When cleaning your kitchen backsplash, custom cabinets, countertops and floors, there are two things of importance. Is the product you’re using going to thoroughly clean the surface? And is it going to do so without causing any damage? While there are many adequate kitchen cleaners in stores, some of the natural DIY recipes work just as well. Here you’ll find five safe and effective household cleaners that you can make right at home.
1. Tea Tree Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner
With a powerful vinegar base, the use of essential oils in this cleaner mask the strong vinegar scent. Tea tree oil in particular is believed to contain antibacterial and antifungal properties. Dilute with water and use this cleaner to wipe up your kitchen backsplash, custom cabinets and other surfaces in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup distilled water
3 drops tea tree oil
3 drops grapefruit oil
2. Lavender Lemon All-Purpose Cleaner
Like white vinegar, lemon is an effective cleaning agent. It acts a natural bleach and antiseptic, and has a refreshing citrus scent. Fresh lemon juice pairs nicely with lavender, another popular essential oil that is used to make vinegar cleaning solutions smell more pleasant.
Ingredients:
1 cup distilled white vinegar
1 cup distilled water
½ Lemon (juiced)
15 drops lavender oil
3. Homemade Castile All-Purpose Cleaner
If you are familiar with eco-friendly products then you probably already know what castile soap is. If not, it a concentrated vegetable-based soap that is gentle but effective and made with natural ingredients. While it is wonderful to use in the bath or shower, it also makes a great household cleaner. Here it is mixed with water and essential oils to clean kitchen surfaces.
Ingredients:
2 cups distilled water
¼ cup castile soap
15 drops essential oil (try lavender, grapefruit, or another essential oil)
To easily use all three of the natural cleaners mentioned so far, mix them beforehand and then use a funnel to transfer them into a spray bottle. This way they are easy to grab whenever you need a quick cleanup. As a reminder, be sure to shake the bottle before use. As with most natural products, some ingredients may separate or settle to the bottom of the bottle. Shaking before use will ensure your solution is properly mixed.
4. Clove Hardwood Floor Cleaner
You can mix together this warm, sweet smelling floor cleaner with just a handful of ingredients and a bucket. Use a mop or sponge to clean your floors with this solution. Lightly dampen your mop or sponge so that you don’t oversaturate your floors with liquid. After cleaning, you can also wipe your floors dry with a soft microfiber cloth to ensure no excess liquid has been left behind.
Ingredients:
½ cup white vinegar
1 gallon distilled water
3 drops clove oil (this is a nice essential oil to use as a floor clear but if you prefer a brighter scent you can always substitute clove oil for grapefruit or another citrus oil)
5. Baking Soda Scrub
For tough stains, a simple paste made by mixing baking soda and water in a two to one ratio has been known to lift debris. You can use this on ovens, stovetops and almost any other kitchen surface.
Ingredients:
Baking soda
Water
Welcome to Willow Lane Cabinetry — the #1 place to buy affordable, semi-custom cabinets online! Let us help you create the kitchen or bath of your dreams with our 100% free kitchen design tool. We offer all wood, semi-custom bath and kitchen cabinets, fully assembled and delivered for free. Plus all the accessories you need to complete your remodel. Visit our website to see our products today!