DIY Homemade Degreaser: Natural Kitchen Cleaner

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Twigandthistle.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Keeping your kitchen clean can be tough, especially when grease builds up on countertops, stovetops, and cabinets. Store-bought cleaners might work fine, but they often contain harsh chemicals. Why not try making your own natural degreaser at home? It's easy, cheap, and uses ingredients you probably already have. Plus, it's safer for your family and the environment. This homemade cleaner can tackle the toughest grease while leaving your kitchen smelling fresh. By using natural ingredients, you'll feel good about what you're using to clean your home. Let’s take a look at how you can make your own natural kitchen cleaner.

Preparation Steps

1. Gather Materials: Collect white vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, water, a spray bottle, and a mixing bowl.

2. Set Up Workspace: Clear a counter or table. Ensure good lighting and ventilation.

3. Safety Tips:

   • Wear Gloves: Protect your hands from any irritation.
   • Avoid Inhalation: Work in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling fumes.
   • Keep Away from Kids and Pets: Store ingredients and the final product out of reach.

4. Preliminary Tasks:

   • Clean the Spray Bottle: Rinse it thoroughly to remove any residue.
   • Measure Ingredients: Have all ingredients pre-measured for easy mixing.
   • Test a Small Area: Before using the degreaser on a large surface, test it on a small, hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage the material.

Materials and Tools Needed

Materials:

1. White Vinegar: Acts as a natural disinfectant and helps break down grease.
2. Baking Soda: Provides gentle scrubbing power and neutralizes odors.
3. Lemon Juice: Adds a fresh scent and enhances cleaning power.
4. Water: Dilutes the mixture for easier application.
5. Essential Oils: Optional, for added fragrance and antibacterial properties.

Tools:

1. Spray Bottle: For easy application of the degreaser.
2. Measuring Cups: Ensures accurate proportions of ingredients.
3. Mixing Bowl: Combines all ingredients smoothly.
4. Spoon or Stirrer: Mixes the ingredients thoroughly.
5. Cleaning Cloth or Sponge: Applies the degreaser and scrubs surfaces.

Skill Level and Time Required

Skill Level: Beginner

Time Required: 15-20 minutes

Steps:

1. Gather Ingredients: White vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, water.
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine equal parts vinegar and water, add a tablespoon of baking soda, and a few drops of lemon juice.
3. Transfer to Spray Bottle: Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
4. Shake Well: Ensure all ingredients are well-mixed.
5. Apply: Spray on greasy surfaces and wipe clean.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Gather Ingredients:

   • 1 cup of white vinegar
   • 1 cup of water
   • 1 tablespoon of baking soda
   • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
   • 10 drops of essential oil (optional, for scent)

2. Mix Vinegar and Water:

   • Pour the white vinegar and water into a spray bottle.
   • Shake gently to combine.

3. Add Baking Soda:

   • Carefully add the baking soda to the mixture.
   • Shake the bottle gently to mix. Be cautious as it may fizz.

4. Add Lemon Juice:

   • Pour in the lemon juice.
   • Shake the bottle again to mix everything well.

5. Add Essential Oil (Optional):

   • Add 10 drops of your favorite essential oil for a pleasant scent.
   • Shake the bottle one last time.

6. Label the Bottle:

   • Write "Homemade Degreaser" on a label.
   • Stick the label on the bottle for easy identification.

7. Test the Cleaner:

   • Spray a small amount on a greasy surface.
   • Wipe with a clean cloth to ensure it works effectively.

8. Store Properly:

   • Keep the bottle in a cool, dry place.
   • Shake before each use to ensure ingredients are well mixed.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Use white vinegar mixed with water as a base. It cuts through grease effectively. Add a few drops of lemon essential oil for a fresh scent and extra cleaning power. Baking soda can be sprinkled on tough spots before spraying the vinegar solution. It helps scrub away stubborn grease.

Common mistakes to avoid: Using too much vinegar can leave a strong smell. Always dilute it with water. Avoid using essential oils directly on surfaces without testing a small area first. Some oils can stain or damage certain materials.

Alternatives: Instead of lemon essential oil, try orange or tea tree oil. Both have great cleaning properties. For a stronger degreaser, mix castile soap with water and a bit of vinegar. This combination works well on heavy grease.

Estimating the Cost

White Vinegar: $3 for a gallon
Baking Soda: $1 for a small box
Lemon Juice: $2 for a bottle
Essential Oil (optional): $5 for a small bottle
Spray Bottle: $2 each

Total Cost: Around $13

Budget-Friendly Alternatives:
Skip Essential Oil: Save $5
Reuse Old Spray Bottle: Save $2

New Total Cost: Around $6

Different Ways to Customize

Alternative Materials:

• Vinegar: Use apple cider vinegar instead of white vinegar for a milder scent.
• Essential Oils: Substitute lemon essential oil with orange or grapefruit for different citrus scents.
• Baking Soda: Add baking soda for extra scrubbing power on tough grease spots.
• Castile Soap: Replace dish soap with liquid Castile soap for a more natural option.

Colors:

• Colored Bottles: Use colored spray bottles to match your kitchen decor.
• Labeling: Create custom labels with different colors to easily identify the cleaner.

Styles:

• Rustic: Store the cleaner in a mason jar with a spray nozzle for a rustic look.
• Modern: Opt for a sleek, minimalist spray bottle for a modern aesthetic.
• Vintage: Use a glass bottle with a vintage label for a classic touch.

Additional Ingredients:

• Alcohol: Add rubbing alcohol for faster drying and extra disinfecting.
• Herbs: Infuse the vinegar with herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique scent.
• Citrus Peels: Soak citrus peels in vinegar before mixing for added fragrance and cleaning power.

Eco-Friendly Tips

White vinegar works wonders as a natural degreaser. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of lemon juice for a fresh scent and extra cleaning power.

Baking soda can tackle tough grease. Sprinkle it on greasy surfaces, then scrub with a damp sponge. For stubborn spots, make a paste with baking soda and water.

Castile soap is another eco-friendly option. Combine a few tablespoons with warm water in a spray bottle. This gentle soap cuts through grease without harsh chemicals.

Reuse old spray bottles instead of buying new ones. Repurpose glass jars for storing homemade cleaners. This reduces waste and keeps your kitchen eco-friendly.

Clean and Green

Making your own homemade degreaser is a smart move. It’s easy, cheap, and eco-friendly. With just a few natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, you can tackle even the toughest kitchen grime. Plus, you avoid the harsh chemicals found in many store-bought cleaners.

Mixing these ingredients takes minutes, and the results are impressive. Your kitchen will sparkle, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re using a safe cleaner. Remember, you can tweak the recipe to suit your needs. Add essential oils for a pleasant scent or more baking soda for extra scrubbing power.

So, next time your kitchen needs a deep clean, skip the store-bought stuff. Grab some vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, and get to work. Your kitchen, wallet, and the planet will thank you. Happy cleaning!