Grease, soap scum, and kitchen grime can be stubborn, especially on counters and stovetop surfaces that get used every day. If you already have shaving cream and dish soap at home, you can whip them into a bright blue foam that clings to surfaces and gives you a practical way to loosen everyday buildup with a little scrubbing.
This DIY is simple to make, costs very little, and is easy to fit into a regular cleaning routine. It works best on light to moderate grime, and it is a good option for quick touch-ups between deeper cleans.
What You’ll Need
Formula Ingredients
- Plain shaving cream (a standard foaming can works well)
- Blue dish soap (a grease-cutting liquid dish soap)
- Water (only a teaspoon or two, if needed to loosen the mixture)
Tools
- A glass or other non-porous mixing bowl
- A spoon or small whisk
- A scrub brush with medium, non-abrasive bristles
- A spray bottle filled with clean water
- Two or three microfiber cloths
- Rubber gloves
Why This DIY Can Be Useful
Dish soap is formulated to cut through grease, so it is the main cleaning agent in this mixture. Shaving cream is mostly foam, which helps the mixture stay in place on vertical surfaces and gives you a visible guide for where you have already cleaned. The thick foam also keeps the soap in contact with the grime longer than a thin liquid spray would.
How to Make It
- Spoon a generous amount of shaving cream into your mixing bowl.
- Add a smaller amount of dish soap, roughly half as much as the shaving cream. You can always add more after testing.
- Stir gently in one direction until the mixture turns a uniform bright blue and holds soft peaks.
- If the foam feels too stiff to spread, add a teaspoon of water and stir again.
- Make only as much as you need for one cleaning session, since the foam works best when it is fresh.
How to Use It
- Test a small, hidden spot on your surface first and wait a few minutes to check for dullness or discoloration.
- Scoop a small amount of foam onto the dirty area with your gloved hand or the brush.
- Let it sit for two to five minutes so the soap has time to loosen the grime.
- Scrub with the brush in small circles, focusing on greasy spots and rings.
- Wipe the foam away with a damp microfiber cloth.
- Rinse the area with a spray of clean water and wipe it dry so no soap film is left behind.
What to Expect
This mixture works best on light grease, fingerprints, and everyday kitchen grime. Heavy buildup or dried-on residue may need a second application or a longer soak time. It cleans and freshens surfaces, but it is not a disinfectant, so it should not replace a product that is specifically labeled to kill germs.
Helpful Tips
- Mix small batches so the foam stays fresh and easy to spread.
- Use a light touch with the brush on glossy finishes to avoid dulling the surface.
- Work in sections so the foam does not dry out before you wipe it away.
- Keep a second dry cloth nearby to buff away any streaks.
Important Notes and Safety
- Do not mix this foam with bleach, vinegar, ammonia, or other cleaners. Mixing cleaning products can create harmful fumes.
- Patch test first, especially on natural stone such as marble or granite, unsealed wood, painted surfaces, and delicate finishes.
- Rinse thoroughly, since leftover soap can leave a slippery film on counters and floors.
- Keep the mixture away from eyes, and wash your hands after use.
- If you are using this as a sensory play activity with children, supervise closely and make sure the foam is never eaten.
- Store any leftover mixture in a covered container away from children and pets, and discard it after a day or two.
With a few simple supplies and a careful test, this blue foam can be a practical way to refresh everyday messes around the kitchen.
