Strong fumes and chemicals from household cleansers can have adverse effects on the health of your family. Additionally, they can also be harmful to the environment.

The old belief that the more potent the smell, the better the cleanser works, no longer stands true.

Cleaning agents made with natural ingredients can be equally as effective and eliminate the risks of chemical exposure.

Below is a list of healthy homemade green cleaning ideas for your kitchen:

Basic Surface Cleanser

This simple recipe is excellent for cleaning your countertops, refrigerator shelves as well as your appliances:

4 TB baking soda

1 quart warm water

Mix above ingredients together in a spray bottle for convenient application. Also can be applied to a cloth or rag before wiping.

All Purpose Cleanser

This is a handy cleanser that cleans just about any surface in your kitchen. The addition of essential oil will make it smell great too!

In a large spray bottle, add:

1 tsp baking soda

2 TB vinegar

Shake bottle to mix. Add warm water and several drops of orange essential oil and shake again to completely combine all ingredients.

Oven Vent Cleaner

If you tend to fry a lot of foods, chances are, the vents above your oven accumulate grease. This can be easily removed by soaking a sponge in white vinegar and wiping it off.

If you find there to be hard places to reach, an old toothbrush soaked in vinegar will do the trick.

Microwave Cleaner

Splatters inside the microwave can be wiped away without scrubbing. Simply place a few lemon slices in a bowl of water and microwave on high for about a minute. Let the bowl sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a cloth or sponge.

Any stuck-on food can be wiped off and any food odors will be eliminated. Your microwave will be fresh and sparkling clean.

Burnt Pan Cleanser

If you have a pan with burnt-on food, you may think it’s impossible to clean. Using one simple ingredient will make your pans look like new again.

Salt.

Everyone has salt in their kitchen. Sprinkle a little salt in your pan after soaking in hot water. The natural abrasive quality will easily remove any burned residue left behind.

Before trying this method, check the cleaning instructions for your cookware to ensure that abrasives won’t damage the pan.

Copper Bottom Pan Cleanser

To revive your old copper bottom pots, mix a paste of lemon juice and table salt. Rub the paste on the pot with a soft cloth and rinse well. If you don’t have any lemon juice on hand, you can substitute it with white vinegar and get the same results.

Porcelain Sink Cleaner

Porcelain sinks have a tendency to easily stain. If you tend to the stains when they first happen, they can be removed without fuss.

Soak a sponge in white vinegar and sprinkle on some baking soda. Scour the stains until they disappear.

Garbage Disposal Freshener

If your garbage disposal has a lingering odor, grab a handful of lemon peel. Toss the peel into the disposal, turn it on. Your sink will smell fresh and clean in seconds.

Conclusion

Creating your own household cleansers can eliminate the risks from using chemical based products. In addition, they are also more cost effective and simple to prepare.

Discard of your harsh cleaners and see what a different switching to a green kitchen can make to your family and their health.

While focusing your attention of your kitchen, you may want to consider a fresh remodel. Explain your budget and design preferences to an experienced designer and transform the heart of your home in no time!

For further reading, check out: How To Revamp The Heart Of Your Home On A Budget and 7 Tips For Turning A Tiny Kitchen Into An Eat In Kitchen.

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