All Purpose Cleaning Paste

 All-Purpose Soft Cleaning Paste

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If you're tired of harsh chemical cleaners that leave behind residue (and

questionable ingredients), this all-purpose soft cleaning paste is about to be

your new best friend. It's simple, effective, and made with natural ingredients

that get the job done without the worry.

Why Homemade Is Better

No Harsh Chemicals: Store-bought cleaners often contain ingredients like

phthalates and sulfates that can irritate skin and harm the environment.

Eco-Friendly: This paste breaks down naturally and won't pollute

waterways when rinsed away.

Budget-Friendly: You probably already have most of these ingredients at

home!

Versatile: Use it on sinks, tubs, countertops, and even stubborn stains.

What You'll Need

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

- 1/4 cup baking soda (cleans and deodorizes) This one is a super affordable option if you're looking for a budget friendly choice.

- 1/4 cup washing soda (great for cutting grease, lifting stains, and boosting cleaning power- Also an ingredient used to make homemade laundry detergent. This is the one I use.)

- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adds scrubbing power) I use sea salt from Trader Joes, but this one is also a great affordable option.

- 1 tablespoon Dawn dish soap or castile soap (lifts grime) I personally love castile soap. It's all natural and so gentle that it can be used as face wash, shampoo, dish washing and so much more. This one is the one I use and highly recommend.

- Lemon essential oil (Optional, but great for cutting grease, disinfecting, and adding a fresh scent- just 5-10 drops will do! I recommend this lemon oil here.)

- 1/4 cup white vinegar (A powerful natural cleaner that dissolves grime, deodorizes, and disinfects. Check out this white vinegar here.)

How to Make It

1. Combine the baking soda, washing soda, and salt in a bowl.

2. Add the dish soap and essential oil, mixing until well combined.

3. Slowly pour in the vinegar-don't worry if it fizzes a little, that's normal! Stir

until it forms a loose paste.

4. Transfer Paste into airtight container.

How To Use

1. Wet a sponge or cloth and dip it into the paste.

2. Scrub surfaces like sinks, tubs, countertops, or anywhere that needs a

little extra love.

3. Rinse thoroughly with water.

Why It Works

Baking Soda & Washing Soda: A powerful duo that lifts dirt and neutralizes

odors. Washing soda is a must have for heavy duty cleaning. It cuts through grease, removes tough stains, and even helps deodorize surfaces naturally. If you don't have any on hand, this one is the one I use personally and recommend.

Salt: Adds gentle abrasiveness to break up stuck-on grime. Need some? This one is a great affordable option.

Soap: Cuts through grease and leaves surfaces sparkling. I use castile soap because it's an all-natural, biodegradable cleaner that cuts through grease without the toxic chemicals of other soaps. It also doesn't strip your skin of its natural oils. This is the one I use.

Vinegar: White vinegar is an eco-friendly cleaning powerhouse. It breaks down hard water stains, eliminates odors and acts as a mild disinfectant. Want to stock up for this and other natural homemade cleaning products? Here's my go to choice.

Lemon Oil: Leaves a fresh scent while adding a natural antibacterial touch. If you are looking for a high-quality option, I recommend this one.

Ever Wonder What's in Commercial Cleaning Paste?

1. Abrasives (Scrubbing Agents)

Silica & Aluminum Oxide

Health Risks: Can cause respiratory irritation if inhaled in powder form. Prolonged exposure may lead to lung inflammation.

Environmental Impact: Mining these materials contributes to habitat destruction and pollution.

Calcium Carbonate

Health Risks: Generally considered safe, but inhalation of fine particles can cause respiratory discomfort.

Environmental Impact: Mining releases CO₂ and contributes to ecosystem disruption.

2. Surfactants (Foaming & Grease-Cutting Agents)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)

Health Risks: Can strip the skin’s natural oils, causing irritation and dryness. SLES is sometimes contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen.

Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life; does not readily biodegrade, leading to water pollution.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

Health Risks: May cause allergic reactions and skin irritation, especially in people with sensitivities.

Environmental Impact: Often derived from petroleum or palm oil, contributing to deforestation and habitat destruction.

3. Solvents (Dissolve Stains & Grease)

Petroleum Distillates (Mineral Spirits, Kerosene Derivatives)

Health Risks: Can cause dizziness, nausea, and neurological damage with prolonged exposure. May be carcinogenic.

Environmental Impact: Derived from fossil fuels, contributing to air and water pollution. Spills can contaminate soil and groundwater.

Ethanol & Isopropyl Alcohol

Health Risks: Drying to skin and irritating to the respiratory system in large amounts.

Environmental Impact: Ethanol is biodegradable, but its industrial production can be energy-intensive and contribute to deforestation.

Glycol Ethers (e.g., 2-Butoxyethanol, Ethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether)

Health Risks: Can cause liver and kidney damage, blood disorders, and reproductive toxicity.

Environmental Impact: Does not break down easily in water, leading to toxic accumulation in aquatic environments.

4. Chemical Agents (Disinfectants & Stain Removers)

Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)

Health Risks: Releases chlorine gas when mixed with acids (like vinegar), which can cause severe respiratory issues. Also linked to skin and eye irritation.

Environmental Impact: Reacts with organic matter in water to form toxic byproducts like organochlorines, which can harm marine life.

Ammonia

Health Risks: Highly irritating to lungs and skin; prolonged exposure can lead to chronic respiratory problems.

Environmental Impact: Toxic to aquatic life; contributes to air pollution when released into the atmosphere.

Phosphates

Health Risks: Not directly toxic to humans but can cause skin irritation.

Environmental Impact: When washed down drains, phosphates cause algae blooms in lakes and rivers, leading to oxygen depletion and fish die-offs (a process called eutrophication).

Triclosan (Antibacterial Agent, Now Banned in Some Products)

Health Risks: Disrupts hormone function and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Environmental Impact: Highly toxic to aquatic ecosystems; lingers in waterways and accumulates in fish and marine animals.

5. Fragrances & Preservatives

Synthetic Fragrances (Often listed as "parfum" or "fragrance")

Health Risks: Can contain phthalates, which are endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive issues.

Environmental Impact: Phthalates do not biodegrade easily, accumulating in the environment and harming wildlife.

Parabens & Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives (DMDM Hydantoin, Diazolidinyl Urea, etc.)

Health Risks: Linked to hormone disruption and potential carcinogenic effects.

Environmental Impact: Persist in the environment and disrupt aquatic ecosystems.

Key Takeaways: Why Switch to Natural Alternatives?

Protects Health: Avoids exposure to carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and respiratory irritants.

Safer for the Environment: Reduces water pollution, prevents toxic buildup in wildlife, and lowers carbon footprint.

Biodegradable Ingredients: Natural options break down safely without harming ecosystems.

Quick & Easy Cleaning Paste

For a more simple and basic cleaning paste recipe, check out my other blog here. 

For more simple, non-toxic living tips, you can find me on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube

under holisticandwitchy.

Thanks for reading! I love sharing these tips with you, and I appreciate you being here. 

Check out my other blogs on natural DIYs for the body and home below!

Quick links to my personal faves and must haves for natural DIYs:

Baking soda:  used in natural laundry detergent, toothpastes and more

Washing Soda: used in making laundry detergent and cleaning pastes and more

Distilled White Vinegar:  used in cleaning, deodorizing and lifting stains and more

Castile soap: Versatile cleanser, can be used from hair shampoo to degreaser

Essential Oils: used in mostly all my natural DIY products for its scent and high-quality antimicrobial properties.

Amber bottles: protects natural ingredients from light, air, and heat which can break down their potency over time.

Roller and Spray Amber Bottles:  easy and convenient application