4 Ways to Clean Your Kitchen without Harmful Chemicals

To some people, “clean” equals “chemicals.” In fact, they just can’t imagine trying to clean a kitchen without their large arsenal of cleaning products, all of which contain one powerful chemical or another.

After all, they insist, how can you possibly get anything truly clean and disinfected without bleach, ammonia, or phosphates?

The problem with using chemicals to clean your kitchen is that, while they can be affective, they can also be harmful. Who hasn’t had runny eyes, irritated skin or a sore throat after being exposed to some “heavy duty” or “extra strength” chemical cleaner? And if you suffer from allergies, respiratory problems or other health conditions, your reactions to these chemical cleaners can be even worse.

Also, the harsh chemicals found in some commercial cleaners aren’t just dangerous to your health either. They also aren’t the best for the environment. After all, when you flush a bucket of mop water down the drain, just imagine where it goes.

Finding natural, chemical-free ways to clean your home is a good thing. It’s good for your family’s health. It’s good for the environment. It’s also good for your wallet. Imagine how much you could save if you no longer had to buy commercial cleaners, some of which seem to get more expensive every day.

But can you really clean and disinfect your kitchen without bleach, ammonia, phosphates, and other chemical cleaning agents?

Yes, you can. In fact, everything you need to clean your kitchen the natural way might be closer than you think.

Cleaning Your Kitchen with Vinegar

White, distilled vinegar is one of the most effective natural cleaners you can find. It cuts through grease and grime, which is just what you need when you want to get your kitchen sparkling clean. And if you’re worried about whether or not you can disinfect your home without chemicals, vinegar is exactly what you want. Plain white vinegar is an excellent disinfectant, able to kill germs, bacteria and mold.

Really, there’s almost nothing in your kitchen that can’t be thoroughly cleaned with vinegar. And here’s a simple all-purpose cleaner recipe to get you started. Just combine water and an equal amount of distilled, white vinegar, and then pour this mixture into a clean spray bottle. You should be able to find spray bottles at a local discount or department store for a dollar or less.

You can use this homemade all-purpose cleaner to clean just about anything in your kitchen, including countertops, appliances, and sinks.

Some people are reluctant to use vinegar as a cleaner because they don’t want their homes to smell like vinegar. But there’s no need to worry. The smell will fade as the vinegar dries. And since vinegar has deodorizing properties, it will help leave your home smelling clean and fresh.

Cleaning Your Kitchen with Baking Soda

Spoon of baking soda above a glass of water

Baking soda is another natural and effective household cleaner. It’s the perfect replacement for the abrasive cleaning powders or scrubs you might use to get rid of the dried food that can get stuck to your stovetop. Using a paste made of baking soda and a few drops of water will also get your sinks sparkling clean.

Like vinegar, baking soda has deodorizing properties. So if unpleasant kitchen odors are a problem for you, baking soda might be the solution. Placing an open box of baking soda in the fridge will keep it smelling clean and fresh. Sprinkling baking soda in your trash cans will help control the odors from old, and aging, food. And if you’ve noticed any unpleasant odors coming from your sink, pouring baking soda down the drain can help take care of it.

Cleaning Your Kitchen with Lemon Juice

Lemon juice isn’t just for cooking and making iced tea. It is also a natural bleach, disinfectant and deodorizer.

If you have copper or brass pots, pans or fixtures, lemon juice won’t just clean them, it will also give them a brilliant shine.

Lemon juice is the perfect cleaner for wooden cutting boards. Simply squeeze some lemon juice on the board and, if possible, let it sit over night. The juice will kill any bacteria left behind by the food prepared on the board. The lemon juice will also eliminate any lingering food odors.

Cleaning Your Kitchen with a Steam Mop

If you’re looking for a natural, chemical-free way to clean your kitchen floor, a steam mop is the way to go. These mops use heated water to do the cleaning, no chemicals required. The heat itself is enough to thoroughly clean and disinfect any surface. Not only can heat remove dirt and grime, it can also kill germs and bacteria.

Steam mops are also convenient. You don’t have to worry about filling a bucket with water, adding the right amount of floor cleaner, or disposing of the dirty water when you’re done. Just fill the steam mop with water, and you’re ready to go.

So is it possible to clean and disinfect your kitchen without harmful chemicals? It definitely is. In fact, if you have a bottle of vinegar, some lemon juice, a box of baking soda, and a steam mop, you have all you need.