It’s really easy to make DIY all natural scouring powder with just two ingredients.
Plus the essential oils of your choice, even though this is an optional addition.
However, I like using essential oils because they smell so good. Also, they contain natural antibacterial agents.
Adding essential oils to DIY cleaning solutions is also a good way to use up old essential oils at risk of going bad.
(Contrary to popular belief, essential oils don’t last forever. They eventually break down and begin to smell a little funky. This is when you know not to use them on your body or put them in your diffuser. You want to use them up before this happens.)
I like to use natural scouring powder because the chemical version is so caustic. Since it’s powdery, it also tends to disperse into the air.
Chemical scouring powder is something I don’t want to inhale. Even some brands that market themselves as “natural.”
In fact, the Environmental Working Group has found that one popular “natural” brand contains sodium borate. Otherwise known as borax, this mineral salt can possible cause respiratory problems and possibly interfere with hormones and reproduction, according to the EWG.
(I have used borax to make DIY laundry detergent. But this detergent goes in my washing machine and I’m careful not to inhale it. I still believe it’s a better choice than store bought chemical detergent.)
However, another popular scouring powder that’s more natural doesn’t seem to raise any alarms. This would also be a reasonable option.
Or, of course, you can just make your own.
How To Make Homemade Scouring Powder
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Anyway, the two ingredients you need for DIY natural scouring powder are Epsom salt and baking soda. Plus essential oils if you choose. I’m making this batch with lavender essential oil because that’s what I have in the house right now.
It’s a good choice because lavender oil has a clean fresh smell. Lavender has long been associated with cleanliness. In fact, the word “lavender” has a Latin root that means “to clean.”
This aromatic oil also contains natural antibacterial agents according to a study published in the Laboratory Animal Research journal. The authors found that lavender essential oil fought multiple strains of pathogenic bacteria released by pet turtles.
(Not that I have pet turtles in my sink. But these creatures carry some nasty germs. If lavender oil can zap them then I feel confident of its cleaning potential.)
But you can also use lemon essential oil. This is a great choice too. Lemon is considered a good grease fighter.
DIY Scouring Powder Recipe
Homemade scouring powder takes just a minute to make. You can double or even triple the batch, depending upon your needs.
I’m starting with just small amounts. Enough to fit inside a small glass jar.
- 1/2 cup of Epsom salt (You can find it here)
- 1/2 cup of baking soda
- 6 drops of essential oil (You can find lavender essential oil here)
Lavender essential oil and lemon essential oil work really well. But you can also use orange oil or any essential oil that’s at risk of going bad.
Put the first two ingredients in a small glass jar with a lid. Add the essential oils.
Shake the mixture well. It’s now ready to use.
Does DIY Scouring Powder Work?
DIY scouring powder seems to work every bit as well as commercial brands. Without potentially harmful ingredients you may need to worry about.
Making my own cleaning supplies is one way I cut down on indoor air pollution, a big problem with modern construction that’s built to be as airtight as possible.
DIY scouring powder is an easy way to cut the chemicals, without losing cleaning power.
For More Reading
Antibacterial Activity of Essential Oil From Lavender
Disclaimer
Women who are pregnant or nursing should only use essential oils on the recommendation of a doctor or nurse midwife.
