Simple Everyday Kitchen Cleaning
Updated for 2026
When I first started making my own cleaners, I just wanted fewer chemicals under my sink. I did not overthink it. I grabbed vinegar, baking soda, some essential oils, and felt very accomplished.
Over time, I learned something important.
Cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing.
Most of the time in a normal home, we are simply cleaning. We are wiping crumbs, cutting grease, washing away everyday mess. That does not require hospital-level products. It requires something effective and safe.
I am not a germ phobia mom. I believe immune systems are built in real life kitchens. But I also do not ignore food safety. Raw chicken on the counter is different than a splash of coffee.
This post is for everyday cleaning. The kind we do constantly. The kind that keeps a home fresh without turning it into a science lab.
I am sharing two simple options. One made with citrus infused vinegar, and one without vinegar for those who prefer a gentler approach.
Both are practical. Both are effective for daily messes. Neither makes exaggerated disinfecting claims.
Let’s keep this simple.
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Option One
Citrus Infused Vinegar All Purpose Cleaner
If you juice oranges or lemons like we do, do not throw those peels away. They make the most beautiful, old fashioned cleaner.
To make citrus vinegar:
Fill a glass jar with orange or lemon peels.
Cover completely with white vinegar.
Seal and let it sit for two to three weeks.
Strain out the peels.
The vinegar scent softens and takes on a light citrus smell. It feels like something your great grandmother would have kept in her pantry.
To make the cleaner:
1 cup citrus infused vinegar
1 cup distilled water
1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
Pour into a glass spray bottle and gently swirl to combine.
Use this on sealed countertops, sinks, appliance exteriors, and tile.
Do not use on marble, granite, natural stone, or unsealed wood. Vinegar can etch those surfaces over time.
Option Two
Non Vinegar Everyday Cleaner
If you have stone countertops or simply dislike the smell of vinegar, this option works beautifully.
1 and 1 half cups distilled water
1 tablespoon liquid castile soap
1 tablespoon 70 percent isopropyl alcohol
Optional 5 to 10 drops essential oil for scent
This version lifts grease, dries a bit faster, and works well on sealed surfaces.
Again, this is for cleaning. Not disinfecting.
Cleaning Versus Disinfecting
Cleaning and disinfecting are not the same thing.
Cleaning removes grease, crumbs, and everyday mess.
Disinfecting is for higher risk situations, like raw meat spills or sickness in the house.
I do most of the cooking in our home, and I am careful with raw meat. Chicken especially. I wash my hands constantly, wipe things down right away, and I do not pretend vinegar alone is enough in that situation.
Here is what I actually do.
First, I wash the area with hot soapy water. That removes the grease and residue.
Then I follow with a non toxic disinfectant.
I keep a few trusted disinfecting products under my sink for those moments. I do not use them daily, but I do use them when it matters. Here are a few options I personally like and feel good about keeping in our home: CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner, Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner & Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray.
That balance feels right to me.
How I Use This Daily Cleaner
Shake gently before each use.
Spray directly onto the surface.
Wipe with a clean cloth or natural sponge.
For stuck on messes, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this on quartz
Yes, most sealed quartz handles these formulas well, but always test a small area first.
Why did you remove baking soda from the original recipe
When vinegar and baking soda are mixed together, they react and cancel each other out. It looks impressive, but once the fizzing stops, the cleaning power is reduced. I prefer formulas that make sense chemically and practically.
Does vinegar kill germs
Vinegar can help reduce some bacteria, but it is not considered a registered disinfectant. For high risk contamination, I use a product specifically labeled for that purpose.
I like simple systems that make sense. I like knowing what I am spraying on my counters. I also like knowing when to reach for something stronger and not overthink it.
You do not need a cabinet full of products to keep a clean home. Just a few that work and a little common sense in the kitchen.
If you are slowly switching over to more non toxic cleaning, start here. One bottle at a time. It adds up.
xo Marla Kay