DIY Cleaning Scrub Recipe

I love Soft Scrub with Bleach.  It works great, but I can't handle the strong smell.  So, I decided to try my hand at creating my own DIY version.  Guess what?  My DIY version worked really well, made enough to clean my shower, tub, two sinks and is all natural!  No horrible burn your nose or throat after smell, either.

I've already created my own cleaning spray and now this cleaning scrub.  I hope to NEVER purchase a commercial cleaning product again!  I need to find a great wood cleaner/polish next.

Here's what you'll need:

1 Cup of Baking Soda
1/4 cup Dr Bronner's Liquid Castile Soap (I have used both the Peppermint and Unscented versions)
1 Tablespoon of White Vinegar
11 Drops of Essential Oil (I prefer to use Lemon)
Mix all of the above ingredients and use.

Please note - I have used this cleaning scrub on my porcelain bathtub, ceramic tile walls and grout, travertine steam shower and grout, sink, counters and toilet.  If you are concerned at all with how it may affect a surface in your own home, please do a spot test before anything else.

I haven't made enough that I need to worry about storing any leftovers yet, but I am going to look into some type of container to keep a larger batch in.  I am thinking of using a small glass bowl of some sort, I just haven't decided on the exact one yet.

If you decide to try this DIY Cleaning Scrub Recipe, please let me know what you think!

This is a basic and super simple  DIY Foaming Hand Soap recipe you can customize to suit your own needs.  Please note - You do not need to use the exact brands I have chosen for my own DIY Foaming Hand Soap, they are just listed as an easy reference in case you need a place to start.  Almost all of the supplies for my version of this soap were purchased from Amazon (hello, Amazon Prime!) and/or the grocery store.

Here's what you will need:

• Any 8 to 10 ounce foaming hand soap dispenser (you can use a brand new one or any previously used dispenser you have around the house.  I've recycled some of my Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap dispensers and they seem to work great).
• 1/4 Cup of Pure Castile Liquid Soap (I prefer to use Dr. Bronner's brand Castile Soaps.  I have used both the Peppermint and Unscented versions with great success).
• 1 Tablespoon of Sweet Almond Oil (I prefer the Now brand).
• 1 Tablespoon of Vegetable Glycerin (I use the Now brand).
• Distilled Water (I use the Arrowhead brand of distilled water).
• Optional: 10-15 drops of Essential Oil(s)

Directions:  Measure the liquid castile soap, sweet almond oil and vegetable glycerin and add them to your foaming hand soap container.  I use a small funnel to make things easy and less messy.  Finally, top off with the distilled water.  Be sure to leave about an inch or so of space to allow room for the soap pump to fit without making the soap spill over the top.  Shake gently to mix the ingredients. 

Here are some scent combinations our family uses:
Unscented DIY Foaming Hand Soap
If you use the unscented liquid castile soap and do not add any essential oils, it is truly unscented.  I do not notice any weird scent at all.  I have super sensitive skin and am highly sensitive to most fragrance, so I actually like this version a lot.

Peppermint DIY Foaming Hand Soap
If you use the Peppermint liquid castile soap, the soap will have a slight peppermint scent with a tingly feel after you wash your hands.

Eucalyptus Peppermint DIY Foaming Hand Soap
Use the above recipe with the Peppermint liquid castile soap and add 10-15 drops of Eucalyptus oil to the mixture.  I make this for my husband's bathroom and it has been a hit.

Cinnamon Clove DIY Foaming Hand Soap
Using the unscented version of this recipe, add 5-8 drops of Cinnamon Essential Oil and 3 drops of Clove Essential Oil.  This oil combination reminds me of Fall.

Please remember - less is more.  If you are unsure of how a specific essential oil or ingredient will affect you, please try a small amount to make sure you do not have any sensitivity issues.

The original version of this recipe was obtained from One Essential Community.