2 Ingredient DIY Soft Scrub Cleaner
When it comes to cleaning your home, many commercial products promise sparkling results, but at a cost. Harsh chemicals, plastic packaging, and mystery ingredients make conventional cleaners less than ideal for those trying to live more sustainably. If you're looking for a non-toxic, plastic-free, and highly effective solution, this DIY soft scrub cleaner made with just two ingredients (Castile soap and baking soda) is exactly what you need.
This powerful duo tackles tough grime, soap scum, and dirty surfaces without harming your health or the environment. It's safe, simple, and sustainable and you probably already have everything you need in your pantry or cleaning caddy.
Why Make Your Own Soft Scrub Cleaner?
Let’s be honest. Most of us are trying to reduce plastic, lower our exposure to chemicals, and save money where we can. A DIY soft scrub is an excellent alternative to store-bought abrasives and bathroom cleaners for a few key reasons:
Zero harsh chemicals: No synthetic fragrances, dyes, or preservatives.
Plastic-free (or reduced): You can store it in a reusable glass jar.
Budget-friendly: Just two inexpensive ingredients you probably already have.
Safe for kids, pets, and sensitive skin.
Customizable: Add essential oils for fragrance or antibacterial properties.
This simple recipe is not only better for the planet, it’s better for your wallet and your peace of mind.
These are the common big branded products that we are replacing with this simple DIY:
The Ingredients: Simple, Powerful, and Safe
1. Castile Soap: The Gentle Yet Mighty Cleaner
Castile soap is a plant-based soap traditionally made from olive oil, though many modern versions include a blend of oils like coconut, hemp, or jojoba. It's biodegradable, non-toxic, and incredibly versatile; ideal for everything from body wash to dish soap to, yes, household cleaning.
The most popular and widely available brand is Dr.Bronner’s Castile Soap which typically costs between $16-$24 for a 32oz bottle depending on the scent and the vendor you buy it from
Why it's great for cleaning:
Mild but effective: Castile soap can lift away grease and dirt without stripping surfaces or skin.
Non-toxic and biodegradable: No SLS, parabens, or synthetic preservatives.
Multi-purpose: Use it in countless DIY cleaning recipes beyond soft scrub (dish soap, floor cleaner, laundry soap, etc.).
Eco-friendly: Typically comes in recyclable or refillable bottles, especially if you buy in bulk or from zero-waste stores.
When used in a scrub, Castile soap adds a gentle, sudsy cleaning power that helps cut through grime and residue without relying on harsh detergents.
I️ use castile soap in a lot of my DIY recipes and it is totally possible to make it at home. Unfortunately, since I️ live in an airstream right now, I️ don’t have the space for soap making but maybe in the future!
Some other Castile Soap Brands Available:
2. Baking Soda: The Classic Natural Abrasive
Sodium bicarbonate, aka baking soda, is a kitchen staple that moonlights as a powerful household cleaner. It’s been used for decades to deodorize, brighten, and scrub away tough stains. You can find baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) online at your local grocery or convenience store.
Why it works:
Mild abrasiveness: Gentle enough to use on tile, stainless steel, sinks, and tubs, but tough enough to tackle soap scum and stuck-on grime.
Natural deodorizer: Neutralizes odors rather than masking them with synthetic fragrances.
Non-toxic: Safe to use around food, kids, and pets.
Multi-use magic: Beyond soft scrub, it’s a go-to for cleaning drains, deodorizing carpets, and even freshening shoes.
Together, Castile soap and baking soda form the perfect texture and consistency for a scrub that clings to surfaces and actually works without the need for bleach or ammonia.
How to Make Your Own DIY Soft Scrub Cleaner
Ingredients:
1 part Castile soap (unscented or scented)
1 part baking soda
Optional:
10–15 drops of essential oils (tea tree, lemon, lavender, eucalyptus, or peppermint work well) You can also pick up an already scented castile soap of your choice instead.
Directions:
In a bowl or mason jar, mix equal parts Castile soap and baking soda. Start with ½ cup of each to make a small batch.
Stir until you get a thick, paste-like consistency. It should be creamy, not runny.
Add your essential oils, if using, and mix well.
Transfer to a reusable container like a glass jar with a lid or a squeeze bottle for easier application.
Store in a cool, dry place. Use within a few weeks for best results.
How to Use Your Homemade Soft Scrub
This DIY soft scrub is ideal for a wide range of surfaces and cleaning jobs. Here’s how to use it:
Sinks & Faucets: Apply a small amount, scrub with a sponge or brush, leave for 5 minutes, and rinse thoroughly.
Bathtubs & Showers: Spread it on soap scum or stains, let it sit for 5–10 minutes, then scrub and rinse.
Stovetops: Gently scrub stuck-on food or grease without scratching the surface.
Toilets: Use inside the bowl as a natural abrasive scrub.
Oven Doors: Apply with a sponge, let sit, and scrub away grime.
Avoid using this soft scrub on delicate surfaces like marble or unsealed wood, as the baking soda could cause microabrasions.
Essential Oil Add-Ins:
Essential oils aren’t just for fragrance—they bring powerful antimicrobial and mood-boosting benefits to your homemade cleaner.
Tea Tree Oil: Naturally antifungal and antibacterial.
Lemon Oil: Cuts grease and has natural brightening properties.
Lavender: Soothing scent, mild antibacterial qualities.
Peppermint: Energizing scent and cooling freshness.
Eucalyptus: Refreshing and great for tackling bathroom mildew.
Use around 10–15 drops per cup of cleaner for best results.
Sustainability Tips
Buy ingredients in bulk: Refill your Castile soap and baking soda from zero-waste or refill stores when possible.
Store in glass: Upcycle old jars or invest in a reusable container.
Label it: Add a DIY label with the date you made it so you always know what’s inside.
Compost paper towels or switch to cloth: Pair your soft scrub with reusable cleaning cloths for a totally waste-free routine.
Final Thoughts
This DIY soft scrub cleaner made with Castile soap and baking soda is the perfect blend of sustainability, simplicity, and effectiveness. It’s a natural, affordable way to clean your home without compromising on results or values. Whether you’re new to green cleaning or a seasoned low-waste warrior, this recipe is a staple you’ll return to again and again.
By choosing gentle, planet-friendly ingredients, you’re not only protecting your home and health, you’re contributing to a more sustainable world, one scrub at a time.
Check out this video for 5 other DIY Cleaning Recipes
