There’s something comforting about using products that your parents and grandparents used. It reminds us of the wisdom in how things used to be done. One item that always brings back memories for me is Bon Ami, a scouring powder I saw in my grandparents’ homes and remember my mom using when I was a kid.
When my toddlers were crawling everywhere, I started paying more attention to the potential dangers of household cleaning products. I began researching them and stopped using any that weren’t safe for my little ones. Bon Ami was a cleaner I puzzled over for a while, but I still think it’s a decent choice, and here’s why.
Bon Ami cleans by physically scouring away dirt and grime with a sponge or brush, rather than relying on harsh chemicals. Unlike many other cleaners, it doesn’t contain chlorine, dyes, or synthetic fragrances, and it gets an “A” rating from the Environmental Working Group. Plus, it works really well. Our grandparents were definitely on to something. I used Bon Ami for years and consider it one of the more natural store-bought cleaning options.
However, some sources say that Bon Ami can cause respiratory irritation. After I finished a bottle, I was on the lookout for alternatives. I already had bulk ingredients for DIY cleaning products, so I experimented with what I had to create something similar. I eventually came up with a simple three-ingredient version I love, and that’s what I use now when I need scouring powder.
Just a note: I updated the recipe to leave out borax. It’s a controversial ingredient with mixed safety reviews, with some recent reports suggesting it could be harmful. Although research points out that boric acid, not borax powder (sodium borate), might be problematic, I’m cautious and will avoid it until more clarity emerges. Bon Ami, which doesn’t contain borax, remains a cost-effective, green option with a better safety rating, so I’d recommend sticking with it over borax for now.
This homemade scouring powder is straightforward to make and safe enough for my kids to help with cleaning. It takes just a minute to put together and is very budget-friendly. It cleans better than store brands and doesn’t have the lingering smell of chemicals. I use it especially in our kids’ bathroom, which often gets quite messy after bath time. This was also my testing ground when developing my homemade versions.
To make sure it worked, I conducted a little experiment. I didn’t clean our bathroom for two weeks—mostly because I was too busy—and it got really, really bad. Knowing my kids would soon bathe in that tub, I wanted a cleaner that wouldn’t harm their skin, so I turned to my natural remedy.
The results? Amazing. I cleaned one half of the tub first to compare, and even with my basic camera skills, you could see which side was cleaner.
Want to know how to make it? It’s super simple and cheap. Is your tub looking spotless? Got any tricks for keeping it clean naturally? I’d love to hear about them!
