Green Tips for A Naturally Clean Kitchen

Employ these natural cleaning methods on your kitchen cleaning checklist, and you’ll not only cut down on dreaded clean-up time, you'll keep harsh chemicals out of the kitchen and away from your food.

The sauce-spattered microwave

We all know how easy it is to forget cleaning out the microwave. This addictive kitchen appliance typically gets quite a bit of daily use, so what happens when you forget those stains and splatters in the microwave? The splatters congeal and stick, becoming tough to clean.

Try this: Fill a microwave-safe bowl about 75% full with water and add half a lemon, cut into slices. Place this bowl in the microwave for 4-5 minutes on high. Put on your oven mitts and remove the bowl after a few minutes of “steaming." The stains will be much easier to wipe away, not to mention the fresh smell that lingers in your microwave.

The food-encrusted cast iron skillet

Cast-iron skillets are kitchen treasures. You can use them for cooking on the stovetop or baking cornbread or a frittata in the oven, so it’s common to find some gunk left behind. You should never use soap or chemicals on your cast iron, and water that's not completely dried will cause rust.  

Try this: Pour one tablespoon of olive oil into your cast iron skillet, then add about one tablespoon of sea salt. With this mixture and a clean cloth, scrub the skillet clean and wipe out all of the remaining salt for a clean, "seasoned" skillet.

Sticky floors and messy countertops

It doesn’t take much time to end up with a sticky floor or messy countertop from your kitchen adventures.  How to clean kitchen countertops?  Finding a multi-purpose kitchen spray that's strong enough for counters, stovetops, ovens, and floors can be a lifesaver for various kitchen messes.

Try this: Make your own multi-purpose kitchen spray without chemicals. (This could potentially be used on your floors, but do some experimenting if you have wood or special laminates). This all-natural spray could also double as a bathroom cleaning aid.

• Start saving all of your citrus peels (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit) in a large glass jar. Depending on how much fruit you consume, this could take a little while.
• Once you’ve filled your jar at least halfway, pour in enough white vinegar to cover your peels and fill the jar. Place the lid on the jar and store it in a dark area for at least two weeks.  (Even longer is better). 
• After the infusion period, strain the peels from your citrus mixture using a strainer, colander or strong cheesecloth. Throw away the peels: you no longer need them.
• Use a funnel to pour your remaining citrus mixture into a spray bottle and there's the answer to "how to clean kitchen countertops."  

These are just a few ways to clean your kitchen without chemicals. Let us know what your favorites are, in the comments!