If you’re someone who loves to entertain people during the summer, then you most likely will be relying more often on your kitchen. It’s especially through the more passionate you are about cooking. However, since you will be cleaning your kitchen more regularly, looking at more sustainable practices is a good idea.
Here’s where green cleaning can enter. With green cleaning, you get a cleaner kitchen without harming the environment. This article will discuss effectively using green cleaning practices for your kitchen during a busy summer.
Understanding Green Cleaning
According to Maid Sailors, a maid service Austin provider, green cleaning uses sustainable products and procedures to clean something. It can be used for both residential and commercial cleaning.
Many traditional cleaning products use harmful chemicals not only to you but also to the environment. What happens when you wash them away even if you manage not to overexpose yourself using these stringent cleaning materials? These chemicals end up in the environment in the end.
With green cleaning, people must be more mindful of the products they use and how they clean. For example, using plastic tools as little as possible is key. Getting green cleaning products with biodegradable packaging is also part of the approach.
Now that you know more about green cleaning, let’s prepare for your next foray.
Preparing for Green Cleaning
To prepare your green cleaning approach in the kitchen, look at what you already have. Unless your products are egregiously bad for you and the environment, throwing them away would be more wasteful if you still have plenty.
Aside from assessing what you have, look at what you don’t have or what things are about to break or run out. In this case, you should start looking for more eco-friendly alternatives. This applies to both consumable cleaning solutions and cleaning tools.
Sometimes, you can make some cleaning solutions yourself with available household products. For example, baking soda is a powerful tool for green cleaning and baking. So, you may have that on hand for both purposes. Once you’re prepped, it’s time to start cleaning.
Green Cleaning the Kitchen Surfaces
When it comes to cleaning kitchen surfaces, harsh chemical-based products are harmful to your health and the planet. Instead, opt for natural, eco-friendly alternatives that are just as effective. Baking soda, vinegar, and lemon juice are versatile and powerful green cleaning agents that tackle even the toughest grease and grime.
Mix water and white vinegar in a spray bottle to create a simple all-purpose cleaner. This solution can be used to wipe down countertops, stovetops, and backsplashes, leaving them fresh and streak-free.
Remember your kitchen floors, too. To avoid sticky kitchen floors, sweep or vacuum them regularly to remove loose dirt or debris. Then, mix a solution of warm water, white vinegar, and a few drops of essential oil, like lemon or eucalyptus. Use a mop to apply the solution to the floors, letting it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing and rinsing.
Green Cleaning Appliances
Baking soda and vinegar are kitchen staples that work wonders for cleaning ovens and microwaves without harsh fumes or residues. Simply make a paste with baking soda and water, spread it on the interior surfaces, let the solution soak for 15 minutes, then wipe it clean. Rinse with soap and water afterward and let dry.
Your fridge is also essential for your summer celebrations in the kitchen. Start by clearing out any expired or unused items. This gives you a clean slate to work with and makes it easier to wipe down the interior.
Next, mix equal portions of white vinegar and water. For convenience, put the solution in a spray bottle. Vinegar’s acetic acid is a natural disinfectant that cuts through grime and odors. Spritz the solution onto the shelves, walls, and door seals, then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.
Don’t forget to clean the gasket seal around the door to prevent mold and mildew buildup. Simply wipe it down with the vinegar solution. Finally, place an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge to absorb odors and keep your appliance smelling fresh all summer long.
Green Cleaning the Sink and Faucet
As you may have noticed by now, baking soda and vinegar are reliable household items that clean the kitchen well. The same combo works for your kitchen sink and faucet. Not only are they great at cleaning, but they also can deodorize and disinfect effectively.
With that in mind, sprinkle some baking soda and vinegar over your sink and faucet. Let it fizz for a bit before scrubbing your sink gently. Rinse the solution after cleaning.
Tackling Kitchen Odors Naturally
Is your garbage disposal emitting an unpleasant smell? After cleaning it with baking soda and vinegar and washing it off, consider running a few lemon or orange peels through the disposal. Lemon or orange peels have a strong and pleasant scent that can combat unpleasant smells.
The garbage bins in the kitchen can also be a source of unpleasant smells. In that case, mix water and white vinegar equally again. Spray that into the bin (before it’s filled with garbage, of course) and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes before rinsing. That should get rid of lingering scents.
Windows and Curtains
White vinegar and water can do a great job cleaning windows and keeping them streak-free. Just spray and wipe as usual. Make sure to dust and wipe before spraying the solution to remove the debris beforehand.
It is also essential to remove dust and debris from your curtains before washing them. Remember to check the care instructions first. The more delicate your curtains are, the better it is to wash them by hand.
You can wash curtains with a mild detergent or a few drops of white vinegar. Just ensure you wash away all traces of the detergent so it doesn’t attract more dust after the curtain dries.
Maintaining a Green and Clean Kitchen Throughout the Summer
Deep cleaning your kitchen is tiring, and it’s also not the most resourceful or environmentally friendly way to keep it clean. Instead, keep a microfiber towel and a surface cleaner on hand to quickly clean surfaces. Leave a deep cleaning of your kitchen every few months unless it’s thoroughly dirty.
By making it convenient to clean quick messes, your kitchen can maintain cleanliness much longer after a deep clean.
Safety Tips for Green Cleaning
Make sure to keep the rest of your cleaning solutions and tools away. They can be a hazard in the kitchen, and you don’t want to accidentally include household products that you used to clean in the same place as the products you use for cooking.
While green cleaning is certainly using products that are safer for you and the people around you, some cleaning solutions might not be good for pets or kids. Therefore, be mindful of them as well.
Conclusion
As long as you use natural ingredients and avoid harming the environment as you clean your kitchen, you’re taking all the steps needed for a greener and cleaner kitchen. That way, you can fully enjoy using your kitchen all summer long, for just yourself or entertaining friends and family.
