by Annie Berthold-Bond

This creamy-like-frosting soft scrubber is my favorite homemade recipe of all time, and the best solution for cleaning the bathtub and the kitchen sink without synthetic fragrances and toxic chemicals. It also works well for Formica countertops and shower stalls. The softly abrasive quality of the baking soda provides the grit to scrub off dirt and soap scum, yet the recipe rinses off very easily.

Basic Soft Scrubber Formula

1/2 cup baking soda

Enough liquid soap or detergent to make a frostinglike consistency (see note, below)

5 drops antibacterial essential oil such as lavender, tea tree oil, or rosemary (optional)

Pour the baking soda in a bowl; slowly pour in the liquid soap or detergent, stirring all the while, until the consistency reaches that of frosting. Scoop the creamy mixture onto a sponge, wash the surface, and rinse.

Note: If you have hard water, you will want to choose a liquid detergent instead of a liquid soap. Most health food stores offer all-purpose liquid detergents and soaps. These are the best choices because they include no synthetic perfumes and dyes, and tend to be the most concentrated. If you are lucky enough to have soft water and can use a liquid castile soap in your softscrubber, consider one in which peppermint has been added, for extra antibacterial action.

Tip: Be nice to your back and use a long handled brush to clean the bathtub.