Why Green Clean Your Kitchen
As someone who cares about the environment and reducing my exposure to harmful chemicals, I’ve made the switch to green cleaning my kitchen. Cleaning with traditional chemical-laden products not only releases volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into my home’s air, but many ingredients also go down the drain and pollute waterways. Green cleaning uses natural, non-toxic ingredients that get the job done without harming my health or the planet.
Safer Ingredients For People and the Planet
When scanning ingredient lists on conventional cleaners, you’ll see worrying substances like ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, and artificial fragrances. Going green avoids these in favor of plant-derived soaps, essential oils, baking soda, vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, and other natural disinfectants. Green cleaners are biodegradable rather than persistent in the environment. They break down into harmless components instead of bioaccumulating up the food chain.
Top to Bottom Green Kitchen Cleaning Strategies
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of tackling a green clean throughout the kitchen:
Green Clean Kitchen Countertops
Mix together in a spray bottle:
- 1 cup filtered water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 15 drops lemon essential oil
Spritz directly onto countertops and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. The acidity in the vinegar disinfects while the oil provides antibacterial properties and a fresh scent.
Green Clean Kitchen Appliances
For cleaning appliances like the refrigerator, stove, and dishwasher, make a solution of:
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 tbsp baking soda
Apply with a damp sponge or microfiber cloth. Rinse and let dry. The baking soda acts as a gentle scouring powder to remove grime.
Green Clean the Kitchen Sink
Remove stuck-on gunk in the sink with a paste of baking soda and water. Sprinkle baking soda down the drain to deodorize. Freshen up the sink by rubbing a cut lemon around the basin – no need for chemical bleach!
Green Clean Kitchen Cabinets
To clean wood cabinets and shelves, mix:
– 1/4 cup vinegar
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Warm water
Dip a cloth in the solution and wipe down cabinet surfaces. Dry with a clean towel. The oil hydrates the wood while the vinegar disinfects.
Green Clean the Oven
Sprinkle baking soda over the bottom of the cold oven. Spritz with water to create a paste. Let sit overnight. In the morning, wipe out the softened grime using a cloth or old toothbrush. No need for harsh chemical oven cleaners!
Green Clean Kitchen Floors
Mop tile floors with a solution of:
– 1 gallon warm water
– 1/4 cup white vinegar
– 10-15 drops essential oil (e.g. lemon, lavender, peppermint)
The vinegar sanitizes the floors while essential oils lend a fresh, natural scent.
Green Clean Kitchen Garbage Cans
Freshen up smelly garbage cans by sprinkling in baking soda. For a deeper clean, wash with a solution of vinegar and water. Sprinkle tea tree oil or lemon peel inside to help eliminate odors.
Take these steps to green clean your kitchen from top to bottom in a safe and eco-friendly manner. Let me know if you have any other green cleaning tips!
