We recommend products we would use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links, which means we might make a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep the blog running. See our full disclosure here.
Creating your own homemade bathroom cleaner is inexpensive, effective and enjoyable. Our bathroom surface scrub recipe below is a natural alternative that’s easy to make and use. Say goodbye to harsh chemicals and hello to a clean, fresh-smelling home!
Why Choose Homemade Cleaners?
We think homemade cleaners are the way to go for a healthier home environment. So many cleaners have harsh chemicals that are toxic to breathe and touch. And purchasing natural cleaning products can be expensive. With just a few ingredients and a small amount of time you can have a cleaning scrub made that will last you months and cost you little.
Natural Ingredients in Our Homemade Bathroom Cleaner
So much of today’s cleaning needs can be met with simple natural ingredients. You don’t need harsh chemicals to get things clean! In fact, by using the cleaning scrub below, not only can you clean multiple surfaces in your bathroom, but your house will smell amazing in the process. And you won’t have to worry about burning your skin while you use our cleaner because everything is safe and gentle.
Here are the ingredients we choose for this recipe and why:
- Baking Soda:
- Acts as a gentle abrasive to lift and remove dirt, grime, and stains without scratching surfaces.
- Naturally deodorizes, leaving your bathroom smelling fresh and clean.
- Coarse Kosher Salt:
- Provides additional abrasiveness for tackling tougher stains and buildup.
- Helps to scrub away soap scum and mineral deposits effectively.
- Pure-Castile Liquid Soap:
- Serves as a natural surfactant, helping to break down and lift away grease and grime.
- Gentle on surfaces while still providing effective cleaning power.
- Lemon Essential Oil:
- Possesses strong antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it effective against germs and mold.
- Leaves behind a fresh, citrusy scent that helps to naturally deodorize and refresh the bathroom.
- Tea Tree Essential Oil:
- Known for its powerful antimicrobial properties, tea tree oil helps to disinfect surfaces and kill bacteria.
- Effective against mold, mildew, and other common bathroom contaminants.
- Clove Bud Essential Oil:
- Offers potent antimicrobial and antifungal properties, enhancing the cleaning power of the scrub.
- Imparts a warm, spicy aroma and provides additional deodorizing benefits.
When we are ready to use the scrub we sometimes make a paste using vinegar. We explain the benefits of vinegar as a cleaning agent in our post, “Natural Cleaning Tips with Vinegars.”
Cost Comparison of Store Bought vs. Homemade Bathroom Cleaner
Currently, Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Scrub Cleaner costs about $12 for 11 ounces. The main ingredients in our scrub below are baking soda and salt, which cost about $2-3. You’ll be surprised at how much you can save while still achieving sparkling results. Essential oils can be a large cost upfront, but they last forever and have multiple uses. So we think they are a good investment and the cost per drop is usually not significant with most oils.
Bathroom Cleaner Customization Options
Another great thing about this cleaner is the ability to make it in whatever batch size you like. You could make smaller batches with different oil blends depending on what mood you are in or what type of cleaning you want to achieve. Tailoring your homemade cleaning agents to your preferences is another great reason to make your own!
For more natural cleaning tips and tricks, don’t forget to check out our post on “Natural Cleaning Tips with Vinegar.” Plus, explore our guide on essential oils to consider what other oils you’d like to use in your other natural home and beauty products.
Here are a few other cleaning blend options to try:
- Fresh Citrus Blend:
- 6 drops Lemon
- 4 drops Orange
- 2 drops Grapefruit
- Herbal Mint Blend:
- 5 drops Peppermint
- 4 drops Eucalyptus
- 3 drops Rosemary
- Floral Delight Blend:
- 5 drops Lavender
- 4 drops Geranium
- 3 drops Ylang Ylang
- Woodsy Spice Blend:
- 5 drops Cedarwood
- 4 drops Pine
- 3 drops Cinnamon Bark
- Energizing Citrus Blend:
- 5 drops Bergamot
- 4 drops Lemon
- 3 drops Lime
- Clean & Fresh Blend:
- 5 drops Tea Tree
- 4 drops Lemon
- 3 drops Lavender
- Tropical Paradise Blend:
- 5 drops Coconut
- 4 drops Lime
- 3 drops Sweet Orange
Whether you prefer lavender for a calming aroma or peppermint for an extra invigorating clean, the possibilities are endless.
Making your own homemade bathroom cleaner is a rewarding and empowering experience. Not only is it better for your health and the environment, but it’s also a fun and creative way to take control of your cleaning routine. Try our recipe today and see the difference for yourself!
Bathroom Surface Scrub
Equipment
Materials
- 1 cup baking powder
- 1/4 cup coarse kosher salt
- 1/4 cup pure-castile liquid soap
- 8 drops lemon essential oil
- 5 drops tea tree essential oil
- 3 drops clove bud essential oil
Instructions
To Make:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the baking soda and coarse kosher salt.
- Add the pure-castile liquid soap to the dry ingredients.
- Drop in the lemon, tea tree, and clove bud essential oils.
- Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a canning jar and seal tightly with the lid.
To Use:
- To use, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the scrub and mix it with 2 tablespoons of liquid such as vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to create a paste.
- Apply the paste to the desired surface and scrub with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Notes
- Store the cleaning scrub in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- This cleaning scrub is safe for most surfaces but it’s always recommended to test in a small, inconspicuous area first.
- For a different scent or added cleaning benefits, experiment with other essential oil combinations such as lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or orange.
Other Natural Cleaning DIY Products to Make Yourself
