Why I got into making DIY kitchen sprays
Last week I noticed my kitchen sink smelled like old dishwater even after cleaning. Store sprays just mask smells with fake perfume, so I searched for natural fixes using pantry staples. Found some baking soda + essential oil recipes online and gave it a shot yesterday afternoon.
My simple materials hunt
- Empty glass jam jar (washed out the strawberry goop)
- Cheap baking soda box ($1 store type)
- Lemon essential oil (had leftover from failed candle project)
- Tap water & old spoon
- Nail and hammer for lid holes
Step-by-step mess-making
First, I dumped about 1/4 cup baking soda into the jar – white powder went everywhere, my counter looked like a cocaine scene. Then poured in water slowly while stirring with the spoon until it looked like lumpy milk. Added 15 drops of lemon oil (smelled amazing instantly) but knocked over the bottle… lost like 5 extra drops on the floor.
Now the stupid part: Put the lid on and realized I forgot air holes. Grabbed a nail and hammered 5 holes through the metal lid – took forever and bent the first nail. Almost smashed my thumb when the hammer slipped. Pro tip: Put lid on wooden cutting board next time.
Final testing & results
Shook the jar hard, white foam bubbled out the holes all over my hand. Wiped it off and left it near the stinky sink. After 30 mins, the lemon smell actually cut through the damp odor! Not overpowering like chemical sprays, just fresh. Checked this morning – still working, baking soda settled at bottom so gave it another shake.
Total cost maybe 50 cents? Beats $6 store sprays. Downside: Looks janky with my crooked holes. Might try adding vinegar next time for more cleaning power, but worried about fizz explosions. Overall success though – nasty sink smell gone!
