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February 4, 2019

Nightly Sink Scrub

I’ve been sharing my Nightly Sink Scrub recipe with blog readers for years and while it’s super simple to make, it really works!  This simple recipe paired with cleaning the kitchen at night, just might be the thing that gets you into a cleaning routine.


Did you know that the Clean Mama Cleaning Routine has a monthly focus? February is THE KITCHEN. I have tools for completing the tasks of the monthly focus in the subscription to Homekeeping Society and in the full-size Homekeeping Planner (currently sold-out) if you’re interested.

If you aren’t familiar with my Nightly Sink Scrub and the routine that goes along with it, I find that this simple task is the key to a clean kitchen.  If you’re frustrated with the state of your home and feel overwhelmed with all that there is to do, START WITH YOUR KITCHEN SINK. You’ll also be building a little habit that will follow you into the next day – when you wake up to a clean kitchen sink, your tomorrow self will thank you. You can find the recipe and more details throughout this post.

I made a quick video to demonstrate the routine:

Nightly Sink Scrub

My favorite DIY recipe is also my favorite nightly ritual – the Nightly Sink Scrub. If you are new here and haven’t seen this part of my daily routine, here’s how I mix it up.  This little recipe will change your evening kitchen routine for the better.  The best thing?  It works on ANY sink type!  Porcelain, stainless steel, acrylic, copper, stone, solid surface – scrub away!

The premise is that every night we reset the kitchen, put the dishes in the dishwasher, wipe up the counters and finally sprinkle a little sink scrub in the sink, add a squirt or two of dish soap or castile soap, and give the sink a good scrub and rinse.

Dry with a towel if you’d like or just let it air dry. Put out a clean hand towel and walk away from the kitchen knowing it’s reset for the next day.

It’s a recipe I came up with years ago and it pretty much started my DIY cleaners obsession. The great thing about this recipe is that it’s so simple to whip up and it does such a great job at giving the sink a little scrub, you’ll love it! Did you know that the sink is pretty much the dirtiest spot in your whole home? Another reason to give it a nightly scrub!

Gather your simple ingredients:

  • 2 cups baking soda
  • 10 drops lemon essential oil
  • 10 drops clove essential oil
  • castile soap (or dish soap) (this is not added to the baking soda until it’s used – keep reading!)
  • container with a lid or a shaker top (I like a mason jar, this one specifically) – I’ve previously used a shaker top but have switched to a lid – either way works!
  • sink safe scrub brush – I use this one and keep it under my sink in a vintage mason jar. I can toss the head in the dishwasher to sanitize it as needed.

See how easy it is to mix up and use…

  1. put baking soda in your container (I use this mason jar and the Nightly Sink Scrub label from this set)
  2. add essential oils to the top of the baking soda
  3. stir and combine with a kitchen knife
  4. wet your sink
  5. sprinkle liberally in your sink
  6. add a squirt or two of dish or castile soap (here are my favorites)
  7. scrub with a sink-safe scrubber (I use this one)
  8. rinse thoroughly

There you have it – a simple and effective DIY cleaning recipe to add to your repertoire!

Want to see how to use this recipe 3 ways?  Check out this post.  Want to see my kitchen sink set-up and all my favorite products? Head to this post.

Filed Under: DIY Homemade Cleaners Tagged With: clean kitchen, kitchen cleaning routine, sink scrub

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Comments

  1. Carolyn says

    February 4, 2019 at 11:49 am

    I have a porcelain sink, which is the death of me. What can I use to clean it. Thank you!!

    Reply
    • b r says

      February 4, 2019 at 11:58 am

      Try this!

      Reply
      • april says

        February 4, 2019 at 10:00 pm

        have you tried barkeepers friend?

        Reply
        • b r says

          February 5, 2019 at 8:00 pm

          Yep!

          Reply
  2. Ashley says

    February 4, 2019 at 2:34 pm

    I keep trying this method, but once it air dries, it leaves my sink with white-ish areas in certain spots, usually on the walls of my sink. It’s not a film or anything, but I can’t figure it out! I have a stainless steel sink. What am I doing wrong?

    Reply
    • b r says

      February 5, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      Make sure you’re rinsing thoroughly!

      Reply
  3. Christina says

    February 4, 2019 at 7:07 pm

    Is there a purpose for using the clove and lemon essential oils other than fragrance? Or can I substitute any essential oil scent that I like?

    Reply
    • b r says

      February 5, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      Substitute away!

      Reply
  4. Ellie says

    February 4, 2019 at 7:39 pm

    What is the rack used for in the sink on the right??

    Reply
    • b r says

      February 5, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      Drying dishes.

      Reply
  5. Gail Ryan says

    February 4, 2019 at 8:12 pm

    I don’t have clove essential oil, but I do have peppermint, orange, eucalyptus and tea tree. Can I substitute one of those?

    Reply
    • b r says

      February 5, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      Absolutely!

      Reply
  6. Randi says

    February 5, 2019 at 12:03 am

    Hi! Is the clove part of the cleaning power? Or could I substitute with another oil if I have an aversion?

    Thank you!

    Reply
    • b r says

      February 5, 2019 at 8:00 pm

      Mix up what you like 🙂

      Reply
  7. Cordelia Hosler says

    February 5, 2019 at 4:14 am

    You are such a blessing!! Thanks.

    Reply
  8. Betsy says

    February 5, 2019 at 3:52 pm

    Just made it & used it for the first time. Purification & tangerine essential oils smell yummy!

    Reply
  9. Barb says

    February 5, 2019 at 7:51 pm

    Do you use all of this in one cleaning or can you keep it in the jar and use the next night?

    Reply
    • b r says

      February 5, 2019 at 7:58 pm

      One batch will typically last for two weeks!

      Reply

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