My Favourite Low-Tox Kitchen Cleaning Tips + DIY Cleaning Sprays
Twice a year around the beginning and middle of the year, I like to give my kitchen a proper reset.
Not just a quick wipe of the benches, but a deeper clean of all those hardworking areas that are easy to overlook when life gets busy.
The fridge gets emptied, the pantry gets sorted, the dishwasher gets a little TLC and the rangehood finally gets the attention it deserves.
Over the years I've discovered that you don't need a cupboard full of expensive cleaning products to keep your kitchen looking and smelling fresh. In fact, most of my favourite cleaning products are simple pantry staples.
My Low-Tox Cleaning Staples:
Bicarbonate of soda
Washing soda
White vinegar
Dishwashing liquid
These low-tox cleaning tips are affordable, easy to do and use ingredients many of us already have at home. They help cut through grease, remove built-up grime and leave your kitchen feeling fresh without relying on harsh chemicals or strong artificial fragrances.
Whether you're tackling a full kitchen reset or simply looking for a few natural cleaning ideas, I hope these tried-and-tested tips help make the job a little easier.
✨ Day 1: Sink Sparkle Hack
Ever wonder how to get your sink sparkling clean without harsh chemicals?
Day 1 of my low-tox kitchen cleaning hacks is all about bringing your sink back to life with just a few everyday ingredients. No bleach, no nasties, just a natural fizz that cuts through grime and leaves your sink fresh and shiny.
Here’s what to do:
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the sink
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid
Drizzle with white vinegar
Scrub and rinse with warm water
💨 Day 2: Rangehood Rescue
When was the last time you cleaned your rangehood filter?
This one’s oddly satisfying and incredibly effective.
Built-up grease on your rangehood filters doesn’t just look bad, it can affect performance. This natural soak breaks it down with minimal effort.
What you'll need:
½ cup washing soda
A few drops of dishwashing liquid
Boiling water
Soak the filter for 30 minutes, then rinse with hot tap water and let it dry on a dish rack. You’ll be amazed at the difference!
🧊 Day 3: Fridge Refresh + DIY Vanilla Fridge Spray
Time to give your fridge a fresh start and make your own vanilla-scented low-tox spray while you’re at it.
Remove items shelf by shelf, then spray and wipe using a damp microfibre cloth. Dry with a lint-free cloth. Check expiry dates and toss anything past its prime. Place similar items together before returning them to the shelf.
🧴 DIY Vanilla Fridge Spray
Ingredients
½ cup water
2 tablespoons white vinegar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Method
Combine in a spray bottle and shake well. Use with a damp cloth to clean shelves and drawers.
This low-tox fridge spray cuts through residue and leaves your fridge smelling clean, without synthetic fragrances.
Bonus tip: This is a great time to rescue sad veggies or forgotten jars hiding at the back.
🗂️ Day 4: Pantry Reset + DIY Low-Tox Bench Spray
You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect pantry to feel organised, you just need a bit of structure and a simple wipe down.
What to do:
Remove items shelf by shelf
Wipe shelves with a cloth and your choice of homemade spray
Toss anything expired
Group like items (tins, sauces and baking supplies) and place them back on the shelves.
🧴 DIY Low-Tox Bench Spray
Ingredients
300ml glass spray bottle
1–2 tablespoons low-tox dishwashing liquid (I used dōTERRA On Guard Cleaner Concentrate)
6 drops lemon or orange essential oil (optional)
Water to fill bottle
Method
Top up with water, shake well and use with a damp microfibre cloth. Great for benches, tables and cupboards.
Note: Glass spray bottles are only required when using essential oils. Otherwise, a plastic spray bottle is fine.
🍋 Day 5: Dishwasher Detox
A fresh, citrusy finish to the week!
Your dishwasher might be doing the cleaning, but it needs cleaning too.
Here’s how I detox mine:
Remove the filter (strainer at the base) and wash it in hot soapy water. Place back in place.
Pour 1 cup white vinegar into a small bowl
Add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil (optional)
Place the bowl in the top rack of your empty dishwasher
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda in the base
Add 1 tablespoon of washing soda to the soap dispenser
Run the hottest cycle available
After the cycle, remove the filter (strainer at the base) and wash it in hot soapy water again to ensure it is ready for the next cycle.
You’ll notice a fresher smell and better performance instantly.
After a week of tackling these simple cleaning tasks, your kitchen will feel fresher, cleaner and far more organised.
Free Low-Tox Kitchen Cleaning Cheat Sheet
I’ve created a FREE downloadable cheat sheet with all five days of tips plus my go-to recipes for the Vanilla Fridge Spray and Low-Tox Bench Spray.
👉 Click here to download the free Low-Tox Cleaning Cheat Sheet!
Why I Love These Low-Tox Swaps
One of the things I love most about these simple cleaning methods is that they use ingredients I already keep in the house. There's no need for a cupboard full of specialty products or expensive cleaners.
They’re affordable, easy to make and leave the kitchen feeling fresh without the overpowering chemical smell that many commercial cleaning products leave behind.
If you're tackling a kitchen reset of your own, I hope these tips help make the job a little easier.
Let me know if you try any of these tips. I'd love to hear which one made the biggest difference in your kitchen.
