Chemical-Free Kitchen Sanitizing

How To Clean and Sanitize a Kitchen Without Using Harsh Chemicals

Jul 21, 2009 Laurie Pizans

Clean and sanitize the kitchen naturally. With just a few simple items it is easy to cut down on the high cost of commercial cleaning products and the smelly fumes.

There is no room in the home that requires cleaning more often than the kitchen, and although wiping down counter tops, cabinet doors and appliances is sufficient for every day, occasionally a deep-down clean is a necessary evil. But that does not mean that harsh chemicals need to be involved in the cleaning and sanitizing process. Some simple everyday household items will do the trick without the fumes that are harmful to humans as well as to the environment.

Cleaning Cutlery

When it comes to cleaning cutlery, it is imperative that stainless pieces and silver pieces be cleaned separately, each with its own method and cleaners.

To Clean Stainless Steel Cutlery

Fill the kitchen sink or a large plastic container with 1 gallon of hot water.
Add 1/4 cup chlorine bleach and a few drops of dish washing liquid.
Let stand for 1/2 hour, drain and rinse well with very hot water.

To Clean Silver Cutlery

Rub a little white toothpaste (not gel) or a thick past of baking soda and water on the tarnished pieces.
Rinse, wash and polish dry with a soft cotton cloth.

Cleaning and Deodorizing the Microwave

Add a few drops of dish washing liquid to the dishcloth and add enough water so that it is damp and slightly foamy.
Place the cloth in the microwave and turn on high for one minute. ( Be careful when removing the cloth, as it will be very hot )
Immediately wipe the inside of the microwave. Not only will the steam that was created help loosen any spills, it will help to deodorize the dish cloth too.

Cleaning Kitchen Sinks

For everyday cleaning, scrub stainless sinks with baking soda and water. Rinse well with hot water and buff dry.
For stains or water marks on stainless sinks, cut a lemon in half and sprinkle the cut side liberally with table salt. Rub the lemon over the water marks in a circular motion. Rinse well and buff dry.
To clean acrylic sinks scrub the entire sink with a baking soda and a non abrasive sponge. Let sit for 10 minutes then rinse well with hot water and dry completely. For tougher stains use undiluted extra strength white vinegar.

Cleaning the Fridge

Wipe out the refrigerator with a solution made of equal parts of white vinegar and water with a few drops of dish washing liquid added. The mixture will leave a pleasant smell and help to prevent mold and mildew.
For hardened spills, sprinkle with baking soda and scrub with a cloth or sponge soaked in the vinegar and water solution. Rinse well to avoid leaving a powdery residue.

Cleaning the Stove

To clean burner rings rub them with a baking soda and water paste and let stand 10 minutes, rinse well and repeat if necessary.
To clean stove tops use a cleanser made of 1 part borax and 4 parts baking soda. ( this mixture is non-abrasive and can be kept in any container and used as any powdered cleanser would be)

Cleaning the Oven

Heat oven to 250 degrees and then turn the heat off leaving the oven door closed.
Place a glass bowl filled with 1/2 cup of household ammonia on top rack and a pan with 3 cups of boiling water on the bottom rack and keep the door shut off overnight.
In the morning coat the inside of the oven with a paste of baking soda and water and allow to sit for 15 - 30 minutes.
Scrub with a scouring pad and rinse completely.

Remove Burned or Baked On Food from Pots and Pans

To remove burned food from the bottom of a pot, fill the pot with 1-2 inches of water and add a little dish washing liquid. Set the pot on a burner over low heat with the lid on. Let simmer for 1/2 hour. Let the pot cool and wash as usual. If any food particles still remain, scrub with a little baking soda and rinse well
To remove baked on food from a roasting pan, fill the pan with enough hot water to cover the mark, add a fabric softener sheet and let stand overnight. Wash as usual in the morning.

Cleaning the Coffee Maker

Place a clean filter in the basket.
Fill the water reservoir with full strength white vinegar, and run coffee maker as you would to brew a pot of coffee.
When the cycle has finished, discard the vinegar and the filter.
Repeat this process twice more using clean cold water.
If any white marks remain on the glass coffee pot, rub them with a little lemon juice and salt, and rinse well.

The copyright of the article Chemical-Free Kitchen Sanitizing in Green/Simple Living is owned by Laurie Pizans. Permission to republish Chemical-Free Kitchen Sanitizing in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

A Clean and Sanitized Kitchen

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