15 BEST ECO FRIENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR THE KITCHEN (EASY AND NATURAL)

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15 BEST ECO-FRIENDLY DIY CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR THE KITCHEN (EASY AND NATURAL).

Learn how to make your own, DIY natural cleaning products for the kitchen.

It’s super easy and you only need a few natural ingredients.

Read this post for my top 15 recipes.

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In today’s world, we are surrounded by an incredible amount of cleaning supplies: they come in all sizes and in all brightly coloured packaging, specifically designed to “green wash” us consumers.

Sadly, the vast majority of those products are loaded with harsh chemicals and toxins that will harm our environment. Most importantly, they are hazardous for our health. Remember that, by law, the manufacturing companies of those cleaning products are not obliged to disclose the full list of ingredients!

all natural cleaning products diy

If you, like me, are fed up with those toxic chemicals and expensive products, I have good news for you. The alternative is much cheaper, healthier, easier and environmentally friendlier. You can make your own homemade cleaners using only simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.

Next time you visit the stores, give the commercial cleaners aisle a miss! No need to buy chemical cleaners when you can make your own natural products. 

In this post, I’m going to show you my 15 best ECO-FRIENDLY DIY CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR THE KITCHEN, that are EASY AND NATURAL.

NATURAL HOMEMAKING SERIES

The following blog post is the third one in my new “NATURAL HOMEMAKING” series!

THIS SERIES WILL FEATURE POSTS ON:

• BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CLEANING;
• DIY PRODUCTS FOR AROUND THE HOME;
• LAUNDRY PRODUCTS;
• KITCHEN PRODUCTS;
• BATHROOM PRODUCTS.

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK ALL THE POSTS IN THIS SERIES AS THEY ARE PUBLISHED! 

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LIST OF THE BASIC INGREDIENTS USED IN THE RECIPES

Before we dive into the recipes, I want to talk about the natural ingredients that are needed to make up these natural cleaning products:

Distilled water

If you can’t get it, just cooled, boiled water will work.

Bicarbonate of soda

Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda has been used for decades because of its power to deodorise, scrub and get rid of dirt and stains. It can be used in a large variety of ways, to clean toilets, kitchens, and refresh old carpets.

Vinegar

The following recipes all call for white, distilled vinegar, not to be confused with plain white vinegar used in cooking. Vinegar is well known for its cleansing power, and can be mixed with just a few drops of essential oil to get a pleasant smell. 

Castile Soap

This is such a versatile product that you can use to clean your entire home, as well as for personal hygiene. For best results, I only buy pure, unscented, organic Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap.

For more ideas on how to use Castile Soap, read this blog post, and grab the FREE RECIPE EBOOK!

THE MANY USES OF CASTILE SOAP

Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner

This is totally optional, and if you cannot get it, substitute with plain liquid dish soap. The Sal Suds Cleaner is a concentrated hard-surface all-purpose cleaner, 100% natural, plant extract. It works perfectly to clean any surface and it’s gentle on the skin. I only buy the Dr. Bronner’s brand, which is readily available in any good health store, or on Amazon.

Citric acid

According to healthline.com, “found naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons and limes, the man-made citric acid is commonly used as an additive to food, cleaning agents, and nutritional supplements”. Citric Acid is readily available in any good health store, or on Amazon.

Salt

Coarse, unbleached sea salt, or pink Himalayan salt, work perfectly for the following recipes. Use this type of salt, unless a recipe specifically calls for regular table salt. 

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

Aside from its health benefits, ACV is widely used in homemade cleaning products cause it is safe to use, and can help to get rid of bacterias and germs from surfaces. I only use and recommend pure organic, raw and unfiltered BRAGG Apple Cider Vinegar.

Essential oils

Do your research before buying and using any brand of EO. I only use Doterra Oils as they are 100% pure and natural, without any filler or added ingredients.

If you want to have more info on Doterra’s Essential Oils, feel free to reach out and I’ll be happy to help you.

Fractionated Coconut Oil (FCO)

This is coconut oil that has been stripped of all fats. It’s gentle and moisturizing to the skin, without leaving a greasy feeling. I buy Doterra’s FCO for its purity and because it is organic and sustainably sourced. 

Tools you will need:

• Mixing bowls;
• Glass mason jars with lids;
• Silicon moulds (the ones used for baking);
• Spray glass bottles.

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15 BEST ECO-FRIENDLY DIY CLEANING PRODUCTS FOR THE KITCHEN

Before we start: for a comprehensive list of what Essential Oils work best when making up your own cleaning products, check my post:

THE BEST ESSENTIAL OILS FOR CLEANING

Natural oven cleaner with lemon

This is my favourite recipe for homemade oven cleaner that uses only a few ingredients and makes a very hard job a little bit easer.

You will need:

• 1/4 cup liquid dish soap;
• 1 TBSP of coarse salt;
• 1/2 cup baking soda;
• 5 drops of Lemon EO.

Combine the ingredients to make a thick paste. Apply freely on the inside of the oven, allowing to sit for a few hours. Clean out with a sponge.

Stove Top Cleaner DIY

This recipe is not my own, and can be found on doterra.com. 

You will need:

• ¼ cup each of baking soda and table salt;
• 1 TBSP apple cider vinegar;
• 2 TBSP water;
• 4–5 drops of Doterra Purify Cleansing Blend (or any EO of your choice).

Stir all ingredients together until they form a paste, and spread it over the stove top and burners. Leave it on for 15 minutes or longer for hard-to-remove stains. Using a sponge, scrub the mixture into the grime. Remove excess cleaner and wipe surface clean.

homemade refrigerator cleaner and homemade microwave cleaner

This easy cleaning hack will leave your fridge and your microwave oven clean and sparkly in no time and with no effort.

You will need:

• 1 cup white vinegar;
• 2 cups of hot water;
• 15 drops of Lemon EO.

Combine the ingredients in a glass spray bottle. Spray freely on surfaces, scrub and then rinse with a damp cloth. Discard after 2 weeks max. 

DIY, NATURAL FRESH PRODUCE WASH 

You will need:

• 3 tsp of pure, unscented Castile soap;
• 1 cup of water;
• 20 drops of Lemon Essential Oil;
• a glass jar with soap dispenser or spray top.

Put all ingredients in the jar and shake well to mix and before each use.

To wash fresh produce, just one squirt of this homemade mix is enough. Gently rub the produce with the soap and rinse well before consuming and/or using. Let the produce dry naturally if needed. Discard after 2 weeks max.

HOMEMADE LIQUID DISHWASHER DETERGENT recipe and Homemade rinse aid for dishwasher

You will need:

• 2 cups of pure, unscented Castile soap; 
• 1⁄2 cup water;
• 3 drops essential oil of your choice. 
• For the rinse aid: use Vinegar. 

In a bottle, mix together the Castile soap, the water and the EO. Shake well to mix and before each use. Discard after 2 weeks max.

Use 2 TBSP per load (just pour the soap in the soap dispenser of your dishwasher). 

Put vinegar in the rinse aid compartment. 

Run the dishwasher as you normally would.

DIY DISH SOAP RECIPE (for hand washed dishes) 

How to make your own, homemade dish soap using only a handful of ingredients.

You will need: 

• 1 cup pure, unscented Castile soap; 
• one and a half cup filtered or boiled, cooled water; 
• 1 tsp each of baking soda and fractionated coconut oil; 
• 20 drops of essential oils of your choice. 

Add water and Castile soap to a large mixing bowl. Add in the baking soda, fractionated coconut oil, and essential oils. 

Very gently, mix the solution so that baking soda is dissolved and everything is well combined. Store in a glass jar. Use as needed. Discard after 2 weeks max.

DIY GARBAGE DISPOSAL FRESHENER AND HOMEMADE FRIDGE FRESHENER

You will need:

• 2 cups of baking soda;
• 1 cup of salt;
• 1/2 cup of water;
• 1/3 cup of pure, unscented Castile soap; 
• 30 drops of EO of your choice;
• Silicon moulds. 

Combine baking soda and salt into a bowl. Add Castile soap and EO to the mix. Add water, one tablespoon at the time, stirring continuously until you get the consistency of wet sand. If you add too much water and the mix is too wet, just add more baking soda and salt till you get the right consistency. 

Divide the mixture equally into silicon moulds, to form little pods or tabs. Let them air dry for about 24 hours or until the are hard. Store in an airtight jar.

To use, just place 1 pod into the garbage disposal and turn it on. 

To freshen up a smelly refrigerator, just place one pod on a plate and place it inside the fridge. Replace when the scent starts to fade and after a month max. 

Store in a glass jar. Use as needed.

Homemade STAINLESS STEEL appliance cleaner

I personally love stainless steel appliances in my kitchen: they have that shiny, durable look about them and are virtually indestructible. As much as I love stainless steel, it can get dirty easily, especially if little hands are around the kitchen…. Fortunately for us, it is quite easy to get rid of marks and handprints on stainless steel surfaces. Simply fill a spray bottle with undiluted white, distilled vinegar, and add six drops of Lemon Essential Oil. 

Use on stainless steel appliances by spraying and then wiping down with a dry, soft cloth.

This mix works well even as a natural solution to clean stainless steel cutlery.

In addition to that, you can use this spray as a glass cleaner as well. Just make sure to use equal parts of water and vinegar. For example, if you are adding a cup of white vinegar, add the same amount of water.

Homemade DISHWASHER DETERGENT TABS

It is so easy and inexpensive to make your own dishwasher tabs. No need for trips to the store!

You will need:

• 1 cup baking soda;
• 1/4 cup citric acid;
• 1TBSP of Doterra On Guard cleaner concentrate;
• 5 drops of Lemon EO (or any other citrus Oil);
• Silicon moulds.

Put all ingredients in a bowl and mix well till you reach an even consistency.

Divide the mixture into the silicon moulds and let it sit for at least four hours.

After the recommended resting period, remove the tabs from the moulds and store in a glass jar with a tight lid. Use in dishwasher as needed (only one tab per load).

How to clean wooden CHOPPING BOARDs – chopping board CLEANER

Wooden chopping boards are an all-natural tool that pretty much every kitchen has. They are extremely useful, and can also be used as a serving board to bring food to the table.

Keeping them clean is obviously extremely important, and if you look after them properly, they will last forever.

To disinfect them, you can half a fresh lemon and just rub it over the board. For tough stains, you can squeeze some lemon juice directly on the board and let it sit for just a few minutes before rinsing.

Wash and rinse before the next use. 

DRAIN CLEANER

There is nothing worse than a blocked drain, especially the ones in the bathroom. Bad odours and germs build up, creating an unpleasant environment in your home.

In place of toxic products, you can use bicarbonate of soda and vinegar to unblock them naturally. Just pour a good amount of bicarbonate down the drain and follow with the vinegar. The two ingredients will start reacting, forming a bubbly, foamy mix. Let it sit for a minimum of 30 minutes, before pouring down boiling hot water.

For stubborn blockages, repeat the process twice.

DIY DISINFECTING SPRAY

Now more than ever it seems relevant to have a good recipe for a homemade disinfecting spray.

Therefore, I came up with this all natural essential everyday disinfecting spray that you can use on all kitchen surfaces.

In a glass spray bottle, add:

• half a cup each of distilled (or cooled, boiled water) and of distilled white vinegar;
• 20 drops of Doterra On Guard

Put all ingredients in the bottle and shake well to mix and before each use.

You can use this homemade disinfecting spray on every surface that needs attention (kitchen counters, microwave oven, fridge, rubbish bins, etc). Discard after a week max.

SINK SCRUB RECIPE

This homemade sink cleaner can be used daily as a way to keep your kitchen sink clean and sparkly. It will get rid of soap scum and dirt and grime without using chlorine bleach or other harmful chemicals.

You can make up a large batch of it and use it as needed.

Fill a glass jar with bicarbonate of soda (I use a mason jar with a capacity of around half a litre). Add 25-30 drops of Essential Oils of your choice. Mix till all ingredients are well combined.

To use, simply sprinkle on empty sink. Add a squirt of dish soap (or sal suds if you have them) and scrub well.

Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

I love to use Lemon, Lime, Eucalyptus, Rosemary or Tea Tree Oil for this recipe, but you can choose whatever Oil you prefer.

ALL PURPOSE CLEANER 

This all purpose cleaner recipe is super quick and easy to put together. You can use it as a kitchen spray but also to clean your bathrooms.

You will need:

• a 250ml glass spray bottle;
• distilled or cooled, boiled water;
• 2 Tbs of Doterra On Guard Cleaner Concentrate;
• 10 drops of Essential Oils of your choice.

In the spray bottle, add the Essential Oils and the Cleaner Concentrate. Top with water. Shake well to mix, and before each use. Rinse well after spraying on any surface. Discard after 2 weeks max.

This DIY all purpose cleaner is super powerful and will cut through dirt and grease with no effort at all.

This is the homemade cleaner product that I use every day in my home. I use it in my kitchen, to clean the toilets and bathrooms, and practically on every surface that needs cleaning!

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If you are planning on making any DIY product using Essential Oils, make sure you know what containers are safe for use. Read my post here to learn how to choose safely.

WHAT TYPE OF PLASTIC IS SAFE FOR ESSENTIAL OILS?

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CONCLUSIONS

I hope you found this post helpful. Making your own diy cleaners is super easy, and you shouldn’t worry about whether they are effective or not. They are!

Feel free to leave a comment below and let me know if you try any of the recipes.

NATURAL HOMEMAKING SERIES

Don’t forget that you can go check all the other posts in this “NATURAL HOMEMAKING SERIES” to get more tips and more natural cleaning recipes.

In the next few weeks, I’m going to cover other household cleaners ideas, as well as an effective solution for a laundry detergent, washing machine detergent, and a natural fabric softener. 

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IMPORTANT: when using Essential Oils, make sure to use only CPTG Certified, Pure, Tested Grade ones, like Doterra Essential Oils. The content of this blog post and any information provided here has not been evaluated by any government entity or medical practitioner. It is NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, illness or condition. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for medical counselling. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffering from any medical condition or illness or injury, you SHOULD consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any product.