Keeping the kitchen clean is essential in any busy household, especially if you want a healthy and efficient space for meal prep and family time. While the right cleaner makes all the difference, you don’t need an array of products to tackle kitchen surfaces. In fact, with just three simple ingredients—likely already in your home—you can create a powerful, all-purpose cleaner that’s safe for your family.
Why Use a Homemade Cleaner? Commercial cleaners can contain harsh chemicals, unnecesary colours and fragrances, and a lot of water as filler, which aren’t always the best option for surfaces near food and for households with children or pets. Katie Dills, Brand President of The Cleaning Authority, recommends natural alternatives: “When you use environmentally responsible products in the home, you can feel safe and comfortable knowing that your family is not breathing in harsh chemicals or having them on or near your skin.” This DIY cleaner is non-toxic, effective, and easy to make, giving you peace of mind every time you clean.
What You’ll Need To make this versatile cleaner, grab a few basic items:
- Glass or plastic spray bottle
- Isopropyl Alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
- Distilled or tap water
- Dish detergent
The Recipe: A Quick and Easy Mix
- Pour 1 cup of rubbing alcohol and 3 cups of water into a spray bottle using a funnel.
- Add 5 drops of dish detergent.
- Gently swirl to mix, ensuring the detergent is evenly combined.
That’s it! You’ve now created an effective cleaner for almost any kitchen surface. Spray it on, wipe with a cloth, and watch as the surfaces shine, free of streaks and grime.
5 Kitchen Surfaces to Clean with Your DIY Solution
- Countertops Granite, marble, and laminate countertops benefit from this mix, which sanitizes and leaves a streak-free shine. Clear any clutter, wipe up spills, then generously spray the solution. Let it sit for a minute or two for a deeper clean, then wipe with a dry cloth.
- Appliances This cleaner is perfect for appliances that show fingerprints and grease, like refrigerators, microwaves, and oven doors. Spray, wipe, and buff with a cloth until surfaces are spotless. Since appliances are frequently touched, this solution keeps them free from sticky residue and smudges.
- Sink A quick spray of this cleaner disinfects your sink without the strong bleach smell of traditional disinfectants. Spray the sink thoroughly, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe or rinse with water for a clean, sanitized finish.
- Stovetop Stovetops can get especially greasy and need a solution that cuts through grime without harsh smells. Spray the DIY cleaner on your stovetop and wipe clean with a cloth, repeating as necessary to remove streaks.
- Cabinets Cabinets, particularly around handles, collect dust, grease, and fingerprints. Spray a bit of the cleaner onto a cloth, then wipe down handles and nearby surfaces to keep them free of buildup.
With this 3-ingredient cleaner, you can maintain a spotless kitchen with minimal effort and without exposing your family to unnecessary chemicals. It’s simple, effective, and perfect for everyday cleaning tasks.
