Natural Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Refrigerator & Freezer
Clean out old and expired food. Vacuum off the back of the unit and the bottom panel under the doors to ensure proper ventilation and working order. To begin cleaning, turn off or unplug and let the freezer defrost. You can speed up defrosting by placing hot pans inside. Glass shelves can easily be wiped off with a dishsoap/water solution or baking soda/water solution. For hardened on food, use a mesh citrus fruit bag to scrub, it won’t damage the finish like scouring pads. Take out any shelves and drawers you can and wash them in the sink. Make sure to get the bottom surface near the drain where everything tends to collect.

Dishes & The Dishwasher
Organic non-toxic dishwasher detergents are available at most health food stores. For hard water stains, run a load of non-metal dishes with vinegar in place of detergent and a half a lemon on the rack or in the cutlery tray. Avoid putting knives in the dishwasher because it will dull the edges. You can still do dishes the old fashion way in the sink, which will save you money on electricity and water, plus it’s better for the environment.

Ovens, Ranges & Stove tops
Ok, I know most people have and use these and I’m one of few who don’t. I also don't have to make this part of my kichen cleaning chores. I have had to clean these before and I try to avoid it at all costs. What a gross mess! The secret? Don’t use it! If you do, clean the mess up immediatley after the oven or stove cools off.. it will be a lot easier than waiting until it’s crusted on. Most of the time, that black carbonized black crap on the bottom of the oven just becomes one with the unit and will never disappear no matter what you try. Self-cleaning ovens seem most logical, however, Arm & Hammer has an oven cleaner that is non-toxic. You can also use baking soda, castile soap and vinegar. Steel wool can be used on the racks. For stove tops, the majority of residential units have metal bowls that can come out and be cleaned in the sink. Exhaust stains can be cleaned with a baking soda and water paste.

Stainless Steel Sinks Use vinegar soaked rags and let sink on tough spots. Faucets will stay shiny longer if you use a tiny bit of Murphy’s oil soap. Borax can be used to clean the sink, but avoid cleaners with chlorine as they damage the finish. Also, avoid harsh scrubbing pads as they can scratch the surface, a rag should do the trick. For porcelain sinks, use baking soda and water and a dab of hydrogen peroxide on dark stains.

Floors
Floors should be swept or vacuumed first. Then use vinegar, water and a drop of Murphy’s oil soap to mop on tile or linoleum. No need to rinse! Steam cleaning works great if you own a machine. Never wet mop on hardwood or laminate floors. Just spritz with a vinegar/water solution and dry mop. Dutch rubber brooms work very well for all flooring types.

Counters
Most counters can be cleaned easily with soap and water. Dry well to reduce spots. Other alternatives include vinegar or an organic non-toxic commercial citrus based cleaning spray. Never use scrubbing pads or harsh abrasive cleaners on granite, corian or other acrylic countertops as they can scratch the surface.

Other kitchen cleaning tips
-Don’t forget to clean light fixtures. Most can be taken down and cleaned with dish soap.
-Wipe down cabinet fronts with a vinegar and water cloth.
-Use ice to sharpen garbage disposal blades.
-Move your oven and refrigerator and clean floor underneath at least once a year if not more.
-White appliances are the easiest to keep clean. Avoid black, they show dirt and water spots. -Wipe off switchplate and electric outlet covers.

For more kitchen cleaning tips, read our best cleaning hints.

For great Organic cleaning products, read about Babyganics.

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