All-Purpose Homemade Cleaning Paste

Looking for a simple homemade cleaner that can tackle grease, grime, and stubborn stains around the kitchen? This easy baking soda and vinegar cleaning mixture is a versatile option for surfaces such as sinks, oven interiors, grout, and stovetops.

It combines baking soda, white vinegar, and degreasing dish soap to create a foaming cleaner that helps loosen built-up dirt and grease.

Ingredients & Supplies

Ingredient / SupplyAmount
Baking soda½ cup
White vinegar½ cup
Degreasing dish soap1 tablespoon
Microfiber cloth or spongeAs needed
Scrubbing brushOptional
Mixing bowl1

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cleaning Mixture

Add the baking soda to a mixing bowl.

Add the degreasing dish soap and stir until the ingredients are combined.

Slowly pour in the white vinegar. The mixture will fizz as the acidic vinegar reacts with the baking soda.

Stir gently until you have a foamy, well-combined mixture. Because the reaction produces foam and releases carbon dioxide, avoid sealing the mixture in a closed container.

2. Apply the Cleaner

Apply the mixture generously to the dirty surface.

Spread it over areas affected by grease, grime, food residue, or mineral buildup.

Let it sit for about 15–20 minutes to help loosen the buildup.

3. Scrub the Surface

Use a sponge, microfiber cloth, or suitable scrubbing brush to work the mixture into the surface.

For stubborn areas, scrub gently in circular motions until the residue begins to loosen.

4. Rinse and Wipe

Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water.

Wipe everything down with a clean microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue and leave the surface looking fresh and clean.

Best Tips

For heavily soiled areas, allow the cleaner to sit for the full 20 minutes before scrubbing.

Use a soft sponge on delicate or easily scratched surfaces. A stronger brush can be used on suitable grout or durable surfaces.

Prepare only as much mixture as you need for one cleaning session rather than storing the foaming mixture in a sealed container.

Where Can You Use It?

This homemade cleaner can be useful for cleaning many durable household surfaces, including kitchen sinks, stovetops, and some oven surfaces.

It can also help freshen dirty grout and remove everyday grease and grime.

Always test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area first, especially on delicate, painted, polished, natural-stone, or specialty surfaces. Avoid using acidic vinegar-based cleaners on marble, granite, limestone, or other acid-sensitive stone.

Important Safety Note

Never mix vinegar with bleach, ammonia, or other chemical cleaners. Dangerous fumes can be produced.

Wear household gloves if you have sensitive skin, and keep the mixture away from your eyes.

Final Thoughts

This simple baking soda, white vinegar, and dish soap cleaner is an inexpensive option for tackling everyday household grime. With just a few common ingredients and a little scrubbing, you can refresh many durable surfaces around your home.

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