Last Updated on October 19, 2024
When it comes to household cleaners, there are so many options available it can be difficult to know which are the best options to use. If you are wanting to deep clean but also stay away from harsh chemicals, you may want to use scouring powder. So, just what is scouring powder?
Fortunately, scouring powder can be a great option if you are looking to stay away from cleaners with lots of chemicals in them. It is a great alternative to traditional storebought cleaners and is specifically great for deep cleaning. The great thing about scouring powder is you can make it at home with a few simple ingredients.
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What Is Scouring Powder?
Scouring powder is a type of household cleaning product that has an abrasive powder that is commonly mixed with a dry soap or detergent, soda, and even in some cases dry bleach. Generally, it is about 80% insoluble abrasive powder, 18% a soluble base, and 2% a detergent.
There are several scouring powders available in stores, such as Comet and Ajax. You can also make your own version of the scouring cleanser at home and there are several variations on how to make it. In addition to powder, there are also scouring soaps, creams, and pads that are also ideal for cleaning stubborn messes.
When making your own, there are several different things you can use as the abrasive ingredient such as silica, feldspar, pumice, kaolinite, baking soda, soapstone, talc, calcium carbonate, and carbonate calcite. These types of abrasives work to clean tough stains, grease, and encrusted deposits.
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Scouring powder not only works to clean up messes but also deodorizes and neutralizes odors. You can add a few drops of essential oils or dried herbs into the powder in order to give it a pleasant, refreshing smell. Oftentimes, the homemade version is a safer alternative to storebought cleaning powders and is just as effective.
One of the most common ingredients for homemade scouring powder is baking soda. Baking soda is a natural disinfectant and works as a mild abrasive that is tough on both germs and stains. It is also safe for most household surfaces and also works wonders as a deodorizer.
What Is Scouring?
Scouring is simply a method of cleaning that consists of rubbing a surface hard, generally with an abrasive or detergent. It is the process of removing dirt, stains, and other messes from surfaces, such as in bathrooms or kitchens.
What Can You Use Scouring Powder To Clean?
Scouring powder can be used to clean a variety of different surfaces including tile flooring, sinks, bathtubs, toilet bowls, and counters. It is safe to use on surfaces such as stainless steel, porcelain, and laminate.
Since it is abrasive, you want to avoid using scouring powder on mirrors and glass, as it may scratch them. In some cases, you can use it on grills, baking trays and pots, and pans, but be sure to make sure to only use only food-grade safe materials when cleaning such stuff.
Since scouring powder is an abrasive cleaning powder, it is ideal for use on stubborn, hard-to-clean messes. It is tough on stains and germs, making it an effective cleaning product.
The abrasive helps loosen and remove tough stains, the soluble base breaks down fatty substances and the detergent helps remove greasy material. The powder is great for cleaning encrusted deposits on hard surfaces.
How To Make Your Own
Though you can find scouring powders readily available at most stores, you can easily make your own at home. There are many benefits that come with making your own at home and it is also so easy to do at home. Making your own is inexpensive, safe, free of harsh chemicals, and allows you to know exactly all that goes into your cleaner.
A basic homemade scouring powder starts out with baking soda. From there, you can add different ingredients in order to customize your cleaner for your needs. To make a scrub, you can simply combine baking soda with water until it forms a paste.
You can also add three tablespoons of Borax to one cup of baking soda. Borax is a powdery white mineral that is great for cleaning stains, mold, and mildew. Instead of Borax, you can use sodium carbonate, which is also great for removing tough stains.
For particularly tough stains, you can combine a bit of white vinegar with baking soda. White vinegar enhances the cleaning power of baking soda.
To make your scouring powder have a pleasant smell, you can add in a few drops of essential oils. Lemon or lavender oil both make great additions to your cleaning powder. In addition, you can also add dried lavender, rosemary, cinnamon, cloves, or even dried lemon or orange rinds for a scent boost.
How To Use
To use, sprinkle your scouring powder onto a damp cloth or sponge. Then, rub it into the surface you are cleaning and then rinse the surface with water. Alternatively, you can also get the surface damp, sprinkle on the powder, scrub well and then rinse clean with water.
To achieve the best results, allow your cleaner to sit for five minutes before rinsing off. This will help the cleaning powers set in and help remove any tough messes easier.
For tough stains, it is a good idea to use a paste of baking soda and water or white vinegar. Generously apply the paste to the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes to an hour before wiping off.
A Safe, Effective Cleaner
Making your own scouring powder is a great way to clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces without using harsh chemicals. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make your own cleaner that is great for removing grease, dirt, and stains. It is a safe and effective way to keep your home sparkling clean.
Do you have any questions regarding what is scouring powder? If so, please ask any questions regarding scouring powder and how to use it in the comment section down below.
Anna is a passionate environmental activist and sustainability advocate. She is committed to living a green and sustainable lifestyle and is constantly working toward making her community and the world a better place. Anna is an expert in sustainable living practices, from composting to gardening to energy conservation. She is always researching the best ways to reduce her carbon footprint and is an advocate for green and renewable energy. Anna‘s goal is to spread awareness of sustainable practices and make them accessible to everyone. She loves sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to live a more eco–friendly lifestyle.