Homemade Tub & Tile Scrub That Actually Works (Non-Toxic & Affordable)
“The quickest way to know a woman’s mind is to see her bathroom.”
— Margaret Mead
DIY Tub & Tile Scrub: A Natural Way to Deep Clean Your Bathroom
There’s something about a clean tub and sparkling tile that instantly makes a bathroom feel lighter. When the soap scum is gone, the grout looks fresh, and the air smells clean instead of “chemical clean,” the whole space feels more inviting. That’s exactly why this DIY Tub & Tile Scrub has become a staple in our home.
I’ll be honest—scrubbing the tub isn’t my favorite chore. But using something I’ve made myself, with ingredients I trust and no harsh fumes, makes the process feel far more manageable. As I’ve slowly worked to detox our home one product at a time, the bathroom was one place I knew needed a gentler solution that still worked. This scrub checks all the boxes.
It’s simple, affordable, highly effective, and smells fresh thanks to essential oils that actually clean instead of just masking odors.
Why Skip Store-Bought Tub & Tile Cleaners?
Many conventional bathroom cleaners rely on ingredients like chlorine bleach, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances. While they may work quickly, they often come with trade-offs that aren’t worth it.
Common downsides include:
Strong fumes that irritate eyes and lungs
Skin irritation with repeated use
Residue left behind on tubs and tile
Artificial scents that linger long after cleaning
Making your own tub and tile scrub allows you to clean thoroughly without compromising your health or indoor air quality. It also gives you control over the scent and strength, so you can adjust it to your space and preferences.
Why This Scrub Works So Well
This recipe keeps things simple, using a short list of hardworking ingredients, each chosen for a specific purpose.
Baking Soda
Acts as a gentle abrasive that lifts soap scum, hard water buildup, and grime without scratching surfaces. It also helps neutralize odors.
Castile Soap
A plant-based cleanser that cuts through residue and adds just enough slip to help the scrub spread easily.
White Vinegar (Optional)
Excellent for tackling mineral buildup and stubborn soap scum. Many people prefer using it as a separate spray before scrubbing rather than mixing it directly into the paste.
Essential Oils
Certain oils are naturally antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing, making them ideal for damp bathroom environments.
DIY Tub & Tile Scrub Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup baking soda
¼ cup liquid Castile soap
1–2 tablespoons water, as needed for texture
15–20 drops essential oil (see suggestions below)
Instructions
In a glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the baking soda and Castile soap.
Stir slowly until a thick paste forms.
Add water a little at a time if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
Stir in essential oils.
Store in a glass jar with a lid.
How to Use
Apply directly to tubs, tile, grout, sinks, or shower walls.
Scrub with a sponge or brush.
Rinse thoroughly with warm water.
For tough soap scum or mineral buildup, lightly spray the surface with vinegar first, then scrub.
Essential Oils That Shine in the Bathroom
These oils don’t just smell good—they help keep your bathroom cleaner for longer.
Tea Tree: Naturally antibacterial and antifungal, ideal for damp spaces
On Guard®: A powerful blend that supports deep cleaning
Purify®: Excellent for neutralizing odors and freshening the space
Eucalyptus: Crisp, clean, and great for cutting through buildup
Thyme or Oregano: Very potent oils best used sparingly
Lavender: Adds a calming aroma while still supporting cleanliness
Tip: Avoid citrus oils on delicate surfaces or older grout, as they can be more aggressive over time.
Why Essential Oil Quality Matters
When you’re using essential oils for cleaning—especially in damp areas like bathrooms—quality matters. Pure, well-tested oils provide the natural properties you’re looking for without synthetic fillers or contaminants.
High-quality oils ensure better results, a cleaner scent, and confidence that what you’re using is truly plant-based and effective.
A Simple Weekly Bathroom Reset
This scrub fits easily into a realistic bathroom routine:
Scrub tubs and shower walls once a week
Spot-clean grout as needed
Use a daily shower spray between deep cleans
Open a window or diffuse oils while cleaning to freshen the air
It doesn’t take much time, and the result is a bathroom that feels clean, calm, and welcoming.
A Cleaner Bathroom Without the Overwhelm
Making your own tub and tile scrub is a small change that makes a noticeable difference. You’re cutting toxins, saving money, and creating a space that feels better to be in—all with ingredients you likely already have.
If you’ve been slowly swapping out cleaning products, this is an easy and satisfying place to start. And once you experience a truly clean bathroom without harsh chemical fumes, it’s hard to go back.
A clean home doesn’t need warning labels. Sometimes, it just needs simpler ingredients and a little intention.
