Hey friends! 🌿✨
If you’re like me, the kitchen is probably the heart of your home. It’s where we whip up meals, chat with loved ones, and spend so much of our time.
But it’s also the place that seems to get messy the fastest—grease on the stovetop, crumbs on the counter, and who knows what lingering on the fridge shelves (I’m looking at you, mystery spills)!
For a long time, I relied on store-bought cleaners to keep my kitchen sparkling. But then, I started thinking more about what was in those cleaners, especially the ones with that heavy chemical smell.
I didn’t want to breathe that in all the time, and I definitely didn’t want to be spraying it around food. So, I made the switch to eco-friendly cleaners that I could make myself at home—and honestly, it was one of the best changes I ever made!
Not only are these DIY cleaners much better for the environment, but they’re also safe, super affordable, and surprisingly effective. Let me show you how easy it is to create your own eco-friendly kitchen cleaners—trust me, once you try them, you’ll never go back!
Why Go Eco-Friendly?
Before I get into the recipes, let me share why I’m such a fan of eco-friendly cleaners. First, I love knowing that I’m cutting down on the number of toxic chemicals in my home. Conventional cleaners often contain harsh ingredients that can be harmful to both our health and the environment. By going natural, I’m protecting my family, my pets, and the planet.
Plus, I’m saving money and reducing waste! A lot of eco-friendly cleaners use simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils—all of which I can buy in bulk and use in multiple ways. No more tossing out plastic bottles or spending money on products filled with stuff I can’t even pronounce!
Alright, let’s get to the fun part: making the cleaners!
1. My Go-To All-Purpose Eco-Friendly Cleaner
This one is my absolute favorite because it’s so versatile! I use it to clean countertops, wipe down the dining table, and even freshen up the kitchen sink.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup distilled white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- Peels from one lemon or orange (for a lovely citrusy scent)
- 10-15 drops of essential oil (optional, but I love using tea tree or lavender for added antibacterial power)
- A spray bottle
How I Make It:
- I start by placing the lemon or orange peels into a jar and covering them with vinegar. I let this sit for a week so the citrus oils infuse into the vinegar. (Trust me, it’s worth the wait!)
- After a week, I strain the vinegar into a spray bottle, add an equal amount of water to dilute it, and drop in my favorite essential oils. Lemon and lavender are my go-to duo because they smell amazing and have natural disinfecting properties.
- Give it a good shake, and it’s ready to use! I spray it on my countertops, fridge shelves, and basically any surface that needs a quick clean.
Why I Love It:
This cleaner works wonders on everyday kitchen messes and smells fresh without being overpowering. Plus, knowing that I’m using food-safe ingredients gives me total peace of mind.
2. Eco-Friendly Degreaser (Bye-Bye, Stovetop Gunk!)
Let’s be real—cooking can get messy. And grease seems to have a way of sticking to everything. This DIY degreaser has been my go-to for cutting through those stubborn, oily messes without having to scrub for ages.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup baking soda
- 2 tablespoons castile soap (or any natural dish soap)
- A few drops of lemon essential oil (optional but awesome for grease)
- Water (enough to make a paste)
How I Make It:
- In a small bowl, I mix the baking soda, castile soap, and essential oil. Then I add just enough water to create a paste. You want it thick enough to stick to the surface but not too runny.
- I apply the paste to greasy areas like the stovetop or inside the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This gives it time to break down the grease.
- Then I scrub with a sponge or cloth and wipe it clean. The baking soda provides just the right amount of scrubbing power, and the soap helps lift the grease right off.
Why I Love It: This degreaser is a lifesaver after I’ve been frying or roasting. It’s tough on grease but gentle enough that I’m not worried about damaging my surfaces or harming the environment.
3. Natural Stainless Steel Cleaner
I don’t know about you, but keeping my stainless steel appliances fingerprint-free is a constant struggle! Luckily, this eco-friendly stainless steel cleaner works like a charm and leaves my fridge, oven, and sink gleaming.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- A soft cloth or microfiber towel
How I Make It:
- I mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly spritz it onto my stainless steel surfaces.
- Then I use a soft cloth to wipe down the surface, making sure to follow the grain of the steel.
- Once the surface is clean, I add a few drops of olive oil to the cloth and rub it onto the steel in circular motions. The oil gives it that polished, streak-free shine!
Why I Love It: This cleaner does double-duty by cleaning and polishing my stainless steel without any synthetic chemicals. Plus, the olive oil creates a protective layer that keeps fingerprints at bay for longer!
Why These Eco-Friendly Cleaners Work for Me
I’ve honestly fallen in love with these eco-friendly kitchen cleaners. They’re so simple to make, incredibly effective, and leave my kitchen feeling fresh and clean without any harsh chemicals. And the best part? They’re safe for my family, my pets, and the environment.
Going green with my cleaning routine has also made me more mindful of how I shop and the products I bring into my home. I’ve cut back on plastic waste by reusing bottles and buying ingredients in bulk, and I’ve saved a ton of money by not needing to restock on expensive cleaners.
Give It a Try!
If you’ve been thinking about switching to eco-friendly cleaning products, these DIY recipes are a great place to start. They’re affordable, easy to make, and super effective. Plus, it feels so good to know that you’re keeping your kitchen clean and healthy in the most natural way possible.
Try them out, and let me know what you think! Do you have any favorite eco-friendly cleaning recipes? I’m always on the hunt for new ideas. Happy cleaning! 🌿✨
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.