Using Homemade cleaners to clean your kitchen

In my family’s home, I am always looking for a safer, greener way to keep my kitchen spotless. Homemade cleaners are the way to go for a number of reasons. I prefer to ditch the harsh chemicals and instead, utilize the power of all-natural ingredients. It’s better for our health and we save money too. And as a bonus, our allergies have improved since we switched to home made cleaners as well!

From herb-infused water that cuts through grease to eco-friendly cleaning cubes for the garbage disposal, these methods are gentle on my home and tough on grime. Whether I’m deep cleaning stainless steel appliances, freshening up my sink, or giving the windows a streak-free shine, natural cleaners have transformed the way I clean.

My DIY solutions not only improve my kitchen’s air quality but also protect surfaces from wear and tear. Plus, they’re budget-friendly and simple to make using ingredients you probably already have. 

If you’re ready to clean smarter, not harder, this guide to natural kitchen care is your new go-to. Let’s dive into a cleaner, healthier home—one homemade cleaner at a time.

Natural ways to clean my home

I often look for natural and effective ways to keep my kitchen clean. Recently, I started using herb-infused water as a cleaner. This method is simple to prepare and serves as a great alternative to essential oils. Herb-infused water not only freshens up spaces, but also helps to tackle grease and grime effectively.

I enjoy finding new uses for herbs, including creating cleaners for my garbage disposal to keep unpleasant odors at bay.

With a little effort and the right methods, I can achieve a shiny and welcoming kitchen while improving the air quality in my home.

Cleaning My Kitchen with Herbs

All Purpose Natural Cleaner

For my primary cleaning solution, I like to use a simple mix of dish soap and vinegar. If I am looking for a refreshing scent, but not interested in essential oils, I like to use herbs to create a smell-good cleaner. It’s a simple cleaning solution that works wonders on my home. I have so many herbs from my garden. Herbs I use for cleaners include

• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Mint
• Sage

These herbs can offer cleaning benefits due to their natural antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-fungal properties.

Homemade Garbage Disposal Tablets

To freshen my garbage disposal, I use ice cubes made with herbs. I prepare these the night before and run them through the disposal, which helps eliminate bad odors effectively. This simple method keeps my kitchen smelling clean without the need for harsh chemicals.

Ingredients Needed

• Water
• Ice cube tray
• Herbs of choice. I like to use rosemary, sage, thyme or oregano. Any of these will work or you can mix them. Orange peels or lemon slices.

Steps to Create

1. Prepare the Herbs: Chop your favorite herbs into small pieces. 
2. Fill the Tray: Place the chopped herbs in an ice cube tray.
3. Add Water and vinegar: Pour water over the herbs until the tray is full.
4. Freeze: Let the tray sit in the freezer overnight.

Once the herbs are frozen in the cubes, simply drop one or two into your garbage disposal. Run the disposal with cold water to help clear any bad smells.

Other uses for these natural cleaners

Brightening Windows

It’s very uplifting for the soul to look out on a window that is clean instead of a gunky and dusty one. It’s like cleaning your glasses – what a sharp contrast in a vision! Cleaning my windows is an easy way to let in more light and make my space feel brighter. Regular cleaning not only enhances the view but also helps maintain a positive atmosphere in the room.

After cleaning the glass I focus on the window tracks, as dust can accumulate in those areas. Maintaining the tracks will help to open the windows easier and additionally if I have trouble opening the window I like to use a soap bar or a candle to run trough the track. That will make it more slippery for easier opening and closing of the window. For the window and mirror I like to use my home made glass cleaner.

One of the cleaners is a vinegar based kitchen cleaner the other one rubbing alcohol based. The one with alcohol dries faster and I think it gives a sharper grease free result how ever it’s not great for the lungs because of the VOC in the rubbing alcohol. so I use that for cleaning the outside of the windows where I can ensure good ventilation. For inside I like the vinegar based glass cleaner.

Caring for Cabinets

I clean my cabinets using my standard herb-infused water solution. This helps remove dirt and grime that can wear down the finish. I set a schedule to give them a thorough cleaning at least once a season, ensuring they stay in good shape and maintain the air quality in my kitchen. Sometimes I like to add vinegar to it about a 1/4 cup because it makes the cabinet shinier and removes the odor build up from cooking. However Vinegar is not good on wooden cabinets so in that case I would stick to the herb soap all purpose cleaner.

Polishing Stainless Steel

For stainless steel surfaces, I start by cleaning them with all-purpose cleaner, like my herb-infused water. Once they are clean, I apply fractionated coconut oil. I use a dry soft cloth to wipe off the excess. This not only makes them shine but also prevents dust buildup. Wiping off any excess oil gives me a long-lasting shine. It even helps with the fingerprints and stays clean longer.

Maintaining Cutting Boards

I take care of my cutting boards by first cleaning them with hydrogen peroxide, which I leave on for about 30 seconds. Hydrogen peroxide is a great disinfectant and an antibacterial. Sometimes I use a half lemon and salt to rub on the cutting board. Both help with removing smell and build up on the cutting board. If I have a half lemon I used for my tea I use that, if I don’t I just use the peroxide. After rinsing, I air dry it well, and once it’s dry I apply some fractionated coconut oil and let it soak it overnight. Wipe off extra oil the next morning. It’s a quick way to maintain their appearance while ensuring they are sanitized and ready for use.

Cleaning My Floors

I generally use the vacuum cleaner to gather dirt and dust first.  At times I will also use a broom to ensure I’m getting all the dirt from the corners and under cabinets.  Once the dust and dirt is cleaned, I use a steam mop with water only.  Adding herbs or oils directly to the mop can damage it, so instead, I use my herb infused spray directly on the floor and then go over it with the steam mop, or I just add a drop of my favorite essential oil.

This method gives the whole house a clean feel and smell.

Benefits of Using Homemade Cleaners

Everything in the home can be cleaned with homemade cleaners. Using these DIY solutions can save money and it’s better for your health. There are so many hidden chemicals (that are bad for our health) in off-the-shelf cleaners, not to mention the coloring and fragrances in there. My all purpose cleaner recipe is easy and it can be made less than 30 seconds.

• Non-Toxic: The recipes above don’t have harsh chemicals, making them safe for your home.
• Fresh Aroma: The herbs will leave a pleasant scent while breaking down food particles.
• Cost-Effective: Making your own cleaners saves money compared to store-bought options.

I find that these DIY cleaners not only clean effectively but also make my kitchen smell great. I can’t imagine going back to the harsh smells and toxins of store bought cleaners.  Making my own is so much better and I save money too while it’s better for my family’s health too!