Spring Cleaning season is just around the corner, so we wanted to share some of our favourite kitchen cleaning tips. If you've ever read the back of common household cleaners, many can actually contain a lot of chemical-laden ingredients which are definitely not the best for the environment. Did you know that some items you already have lying about in your cupboards can actually work as effective as store-bought cleaning products?
1) Sparkling Windows using Vinegar
Vinegar is an absolutely brilliant product to use in the kitchen- and we're not just talking about putting it on your chips. The non-toxic, anti-bacterial substance is definitely one to introduce to your cleaning cupboard. Our favourite use when it comes to cleaning is to use vinegar on windows, for the ultimate streak-free finish! Grab yourself a refillable spray bottle, and follow the below instructions!
- Mix one part distilled (also known as 'white') vinegar to ten parts warm water.
- Pour into a refillable spray bottle and give it a little shake to mix it up.
- Wipe window with a soft microfibre cloth to remove any dust.
- Spray the solution your windows as you would using normal window cleaner, and wipe down with a soft, microfibre cloth or paper towel to clean!
2) Keep Microwaves Clean with Lemons
When life gives you lemons, use them to clean your microwave. Microwaves are one of the most convenient items to have in your kitchen, but how often do you actually take the time to give yours a proper deep clean? Remove odors and stubborn stains using a simple lemon and water solution!
- Slice a lemon in half, squeeze its juices and place in a microwave-safe bowl with 120ml water. Pop the halves in the bowl too.
- Microwave on high power for 3 minutes, until the liquid comes to a boil.
- Leave your microwave to stand for 5 minutes, so the steam can really get to work on the walls of your microwave!
- Carefully open the microwave door and remove the bowl (it'll be hot, so be careful!).
- Wipe down the inside of your microwave with a paper towel or cloth, starting from the roof, then to the sides, then the base.
3) Baking Soda for a Clean Oven
There's nothing fun about cleaning your oven, and it doesn't help being faced with fumes from cleaning products. Baking Soda (or 'bicarbinate of soda') is a mild abrasive and is perfect for tackling grease, making it an ideal alternative to harsh chemical cleaners.
- Mix 50g baking powder with 3 tablespoons of water, and stir to form a paste.
- Take out your oven racks, and apply the paste to dirty areas in your oven, avoiding heating elements.
- Leave for 30 minutes, then use a wet paper towel or cloth to remove.
- Wipe over the interior with a mixture of water and white vinegar (1 part vinegar to 3 parts water) to remove any residue.
4) Goodbye, Fridge Odor
Does your fridge have a pesky odor lingering which you just cannot seem to budge? With the help of some simple items, you can whisk away any smells and bacteria without having to go near any harsh cleaners!
- Mix baking soda and liquid soap in a bowl, stirring until a creamy paste forms. Add more baking soda if it gets too runny! This will be your 'scrub'.
- Scrub away any stubborn marks with the DIY scrub, and then wipe clean with a paper towel.
- Spray the walls of your fridge with a mixture of water and white vinegar (you can use the same mixture you made for the window cleaning tip up above!). Wipe clean with a paper towel- the vinegar smell will dissipate, taking your fridge's odors with it.
5) Keep Taps Sparkly
Your sinks and taps need some love and care if you want to keep them sparkling like new. Limescale, food and drink can build up on your taps, but before you reach for those strong cleaners, try these handy (and so easy) tips instead!
- Cut a lemon in half, and rub over your taps (paying attention to the nozzles).
- Really work into all the groves and small areas of the taps. The lemon will break down calcium carbonate inside the tap where you water comes out. If it needs it, stick one half of the lemon over the tap to let the juice work away.
- Use an old toothbrush to clean off any buildup, and scrub away those impurities.
We hope some of our DIY natural Spring Cleaning tips come in use! Let us know on social media if you have tried any out.