I have to tell you, I was pretty excited to make this homemade natural soft scrub for the first time.
I found that it works well, doesn’t contain toxins or any ingredients you can’t pronounce, and can cost less than traditional scrubbing cleanser. I only say “can cost less” because unless you already own castile soap, your upfront cost to make your first batch will cost you more, but if you continue to use it or figure out the cost per ounce it will cost you less. Plus it also depends upon if you add essential oils to it or not and if you already own them.
Homemade Natural Scrubbing Cleaner
- 1-1/2 C baking soda
- 1/4 C plus 2 T castile soap
- 1/4 C plus 2 T water
- Essential oils, if desired
Directions: Mix all of the ingredients together in a large (pourable) measuring cup. Stir until smooth and the desired consistency. Use a funnel to pour it in to your container from your measuring cup.
I use Dr. Woods Castile Soap with Tea Tree Oil (tea tree oil has anti-bacterial properties) and then I didn’t have to add that essential oil, but I did add lemon essential oil because citrus essential oils are good for cutting grease. I know a lot of people like to use Dr. Bronner’s and that is just fine. I find Dr. Woods to be just as effective but cost quite a bit less. At the time I wrote this post, the bottle of Dr. Woods castile soap I used was $12.75 for 32 ounces, which is about 40 cents per ounce. I used about 2 1/2 ounces, which would equal $1 in castile soap. I used baking soda from Aldi’s that I paid 49-cents for. I used 3/4 of the box, which would equal about 37-cents. The grand total to make this would be $1.37.
I re-used an old dish soap bottle (after using it up from making my Best Homemade Bubble Recipe) that is 25 ounces, so I would need to double this recipe to fill that bottle, making it cost $2.74 for the bottle. My local grocery store was selling Soft Scrub with Baking Soda for $3.25. So, now it’s for you to decide if saving 51-cents and taking the time to make it yourself is worth it. But I choose to look at the fact that I know exactly what went in to my cleaner and know there is nothing harmful.
If you are looking for some other ways to clean naturally or save money on cleaning, then check out these posts:
Mama to 5 Blessings says
October 18, 2013 at 6:11 amlove baking soda, I use it all the time for cleaning – I am going to pin this – thanks!
Dede says
October 18, 2013 at 6:51 amReally interesting, I have never considered making my own scrubbing cleaner. I use a lot of it, so the 50 cents savings would add up. Plus like you, I’d like knowing what goes into my cleaner. Where do you buy your castiille soap? I’ve never bought it before.
Jessica says
October 18, 2013 at 8:11 amI bought this castille soap on Amazon.
Krystal says
October 18, 2013 at 8:03 amI’m pinning this! I want to try making my own products at home but always “forget.” It would be a fun weekend project!
Georgina says
February 20, 2015 at 2:18 pmThank you for the recipe. I made it and it works very well. I would recommend putting it into a container that is wide enough so that you can put your hand inside. Because the products are kind to my skin, I can dig in, apply and scrub.