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My homemade kitchen cleaner and deodorizer is a simple, effective, and eco-friendly way to maintain a clean and fresh-smelling kitchen. Most commercial cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your health and the environment.
In contrast, my homemade cleaner use natural ingredients which are safe and biodegradable. My kitchen cleaner & deodorizer is excellent for wiping down countertops, stovetops, and other surfaces, cutting through grease and grime without leaving any toxic residues.
In addition to cleaning, deodorizing your kitchen with natural ingredients can help eliminate lingering odors without resorting to artificial fragrances.
To learn more about my low toxic homemade kitchen cleaner & deodorizer, be sure to check out my Instagram page!
❤️ Why You’ll Love My Kitchen Cleaner & Deodorizer
You’ll love my kitchen cleaner & deodorizer because not only is it effective, but it is easy to make and easy to use!
The natural deodorizing properties of baking soda ensures your kitchen smells fresh without any artificial fragrances. This eco-friendly solution not only keeps your kitchen spotless but also promotes a healthier environment for you and your family, making it a truly satisfying and responsible choice.
🧽 Materials for My Kitchen Cleaner & Deodorizer
Wondering about baking soda? Wondering how exactly it deodorizes?
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) deodorizes by neutralizing acids and bases, which are the primary sources of odors. Here’s how it works:
- Chemical Neutralization: Odors are often caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can be either acidic or basic. Baking soda, being a mild alkaline substance, can neutralize both types of compounds. When it comes into contact with acidic or basic odor molecules, it reacts chemically to neutralize them, thus eliminating the smell.
- Adsorption: Baking soda has a crystalline structure that provides a large surface area capable of adsorbing (binding) odor molecules. This means it can trap and hold onto these molecules, preventing them from being released back into the air.
- Moisture Absorption: Baking soda also absorbs moisture from the environment. Many odors are exacerbated by high humidity, so reducing moisture can help minimize the growth of odor-causing bacteria and mold.
By using baking soda, you can effectively reduce or eliminate odors in various areas of your home, such as refrigerators, carpets, shoes, and trash cans. Its ability to neutralize and adsorb odors makes it a versatile and non-toxic deodorizing agent.
🧼 How to Do
Looking to deodorize? Pour baking soda straight from the box into your drain or garbage disposal to remove odors.
Wanting to use on stainless steel? Make into a paste of baking soda and water. Apply it with a damp cloth and rub gently in the direction of the metal’s grain. Rinse and buff dry.
🪄 Tips and Tricks
Cleaning the kitchen can be a daunting task–believe me, I know!–but, with the right tips and tricks, it can become more manageable and even enjoyable.
Here are some effective strategies to help you keep your kitchen spotless:
- Start with Decluttering: Before you start cleaning, remove any clutter from countertops, tables, and other surfaces. This makes cleaning easier and more efficient.
- Clean from Top to Bottom: Always start cleaning from the highest surfaces and work your way down. This ensures that any dust or debris that falls will be cleaned up as you move lower.
- Use Microfiber Cloths: Microfiber cloths are excellent for cleaning because they trap dirt and dust effectively. They can be used wet or dry and are reusable and washable.
- Sanitize Sponges: Kitchen sponges can harbor bacteria. Sanitize them by microwaving them damp for 1-2 minutes or running them through the dishwasher.
- Clean Appliances Regularly: Wipe down appliances like the microwave, oven, and refrigerator regularly. For microwaves, heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for a few minutes, then wipe clean.
- Sink Care: Keep your sink clean by scrubbing it with baking soda and rinsing with vinegar. To keep the drain fresh, pour baking soda followed by vinegar down the drain, let it fizz, and then rinse with hot water.
- Use Old Toothbrushes: Save old toothbrushes for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas, like grout lines, around faucets, and in tight corners.
- Floor Cleaning: Sweep or vacuum the floor to remove loose debris, then mop with a suitable floor cleaner. For a natural solution, use a mix of vinegar and water.
- Regular Maintenance: Make kitchen cleaning a part of your daily routine to prevent buildup. Wipe down surfaces after cooking and clean spills immediately.
- Organize Cabinets and Drawers: Keep your cabinets and drawers organized to make cleaning easier. Use shelf liners and storage bins to keep items in place and reduce clutter.
By incorporating my tips and tricks into your cleaning routine, you can maintain a clean, hygienic, and pleasant kitchen environment with less effort.
🗒 Variations
Can you add essential oils to my kitchen cleaner & deodorizer? Absolutely!
While not a direct substitute for baking soda’s abrasive properties, essential oils like tea tree, lavender, or eucalyptus have natural antibacterial properties and can add a pleasant scent to your cleaner.
🗒 Substitutions
If you’re looking for substitutions for baking soda in a homemade kitchen cleaner, several alternatives can effectively clean and deodorize:
- White Vinegar: Vinegar is an excellent all-purpose cleaner that can dissolve grease, remove odors, and disinfect surfaces. It works well on glass, countertops, and many other kitchen surfaces.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity in lemon juice makes it a natural cleaner and deodorizer. It can help remove stains, cut through grease, and leave a fresh scent.
- Castile Soap: This vegetable-based soap is effective for general cleaning purposes. It can be diluted with water to clean surfaces and remove grime.
- Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a natural disinfectant that can be used for cleaning and sanitizing kitchen surfaces. It’s effective against bacteria and viruses.
🫙 How to Store
Storing homemade non-toxic kitchen cleaner is straightforward and helps maintain its effectiveness. Follow these steps:
- Use a Clean, Airtight Container: Choose a glass or plastic spray bottle with a tight-fitting lid to prevent leakage and evaporation.
- Label the Bottle: Clearly label the bottle with the contents and the date it was made. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
- Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Keep the cleaner in a cool, dark place, such as a cupboard or pantry, to prevent the ingredients from degrading due to light and heat exposure.
- Keep Away from Children and Pets: Ensure the storage location is out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or spills.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your homemade non-toxic kitchen cleaner fresh and ready to use whenever you need it.
🤔 Common Questions
Baking soda is mildly abrasive, making it effective for scrubbing surfaces. It also has alkaline properties, which can neutralize odors and dissolve dirt and grease, making it a versatile household cleaner.
Yes, baking soda is excellent for deodorizing. It absorbs and neutralizes odors, making it useful for freshening up refrigerators, carpets, shoes, and other areas with unpleasant smells.
Yes, baking soda is generally safe for cleaning stainless steel. Its mild abrasive properties can help remove stains and residue without causing significant damage to the surface. Here are some tips for using baking soda on stainless steel:
Make a Paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. This allows for better control and reduces the risk of scratching.
Apply Gently: Use a soft cloth or sponge to apply the paste to the stainless steel surface. Avoid using abrasive scrubbers that could scratch the steel.
Rub with the Grain: Stainless steel often has a grain or brushed finish. Rub the baking soda paste in the direction of the grain to avoid scratching and to achieve the best cleaning results.
Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the surface thoroughly with water to remove any baking soda residue.
Dry and Polish: Use a clean, dry cloth to wipe the surface dry. This helps prevent water spots and leaves the stainless steel shiny.
While baking soda is safe for most stainless steel items, always test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure there are no adverse effects.
Kitchen Cleaner & Deodorizer
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons baking soda
- 4 cups warm water
Instructions
Mix the Solution:
- In a large bowl or container, combine 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 4 cups of warm water.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until the baking soda is completely dissolved.
Transfer to Spray Bottle (optional):
- If you prefer to use a spray bottle, carefully pour the solution into a clean, empty spray bottle using a funnel.
Application:
- For general cleaning, spray the solution directly onto the surface you want to clean or dip a cloth or sponge into the mixture.
- Wipe down countertops, sinks, and other kitchen surfaces. The baking soda helps to break down grease and grime, while the warm water helps to dissolve and lift away dirt.
Rinse and Wipe Dry:
- After cleaning, rinse the surfaces with clean water (if necessary) and wipe them dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.