What causes soap scum in the bathtub?

Answer by  magnets704 (9)

I believe soap scum is caused by hard water mixed with bars of soap. To remedy this, I have used only liquid soaps for years. To alleviate the hard water stains, you can use a daily shower spray that keeps the shower and tub clean and fresh between uses.

Answer by  Sivir (172)

Soap, of course! There may also be mineral deposits from the minerals in your water that help it form. Either way, if you clean often, you'll have to work less each time you clean.

Answer by  Hope87 (17)

Soap scum is actually quiet a misleading name, as most of the 'scum' you're referring to, is actually in fact the fats, oils and dead skin cells that come from your body when you was with soap, and is easily removed with sugar soap or CLR.

Answer by  ihatetv (581)

Most soaps that we use contain emollients to soften skin or condition hair. The scum that collects is usually a conglomeration of these emollients, natural oils from the skin and hair, and dead skin cells (gross, I know). I find a thorough washing with a bleach cleanser clears it nicely.

Answer by  kavinvk (34)

The answer is simple, the sops that we use causes the soap scums, it is un-avoidable, because, basically when we shower or bath in Hot water, the sop mixes with it and it settles at the edges of the walls, some soaps are present even in the steam from the hot water.