So, let’s talk about countertops. If your kitchen is anything like mine, the countertops are kind of like the heart of the kitchen—everything happens there!
Prepping food, unloading groceries, eating a quick snack, and sometimes just chatting with family or friends while dinner cooks. But with all that action, it’s no surprise that my countertops get messy real fast.
And let me tell you, I used to struggle to find a cleaner that worked on different surfaces without leaving streaks or, worse, harsh chemical residues.
I’ve switched to a DIY countertop cleaner that I make at home, and honestly, I haven’t looked back since. It’s all-natural, smells amazing, and works like a dream on my granite, laminate, and even wooden counters!
Plus, I love that it’s totally non-toxic—safe for kids, pets, and anywhere I prepare food.
Let me walk you through how I make it! You’ll be hooked on this natural cleaner like I am. 😊
Why I Make My Own Countertop Cleaner
Before I dive into the recipe, let’s chat about why I ditched the store-bought cleaners. First of all, the chemicals in some of those cleaners are intense, and I didn’t want to use something that might leave residues where I prepare food.
And while some natural cleaners are great, they can be pricey, and I thought, “Why not just make my own?”
Making my own cleaner not only saves me money, but it also gives me total control over the ingredients, so I know exactly what I’m spraying on my counters. And spoiler alert—it works just as well (if not better) than those store-bought options!
My DIY Countertop Cleaner Recipe
This recipe is so simple, and you only need a few ingredients to make it. I love that everything is natural, and it leaves my countertops shiny and fresh without any buildup.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar (for its natural disinfecting power)
- 1/2 cup water (to dilute and make it gentle on surfaces)
- 1 tablespoon liquid dish soap (I use a natural, plant-based soap)
- A few drops of essential oils (optional, but I love lemon, tea tree, or lavender for a fresh scent)
- A spray bottle
How I Make It:
- Mix up the solution
This part is super easy. In a clean spray bottle, I combine 1/2 cup of white vinegar and 1/2 cup of water. Vinegar is great for cutting through grease and disinfecting, but you don’t want it to be too strong, so water helps balance it out. Then I add about a tablespoon of liquid dish soap—this helps break down any food residue or grime that might be stuck to the counter.
- Add essential oils (optional)
This step is optional, but I love adding a few drops of essential oil to give the cleaner a nice scent. Lemon is my go-to because it smells fresh and clean, but tea tree oil is also a great option since it has natural antibacterial properties. Lavender is another fave if I’m in the mood for something calming!
- Shake it up
Once all the ingredients are in the bottle, I give it a good shake to mix everything together. And just like that, my countertop cleaner is ready to go!
How I Use It:
Whenever my countertops need a quick wipe-down (which, let’s be honest, is like every day), I just spritz the cleaner directly onto the surface and wipe it down with a clean cloth.
I love how the vinegar cuts through any grease or food splatters, while the dish soap lifts away dirt. And the essential oils make the whole kitchen smell amazing!
I’ve used this cleaner on all kinds of surfaces—granite, laminate, wood, and even my stainless steel appliances—and it works beautifully without leaving streaks.
Just be sure to test a small spot first if you have a really delicate surface.
Why I Love This Cleaner
There are so many reasons why I’m obsessed with this DIY countertop cleaner. For starters, it’s totally non-toxic and safe to use around my family and pets.
I don’t have to worry about any weird chemicals hanging around on the surfaces where I prep food. It’s also super affordable to make, and it works just as well as any store-bought cleaner I’ve tried.
And can we talk about the smell? Between the fresh essential oils and the light, natural scent of vinegar, my kitchen always smells so clean and inviting after I’ve wiped down the counters. No harsh chemical fumes here!
A Few Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way:
- Don’t use vinegar on marble or natural stone: While vinegar is great for most surfaces, it can actually damage natural stone like marble or granite over time. If you have stone countertops, just skip the vinegar and use a mix of dish soap and water instead.
- Use a microfiber cloth for the best results: I’ve found that microfiber cloths work best for wiping down countertops without leaving streaks. They’re soft, absorbent, and leave everything looking shiny and clean.
- Label your spray bottle: If you’re like me and make a lot of DIY cleaners, be sure to label your spray bottle so you know what’s inside. I’ve accidentally grabbed the wrong cleaner a few times—lesson learned!
Try It Out!
If you’re looking for an easy, natural way to keep your countertops clean and shiny, you’ve got to try this DIY cleaner. It’s simple to make, super effective, and leaves your kitchen smelling so fresh. Plus, you’ll feel good knowing you’re using a safe, eco-friendly cleaner that works wonders on everyday messes.
Give it a go, and let me know how it works for you! I’d love to hear your thoughts or any fun tweaks you’ve made to the recipe. 😊
Discover:
Emma Vanderlyn is a home enthusiast with a passion for all things natural and eco-friendly. With years of experience experimenting with DIY solutions, she’s dedicated to creating safe, effective, and budget-friendly cleaning recipes that are kind to both your home and the planet. Emma believes that a clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of harsh chemicals, and her easy-to-follow guides make natural cleaning accessible to everyone.
When she’s not whipping up a new cleaner in her kitchen, Emma can be found researching the latest in green living or transforming her space with mindful, stylish decor ideas. She’s here to share her love of natural living and help you create a home that shines—naturally.