We're always on the lookout for products or hacks that will make cleaning the house just a bit easier. And we've all noticed that when it comes to keeping the bathroom spiffy, the bar soap we love ends up leaving whitish-beige buildup all over the shower, deposits in the corners of the walls and a general haze. However, if you switch your bar soap for shower gel, this can help prevent the buildup of soap scum, which will reduce the time spent scrubbing those beige deposits.
Did you know that liquid soap isn't actually soap? While it may perform the same function as soap and leave us feeling clean, its formulation is more similar to that of detergent. The reason for this is that many liquid soaps and shower gels contain potassium hydroxide, which makes it more water-soluble and easier to rinse away. Additionally, liquid soap often contains tetrasodium EDTA, which acts as a water softener and prevents the buildup of soap scum. On the other hand, bar soap contains paraffin, a culprit that can leave a white film on bathroom surfaces when it reacts with hard water.
Hard water and soap scum
In addition to paraffin, bar soap also contains sodium stearate. When these molecules come into contact with hard water, which contains calcium and magnesium ions, soap scum is formed. This scum is not easily rinsed away and often requires scrubbing to remove.
Hard water is a common problem in the United States, with 85% of homes affected. The residue left behind by hard water is most visible on stainless steel sinks and shower heads, as well as on glass shower doors. While bar soap may contribute to soap scum, it is important to note that hard water is a major factor in the formation of non-sparkling surfaces. Liquid soap can help combat these issues by softening the water and rinsing away more easily.
Preventing soap scum and liquid soap benefits
One alternative to bar soap is The Good Fill unscented body wash, available for about $20 and sold in glass pump bottles. The product is 100% biodegradable, and you can send the company a pouch that they will clean, refill, and send back each time you need more gel. In the shower, we recommend you place anything made from glass into a secure shower caddy. Another eco-friendly brand, Blueland, provides a "forever bottle." Blend water and their powder refills, then shake to create a body wash gel ($12); it comes in three fresh scents.
A quick note: while liquid soap reduces soap scum, it may not totally eradicate it. As you're considering switching to shower gels and ditching the bar soap, clean off the ghostly film and take measures to prevent its return. Use the cleaner most appropriate for your shower walls. Alternatively, mix 1 cup of baking soda with ½ cup of white vinegar in a bowl, form it into a paste, leave it on the surface for 15 minutes, then scrub off. Clean the area from the top down with a rag, then rinse. Using a clean, dry rag, consider buffing the walls with either lemon oil or car wax to prevent the return of that soap scum haze. Another preventive measure is to use a squeegee on the walls after every shower and dry them so the hard water doesn't have a chance to leave behind white droplet marks.
