DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaner to Remove Stubborn Grease and Grime

Most of the western part of the states are currently experiencing an intense heat wave. Most days this past week it’s been above 90°F by noon. Aside from necessary homestead chores, we have not been getting outside before dusk. Time to whip up some DIY cleaner and get to work deep cleaning the house!

Now that it’s summer, and I’m home all day, there’s really no more excuses for not doing some of the lengthier cleaning jobs. The laundry room has been reclaimed, the microwave is no longer covered in grease, the hardwood floors have been mopped, and the tub is shiny again.

I will never be one of those women who spends all her free time cleaning the house. It’s not that I don’t like a clean house, because I do. I just don’t like cleaning it. By the time I get home from a full day teaching, deep cleaning is the last thing on my mind.

If you’re interested in how I manage a homestead and work full time check out this post here.

If you are anything like me, you probably find yourself in need of a cleaner that will get the most stubborn stuck-on grime off. You’ve probably tried a wide range of store bought products, hoping that they will save you time, just to find they only work sometimes. They certainly don’t save you money! Not to mention, most are anything but eco friendly.

That’s where this amazing DIY cleaner comes in!

I make several different DIY cleaners, but this one is my go-to for all things sticky, greasy, and soap scum-y. Additionally, it only has three ingredients! It doesn’t get too much simpler than that!

What is this miraculous cleaner? Baking soda, blue Dawn, and water. That’s it!

Whip Up Your DIY Cleaner

When you’re reading to clean, put some baking soda in a bowl. Use as much as you think you’ll need for the project at hand. (Though it’s so simple, you can quickly whip up more if you run out!)

Add a generous squirt of Blue Dawn Dish Soap. You could use other brands or types, but I find Blue Dawn works best for removing grease and soap scum.

Add just enough water to make a paste, and stir.

If you added too much water, just add a bit more baking soda.

Using Your DIY Cleaner

You’ll want to choose your method of application depending on your cleaning project.

For cleaning the grease and grime off any easily scratched surface you could use the rough side of a non-abrasive sponge, any other non-abrasive scrubber, or a wash cloth. Personally, I prefer to use a microfiber cloth. It adds some additional scrubbing power without damaging surfaces. Additionally, they can be easily sanitized and are useful for many different tasks.

Get your chosen scrubber damp, scoop up or blob on a bit of your solution and scrub away. You’ll have to use a bit of elbow grease, though not nearly as much as you’d need without it. However, you should not need to scrub too hard. If you find a bit of light to medium pressure not enough, rub the solution on the area and allow to sit for 5-10 minutes to soften things up.

Here are some before and after pictures to show you how amazing this cleaner is. Pull the sliders to see the change.

Variations

You can customize this solution to fit your needs or preferences:

• Want a solution that has a refreshing smell to it? Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Citrus oils like lemon and orange can add an extra bit of grease fighting power. Want a nice calming smell for your bathroom? Try lavender or eucalyptus oils. **Before using any essential oil, make sure they are safe to use if you have children or indoor pets as not all essential oils are safe to use around kids or animals.

• Have an area, such as your cabinets, that has years of dried on oil and grease? (Shh… I won’t tell anyone.) Instead of making this solution with dish soap and water, use a mixture of baking soda and vegetable oil. Think I’m crazy? This is how I got years of dried on grime off the cabinets in our first house. You will need to go back and wash with soapy water and then wipe off with a wet cloth, but it works like a charm.

• Want some extra sanitizing power? Use hydrogen peroxide instead of water (the general strength you have in your medicine cabinet.) You could also do a quick spray down with a mixture of vinegar and water after wiping the paste off. This has the added benefit of dissolving any left over baking soda that can leave your surface streaked or gritty.

• However, whatever you do, please DON’T MIX IN VINEGAR! While they both make great cleaning agents, when you mix them together before use you get a solution that’s not much more efficient than water. (If you’re interested in the science behind this reaction check out this article from ThoughtCo.)

There you have it, a cheap, easy, and environmentally friendly cleaner you can make at home!

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