Homemade Scouring Powder for a Sparkling Clean Sink
Cut through tough stains and brighten your kitchen sink with an all-natural, homemade scouring powder.
There are many cleaning products out there that claim to be a “no-scrubbing” wonder. And I can attest that in some cases this is quite true. Unfortunately, the no-scrubbing cleaners only work so well or for so long.
For example, my recipe for daily shower spray doesn’t require any scrubbing. But it really works best as an in-between (to extend the clean) after using my DIY bath and shower scrub weekly or bi-weekly.
The truth is, some things you just HAVE TO scrub!
Like the kitchen sink – tea, coffee, and pasta sauce can really dirty things up. And it doesn’t matter if you have a stainless steel sink or a white stone farmhouse sink like me. You’re going to notice the filth.
But it doesn’t mean we can’t make cleaning the kitchen sink easier! This cleaning recipe is all-natural, very effective, and totally customizable too!!
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5 Benefits of Using A Homemade Scouring Powder
#1 It’s Cheap:
In my experience, you can pick up a box of baking soda for $ 1.00, which is significantly less expensive than any store-bought cleaner. And if you buy it in a one-pound bag, you can use it for other cleaning recipes, such as my lavender carpet powder or fridge deodorizer.
Sometimes labeled as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive that lifts dirt, cuts grease, and breaks down stubborn odors.
#2 It’s Effective:
While baking soda is often used as a scouring powder. Some stains, such as hard water and wine, require stronger cleaning methods. Washing soda, also known as sodium carbonate, is extremely alkaline.
It is very effective against hard water because it binds to the minerals and lifts stains. And this recipe includes citric acid (find an organic 1 lb bag here). Found abundantly in lemons and limes, citric acid is incredibly helpful at removing calcium deposits, hard water stains, lime, rust, and soap scum.
#3 It’s Multi-Surface:
This herbal scouring powder can be applied to porcelain, stainless steel, fiberglass, and most stovetops. As always, with a new cleaner, spot-test a small area first.
#4 It’s Safe:
A safe cleaning recipe for kids and pets. Chlorine and borax-free equals worry-free. And did I mention there are no flumes!
#5 It’s Easy:
This herbal homemade scouring powder is so easy to make! It’ll scrub away tough stains and reduce scratches with just a few ingredients. And you customize the recipe with dried herbs and essential oils you have on hand.
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Here’s How to Use A Scouring Powder
Rinse the surface you’re cleaning, such as the kitchen sink, with water. If I have a lemon that’s too soft for lemon water, I like to squeeze the juice over the sink before adding water.
Then sprinkle a small amount of the scouring powder on the area. Be sure to test spot a small area first. Using a scrubbing brush or sponge, scrub the surface. Then rinse with hot water.
For sinks, bathtubs, or pots and pans, fill with a half ratio of hot water and distilled white vinegar after scrubbing. Let it stand for 15 to 20 minutes before draining.
This scouring powder is perfect for cleaning the filth and grime off of porcelain, fiberglass, and stainless steel sinks and more!

How to Make Herbal Scouring Powder for Deep Cleaning Your Sink
Cut through tough stains and brighten your kitchen sink with an all-natural, very effective herbal homemade scouring powder. It’s affordable, easy to make, and it makes your kitchen sink clean and shiny!
Homemade Scouring Powder Ingredients:
How to Make an Herbal Homemade Scouring Powder:
- In a small glass mixing bowl, combine ½ cup washing soda, ½ cup baking soda, and 1 ½ teaspoons citric acid.
- Mix all together using a stainless steel whisk. Then add ¼ cup rosemary leaves and ¼ cup lemon balm to the mixture.
- Begin to mix once more, and while whisking, add 3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix until no clumps are found. Store it in an airtight container like the Weck jar I used.
To customize this recipe, exchange the rosemary or lemon balm for another herb such as lavender or eucalyptus. And the same goes for the essential oil. I choose rosemary essential oil for its natural cleaning properties, which make it a great addition to homemade cleaning solutions.

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I love making this herbal homemade scouring powder. It’s affordable, free from harsh chemicals, and it makes my kitchen sink clean and shiny!
Homemade Scouring Powder
Some messes need a good scrub—and this DIY delivers. Learn how to make a homemade scouring powder that brightens your sink and removes stubborn stains naturally.
Ingredients
- ½ cup washing soda
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 ½ teaspoons citric acid
- ¼ cup dried rosemary leaves
- 3 drops rosemary essential oil
- ¼ cup lemon balm, dried
Instructions
- In a small glass mixing bowl, combine ½ cup washing soda, ½ cup baking soda, and 1 ½ teaspoons citric acid.
- Mix all together using a stainless steel whisk. Then add ¼ cup rosemary leaves and ¼ cup lemon balm to the mixture.
- Begin to mix once more, and while whisking, add 3 drops of rosemary essential oil. Mix until no clumps are found. Store it in an airtight container.
Notes
To customize this recipe, exchange the rosemary or lemon balm for another herb such as lavender or eucalyptus. And the same goes for the essential oil. I choose rosemary essential oil for its natural cleaning properties, which make it a great addition to homemade cleaning solutions.
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Are the herbs just for the scent? Would it work without them?
The herbs do smell fresh clean, but also contain natural cleaning properties. However, this scouring powder definitely works without them!