diy cleaning paste

When it comes to tackling tough messes around the house, there’s nothing quite like a good scrubbing paste. But many commercial options are filled with harsh chemicals and artificial fragrances that you may not want in your home—or on the surfaces your family uses every day. That’s why this DIY cleaning paste is a game-changer. It’s simple to make, highly effective, and made with natural, non-toxic ingredients you can trust.

This cleaning paste is perfect for sinks, stovetops, grout, and any area that needs a little extra elbow grease. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and smells amazing thanks to the addition of essential oils.

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JUMP TO THE DIY RECIPE

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Why homemade?

1. Non-Toxic Cleaning: This paste uses natural ingredients that are tough on grime but safe for your family and the environment.

2. Budget-Friendly: Made with pantry staples, this recipe costs pennies compared to store-bought options.

3. Customizable Scent: Essential oils allow you to tailor the fragrance to your liking while adding extra cleaning power.

4. Versatile: Use it on sinks, stovetops, tiles, bathtubs, and more—just not on delicate or porous surfaces like marble or granite.

   
   

If you’ve been following my blog, you know how much I value simple, effective recipes that align with my goal of living intentionally. This cleaning paste is just one example of how I’ve swapped out store-bought products for DIY alternatives that I can trust.

Ingredients

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• 1/2 cup baking soda (gentle abrasive for scrubbing)

• 2 tablespoons Castile soap (cuts through grease and grime)

• 1 tablespoon water (adjust as needed for consistency)

• 10 drops lemon essential oil (degreaser and antibacterial)

• 10 drops tea tree essential oil (antimicrobial)

• optional: add 1/4 cup washing soda for an even more powerful clean!

  
  

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Instructions

1. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In a bowl, mix the baking soda and washing soda. Stir until well combined.

2. Add Liquid Ingredients:

   • Slowly add the Castile soap and water, stirring constantly to form a paste. Adjust the water amount to achieve your desired consistency—thicker for stubborn stains, thinner for easier application.

3. Incorporate Essential Oils:

   • Add the lemon and tea tree essential oils. Mix thoroughly to distribute the scent and boost the cleaning power.

4. Store:

   • Transfer the paste into an airtight glass container (I love these ones!) or jar. Label it and store it in a cool, dry place. The paste will last for several months if kept sealed.

   
   

How to Use Your Cleaning Paste

1. Apply a small amount of paste to the surface you’re cleaning.

2. Use a damp sponge, cloth, or brush to scrub the area.

3. Rinse thoroughly with water and wipe dry for a sparkling finish.

Pro Tip: For extra-tough stains, let the paste sit on the surface for 5–10 minutes before scrubbing.

Where to Use It

• Kitchen: Stovetops, ovens, sinks, and counters.

• Bathroom: Bathtubs, tile grout, and sinks.

• Other Surfaces: Doorknobs, light switches, and any non-porous surface that needs a deeper clean.

Why It Works

• Baking Soda: Acts as a gentle yet effective abrasive to lift grime and stains.

• Castile Soap: Breaks down dirt and grease without harsh chemicals.

• Essential Oils: Lemon and tea tree oils add antimicrobial properties and leave a fresh, clean scent.

• Washing Soda: A natural booster that cuts through grease and stuck-on messes.

Cost Breakdown

1. Baking Soda: Approximately $0.10 for 1/2 cup (based on a 2 lb box costing $1.50).

2. Castile Soap: Approximately $0.30 for 2 tablespoons (based on a 32 oz bottle costing $12).

3. Essential Oils: Approximately $0.40 for 20 drops total (based on $10 for a 10 ml bottle with ~200 drops).

4. Water: Negligible cost if using tap or filtered water.

5. Washing Soda: Approximately $0.05 for 1/4 cup (based on a 3 lb box costing $4).

   
   

Total Cost: About $0.85 for a batch of cleaning paste (compared to $3–$5 for store-bought alternatives).

A Balanced Approach to Cleaning

This DIY cleaning paste is a perfect example of how you can embrace a natural, intentional lifestyle without sacrificing results. It’s powerful enough to handle your toughest cleaning tasks yet gentle enough to align with your family’s health goals.

I’m passionate about creating DIY recipes like this one because they allow us to care for our homes without relying on harsh chemicals or expensive products. If you’re looking for more inspiration, check out my full collection of DIY cleaning and personal care recipes—designed with simplicity, effectiveness, and intentional living in mind.

I'm always looking for ways to improve my DIY recipes. If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love to hear how it worked for you!