Keeping your kitchen clean doesn't have to be a back-breaking chore--these easy cleaning hacks will help you keep your kitchen spotless with common household products.
1. DIY cleansing wipes. Save money (and limit your use of chemical cleaning products) by creating your own versatile cleansing wipes with natural ingredients. Combine equal parts filtered water and white distilled vinegar (about 3/4 to 1 cup), and essential oils of your choice in a mason jar (any glass container is fine but you should avoid plastic). Add cut pieces of cloths to jar to absorb the mixture. Before use, wring out the rag to eliminate excess liquid.
2. Unclog your drains. Food bits, soap deposits, and other gunk can easily cause clogs in your kitchen sink pipes. Prevent pesky clogs by periodically pouring boiling water down your drain. This will keep your pipes free and clear, so you can wash your dishes without your sink overflowing.
3. Use flour to clean stainless steel. Cleaning stainless steel with store products can often leave behind unsightly spots and streaks. Make your stainless steel surfaces and appliances shine easily with just flour. Apply the flour to a clean rag and gently buff the steel surface. Use a second clean rag to simply wipe the steel clean and leave behind a sparkling, smudge-free surface.
4. Clean cutting boards with salt and lemon. Remove build-up from your wooden cutting boards easily with this cleaning hack. Simply halve a fresh lemon, pour a large amount of salt onto the cutting board, and scrub off food residue with the lemon vigorously. Then, scrape off the salt and lemon mixture gently, rinse with plain water, and allow to dry.
5. Easy-to-make oven cleaner with vinegar and baking soda. Clean your oven thoroughly and easily with a mixture of 1/2 cup of baking soda and several tablespoons of water to make a thick paste. Remove all oven racks and other items and spread the concoction on the interior surfaces of your oven. Allow it to set overnight. Wipe the baking soda paste off of your oven with a damp cloth, removing all the grimy buildup (you may have to scrape off some paste with a spatula). Finish the job by spraying vinegar on any remaining baking soda residue and wiping it down again.
6. Clean the microwave with a sponge and oils. Microwaves can quickly get covered in crusty food stains and splatters that are difficult to remove. Eliminate strenuous scrubbing with this easy hack using natural materials. Place a wet sponge inside your microwave and spray the inside with a mixture of water and essential oils. Run the microwave for two minutes. Open the microwave and let the sponge to cool for several minutes. Finally, use the sponge to thoroughly wipe the inside of the microwave clean.
7. DIY all-purpose lemon cleaner. Create an easy, all-natural, and all-purpose surface cleaner with borax, citrus peels, and vinegar. The solution is effective for cleaning any kitchen (or bathroom) surface, such as counters, stoves, refrigerators, and non-wood cabinetry. The fresh lemon scent will freshen up your kitchen as well!
8. Salt your spills. Stove top spills can be easily removed with this simple trick. Throw a handful of salt onto your mess to absorb the liquid as it cools. Then use a damp sponge to scour away the salt and cakey dried liquid. If any gunk remains, use a little baking soda to finish the job. Finally, wipe the area clean with a damp cloth.
9. Freshen the trash with baking soda. Does something smell awful in your kitchen? Even if you take out the trash often, offensive odors can linger. Remember to clean your trash can periodically to help eliminate odors. Give the can a quick wipe down with a damp rag and some baking soda, allowing it to dry before inserting a fresh bag. You may also want to sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of the pail each time you change the bag to ward off unpleasant scents.