Ever feel like your sink never actually looks clean… no matter how many times you scrub it?
I’ve been there.
I still remember standing in my kitchen one day, staring at my sink that just wouldn’t look clean, no matter what I used. I was so tired of spending money on products that didn’t work the way I wanted them to.
That’s when I started experimenting with a few simple ingredients, I already had at home… and this homemade soft scrub quickly became one of my go to cleaners.
It’s easy to make, works really well on tough grime, and best of all it saves money.
If you’re looking for a simple, effective, and more natural way to clean, you’re going to love this homemade soft scrub cleanser.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Soft Scrub
If you’re anything like me, you want something that actually works… without spending a ton of money or filling your home with harsh chemicals.
This homemade soft scrub cleaner checks all the boxes:
- It’s super affordable (you probably already have everything on hand)
- It works on tough grime, grease, and buildup
- It’s quick and easy to make in just a few minutes
- You can customize the scent with essential oils
- A little goes a long way
And honestly? There’s just something satisfying about cleaning your home with something you made yourself.
Made with simple, natural ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, this gentle yet powerful cleaner will leave your surfaces sparkling clean and refreshed.
Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a greener, more sustainable cleaning routine.
Get ready to whip up a batch of our homemade soft scrub and see the difference it can make in your home!
I love being able to make all of my own cleaning products because it costs much less and I like to be able to control the chemical ingredients that I am exposing my home to.
When I first started using essential oils to replace toxic chemicals in my home, I found that they work perfectly for making your own products.
Plus they offer my family some added health benefits that I love, rather than cause health issues like so many of the toxic ingredients in the cleaners I used to buy at the store are known to do.
Homemade Soft Scrub Cleaner Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup castile
- 1 tablespoons Witch Hazel
- 10-20 drops tea tree essential oil
- 10-20 drops of lime essential oil
- 10-20 drops of orange essential oil
- 10-20 drops of lemon essential oil
- Mason jar or another glass airtight container.
Saving Dollars and Sense Tip: If you choose to use other brands of essential oils that aren’t as potent as the ones that I personally use, then you’ll want to increase the number of drops to 20-30 drops each.
Homemade Soft Scrub Recipe
Years ago I learned that no matter how messy my home would get (and it got pretty messy with little ones), as long as my sink was clean and shiny I felt like I was doing just fine.
I learned that this recipe does a fantastic job of making any sink sparkle and shine, no matter how dingy it might start off.
Step 1: Start by adding the baking soda to a small glass bowl.
Step 2: Add the castile soap and the witch hazel to the bowl.
Step 3: Add the essential oils of your choice.
Expert Tip: I suggest using a higher quality like these ones because the better the quality the more potent they will be and the less you will have to use.
Step 4: Mix ingredients together until a creamy paste.
I chose the essential oils listed in the ingredients above because they are great for cleaning.
This particular brand is also super concentrated which means you don’t have to use as much to make your products as you might have to use with other brands.
Why This Homemade Soft Scrub Actually Works (And Works Well!)
This simple recipe works so well because each ingredient has a job to do:
- Baking soda gently scrubs away grime without scratching most surfaces and absorbs odors.
- Castile soap cuts through grease and lifts dirt.
- Witch hazel helps bind everything together and adds mild cleaning power.
- Essential oils (like tea tree or lemon) can add antibacterial properties and a fresh scent.
When you combine them, you get a powerful cleaner that’s gentle enough for everyday use but strong enough to tackle tough messes.
What Can You Clean With This?
This soft scrub is one of those “use it everywhere” kind of cleaners. I reach for it all the time!
You can use it on:
- Bathroom sinks and tubs
- Shower walls and tile
- Kitchen sinks
- Stovetops
- Pots and pans with stuck-on food
- Countertops (non-porous surfaces)
- Faucets and fixtures
It’s especially great for those spots that need a little extra scrubbing power without being too harsh.
Tip: For tougher stains or buildup, apply the scrub and let it sit for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing. This helps break down grime and makes cleaning easier.
What NOT to Use It On
Because this cleaner contains baking soda (which is slightly abrasive), there are a few surfaces you’ll want to avoid:
- Granite or marble countertops
- Natural stone surfaces
- Wood
- Anything with a delicate or glossy finish
When in doubt, always test a small hidden area first.
Tips & Variations
This is where you can really make it your own!
- Add lemon essential oil for a fresh, clean scent.
- Use lavender for a calming, spa-like feel.
- Add a little extra baking soda for more scrubbing power.
- If your scrub starts to thicken or dry out over time, simply add a little water and stir until it’s smooth and easy to use again.
You can even make a couple different batches with different scents for different areas of your home.
Homemade vs. Store Bought Soft Scrub
One of my favorite things about this recipe? The savings.
Store-bought soft scrub cleaners can cost anywhere from $4–$6 per bottle.
This homemade version:
- Costs just pennies per batch
- Uses simple, natural ingredients
- Skips the harsh chemicals
Plus, you can feel good knowing exactly what you’re using in your home—especially if you have kids or pets around.
How to Store Your Soft Scrub
Store your homemade soft scrub in an airtight container or a reusable squeeze bottle.
A few quick tips:
- Stir before each use if it separates
- Keep it in a cool, dry place
- Use within a few weeks for best results
If it thickens over time, just add a small splash of water and mix.
If your scrub dries out over time, don’t toss it—just add a little water and stir to bring it back to life.
FAQs
It’s best used within a few weeks, though it may last longer if stored properly.
It’s not recommended, as baking soda can leave scratches.
Yes, this recipe uses simple ingredients, but always keep cleaning products out of reach and supervise use.
Nope! They’re totally optional. The cleaner will still work great without them.
You can easily adjust it—add more baking soda to thicken or a little water to thin it out.
How to Save Money on Essential Oils
They also boost your mood and make a wonderful air freshener. This way your house is clean and smells great and you are happy, even though you just cleaned the house!
Store in a glass airtight container, a mason jar works perfectly for this!
That’s it. This homemade cleanser is super easy to make and works really well on pretty much every surface.
More Homemade Cleaning Recipes
If you liked this homemade cleaning recipe, you’ll love these ones too:
- DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner – This DIY Garbage Disposal Cleaner is so easy to make and have on hand whenever your sink needs a refresh.
- DIY Homemade Dishwasher Detergent – It’s so easy to make yourself and does a great job too, without all of the junky chemical ingredients of store-bought brands.
- Homemade All Natural Non-Toxic Bleach – make your own bleach alternative with this simple recipe.
