Author: This homemade cleaning scrub is a natural, non-toxic dupe for The Pink Stuff. Perfect for cleaning sinks, tubs, showers, stovetops, and more. It's powerful, super affordable, safe for your family, takes less than 5 minutes to whip up, and uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home!
FEATURED COMMENT:
Great scrub . No need to buy anything else . It cleans with no harmful chemicals . I don't use essential oil. - Lise ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Continuing my series on homemade natural cleaners, last week I shared my DIY All-Purpose Cleaning Spray, and this week I'm SO excited to bring you this homemade cleaning scrub! This thick paste is a total game-changer for grimy spots in the kitchen or bathroom. It works just like The Pink Stuff, Bar Keepers Friend, Soft Scrub, or Comet, but it's all-natural, budget-friendly, and smells amazing!
I developed this homemade cleaning scrub to tackle stubborn grime on my stainless steel sink, and wow, did it deliver! I even did a dramatic before-and-after test (yes, I had to let my sink get super dirty first), but just look at how sparkling clean the after side looks, it's almost brand new👌. I love that I no longer have to use harsh chemicals but can still get that sparkling clean finish. Plus, it costs less than $1.50 per batch to make!
Whether you're deep-cleaning your stovetop, tackling grout lines, or polishing your bathtub, this scrub gets the job done. This homemade soft scrub is tough on soap scum, hard water buildup, and stubborn stains, yet gentle enough to use around kids (see pet safety tips in the recipe notes).
Homemade Cleaning Scrub Ingredients
- Baking soda: A champ when it comes to removing stubborn stains, it also adds scrubbing power to this cleaner.
- Water: I use distilled water, but if you plan on using this cleaner soon after making it, tap water is fine.
- Soak: You can use everyday dish soap or castile soap.
- Hydrogen peroxide: A multi-tasker that kills germs, removes odors, and lifts stains.
- Essential oils: See the scent ideas below.
Essential Oil Scent Combos
🍋 Lemon + Tea Tree: Fresh, powerful, and perfect for disinfecting.
🌿 Peppermint + Lemon: Crisp, energizing, and clean.
🛁 Eucalyptus + Lavender: Spa-like and calming.
🍊 Orange + Clove: Warm, cozy, and great for kitchen grime.
How to Make Homemade Cleaning Scrub
You'll find the full instructions in the printable card below, but here's a quick overview of what you'll need to do.
- Make the scrub: Stir together the baking soda, water, soap, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oil in a bowl until a paste forms.
- Storage: Scoop the mixture into a jar with extra room at the top to allow for some expansion. Leave the jar partially uncovered for 12 to 24 hours, then seal.
- Use: Stir the scrub if it's foamy on the top. Scoop out with a cloth, sponge, or scrub brush and scrub the surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and rinse.
✅ Safe for: Stainless steel sinks, porcelain tubs, showers, stovetops, tiles, and grout
❌ Avoid using on: Natural stone (like granite or marble), wood, non-stick cookware, aluminum, and soft metals (may dull or scratch the surface)
A Note About Pet Safety
Some essential oils (like tea tree, eucalyptus, peppermint, and citrus) can be harmful to pets, especially cats. If you have pets at home, use in well-ventilated areas, rinse surfaces thoroughly after cleaning, store the scrub safely out of reach, or skip essential oils altogether if you're unsure or want to err on the side of caution.
If you try this homemade cleaning scrub recipe, let us know by leaving a comment, rating it, and don't forget to tag @itdoesnttastelikechicken on Instagram. You can also pin this recipe on Pinterest to save it for later!
Bon appetegan!
Sam Turnbull.
(click stars to vote)
Homemade Cleaning Scrub
Servings: cup ~
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Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 tablespoons dish soap or castile soap
- 1 tablespoon hydrogen peroxide
- 5 - 10 drops essential oil, (optional, see scent ideas below)
Instructions
- Make the scrub: In a medium bowl, mix together the baking soda, water, soap, hydrogen peroxide, and essential oil (if using), and stir to make a smooth paste.Tip: Citrus essential oils like lemon or orange may cause the scrub to expand slightly over time. For a more stable texture, use them sparingly or opt for gentler oils like lavender, cedarwood, or frankincense, or skip the oils altogether.
- Storage: Store in a jar with extra room at the top. If the scrub becomes fluffy or foamy (totally normal!), just give it a stir. Leave the lid slightly ajar for the first 12-24 hours to release any pressure, then seal as usual.
- How to Use: Scoop with a cloth or sponge and scrub the surface. Wipe clean with a damp cloth and rinse.✅ Safe for: Stainless steel sinks, porcelain tubs, showers, stovetops, tiles, and grout❌ Avoid using on: Natural stone (like granite or marble), wood, non-stick cookware, aluminum, and soft metals (may dull or scratch the surface)
Notes
Essential Oil Scent Combos
- 🍋 Lemon + Tea Tree: Fresh, powerful, and perfect for disinfecting.
- 🌿 Peppermint + Lemon: Crisp, energizing, and clean.
- 🛁 Eucalyptus + Lavender: Spa-like and calming.
- 🍊 Orange + Clove: Warm, cozy, and great for kitchen grime.
Lise Favreau says
Great scrub . No need to buy anything else . It cleans with no harmful chemicals . I don't use essential oil.
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Wonderful! SO thrilled you love it Lise! Thank you for the review 🙂
Saveplus UAE says
Love simple, natural solutions like this—effective, affordable, and eco-friendly!
Sam Turnbull @ It Doesn't Taste Like Chicken says
Thank you so much!! 🙂