The kitchen is a room that we spend a lot of time cleaning, and it's important to use effective cleaners in order to ensure a safe area for food preparation. The good news is that we can do this without harsh chemicals that are toxic to our families and the environment. With just a few ingredients you probably already have at home, you can make your kitchen sparkle.
Kitchen Drains:
Kitchen drains can get a little smelly, but here's an easy method to freshen and even clear out small clogs. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain. Add 1/2 cup white vinegar. Let the mixture do it's fizzing work while you heat a tea kettle full of water. Pour the water down the drain. Now pour 1/2 cup lemon juice down the drain for extra freshening power. Repeat this process whenever drains become slow or smelly, also try this solution for a natural method to unclog drains.
Sinks:
Make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Scrub kitchen sinks and rinse.
Countertops and Tabletops:
Pour a little lemon juice on stains and let them set for 15-30 minutes. Then spray a mixture of 1/2 cup vinegar, 20 gtts. tea tree oil, and water to fill a spray bottle. Wipe with a dishrag or sponge.
Pots and Pans:
Pour hot water and plain dishwashing liquid into pot or pan and simply let it set for 10 minutes. Scour pots and pans with a salt and lemon juice or vinegar paste if needed.
Microwaves:
Clean the outside glass with a mixture of 1/4-1/2 cup white vinegar and a spray bottle full of water. Use this mixture on the inside walls of the microwave. Try a paste of baking soda and water if scrubbing is needed. Rinse well with plain, hot water. For the glass plate on the surface of the microwave, simply wash with plain dishwashing liquid and water in the sink.
Cleaning Sponges and Dishrags:
Disinfects sponges in the microwave. Wash the sponge in hot water, and squeeze the extra water out. Microwave the sponge for 2 minutes for disinfection. Replace dishrags and dishtowels every morning in order to keep a fresh supply on hand.
Additional Tips:
To make your kitchen an even healthier place, grow a selection of fresh herbs in small pots and place them in your kitchen windows. You'll reap twofold benefits. First, you'll have fresh and readily available herbs for cooking, and you'll also have a healthier, more oxygen-rich room since houseplants of all types enrich the oxygen in our homes.