Many of the cleaning products I see in stores advertise their “no-scrubbing” formulas. While I do appreciate their attempt to make my household cleaning easier, there are some situations where it just doesn’t seem properly clean unless I’ve given it a good scrub! I must not be the only one who feels this way, because many brands of scrubby scouring powders are still a mainstay in the cleaning aisle. Today I’ll be sharing how to make your very own homemade herbal scouring powder. The formula is all-natural, it’s effective, and it’s totally customizable!
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Scouring powders, including the store-bought varieties like AJAX and Comet, are great for cleaning porcelain surfaces, like tubs, sinks, and toilets. This homemade scouring powder works just as well for scrubbing away tough messes and marks! The baking soda in this recipe is abrasive and helps to scrub away messes and marks, while borax helps to whiten your surfaces and make them really shine.
This scouring powder includes an herbal element and essential oils for added cleaning power and a fresh and clean scent. We had fun mixing and matching the herbs and oils to create interesting combinations. You can see what we ended up creating below! :-)
How To Make Herbal Scouring Powder
Ingredients:
1/2 cup baking soda
1 Tbsp borax
1 Tbsp dried herbs, flowers or spices
10 drops essential oils
Directions:
Add all ingredients to a small bowl and mix well.
Transfer the powder mix to an airtight container to store, or a shaker container to use immediately.
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We made three different scented scouring powders for this post:
- Lavender flowers with lavender essential oil
- Dried rosemary leaves with rosemary essential oil
- Lemon zest and orange zest with lemon and sweet orange essential oils
You can choose to match your herbs and essential oils like we did, or you can mix and match to create something totally unique! How about aromatic eucalyptus leaves paired with rosemary essential oil? Or why not rose buds paired with frankincense oil, for something unexpected? The only limit is your imagination! ;-)
Using Your Herbal Scouring Powder
Run some water over the surface you’ll be cleaning, and sprinkle with the scouring powder. Use a scrub brush or a sponge and scrub. Rinse thoroughly.
Not all surfaces react well to scouring products. If you’re not sure, just test your powder in an inconspicuous area before cleaning the whole thing!
I love using this scrub in the kitchen when the mother in-law is coming over and in the bathroom cause I know for a fact the she has to pass the kitchen to get to the bathroom and she uses the bathroom every time she comes over . As far as chasing lavender flowers it can be a little pain in the butt , but I love how it smells .
As a way to get rid of the “old people” smell is to take a spray bottle and put about 8 ounces of distilled water with about 20 drops of lavender and lemon oil. Shake well and spray into the air, around bedding, couches and chairs. If you can open the windows.
Is the essential oil essential (ha!) or can it be left out? I don’t have many, and haven’t started using them yet, but have the other ingredients. Can this be stored in an old Parmesan cheese container? Thanks!
I’d love to know the answer to this too! Thank you for your post. I just learned the Meyers clean day product I’ve been using isn’t all that safe.
It can be left out – it just provides an extra cleaning boost :-) And yes, it can be stored in a Parmesan container.
Baking soda and salt is another great abrasive combo!
Is there a cleaning purpose for the dried herbs or just to enhance the smell?
Can you show us how just like you made the scouring cleaning powder?
Also is that a sugar jar you have it in ?
Thanks, the videos are so nice, and makes it so much easier for everyone to understand too……
Also and what other kind of herbs to use…..and the ones you think is the best……
I would love it and think everyone else would too…..
Don’t you end up chasing lavender flowers or whatever herb around and around the surface you are cleanng, trying to get them all?
Go to the EWE Hall of Shame for cleaners website and read what is in most store purchased cleaners. This will have you making all of your own cleaners and laundry products. Some great recipes that work have been provided here and in the comment section. As for “old people smell” bathe regularly and clean the house weekly.
Try baking soda and vinegar to clean your oven. Fantastic1
Helpful post! Very informative and inspiring.
How do you get rid of old people smell?????
Is this a serious question?
Practice excellent personal hygiene. Bathe daily, change clothing daily and clean the house weekly.
What is old people smell ? And whom are you talking about? I’m around old people and have been all my life and sure don’t understand what the person who wrote this comment meant !!!!!