Have you ever noticed that cleaning is much easier when you feel good about the products you’re using – and they look good, too? The bathroom is one of my least favorite chores. Big surprise, right? I doubt scrubbing toilets is at the top of too many to-do lists. But I recently made a baking soda scouring powder that’s naturally infused with herbs and spices, and it almost makes me look forward to my date with porcelain.
I found the idea of simple baking soda scrubbers in the fabulous book The Naturally Clean Home. The tiny tome is filled with homemade cleaning recipes; it’s a great tool in your green cleaning arsenal. You can make large batches of this antibacterial and sanitizing scouring powder. I like that it looks good sitting by the sink, and I can shake in a bit whenever the urge strikes.
The concept of the scrub is simple. Combine ground dried herbs, spices or essential oils with baking soda, sprinkle in your sink or toilet, scrub and rinse with water. That’s it!
Baking soda is perfect for scouring jobs; it gets the grime without damaging the surface. It’s especially good for stainless steel sinks and porcelain. You’re left with a sparkling sink and an amazing smell.
Cinnamon Clove Scouring Powder
- 1 cup baking soda + 2 tablespoons cinnamon + 1 tablespoon whole cloves (loosely ground)
Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Floral Scouring Powder
- 1 cup baking soda + 1/2 cup dried roses (loosely ground)
You could also try a combination of lavender and rose and use 1/4 cup of each. Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Herbal Scouring Powder
- 1 cup baking soda + 1 heaping tablespoon each oregano, thyme, rosemary (all loosely ground)
Combine ingredients and store in an airtight container.
This would also work great with citrus! For extra stain fighting power, you can add 1/4 cup borax to the mix.
love baking soda ~ its good to use a little in the palm of your hand with your fav shampoo to get rid of build up of product in your hair too .it leaves it feeling really clean and shiny. I use it alot ,for cat litter .cleaning .laundry etc… I buy it in bulk in the summer .you can find it in huge bags in the “pool” area of most superstores. thanks for sharing
Mattie,
Thanks for the information about finding baking soda in bulk in the pool area!
My wife loves baking soda, but always complains that she runs out so quickly with the small boxes. Thanks for the tip, I will check out the pool aisle! FYI, she uses it on her skin too. It was a real lifesaver for her when she had shingles.
Love these ideas!!! I cannot wait to try these!
Sometimes I use a little baking soda with a little salt for brushing my teeth ~ especially after being sick.
Have a blessed day!
Is there anything cleaning related that baking soda cannot do?! Love this, I will be trying it tonight.
As I’ve told you so many times before, you have totally helped me ‘green up’ my entire cleaning routine! In fact, I did a beauty detox too, and I think these two things are the entire reason I got pregnant. Out with the chemicals, in with the fertility! Seriously!
I can’t wait to make these scrubs, but I was wondering: have you cleaned a stainless steel sink with baking soda before? I’m just wondering if it’s safe. I know you mention it is, but I always get a film…
First, congrats to you! So exciting! 🙂 Second, I’ve cleaned my kitchen sink, which is stainless steel, with the powder – just poured some in, scrubbed and rinsed. I didn’t have a problem with a film but let me know if you try it and do!
Love this idea for party favour. Where did you get the bottles . They are adorable. Thanks
what a great idea! where do you get your bottles? LoVE them!!