How to Clean Countertops With Natural Products

Many countertop cleaners contain toxic ingredients that irritate the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract. They are also expensive and cause additional environmental problems when disposed in a landfill. Replace harsh cleaners with inexpensive natural products that you have around the home. They often work just as well and help your kitchen to smell fresh.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White vinegar
• 3 spray bottles
• Rags
• Lemon juice
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide

1. Mix equal parts warm water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Use this as an all-purpose natural product cleaning solution for your countertop.

2. Spray soiled areas with solution and wipe with a rag.

3. Use undiluted lemon juice to remove soap scum and hard water deposits.

4. Make a paste of baking soda and lemon juice. Apply to encrusted food and oil stains. For tough stains, reapply paste and let set for a few minutes before removing.

5. Keep undiluted vinegar and hydrogen peroxide in separate bottles. Disinfect countertops with alternating sprays of each. Research shows this method kills virtually all bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella, more than bleach.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use undiluted vinegar on grout or marble surfaces.
• Never mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar together in one bottle. It will create a bubbling reaction. In addition it creates a harmful chemical called peracetic acid.

Resources

• Clean up indoor air.
• Use vinegar and hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant.