If cooking is an art, then the kitchen is your canvas—and like any masterpiece, it’s bound to get messy. From splatters on the counters to crumbs on the floor, the kitchen can quickly become cluttered. While daily dishwashing and countertop wiping are essential, there are often forgotten areas—like cabinet doors and the back of the fridge—that need a deep clean. If you're looking for a way to refresh your kitchen and make it sparkle, spring is the perfect time to give this high-traffic space a thorough clean.

To help you tackle those hidden messes, we've crafted a simple and effective all-purpose kitchen cleaner DIY using essential oils. Not only does this homemade cleaner remove grease and grime, but it also infuses your kitchen with the fresh, uplifting aromas of natural essential oils. Whether you’re looking to sanitize surfaces or leave your kitchen smelling like a citrus grove, this DIY cleaner will leave your kitchen spotless and rejuvenated. Ready to bring the shine back to your space? Let’s dive into this all-natural, eco-friendly cleaning solution that’s as effective as it is delightful!

Tips For Cleaning Your Kitchen Naturally

Step up your green cleaning routine with these top tips.

DIY All-Purpose Cleaner

Say goodbye to stubborn stains, soap scum, and kitchen spills with this easy-to-make DIY all-purpose cleaner! This homemade cleaner recipe is the perfect alternative to store-bought formulas packed with harsh chemicals. Using all-natural ingredients, this effective solution cleans and refreshes your kitchen while being gentle on surfaces. 

The combination of distilled water, vinegar, and grain alcohol works wonders to dissolve dirt and grime, while the addition of our Natural Cleaning blend of essential oils enhances its power and leaves your space smelling fresh and inviting.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Distilled Water
• 1 oz Distilled White Vinegar
• 1 oz 190-Proof Grain Alcohol
• 40 drops Natural Cleaning Blend (a mix of citrus and antibacterial essential oils)
• 4 oz Glass Spray Bottle

Note: This DIY all-purpose cleaner is safe for most surfaces but should not be used on granite countertops. Whether you're looking to freshen up your kitchen or want a healthier cleaning solution, this all-purpose cleaner will leave your home sparkling without the need for harsh chemicals.

Fridge

A clean fridge not only keeps your food fresh but also ensures your kitchen stays organized and free from unwanted odors. Start by clearing out any items that are past their prime. Check expiration dates and toss anything that’s gone bad, and if you can't remember when you bought something that’s been hiding in the freezer, it might be time to part ways with it.

Once you've removed the expired and unwanted items, carefully set aside your remaining food. Grab your DIY all-purpose cleaner and use it to wipe down the shelves, drawers, and sides of your fridge. Work quickly to avoid leaving food out for too long. As you clean, consider making extra space for oil storage, especially if you’ve been meaning to refrigerate your oils for longer shelf life. This simple fridge refresh will help maintain a hygienic space and keep your food fresher for longer.

Drawers & Cabinets

Spring cleaning your kitchen isn't complete without tackling your drawers and cabinets. Start by decluttering—get rid of any kitchen tools or utensils you no longer use. If you've accumulated multiple spoons or spatulas, keep your favorites and consider donating the rest. Holiday dish sets that have been collecting dust since last season? They’re likely ready to join the rest of your seasonal decor in storage.

Once you’ve sorted through your kitchenware, remove everything from your drawers and cabinets. Vacuum the areas to remove crumbs and debris, then wipe down the surfaces with your DIY all-purpose cleaner to eliminate any built-up grime. When it's time to reorganize, think functionality: group similar items together, like bowls with bowls, plates with plates, and mugs with mugs. This simple step will not only make your kitchen look cleaner but also make it more efficient and easy to navigate.

Oven

The oven is often one of the most overlooked areas in the kitchen, yet it's also one of the messiest. Over time, spills, grease, and food particles can bake into tough, sticky grime that’s a challenge to clean. Luckily, many modern ovens come with self-cleaning features that make this task much easier. By locking the oven and heating it to high temperatures, these settings burn off accumulated mess, allowing you to simply wipe it away with ease.

If you prefer to clean your oven the traditional way, a simple and effective DIY method involves vinegar and baking soda. Pour a small amount of vinegar on the bottom of your oven, then sprinkle baking soda over it to create a paste. Let it sit for about an hour, allowing the ingredients to break down grease and grime. Afterward, wipe the oven clean with a warm, damp cloth. For the oven racks, scrub them with washing soda and Castile soap (or Sal Suds), rinse with hot water, and let them dry. This natural oven-cleaning routine will leave your oven sparkling and fresh, without the harsh chemicals often found in store-bought cleaners.

Dishes

Looking to elevate your dishwashing routine? Add 10 drops of Tea Tree oil per ounce of dish soap to supercharge your cleaning power. Known for its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, Tea Tree oil can help eliminate tough grease and germs, leaving your dishes spotless and sanitized. For extra efficiency, soak your dishes in hot, soapy water for 30–60 minutes before washing them or loading them into the dishwasher. This not only saves you time but also reduces water usage, making your dish-cleaning routine more eco-friendly and effective.

SOURCES:

1. How to Make Your Own Household Cleaners Using Essential Oils. https://homemadelovely.com/how-to-make-your-own-household-cleaners-using-essential-oils/
2. Natural Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner (That Works!). https://wellnessmama.com/natural-home/homemade-all-purpose-cleaner/