and just pump and spray!

My Never fail recipe is:

50% generic dawn and 50% hot vinegar

Add first: Generic dawn dishwashing liquid (blue)

Jug of white household vinegar that is heated to almost boiling.

I have had black, moldy, nasty tubs and within 2 hours just wipe it clean!

--162.227.xx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Penny [MS]) Posted on: Sep 20, 2020 11:09 PM
Message:

I have been using this homemade recipe in my rental and it is awesome! I bought a small pump garden sprayer at Dollar General for about $3.50 and just pump and spray!

My Never fail recipe is:

50% generic dawn and 50% hot vinegar

Add first: Generic dawn dishwashing liquid (blue)

Jug of white household vinegar that is heated to almost boiling.

I have had black, moldy, nasty tubs and within 2 hours just wipe it clean!

--162.227.xx.xxx

Soap Scum on Fiberglass (by Annie [IN]) Posted on: Sep 22, 2020 6:34 PM
Message:

The Vinegar / Dawn solution works really well, if used with a Magic Eraser type of pad.

--209.132.xxx.xxx

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Soap Scum on Fiberglass

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