How to Make Homemade Kitchen Cleaners: Simple & Natural Solutions

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Your kitchen deserves to sparkle, but there’s no need to rely on harsh chemicals to get the job done. Store-bought cleaners can be expensive and often contain toxins that may harm your health or the planet. The good news? You can make effective, natural cleaners right at home using simple ingredients. Here’s a guide to creating and using natural, homemade kitchen cleaners.

All-Purpose Cleaner

An all-purpose cleaner is essential for everyday messes. It’s perfect for countertops, backsplashes, appliances and cupboard doors.

To make it, combine half a cup of white vinegar and 3 cups of water in a clean spray bottle. Add 10–15 drops of essential oil like lemon, lavender or tea tree for a pleasant scent. Essential oils also add a bacteria-killing element to your cleaner.

To use it, shake the bottle thoroughly before every use to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed. Spray the solution directly onto surfaces and wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. For sticky messes or dried spills, let the cleaner sit for a few minutes before wiping.

However, avoid using this cleaner on natural stone surfaces like granite or marble. The vinegar’s acidity can etch and damage the stone. For those areas, opt for a gentle soap-and-water mix instead.

Sink Scrub for a Sparkling Finish

The kitchen sink is one of the most used areas. From washing dishes to rinsing produce, it takes on a lot of grime. A regular deep clean can keep it hygienic and shiny without scratching the surface.

All you need is baking soda, liquid dish soap and white vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda generously over the sink and faucet. Add a few drops of dish soap to a damp sponge or cloth. Scrub the sink in circular motions, focusing on areas around the drain and faucet base where grime tends to build up. Rinse thoroughly with warm water, then dry with a clean towel to prevent water spots. For an extra-deep clean, pour some white vinegar into the sink to react with the baking soda.

To unclog and freshen drains naturally, pour half a cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by the same amount of white vinegar. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then flush with hot water to keep your pipes clean and fresh.

Pro tip: If your sink still smells after cleaning, toss a few lemon peels down the drain and run hot water for a fresh scent.

Degreaser for Counters and Stovetops

Kitchen grease can be stubborn, especially on stovetops, range hoods and the backsplash. This natural degreaser cuts through oil without harsh chemicals.

Simply mix two cups of warm water with one teaspoon of dish soap and another of baking soda. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that lifts grease without scratching surfaces. If you need an extra boost, add a splash of white vinegar.

When using it, dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and gently scrub greasy spots. For baked-on grease, apply the solution, let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub with a soft-bristled brush.

Pro tip: For oil stains on marble or stone, mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste. Spread it over the stain using a silicone spatula, cover with plastic wrap and tape the edges. Let it sit for 24 to 48 hours before rinsing and wiping dry.

Microwave Steam Cleaner

Microwaves are magnets for food splatters, but cleaning them doesn’t have to be a chore that requires hours of scrubbing. Steam can loosen baked-on messes, kill common bacteria and deodorize your microwave in one step.

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with one cup of water and add a few lemon slices or white vinegar. The lemon adds a fresh scent, while the vinegar serves as a natural deodorizer and cleaner.

Microwave the bowl on high for five minutes. Let it sit inside for another five to allow the steam to loosen food debris. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the interior with a damp cloth or sponge. For stubborn spots, dip the cloth into the warm water and scrub gently.

Cutting Board Cleaner

Cutting boards, especially wooden ones, can absorb food particles and odors. A natural scrub ensures they stay hygienic.

Sprinkle coarse salt over the cutting board. Cut a lemon in half and use the cut side to scrub the salt into the board. The salt acts as an abrasive, while the lemon’s acidity kills bacteria and neutralizes odors. Scrub in small circles, paying extra attention to stains and grooves. Rinse with warm water and let the board air dry completely. Consider applying a thin layer of mineral oil on the surface to prevent cracks before storing.

DIY Floor Cleaner

Kitchen floors take a beating from spills, crumbs and everyday traffic. A natural floor cleaner leaves them spotless without residue. However, the ingredients you use will depend on the floor material.

For hardwood floors, mix three parts water with one part white vinegar or use black tea. For ceramic floors, combine equal parts of vinegar and water. Feel free to replace white vinegar with apple cider vinegar.

Dip a mop or cloth into the mixture, wring it out and clean the floor. Rinse with plain water to remove any soap residue, then dry with a towel to prevent streaks. For sticky spots, apply the solution directly to the area and scrub with a sponge before mopping.

Pro tip: Sprinkle baking soda over grout lines before mopping to brighten and clean them without extra effort.

Get Started with Homemade Kitchen Cleaners Today

Switching to homemade kitchen cleaners isn’t just about saving money. It’s about creating a safer environment for your family while reducing your impact on the planet. With these natural recipes, you’ll keep your kitchen clean while protecting the things that matter most.

So grab your ingredients, mix up a batch and enjoy a cleaner, greener home!