Introduction
Keeping my kitchen clean is very important to me. As someone who cooks frequently, it’s easy for grease, germs and grime to build up. I want my kitchen to be a healthy environment, so I make an effort to use green cleaning methods that get rid of mess without using harsh chemicals. In this article, I’ll share my tips for green cleaning the kitchen and removing stubborn grease, germs and grime the natural way.
Tackling Grease
Grease from cooking oils and fats can quickly build up on kitchen surfaces. Here are some of my favorite green solutions for cutting through grease:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive so it’s great for scrubbing away grease. I sprinkle it directly on greasy areas, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a damp sponge or cloth. It’s safe for all kitchen surfaces.
Vinegar
Vinegar is an all-purpose green cleaner that breaks up grease. I fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar and spritz directly onto greasy areas like stove tops, range hoods and countertops. After letting it sit for 5-10 minutes, I wipe away the grease with a cloth.
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice cuts through kitchen grease very effectively. I rub a halved lemon directly onto greasy surfaces like kitchen cabinets and appliances. Leaving lemon juice on for 10 minutes before wiping clean also helps combat grease buildup.
Baking Soda and Vinegar
For really tough grease, I use baking soda and vinegar together. After sprinkling surfaces with baking soda, I spray on some vinegar. The chemical reaction between the ingredients creates bubbles that lift away baked-on grease. I let it fizz for a few minutes before scrubbing with a sponge.
Eliminating Germs
Kitchens contain lots of germs that can cause illness. Here are my top green cleaning techniques for destroying germs:
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant. I make a non-toxic disinfecting spray by combining 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle. I spray it on cutting boards, countertops, sinks and appliances and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean with a cloth.
Vinegar
Vinegar is great for killing germs in the kitchen. I create a sanitizing vinegar solution by combining 2 parts water with 1 part white vinegar in a spray bottle. I use it to thoroughly clean kitchen surfaces and appliances.
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is a powerful antibacterial agent. I add 15 drops of tea tree essential oil to a spray bottle filled with 2 cups of water to make a natural antibacterial cleaner. I spray it on cutting boards, countertops and sinks after washing them with soap and water to kill any lingering germs.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice has antimicrobial properties that destroy kitchen germs. I sanitize kitchen surfaces by wiping them down with a cloth soaked in pure lemon juice. Rinsing afterward with clean water removes any residue.
Removing Grime
Grime, dirt and food residue can quickly accumulate in a kitchen. Here are some effective green ways I remove grime:
Baking Soda
Baking soda is mildly abrasive so it lifts away grime as it cleans. I dip a damp sponge into baking soda and scrub to remove grime from countertops, sinks, appliances, floors and backsplashes. Rinsing afterward gets rid of any residue.
Salt
Table salt works as a gentle scouring powder for scrubbing off grime. I sprinkle it onto a lemon wedge and scrub stainless steel surfaces in a circular motion to remove stuck-on grime and restore shine. Rinsing with water washes away all the salt.
White Vinegar
White vinegar dissolves grime and also acts as a degreaser. I mix 1⁄4 cup white vinegar with 1⁄4 cup water and pour it into a squirt bottle. I spray the solution onto tile, sealed granite, laminate and other surfaces, let sit for 5 minutes and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice removes grime and leaves kitchen surfaces sparkling. I rub surfaces with lemon halves to naturally scour away dirt. For tougher grime, I sprinkle baking soda then spray lemon juice on top to make a pasty cleaner. After letting it set for 10 minutes, I scrub with a damp cloth to remove stuck-on messes.
Conclusion
Green cleaning with ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide and tea tree oil allows me to get my kitchen clean and germ-free without using harsh chemicals. These natural cleaning solutions get rid of grease, eliminate germs and scrub away grime from every kitchen surface. My kitchen is sparkling clean with the refreshing scents of citrus and vinegar – no toxic fumes! With these simple homemade cleaners, I can feel good about the health of my kitchen while being kind to the environment.
