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!
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).
What You’ll Need:
- Baking soda: The gentle abrasive. Lifts grime without scratching.
- Dish soap or castile soap: For grease-cutting power.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Brightens, disinfects, and tackles stains.
- Essential oils: Optional, but they add scent and antibacterial benefits.
- Water: Just enough to bring it all together into a creamy paste.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CLEANING SCRUB:
- 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 essential oil 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 This Scrub Cleaner: Scoop 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), non-stick cookware, aluminum, and soft metals (may dull or scratch the surface)
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cleaning Scrub:
- ✨ Powerful on grime: Cuts through grease, stains, and buildup with ease.
- 🧼 All-natural ingredients: No harsh chemicals, just simple pantry staples.
- 💸 Budget-friendly: Costs under $1.50 per batch to make.
- 🛁 Versatile: Works on sinks, tubs, tiles, stovetops, and more!
If you try this homemade cleaning paste 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.
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Homemade Cleaning Scrub
This Homemade Cleaning Scrub is a non-toxic dupe for The Pink Stuff. Safe, powerful, budget-friendly, and made in under 5 minutes with simple ingredients.
Servings: cup ~
Instructions
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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.
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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), 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.
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.
