There are literally thousands of cleaning products promising to eradicate every germ, every microbe and every speck of dirt that may be violating your kitchen. Yet, we have learned that an overly clean house can actually be a detriment to our health and the health of our children. While it's important to have a clean home environment and take responsible steps to prevent illness from bacteria and viruses, you don't want to be so aggressive that you expose yourself and your family to toxic chemicals that may cause irritation or damage to your skin, lungs and sensitive body parts like your eyes and nose.
Instead of cleaning with harsh chemicals and toxic solutions, you can ensure every surface in your kitchen not only looks clean but is free from all those germs that threaten the safety and health of your family with three completely natural items combined to make homemade cleaners.
Simply using vinegar, baking soda and good old fashioned “elbow grease,” or a combination thereof, can clean everything in your kitchen from the stove to the countertops to the refrigerator shelves and even the floor.
White vinegar: the original all-purpose cleaner
White vinegar is the perfect multi-surface kitchen cleaning solution. No need to spray toxic chemicals into the air for you and your loved ones to breathe in, this vinegar solution will cut through grease and wipe away germs leaving you with a sparkling clean surface. If you do not like the intense odor of vinegar (though it will dissipate very quickly), you can add a few drops of essential oil to the mixture, it will not reduce the cleaning power.
White vinegar multi-surface solution (one-to-four ratio) is best for cleaning:
- Kitchen countertops
- Refrigerator shelves and drawers
- Cabinet doors and handles
- Surfaces with grease
- Outside of microwave, refrigerator and oven door
The same reason you want a safe floor cleaner is the same reason you want a strong floor cleaning solution. We bring a variety of health hazards into our homes with our feet. Dirt, grime, dust, environmental pollutants and waste products all get tracked into your home on your shoes.
While taking your shoes off outside or at the door is extremely helpful in keeping these health hazards outside, they still need to be removed swiftly and safely. This is especially true if you have a young child that is crawling or just learning to walk.
For a safe and effective green clean floor solution, mix vinegar and hot water at a one-to-two ratio.
Baking soda breaks it up
For surfaces that need a more abrasive cleanser, baking soda and a good scrub will usually remove any stubborn stains or stuck-on foods. It works as well as those commercially produced cleansers without the additional toxic chemicals. This is also a good way to remove any food that may have spilled or be stuck on various surfaces in your kitchen.
You can use pure baking soda and water, or you can create a liquid cleanser by mix baking soda with a teaspoon of castile soap and glycerine in a reusable container which will remain good for up to a year.
Baking soda is best for
- Stovetops
- Stuck-on food
- Sinks
Where you need them both
Lastly, your microwave may be a multi-stop process. You first want to place a microwave safe bowl of water in your microwave and heat it on high until it is boiling. This will soften any caked on food and make it easier to clean. Do not remove the bowl of water until it has cooled significantly. Once removed, use the same vinegar solution you used for the countertops and wipe the inside surfaces of your microwave clean with a sponge or scrubbing pad. If there are spots which are difficult to remove, repeat the first step and then use baking soda with a sponge to break up any stuck-on food.
Simple and safe cleaning for optimal health
To achieve a truly clean home, you want to be free of toxic chemicals as well as dirt, grime,and germs. Not only can baking soda and vinegar fight germs and bacteria found around your home naturally, but they will not cause irritation to lungs, eyes, nose, or skin with fumes or exposure to toxic chemicals. With these two simple and safe ingredients, you have a cleaner for every surface of your kitchen right at your fingertips
