Description
Grease happens, even when you're careful. No matter how tidy I tried to be, oil splatters would still cling to my stovetop and make the sink look dull. That's when I started using my DIY Citrus Grime Scrub, and it completely changed how I clean. It's quick to make, easy to use, and smells so naturally fresh that I actually look forward to wiping things down.
Made with baking soda, castile liquid soap, and citrus essential oils, it lifts grime without the harsh fumes that make cleaning uncomfortable. The texture is smooth and creamy, and the lemony scent feels instantly energising.
Now, cleaning seems lighter, faster, and even a bit more enjoyable. Imagine it as caring for your cooking area with natural ingredients while also making your kitchen feel fresher and more inviting.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RECIPE
PREP SUMMARY
LEVEL
Beginner
TIME
10 minutes
YIELD
1 container (300g)
What you will need
• 1 cup of baking soda: It cleans gently to help get rid of grime without harming most things in your kitchen.
• ¼ cup of castile soap: It's the main cleaner. It makes the mix smooth and helps to remove oily stuff.
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil: It smells fresh and bright, like citrus, which is great for cleaning.
• 10 drops of lime essential oil: It has a vibrant, uplifting smell that makes the mix better.
• 10 drops of sweet orange essential oil: It adds a sweet, cheerful fragrance that lingers after cleaning.
Method
1
Put 1 cup of baking soda in a bowl, and then mix in with ¼ cup of castile liquid soap until it becomes a thick mix. Change how it feels by adding a bit more castile liquid soap or baking soda if you need to.
2
Put in 10 drops of each essential oils and mix them up well. Take a moment to enjoy the refreshing scent—it can make cleaning feel more pleasant.
3
To use, put a little bit of the mix on a rag or sponge. Then, scrub places that are oily or dirty, like stoves or sinks. For hard spots, using an old toothbrush can help a lot.
4
Rinse with water and wipe dry to restore a clean, fresh look.
Personal tip: I like storing this DIY recipe in a small jar by the sink. If it thickens over time, just stir in a splash of extra castile soap to bring it back to life. Make sure to keep it separate from other ingredients and label the jar clearly to avoid any mix-ups in your kitchen.
BENEFITS OF DIY CITRUS GRIME SCRUB
I truly enjoy the DIY Citrus Grime Scrub I made. It feels simple and refreshing to use. Instead of strong chemical odours, I only smell bright, uplifting citrus, and it helps my kitchen stay clean without harsh ingredients. Here are some reasons why I love it, and why you might too:
✓ Simple, everyday ingredients – You don't have to find fancy things. You likely have what you need in your home.
✓ Gentle yet effective cleaning power – Baking soda has the right amount of power to clean dirt while still being gentle on most common kitchen surfaces.
✓ Plant-based cleaning base – Castile liquid soap helps clean up oil and keeps everything easy to use.
✓ Eco-friendly & reusable – You can mix and keep the cleaner in a small container, so you use less plastic.
✓ Budget-friendly solution – It can be a more cost-friendly option compared to store cleaners.
✓ Customisable scent – I like lemon, lime, and orange essential oils, but you can use Tea Tree or Peppermint for an invigorating change.
✓ Fresh, cheerful aroma – This DIY Citrus Grime Scrub leaves a fresh citrus smell in your kitchen that feels pleasant, not like harsh chemical odours.
SAFE USE AND WARNINGS
When making and using this DIY citrus grime scrub, it is important to handle the ingredients properly to ensure safety:
• Castile Liquid Soap: It is widely used and breaks down naturally, but do not mix it with vinegar or acidic materials because this will weaken its cleaning ability and cause it to separate. Keep the container in a cool, dry space and make sure the top is tightly closed. This ingredient is meant for cleaning use and not on your body or for internal use.
• Baking Soda: Usually considered safe for cleaning homes. Keep it out of your eyes and try not to let it touch your skin for too long. If you are using a lot of it, it is a good idea to wear gloves to keep your skin from getting dry or irritated. Keep it in a closed container in a cool, dry spot, away from dampness. Do not swallow it, only for cleaning purposes.
• Lemon Essential Oil: Prevent direct contact with skin, as it may cause sensitivity in some individuals. Keep away from your eyes.
• Sweet Orange Essential Oil: This product could slightly irritate the skin for certain people. Keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve its effectiveness.
• Lime Essential Oil: Avoid direct contact with eyes. Store in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight to help preserve its quality.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS: Be sure to mark your homemade items well and keep them in closed containers out of the sun. Store all items away from kids and animals. Stop using the product right away if it comes into contact with your skin and your skin gets irritated.
DISCLAIMER: This information is intended for teaching purposes only and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. This recipe is not meant to be used to treat conditions or be ingested. Be sure to test a small area of skin before using, and seek medical advice if you experience an allergic reaction or have health issues. Use these recipes at your own discretion.
Additional Details
FAQ's
What surfaces can I use this DIY Citrus Grime Scrub on?
What surfaces can I use this DIY Citrus Grime Scrub on?
From my experience, this cleaning scrub is excellent for use on sinks, cooktops, countertops, and the majority of hard kitchen surfaces. I have observed that it deals with common grease effectively. Nevertheless, you should not use it on fragile or very shiny surfaces, because the slight abrasiveness of the baking soda could cause scrapes.
Will this scrub disinfect surfaces, or is it mainly for cleaning?
Will this scrub disinfect surfaces, or is it mainly for cleaning?
I tend to view this cleansing product as my first choice for everyday cleaning tasks. It is good at removing oily and dirty substances; however, it does not disinfect or sanitise. The inclusion of essential oils like lemon or tea tree gives the mixture a pleasant fragrance, which is nice, but they should not be considered a substitute for germ-killing agents.
Will this scratch delicate surfaces like glass or ceramic cooktops?
Will this scratch delicate surfaces like glass or ceramic cooktops?
Baking soda is mild yet somewhat abrasive. I've discovered that applying too much pressure on glass or ceramic stovetops can create small scratches. For these kinds of surfaces, I opt for a gentler liquid cleanser to protect them.
Can I store the scrub for later use, and if so, how long does it last?
Can I store the scrub for later use, and if so, how long does it last?
Certainly! I typically store mine in a little container near the sink away from the sun. If the mixture gets too thick as time goes on, adding a bit more castile liquid soap restores its original consistency. It's best to prepare it in limited quantities to maintain its freshness.
What dissolves limescale quickly?
What dissolves limescale quickly?
Limescale mainly consists of calcium carbonate and acids function as the strongest solvents. The regular build-up of deposits can be effectively treated with basic solutions which include white vinegar or lemon juice. The removal of heavy limescale deposits needs professional descalers which use strong acids like hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid and sulfamic acid to dissolve the deposits quickly through chemical reactions. The process needs an acidic solution for proper application and enough time for the reaction to occur before complete rinsing.
What is the disadvantage of vinegar in cleaning?
What is the disadvantage of vinegar in cleaning?
Vinegar remains a well-liked ingredient for creating DIY cleaning products but it shows several restrictions. The product contains acid which causes damage to natural stone surfaces and wood finishes and grout and treated surfaces when used without proper care or in excessive amounts. Vinegar serves to remove dirt and certain residues but it fails to match the sanitizing and germ-killing power of commercial disinfectants. Lastly, the odour is unpleasant to some, and frequent use of strong vinegar might wear down rubber seals or components in appliances like washing machines. The method provides environmental benefits but it fails to meet safety standards and sanitation requirements for all types of surfaces.
Is bicarbonate of soda the same as baking soda for cleaning?
Is bicarbonate of soda the same as baking soda for cleaning?
Sodium bicarbonate serves as the base chemical which exists under two different names: baking soda and bicarbonate of soda. Baking soda receives the name "bicarbonate of soda" throughout the United Kingdom and Australia and New Zealand yet Americans identify it as "baking soda." The two terms function as synonyms when you need to clean with this product instead of using it for baking purposes. Baking powder exists as a separate ingredient because it contains additional acid or starch which makes it different from baking soda and bicarbonate of soda.
- SKU:
- RCP-CSCRUB
