Best Homemade Cleaners + Helpful Hints

Keeping the kitchen clean is a never-ending battle. Shouldn’t you enjoy cleaning up your countertops and other kitchen surfaces? With this DIY all natural kitchen cleaner, you can make a homemade kitchen counter cleaner with natural ingredients. The best part is that this easy DIY all natural kitchen cleaner uses simple ingredients. Chances are, you might already have them at home. So if you want to save money by making your own kitchen cleaners, check out these recipes for homemade all-purpose cleaners.

1. Filter Cleaner (Stove and Hood)

Did you know that there’s probably a washable filter hiding in your range or hood? If you haven’t cleaned your filter before, it’s time to start! If you have cleaned your filter or regularly clean it, you’ll appreciate this easy method.

Ingredients:

• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄2 cup distilled white vinegar
• 1 teapot of boiling water

To Make: Mix 1⁄2 cup water and vinegar in spray bottle.

To Use: Place filter in sink and spray vinegar and water mixture on. Let sit for at least 15 minutes to dissolve grease and grime. Pour boiling water over filter(s) and repeat if necessary.

To Store: This is a one-time-use product; no storage necessary.

Tip:

Clean all your washable filters (you might also find filters on your oven vent, stovetop, air conditioners, etc.) at the same time. Add this task to your cleaning checklist to be sure you remember them. Depending on how much cooking you do, it’s best done monthly or quarterly.

2. Cabinet Cleaner

Cabinets don’t always show their dirt, but believe me, it’s there! Once your cabinets are clean, you’ll see what a difference a little scrubbing can do. This simple recipe will cut grease and fingerprints and it offers a little aromatherapy to boot. Use it on your cabinet and drawer fronts and insides. This solution works with any finished cabinets—wood, laminate, or veneer. Make sure you squeeze any excess liquid from your cloth to keep unnecessary water off your cabinets.

Ingredients:

• 8 cups warm water
• 2 teaspoons castile soap
• 3 drops lemon essential oil

Variation:

UNSCENTED—Omit the essential oil.

To Make: Mix ingredients in a small bucket.

To Use: Start at the top left side of your cabinets and scrub your way down and to the right with a sponge or microfiber cloth.

To Store: This is a one-time-use product; no storage necessary.

Hint:

Use a microfiber cloth on cabinets and drawers—the microfiber will grab little crumbs easily and wipe the fingerprints and smudges away with ease.

3. Oven Cleaner—Spray

8 ounces

If your oven needs a little cleaning, this is the perfect cleaning solution. It mixes up in a hurry and does a great job removing stuck-on food and grease.

Ingredients

• 1 cup warm water
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon castile soap

Variations:

LEMON—Add 10 drops lemon essential oil.

LEMON AND CLOVE—Add 5 drops lemon and 5 drops clove essential oils.

LEMON AND ROSEMARY—Add 5 drops lemon and 5 drops rosemary essential oils.

To Make: Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake to combine.

To Use: Spray liberally in your oven. Let sit for up to 15 minutes and wipe clean with a sponge or cloth. Rinse as needed and allow to air-dry.

To Store: If you have any leftovers, you can store this solution for up to 2 weeks. Shake to combine, as the ingredients will settle.

Tip

If you have extra cleaning solution, spray down your stovetop and clean that area while you’re there!

4. Lemon and Peppermint All-Purpose Cleaner

ABOUT 3 CUPS

Generally, homemade cleaners are not meant to be mixed up in large quantities because they don’t have stabilizers, or artificial ingredients intended to extend the shelf life of the ingredients. It’s a good idea to test any homemade cleaner in an inconspicuous spot to make sure that it’s safe on the surface you are intending to use it on. A warning: Don’t use any vinegar products on granite or marble. The acid in the vinegar will eat away at your granite and marble.

Ingredients

• 1⁄2 cup white vinegar
• juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups water
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Variations:

LEMON AND CLOVE—Substitute clove essential oil for the peppermint.

LEMON AND ROSEMARY—Substitute rosemary essential oil for the peppermint.

To Make: Add ingredients to a spray bottle and shake to combine.

To Use: Spray counters, sinks, tables, appliances, and any other kitchen item with this all-purpose cleaner. This cleaner is a powerhouse, cutting through dirt, grime, and grease, and it will clean just about every surface in your kitchen. The lemon and vinegar also have germ-killing properties that you’ll love!

To Store: This recipe has fresh lemon juice in it—use it within a few days of making it and/or store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.