In my house, the kitchen ends up needing the most cleaning. It’s tough because of all the different surfaces and appliances, yet it’s super important because they come into contact with food.
Plus, it’s an area where harmful chemicals can easily creep in, so using non-toxic cleaning products really matters here. Let me share some of my favorite tips for cleaning the kitchen naturally, and feel free to add your own tips in the comments!
Our cabinets get covered in food, fingerprints, and the occasional drawing from my little artists. Cleaning them can be tricky! I’ve stopped using microfiber cloths and now just use a clean rag with some diluted all-purpose cleaner, whether it’s homemade or from Branch Basics—it works great.
Quick Tip: Instead of buying rags or sponges, just cut up old t-shirts and towels.
I stick with the same all-purpose cleaner for our table and countertops. I’ve managed to reduce my cleaning supplies down to just one or two, and it saves a bunch of hassle! It works on both granite and Formica without leaving any residue. I wouldn’t recommend specialized granite cleaning sprays; they have too many chemicals. Avoid using vinegar or lemon on granite because they can damage the finish over time. For tough messes and some extra shine, a homemade alcohol-based granite cleaner can be handy, just maybe not for daily use.
Cleaning floors naturally varies depending on the type, but it’s doable for any kind of floor. For dish soap, I’ve tried many products over the years. I have a simple DIY soap using Sal Suds as the base, but lately, I’ve been sticking with a few drops of Branch Basics concentrate. I’m still testing out automatic dishwasher detergents since my favorite is no longer available, but Ecover is a solid, natural choice that works well for us. Making your own dishwasher detergent from scratch is also an option!
Quick Tip: To clean the dishwasher, fill a bowl or two with undiluted white vinegar and place them on the top rack. Run the dishwasher with no other dishes. This will get rid of soap scum and help it run more efficiently. I do this once a month along with deep cleaning the washing machine.
As for my oven, I have a self-cleaning feature, but I don’t use it unless it’s a really cold day in winter since it heats up the house! My favorite cleaning method involves spraying water on the bottom, covering it with a thick layer of baking soda, and spraying with more water. Leave it overnight, and in the morning, scrape off the brown baking soda mixture. Use a wire brush for any stubborn spots, then finish with a vinegar and water rinse for a spotless shine.
Our garbage disposal can sometimes get a bit smelly. There are a few tricks to freshen it up. We use cast iron cookware a lot, and I avoid soap on it to protect the seasoning. A steel scouring pad and regular salt usually do the trick for cleaning them. We’ve also switched to a paper-free kitchen, using cloth napkins and dish towels instead. It saves money and reduces waste over time.
I wash produce differently depending on its source. We choose organic for certain items, but most conventional produce can be fine if washed correctly. You can find my complete produce washing routine in my full post.
Although my cleaning routine is simple, it handles any mess! Under my sink, I keep everything organized on a boot tray, making it easier to clean underneath. Switching to natural cleaning methods is healthier, so I recommend disposing of chemical cleaners safely at a hazardous waste facility!
I’ve found a checklist from Real Simple helpful for cleaning the kitchen thoroughly. Plus, you can download my personal organizing printable with chore and checklist templates to ease the process. For more detailed steps on natural home cleaning, check out my book, “The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox Book.”
Do you have any kitchen cleaning tips to share? Feel free to add yours below!
