Looking for an effective and eco-friendly way to tackle tough cleaning jobs? We’ve been making our own homemade soft scrub that is gentle enough for delicate surfaces but tough on grime, making it perfect for water-stained sinks, crusty stove tops, countertops, tiles, and even glass shower doors.

A 5-ingredient Home Cleaner

As spring is upon us and the summer months approach, we spend the majority of our days running around outside. This means less time to give our countertops, tiles, and showers the cleaning they deserve. This five-ingredient soft scrub not only does the job quickly but gives our house a deeper clean.

The kids tend to take over more of the house cleaning duties during the summer months, and I love knowing that they are cleaning our home with effective ingredients that work rather than scrubbing our surfaces with the harsh chemicals you will find in a store-bought bottle. With simple ingredients, you can create a hardworking, non-toxic cleaner that leaves your home sparkling clean.

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Why Make Your Own Soft Scrub?

Homemade soft scrub is:

• Eco-Friendly: Avoid harsh chemicals found in commercial cleaners.
• Budget-Friendly: Uses inexpensive, everyday ingredients.
• Customizable: Adjust the scent and consistency to your preference.
• Effective: Natural abrasives and cleaners tackle dirt and stains effectively.

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Making DIY Soft Scrub Cleaner

Ingredients:

• 1 cup baking soda (gentle abrasive for scrubbing power)
• ½ cup washing soda (boosts cleaning power)
• ¼ cup citric acid (natural brightener and deodorizer) (I get this by the canning supplies or online)
• 1 teaspoon xanthan gum (optional, helps powder adhere better when applied)
• 10-15 drops essential oil (optional, for fragrance – lemon, lavender, or tea tree work great)

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Instructions:

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, mix baking soda, washing soda, citric acid, and xanthan gum thoroughly. This should result in a thick, creamy texture.
2. Add Essential Oils:
   • If using, add essential oils drop by drop, stirring continuously to evenly distribute the scent.
3. Store:
   • Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, such as a jar or shaker with small holes.

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How to Use:

1. Sprinkle the dry scrub onto a damp sponge, or cloth, or directly onto the surface.
2. Add a little water as you scrub to activate the cleaning and foaming action.
3. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry with a clean cloth.

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FAQs About Dry Soft Scrub

1. Can I use this on all surfaces?

• This scrub is safe for most surfaces, including sinks, tiles, and glass. Avoid using it on delicate surfaces like polished marble or natural stone as the baking soda can be too abrasive.

2. How long does it last?

• This dry version has an indefinite shelf life if stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. We keep ours under the kitchen sink.

3. Can I make a larger batch?

• Absolutely! Just scale the ingredients proportionally.

4. Can I omit the essential oils?

• Yes, essential oils are optional and only add fragrance and some antimicrobial properties.

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Why You’ll Love This Dry Soft Scrub

This recipe is simple, effective, and adaptable. Whether you’re tackling soap scum, greasy counters, or grimy sinks, this homemade soft scrub powder is a powerful, natural solution. Plus, it’s safe for your family and the environment.

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Instruction Card

Grab your Printable Label with the Recipe Instructions HERE.

Other labels included in this printable include: our Homemade Glass Cleaner, All-Purpose Cleaner, Tallow and Honey Body Wash my Favorite Hair and Scalp Tonic, Natural Dry Shampoo, of course Natural Soft Scrub that you just made (and coming soon to the blog) Homemade Dishwashing Soap, Natural Deodorant and My Favorite Homemade Summertime Perfumes.

Price Breakdown

Total estimated cost per 32 oz jar: $8 – $12 (give or take if you have any of these ingredients on hand)

Ingredient	Approximate Cost
Baking soda – 8 oz	$1 – $3
Washing soda – 55 oz	$5 – $25
Citric acid – 12 oz	$7 – $13
Xanthan gum – 5 oz	$7 – $13
Essential Oils Tea Tree Oil, Lavender, etc. – 15 mL	$30 – $60

What else can I make with the same ingredients?

We use citric acid in our homemade powdered flower food recipe to balance the ph levels in the water for our cut flowers.

We have started incorporating essential oils into our sauna practices – I shared some of our favorite essential oil combinations here

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Get Cleaning Naturally!

Try this homemade dry soft scrub today and see how easy it is to keep your home sparkling clean without harsh chemicals. Share your cleaning tips and results on social media using #HeartySolClean. We’d love to see how it works for you!