Cleaning trick removes soap scum from tiles & shower doors with no scrubbing – which can do more harm than good, anyway
A CLEANING expert has revealed her little-known tricks for a sparkling home with minimal effort.
She warned that using the wrong cleaning products and techniques can damage surfaces.
Emily Barron is a cleaning expert at the UK-based home-buying business Property Rescue.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, she shared her must-try cleaning tips.
SOAPY SOLUTION
Barron said using a dryer sheet to remove soap scum from tiles and shower doors is one of her favorite hacks.
“Just lightly wet the dryer sheet and wipe on surfaces to remove any residue,” she said.
“There’s no risk of damaging your surfaces, and it provides a quick and easy cleaning hack – time and time again.”
She recommended using car wax on glass doors and shower walls after they’ve been cleaned.
She said the hack creates a protective barrier against soap scum and watermarks, which means homeowners won’t have to deep clean as often.
“Cleaning as you go is a good routine to get into so why not consider placing a soft brush with a pot of dish soap and vinegar in your shower or bathroom which means you can quickly scrub bathroom surfaces after they’ve been used,” she said.
“Cleaning as you go means there is less need for a deep clean regularly.”
TEAM EFFORT
Barron said bathrooms should be cleaned at least once a week to prevent a buildup of harmful bacteria and germs.
However, product spillages and water splashes should be cleaned when they occur.
She said everyone in the household should be encouraged to clean up after themselves.
“Bathrooms where there is high traffic are likely to need to be cleaned more regularly and guest bathrooms, which often have less footfall, can usually be cleaned less often,” she said.
For stubborn stains, and those in the toilet, pour a can of fizzy cola in the bowl and let it sit for a few hours.
Emily Barron
“With that in mind, be mindful of any odors and adjust your cleaning habits in accordance with this.
“Regular maintenance like wiping surfaces, bleaching the toilet, and changing towels and bath mats can help to keep any sized bathroom clean and mean bigger cleans can be less often.”
QUICK WIPE
Barron advised against scrubbing even the most stubborn stains around the home.
“Scrubbing can do more harm than good as it can damage bathroom surfaces but with the right techniques and products, you don’t need to scrub at all,” she said.
“For stubborn stains, and those in the toilet, pour a can of fizzy cola in the bowl and let it sit for a few hours.
“The acid in the liquid will break down any stains and make them easier to remove the next day.”
Barron said baking soda mixed with water can be effective on discolored grout.
“Simply make a paste and rub it into the grout, allowing it to sit for a few minutes,” she said.
“Using a gentle toothbrush, gently scrub the area and then rinse.”
What is soap scum?
According to The Spruce, soap scum is a mixture of calcium stearate and magnesium stearate residue from soap products.
The white or gray layer is often spotted around sinks, baths, and showers.
SPOTLESS SLEEP
Barron suggested choosing a specific day for each cleaning task, such as every Sunday for changing beds.
“Bedding including sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases should be washed every week to remove a build-up of oil, sweat, bacteria, and dust,” she said.
“Any throws, the actual pillows, and your duvet can then be washed less frequently – maybe once or twice a year.
“Baking soda can also be sprinkled onto your mattress, once you’ve removed the sheets, and allow it to sit for a few hours.
“Then vacuum it up.
“The baking soda is ideal for absorbing smells and moisture.”
Barron said mattresses should be turned every few months to prevent “uneven wear and tear.”
“Don’t forget to vacuum under the bed too, in any corners, and also your headboard if you have one to remove dust, dirt, and grime that can gather over time and cause issues for breathing,” she said.