When it comes to removing stubborn grease and baked-on grime, many of us are constantly searching for new methods that actually work. Supermarket shelves are full of specialized cleaners, but sometimes the most effective solutions are the ones we can make at home using products we already have. Recently, a restaurant owner revealed a clever cleaning trick that has surprised many people for its effectiveness and simplicity.

This homemade cleaner uses just three common ingredients—dish soap, toothpaste, and baking soda. Together, they create a powerful cleaning solution capable of tackling even the most resistant kitchen messes. Here’s everything you need to know about this little-known hack, how to prepare it, and how to use it.

Why This Hack Comes From a Restaurant Kitchen

If anyone knows about stubborn stains and grease buildup, it’s a restaurant owner. In professional kitchens, pans, trays, and cookware are constantly subjected to high heat, oil, sauces, and baked-on residue that’s notoriously difficult to scrub away. Using harsh chemicals may get the job done, but they aren’t always ideal in a food-preparation environment.

That’s why many restaurant professionals develop their own tricks for dealing with stubborn messes—tricks that are both effective and safe. This particular recipe, shared by a restaurant owner, combines three everyday products to create a multipurpose cleaner that you’ll likely want to use at home.

What You Need for the Homemade Cleaner

Here are the ingredients and their quantities for making this DIY cleaning solution:

  • 500 ml of liquid dish soap

  • 1 tablespoon of toothpaste

  • 500 ml of water

  • 1 tablespoon of baking soda

The preparation is very straightforward:

  1. In one container, mix 500 ml of dish soap with 1 tablespoon of toothpaste. Stir until smooth.

  2. In another container, combine 500 ml of water with 1 tablespoon of baking soda. Mix until dissolved.

  3. Combine the two solutions together and stir well to make a uniform mixture.

Once ready, pour the mixture into a spray bottle or a storage container with a lid. This way, you’ll have it on hand whenever you need to clean.

How to Use the Cleaner

This DIY solution is especially effective for cleaning dirty pans, trays, and other cookware that have built-up grease or baked-on food. To use it:

  1. Apply the mixture directly to the surface you want to clean.

  2. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the ingredients to break down the grease.

  3. Scrub gently with a sponge or brush.

  4. Rinse thoroughly with water.

You’ll notice that even the toughest stains and grease lift off with much less effort compared to using dish soap alone.

Why This Mixture Works So Well

At first glance, combining toothpaste and dish soap may sound unusual, but when you understand the properties of each ingredient, it makes perfect sense.

  • Toothpaste: While it’s primarily designed for oral hygiene, toothpaste contains mild abrasives and cleansing agents that help break down residue. Beyond teeth, it’s often used for whitening nails, polishing shoes, or even removing stains from walls and fabrics. Its degreasing and deodorizing properties make it a surprisingly effective addition to this cleaner.

  • Dish soap: This is the star of the mixture. Formulated specifically to cut through grease and oils, dish soap is essential for cleaning kitchen items. When combined with toothpaste and baking soda, its cleaning power is significantly boosted.

  • Baking soda: Known for its versatility, baking soda brings multiple benefits to this mixture. It has natural antibacterial properties, works as a gentle abrasive, and acts as a deodorizer. It also enhances the whitening effect, making cookware look brighter after cleaning.

Together, these three ingredients create a solution that not only removes dirt but also disinfects and refreshes surfaces.

Other Uses for This Homemade Cleaner

Although originally intended for cleaning cookware, this mixture can be used in other areas of the home. Here are some additional ways to put it to good use:

  • Bathroom tiles and grout: Spray the solution on tiles or grout lines to loosen soap scum and mildew. Scrub lightly with a brush, then rinse.

  • Kitchen countertops: Use it as a degreaser on countertops (especially around stovetops) to remove oil splatters.

  • Oven interiors: Apply the mixture to oven trays and walls to soften baked-on food before scrubbing.

  • Shoes: Just like toothpaste alone can clean sneakers, this solution can refresh dirty shoes, especially rubber soles.

  • Outdoor furniture: Plastic or metal chairs and tables can benefit from this cleaner when they’re grimy after long exposure outdoors.

Always test the solution on a small, hidden area before applying it to delicate surfaces to ensure no damage occurs.

Why Choose DIY Cleaning Solutions?

One of the major advantages of this cleaning hack is that it saves money. Instead of buying multiple specialized cleaners, you can make a powerful multipurpose solution with items you already keep at home. It’s also more eco-friendly, as you avoid unnecessary packaging waste and reduce reliance on harsh chemical cleaners.

Additionally, making your own cleaners gives you control over what goes into them. This can be particularly helpful for households that prefer minimizing exposure to strong chemical scents or allergens.

Final Thoughts

The restaurant owner’s cleaning trick might sound unusual at first, but once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so effective. By combining dish soap, toothpaste, and baking soda, you create a solution that cuts through grease, disinfects, and refreshes your cookware and other household surfaces.

It’s a cost-effective, eco-friendly alternative to commercial products and a perfect example of how simple household ingredients can be turned into powerful cleaning allies. Next time you’re faced with stubborn grease or baked-on grime, try this homemade cleaner—you may find yourself using it regularly, just like the restaurant professionals do.

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