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Let’s tackle the dirtiest part of the house. You know that room we take one look at and turn around and close the door in a moment of fight or flight. Wait. Is that just me? Let’s just pretend this is a global mom thing.
I’ve confessed before, but it’s worth mentioning just one more time…I don’t like cleaning the bathroom. It’s the one room of the house that strikes pure terror in my obsessive compulsive heart. Maybe it’s the fact that we have a wonderful four year-old boy living under our roof (we shall leave it at that…I think you get the point). Or the fact that our tub seems to throw mildew parties on a weekly basis and leaves all the evidence behind for me to clean up. Ah, yes. The bathroom.
Whatever the cause of my bathroom cleaning reservations may be, the dirty job must be done quite regularly in order to maintain a sense of cleanliness for the good of all.
Before having kids the dirty job could easily be accomplished with a washcloth and some water. I know, probably not the best cleaning method, but the bathroom was rarely used when both Dustin and I worked outside the home. Not to blame the kids (because I love my kids and don’t want them to have adult therapy sessions because of mommy’s bathroom issues), but well…the evidence is clear. The bathroom cleaning job is a bit more necessary during this season of life.
In my quest for a clean(er) bathroom, I created a powerful bathroom cleaner that works against even the most stubborn odors and dirt. That cleaner (which is amazing and you really need to check out!) is the go-to homemade solution for my weekly appointment in the bathroom. There are times when the job gets really dirty! So dirty I need a bit more help than my trusty homemade squirt bottle can provide. It’s in those moments that I turn to soft scrub.
Wait. wait!
Don’t leave.
It’s homemade, I promise.
Soft scrub is an amazing product that works on even the toughest dirt and mildew. Thankfully, making a homemade version of the popular cleaner is as simple as combining three dirt-hating ingredients. Let’s take a look at each ingredient…
Baking Soda: Baking soda is one of the most effective cleaning ingredients available. This inexpensive ingredient can be used to raise my favorite banana bread and clean a toilet. Pretty amazing stuff! When used as a homemade cleaner, baking soda absorbs odors and scrubs away stains due to its abrasive properties. I use Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda for baking, but go with the cheaper bulk bag of Arm & Hammer for cleaning.
Castile Soap or Sal Suds: One of my favorite multipurpose DIY ingredients. Castile soap is a concentrated vegetable-based soap with easy to recognize ingredients. I use castile soap for everything from homemade laundry detergent to hand soap and face wash. While I love castile soap, I often purchase castile soap’s cousin, Sal Suds, for tough cleaning jobs. Sal Suds is tougher on grease and stubborn stains than castile soap.
Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is known for its antiviral and antibacterial properties, making it the perfect cleaning ingredient for a dirty bathroom. Hydrogen peroxide takes a bit of time to work so I let my homemade soft scrub sit for a few minutes before the victorious act of scrubbing away dirt and stains.
With three simple, cost-effective ingredients homemade soft scrub conquers even the most stubborn bathroom odors and grime. Plus, the act of mixing the ingredients takes less time than a trip to the store to purchase a bottle of the alternative, which means with the extra time you can hide out in a clean bathroom with a homemade latte and good book!
Wait. Am I the only mom enjoying quiet time in the bathroom?
Nah, I’m sure it’s a global mom thing.
DIY Homemade Scrub Cleaner: Like Soft Scrub
Ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup castile soap or Sal Suds – see my explanation above
- 1 TB hydrogen peroxide
- 1 large jar with a lid or Mason Jar, the jar pictured is a Weck Jar.
Instructions
- In a medium-size bowl, combine the baking soda, castile soap or Sal Suds, and hydrogen peroxide. Stir until the scrub cleaner looks like thick glue.
- Spoon the scrub cleaner in a large jar with a lid. Seal the jar. This cleaner will harden when exposed to air for a prolonged period of time. The scrub cleaner can be used immediately and kept at room temperature (in a sealed jar) for several months.
Notes
Free PDF cheatsheet
How to Make Your Own Homemade Bathroom Cleaners
7 All-Time Favorite Recipes
Explore Bathroom Cleaning Recipes
Been using this recipe for a while now! I make a batch and a half and add just enough water to make it liquid and refill my Soft Scrub brand container. Saves plastic and money too! Thank you!
Yay, so happy to hear that, Pam!
Hi Kristin, I LOVE this cleanser!
I’m just wondering if you know of anything this should absolutely not be used on?
Also…if used on clothing to remove stains will it discolor?
This is fantastic. Works perfectly
This is amazing!! Thank you so much! My tub is sparkling!
Yay! So happy, Sarah! Thanks so much for commenting.
LS Team.
I have a cultured marble sink which I have trouble keeping clean. The manufacturer says, “Use a mild liquid soap and a soft cloth to clean your vanity top. Avoid using any bleach, abrasive cleaners or mineral spirits.” Will the baking soda in the DIY scrub cause it to be too abrasive?
The only thing I hate about this is that you went to all that trouble to make it a natural alternative and then the scrub brush appears to be some form of plastic. Disappointing.
Hey Kim, Live Simply is all about a progress over perfection attitude! Let’s look at this and be like, Wow! This is AWESOME progress. Plus, I’ve had this scrub brush for over 4 years now–talk about sustainable, environmentally-friendly, and resourceful! This is one I have: https://amzn.to/2ZLp9p2 I think we all need to be way less judgmental in this “green” space. Being so perfectionist is a huge turn off for people and makes this whole lifestyle feel very snobby and unattainable.
I want to try your toilet cleaner recipe but am not sure which hydrogen peroxide to use. I can get 50% or 3% strength in either food or tech grade. Which one should I buy?
Hey Maureen, I use 3%. That’s what I recommend.
Thanks for that. Should I use tech grade or food grade?
Hey Maureen, Either one.
I LOVE this soft scrub!!! I have found many uses for it including removing stains from clothes like grease & tomato based stains. Just rub a bit on & pop straight into the machine! It’s also amazing for getting sticky labels off jars – just rub on, leave It to sit for a while & then scrape off!! Thank you for all your wonderful recipes xxx
I LOVE this soft scrub!! I have found many uses for it, including removing stain removal from clothes (like grease or tomato based stains). It also amazing for removing sticky labels from jars!! Thank you for all your wonderful recipes!
Xxx
Would this be safe to use on a sealed granite countertop? Thank you!
Hey Leah, I believe so, but I would test a small area first.
Hi Kristin!
how much or cups should i use Sal Suds instead of 1/4 cup castile soap?
thanks in advance
Hey Ayca, Maybe try a couple of tablespoons?
This product works! Highly recommend!
Thank you very much
This is so good like I tried it this morning! Showed it to my mom also and she’s happy that she found the solution to her worries. One question though, is there anything that we can used to substitute the castile soap since it’s quite hard to be found here? Thank you!
Hey MSB, I’m so glad you’re enjoying it. You could leave it out entirely, or use a natural dish soap.
can I use dish soap instead of Castile soap
Hey Laurie, Yes, you should be able to.
It does harden. Thanks, I won’t use it.
Hey Alta, Which part hardens?
Can I use super washing soda?
Hey Alta, I don’t recommend it. The washing soda will harden and be hard to remove from the jar and surfaces.
This stuff is a game changer if you have a white sink. I tried for years to use natural products to get our sink white and could never find anything that really worked until this easy recipe came along…it is amazing! I printed out the recipe and taped it to the inside of the cleaning cabinet so I have it handy when I need to make a new batch. I also use this on our bath tubs and it works great, plus I have piece of mind that our girls are not being exposed to any harsh chemicals that could be left behind when they take a bath. The best! Just make it!
Hi Kristin! You have a fan from the UK here! Just wondering – what percentage hydrogen peroxide do you use? I have found percentage solutions ranging from 3% to 30% when shopping online. Thanks!
Hey Eliza, It’s so great to meet you! I use 3% :).
Thanks! Love your site :).
This stuff is incredible by the way – finally something that gets my homemade soap goo off the shower floor! 🙂
Hey Eliza, I’m so glad you’re enjoying the scrub!