This Natural Cleaning Tip Removes Soap Scum From Kitchen Sinks

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If you are a fan of natural cleaning products, you may have considered lemon juice or vinegar in the kitchen. But did you know that one of the cheapest, simplest, and most effective tools for scrubbing stubborn soap scum from a sink is the pumice stone? Not the one in your bathroom cupboard that you use every summer to get your feet sandal-ready, but pumice stones made specifically for housework.

Pumice is actually a stone that is formed from dried volcanic lava. Thanks to its gritty texture and natural abrasiveness, it can break through mineral deposits, baked-on food, and soap scum more effectively than a sponge. A pumice stone can be used on surfaces throughout the house, but it is especially good at removing stubborn grime that can build up in your ceramic or porcelain kitchen sink. All you need is water and a little patience. To use it, start by soaking the pumice stone in water for a few minutes, and make sure the sink is wet. Then use a gentle, circular motion to work over grime and stains until they start to lift. Once all the grime is gone, rinse the sink out with water to remove any pumice residue, and you will be left with a gleaming kitchen sink. 

One of the oldest and most trusted brands on the market is Pumie Scouring Stick, an easy-to-use pumice stick that has been around for more than 90 years. It's not only great for cleaning kitchen sinks, but it can also get pet hair off of furniture or erase hard water stains in the bathroom. In the kitchen, another popular use is for removing baked-on food in the oven. Among other common mistakes you're probably making when cleaning your oven, relying solely on the self-clean button is one of them. Instead, consider skipping the button altogether and reaching for a pumice stone to clean your oven. 

Just make sure to always use water or an all-purpose cleaning liquid when scrubbing with pumice to avoid damage, as the abrasive texture can result in scratches. It's also smart to test a small area before giving a full scrub, since some surfaces — like stainless steel, fiberglass, and acrylic — can be damaged by the stone's roughness. But with a little care and the right technique, a pumice stone can be one of the most affordable and effective tools in your cleaning arsenal.