Keeping kitchen surfaces clean and germ-free is important for health and hygiene. However, many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to our health and the environment. Thankfully, there are simple, eco-friendly ways to get your kitchen shiny and sanitized using common household ingredients.
Use Baking Soda and Vinegar for Cleaning Countertops
Baking soda and vinegar are a dynamic eco-friendly cleaning duo. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts dirt, while vinegar dissolves grease and kills bacteria and germs.
Here’s how I use them to clean my kitchen countertops:
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Sprinkle baking soda generously on the surface and use a wet sponge to scrub. The baking soda will foam up and help remove grime.
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Rinse with water and wipe clean.
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Spray undiluted white vinegar over the entire surface. Vinegar has disinfectant properties that destroy harmful pathogens.
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Let the vinegar sit for 5-10 minutes before wiping away. This allows the acetic acid in vinegar time to kill germs.
Vinegar neutralizes any soapy residue from the baking soda, leaving counters shiny and hygienically clean. I do this daily to prevent germ buildup.
Make a Natural Citrus-Based Cleaner Spray
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes and oranges have antibacterial properties that cut through kitchen grease and eliminate odors.
Here is my easy recipe for an effective citrus cleaner:
- Add 1 cup water and 1/4 cup lemon juice to a spray bottle
- Add 10-15 drops of lemon essential oil
- Shake vigorously to mix
Spritz this solution on kitchen surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth. The natural acids in the lemon lift dirt while the essential oil lends a fresh, lemon scent. Store excess cleaner in the fridge for up to a week.
Steam Clean the Oven and Stovetop
Steam is an effective natural degreaser for oven and stovetop surfaces. To steam clean:
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Place a few wet towels on the oven racks or stovetop grates.
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Heat oven or stovetop to 200°F. The steam from the wet towels will soften baked-on grime after 20-30 minutes.
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Remove towels and wipe away grease and food debris with a cloth. For tough spots, apply baking soda as an abrasive scrub.
The hot steam helps loosen stubborn burned-on stains without requiring harsh chemical cleaners. I like to steam clean the oven every few months to keep it fresh.
Freshen the Fridge with Baking Soda
Baking soda absorbs funky odors, making it great for deodorizing the fridge.
- Place an open box of baking soda on a fridge shelf. Replace monthly.
- Make a baking soda paste with just enough water to form a spreadable consistency.
- Use paste to scrub stains in the fridge and wipe clean. The gentle abrasive action sanitizes.
Baking soda foams up when combined with moisture, helping displace and neutralize stubborn smells. A box in the fridge and regular scrub downs keep my refrigerator odor-free.
Choose Eco-Friendly Dish Soaps
When hand washing dishes, choose plant-based dish soaps free of synthetic fragrances and chemicals. Brands like Seventh Generation, Ecover and Mrs. Meyer’s are readily available at grocery stores.
Look for soaps made from ingredients like:
- Plant-derived cleansers like coconut oil or soybeans
- Essential oil fragrances from plants
- Natural scents like lemongrass, lavender or citrus
These provide an effective clean without toxic chemicals. I’ve noticed my hands are never dry or irritated after washing dishes with plant-based soaps.
By using pantry staples like baking soda and vinegar along with natural cleaners, I’ve been able to keep all my kitchen surfaces sparkling clean and germ-free in an eco-friendly way. With some easy substitutions, you can too! What are your favorite green cleaning tips? Let me know in the comments below!
