If you're looking to live a more sustainable lifestyle, seeking out eco cleaning products is a one of the best environmentally-friendly changes you can make in your home.
The kitchen is often a hot-spot for chemical-heavy sprays and creams, as many of us turn to then for intensive cleaning jobs like greasy hobs, stained worktops and burnt-on food. But did you know that many of these tasks can be tackled using only natural ingredients? You can even make your own!
Read on for our tips, and don't miss our guide to using natural cleaning products in your bathroom, too.
How to clean your kitchen naturally
White vinegar is a must-have for your eco-friendly cleaning caddy as it can be used in so many ways, including as a general cleaner for taps, sinks and countertops, due to its powerful ability to cut through grease and grime, as well as its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties.
If you have a stainless-steel hob that needs a refresh, spray white vinegar on it (extra bonus points if you refill an old spray bottle). Leave to soak for a few minutes, then wipe away the gunk with a sponge. The acid in the vinegar helps to break down grease. This method can also be used on induction hobs – but don’t be tempted to use bicarbonate of soda, as this can damage the delicate glass top.
White vinegar can also be used to clean hob grates and burner caps – simply soak them in a 50/50 solution of vinegar and water while you’re cleaning the hob then scrub with an old toothbrush.
Give your dishwasher a refresh by filling a dishwasher-safe bowl with 500ml white vinegar, then place upwards in the top rack. Let the dishwasher run for a cycle. It’ll leave it clean and smelling fresh!
Food splatter on microwaves can be difficult to scrub off once it's dried-on. To soften any stuck-on food, fill a small microwavable bowl with water, then squeeze the juice of one lemon into it. Cook for three minutes. Leave to stand for a few more minutes (leaving the door closed). The spills should now be easier to wipe off.
To freshen up food waste bins or kitchen bins, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda into the bottom. Add hot water to the bin, then swirl around. Pour the solution out of the bin and leave to dry. Reuse old newspaper or paper by placing it at the bottom of the bin to absorb any moisture.
In addition to using traditional ingredients like white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice in your cleaning routine, why not check out commercial cleaning products with eco-friendly formulas free of heavy chemicals? Many of them are refillable, too, so you'll also be cutting down on your plastic waste.
