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Field Notes

Bathroom Scrub

soap detergent
household bathroom scrub baking-soda castile unprocessed
Mix 3 min
Yield ~1 cup paste (enough for 2–3 full bathroom cleanings)
Keeps 1–2 months
Storage sealed glass jar
Notes Leave 2–3 inches of headroom in the jar — the paste expands slightly in the first 24 hours. Hardens if left open to air.

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup baking soda
  • ¼ cup liquid castile soap (unscented)
  • 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide (3%) — disinfects and whitens
  • 10–15 drops lemon or tea tree essential oil — optional — lemon cuts grease, tea tree fights mold

Overview

This is your non-toxic Soft Scrub replacement. The baking soda provides a mild abrasive grit that physically scrubs away soap scum, hard water deposits, and grime without scratching most surfaces. The castile soap is the surfactant that lifts and encapsulates the dirt. The hydrogen peroxide adds real disinfecting and whitening power — it’s what makes this particularly effective on grout, toilet bowls, and stained porcelain.

The paste consistency is key. Unlike a spray cleaner, this clings to vertical surfaces like shower walls and tub sides, giving the ingredients time to work before you scrub.

Instructions

  1. Combine the baking soda and castile soap in a bowl. Stir until a thick paste forms.

  2. Add the hydrogen peroxide and stir to incorporate.

  3. Add essential oil if using and mix thoroughly.

  4. Transfer to a sealed glass jar with a lid. Leave 2–3 inches of headroom — the paste expands slightly as the hydrogen peroxide reacts.

How to Use

  1. Scoop a tablespoon or so of paste onto a damp sponge, brush, or cloth.

  2. Apply to the surface and scrub in circular motions.

  3. For stubborn soap scum or stains, apply the paste and let it sit for 10–15 minutes before scrubbing. This is where it really shines — the peroxide and soap need time to break down buildup.

  4. Rinse with water and wipe clean.

Works Great On

  • Bathtubs and shower walls
  • Tile and grout (use an old toothbrush for grout lines)
  • Bathroom and kitchen sinks
  • Porcelain fixtures
  • Toilet bowls (scoop directly into the bowl, scrub with toilet brush)
  • Stainless steel sinks
  • Stovetops with baked-on residue

Do NOT Use On

  • Marble, granite, or natural stone (baking soda is abrasive and can scratch polished stone)
  • Cultured marble (too abrasive)
  • Non-stick cookware
  • Finished/lacquered wood

Pre-Spray Boost for Heavy Jobs

For seriously grimy tubs or shower walls with heavy soap scum buildup:

  1. Spray the surface with straight white vinegar first.
  2. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to soften the deposits.
  3. Then apply the scrub paste and scrub as usual.

The vinegar pre-treatment loosens mineral deposits so the scrub can remove them more easily. Just don’t mix the vinegar directly into the paste — apply them sequentially.

Tips

  • Mix fresh batches for best results. The hydrogen peroxide slowly degrades over time. A fresh batch is noticeably more effective than one that’s been sitting for weeks.
  • The paste will harden if the jar is left open. Always seal the lid. If it does harden, add a splash of water and stir to reconstitute.
  • For mold in grout, spray straight hydrogen peroxide on the mold, let sit for 10 minutes, then follow up with this scrub. The one-two punch is devastating to mold.
  • Baking soda is a mild abrasive — safe for porcelain, ceramic tile, and fiberglass. But test on any surface you’re unsure about.