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? I have tools for completing the tasks of the monthly focus in the subscription to Homekeeping Society and in the Homekeeping Planner.
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…
- put baking soda in your container (I use this mason jar and the Nightly Sink Scrub label from this set)
- add essential oils to the top of the baking soda
- stir and combine with a kitchen knife
- wet your sink
- sprinkle liberally in your sink
- add a squirt or two of dish or castile soap (here are my favorites)
- scrub with a sink-safe scrubber (I use this one)
- 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.
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Carolyn Says
I have a porcelain sink, which is the death of me. What can I use to clean it. Thank you!!
b r Says
Post authorTry this!
april Says
have you tried barkeepers friend?
b r Says
Post authorYep!
Ashley Says
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?
b r Says
Post authorMake sure you’re rinsing thoroughly!
Christina Says
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?
b r Says
Post authorSubstitute away!
Ellie Says
What is the rack used for in the sink on the right??
b r Says
Post authorDrying dishes.
Gail Ryan Says
I don’t have clove essential oil, but I do have peppermint, orange, eucalyptus and tea tree. Can I substitute one of those?
b r Says
Post authorAbsolutely!
Randi Says
Hi! Is the clove part of the cleaning power? Or could I substitute with another oil if I have an aversion?
Thank you!
b r Says
Post authorMix up what you like 🙂
Cordelia Hosler Says
You are such a blessing!! Thanks.
Betsy Says
Just made it & used it for the first time. Purification & tangerine essential oils smell yummy!
Barb Says
Do you use all of this in one cleaning or can you keep it in the jar and use the next night?
b r Says
Post authorOne batch will typically last for two weeks!
Sarah Waterhouse Says
I just got your new book and am expecting my first baby in August. My nesting is by going through our house and getting rid of all the toxic stuff! My husband is one of those people that thinks the more poisonous the cleaner, the more clean your stuff gets. I hope he reads the book after I do! I can’t wait to wash my sink with this today! 🙂
Mandi Says
Just discovered you and am giving this a try right away. We had a leak under out sink and it still smells musty. I’m keeping my baking soda mix under there with the lid open. I’m thinking perhaps it’ll “kill two birds with one stone?”
Marlene Says
Can you use real lemon or lemon juice and real ground cloves? This is what I have available.
b r Says
Post authorYes, you could use ground cloves.
Shelle Says
What brand of essential oils do you use??
Clean Mama Says
Post authorHi Shelle, It’s called Plant Therapy. You can find them under the “Cleaning Essentials” category of my shop. https://shop.cleanmama.com/collections/cleaning Hope this helps!
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Becky Says
I use this same baking soda recipe for my carpets! Sprinkle on carpets or area rugs, let sit for 30 minutes, then vacuum. Helpful tip: parmesan cheese lids fit regular mouth mason jars perfectly and make sprinkling this mixture a breeze!
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Patty Says
You do not mention cleaning the drain stoppers on your nightly sink scrub. Ideas?
Clean Mama Says
Post authorI put them in the dishwasher.
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Jordan Says
Do you know if this will work/is safe to use for a composite sink? We just redid our kitchen and I really want to start doing this nightly, but I’m concerned as I don’t really know how to best care for my fancy new sink!
Clean Mama Says
Post authorI’d contact the manufacturer and ask 🙂
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Sandra Says
Used this tonight during my nighttime kitchen cleaning and loved it! Left my sink so clean and the smell was amazing! Thank you for sharing!