Life is often messy, but it does not have to be a challenge to clean! One of the most expensive and time consuming rooms to clean in your home is your kitchen -- and while that is understandable, given what this room goes through on a daily basis as you create meals and memories, it’s unacceptable to let cleaning it detract from the quality of your life!

Cleaning the kitchen can get expensive fast; it’s a room full of varied surfaces, all of which have products marketed specifically for cleaning them and only them: granite and marble cleaner for countertops, stainless steel cleaner, glass cooktop cleaner, degreasers, non-abrasive powders, and on and on and on! 

What most people do not realize is, you do not need to purchase 17 cleaning products to get your kitchen really clean; All you really need are few common household ingredients, some spray bottles, and rags, and you can clean just about anything in your kitchen more effectively. for less money, and without the dangers of harsh chemicals.

It’s important to note, before we continue, that some types of porous stone countertops and laminated or wood cabinets in your kitchen may have warranties (especially if your home is newer or you have recently redone your kitchen). These warranties often specify the particular ways in which these surfaces should be cleaned and what substances should be used to clean them. 

While it is extremely unlikely that any of the mild ingredients listed below will harm these areas, it is important that you take a moment to check this information in order to avoid possible colossal mistakes. In general you should always practice caution when cleaning with a new substance -- go slowly in a small less noticeable area first, and check as you scrub to make sure you are cleaning, not destroying, your kitchen.

ESSENTIAL CLEANING INGREDIENTS:

• Distilled white vinegar
• Distilled water
• Baking soda
• Borax
• Mild dish detergent of choice - look for a natural ingredient, eco-conscious brand, if possible
• Essential oils of choice (optional)
• Spray Bottle
• White rags

You more than likely already have the majority of these items in your house, but if you don’t go ahead and pick some up, once you start cleaning with these you will never go back to harsh and expensive cleaners.

Basic Degreaser

To make your basic degreasing solution mix together equal parts warm distilled water and white vinegar. If you find the smell of vinegar too offensive there are a few options available to you including: using two parts water one part vinegar, adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture, or adding a tiny bit of a scented mild detergent to help cut the smell. 

One of the great things about making your own degreasing solution is that you have that much more control over what your home smells like, Orange essential oils are a popular choice and smell so much better than store bought cleaners!

Tougher Messes

While the basic solution is great for everyday cleaning and light grease messes but when it comes grease that is a little tougher, for instance the residue inside your oven or on your stove top, you will want to mix together something a little stronger.

To make this tougher grease cleaner mix together ½ teaspoon baking soda, 2 teaspoons Borax, ½ teaspoon soap or mild detergent. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle and add 2 cups hot distilled water to dissolve and blend.

Use this solution to clean tough grease messes -- for a little added umph try using it with a microfiber cloth or a soft sponge, these will add a soft abrasive surface that should help you to break up the grease easier. 

If this mixture isn't getting the job done add a small amount of mild detergent to the solution and mix well, the spray and allow it to sit on the grease for a few minutes before scrubbing away. 

When you've finished follow up with the water vinegar solution, wipe dry and admire a job well done!

These solutions can be used to clean just about any surface in your home but work particularly well in the kitchen. Remember to use caution and clean slowly when first testing them in your home. Cleaning with these inexpensive eco-friendly components is so easy you’ll wonder why you ever bought harsh cleaning agents!