Course:VANT149/2025/Capstone/Science/Team24

Put Project Title Here

Removing Soap Scum with Household Remedies

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of four common household cleaning agents—lemon juice, white vinegar, baking soda solution, and water—in removing soap scum. Soap scum is a stubborn residue formed by the reaction between soap and calcium or magnesium ions in hard water, often accumulating on surfaces such as tiles and glass, but the main household issue is actually the clogging of faucets caused by soap scum buildup. While commercial cleaning products are effective, they often contain strong acids, phosphates, or chlorine compounds that may pose risks to human health and the environment. To explore safer alternatives, soap scum was artificially created on glass surfaces and treated with each cleaning method under controlled conditions. The results showed that white vinegar was the most effective in removing soap scum, followed by lemon juice, while baking soda and water had significantly lower performance. These findings suggest that white vinegar, as a readily available and mild acidic household cleaner, provides a practical, eco-friendly alternative to commercial cleaning agents for everyday use.

Biographies

Person 1

Peter Zhang is a first-year student in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on identifying which common household materials are most effective at removing soap scum. He is looking forward to learning how to carry out a complete academic research project through the conference experience.

Person 2

Zhaoxuan Wu is a first-year student in the Science program at the University of British Columbia. His research focuses on identifying the most effective substances for removing soap scum. He is personally interested in this topic because soap scum has become a persistent problem affecting daily life in many regions.

Person 3

Sichao Ni is a first-year student in the Science program at the University of British Columbia whose current project investigates the effectiveness of different cleaning solutions in removing soap scum from a variety of common surfaces. This research not only provides clear, evidence-based guidance for consumers and professional cleaners but also aims to reduce reliance on harsh chemicals, promoting safer, more sustainable cleaning practices.