How to Keep Your Kitchen Clean Naturally with Essential Oils

“Cleaning is not just tidying up; it's creating space for peace.” — Unknown

DIY All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner: A Safe and Effective Natural Solution

If your kitchen is the heart of your home, keeping it clean should be a top priority — but that doesn’t mean you have to rely on store-bought cleaners loaded with chemicals. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a powerful, natural all-purpose cleaner that’s safe, effective, budget-friendly, and smells amazing thanks to the power of essential oils.

Whether you're wiping down counters, tackling sticky spills, or freshening up your appliances, this DIY cleaner is the perfect everyday solution. Let’s dive into how to make it, why it works, and how to customize it to fit your needs!

Why Go Natural in the Kitchen?

Commercial kitchen cleaners often contain synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, and preservatives that can irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Some even leave behind residues that you definitely don’t want near your food prep areas.

Here’s what you avoid when you switch to a DIY cleaner:

• Phthalates and artificial fragrances that may disrupt hormones

• Ammonia and bleach, which can release toxic fumes and damage surfaces

• Residues that linger on counters and appliances

A natural cleaner not only helps protect your health and home — it’s also environmentally friendly and easy on your wallet.

DIY All-Purpose Kitchen Cleaner Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup distilled white vinegar

• 1 cup distilled water

• 1 tablespoon castile soap (or better yet, use OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate)

• 15–20 drops of doTERRA essential oils (see suggestions below.  I use 10 drops of Lemon and 5 drops of Tea Tree and then add others as I want to adjust the scent.)

• 16 oz glass spray bottle (amber or cobalt to preserve oils)

Instructions:

1. Add the vinegar and water to your spray bottle.

2. Add the castile soap (don’t add it first or you’ll have bubbles everywhere!).

3. Add your essential oils.

4. Shake gently before each use.

Spray on countertops, appliance surfaces, cabinet doors, backsplashes, tables, and more. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth or paper towel.

Why These Ingredients Work

• White vinegar: A natural disinfectant with mild acidic properties that break down grease and grime.

• Castile soap: A plant-based soap that lifts away dirt and is gentle on most surfaces.

• Distilled water: Helps prevent mineral deposits and extends the shelf life of your cleaner.

• Essential oils: Provide antimicrobial properties and a pleasant natural scent.

Best doTERRA Essential Oils for Your All-Purpose Cleaner

When choosing essential oils for your kitchen cleaner, look for those with cleansing, antimicrobial, and deodorizing properties.

• Lemon 🍋 – A powerful degreaser with bright, uplifting scent; great for sticky messes.

  

• Abode® 🧼 – A proprietary cleaning blend designed specifically for surface cleaning with a crisp herbal aroma.

  

• Purify® 🌿 – Eliminates odors and supports a fresh, clean scent.

• Tea Tree (Melaleuca) 🌱 – Antibacterial and antifungal; great for cutting bacteria and mildew.

• Rosemary 🌿 – Antioxidant-rich and energizing, also helpful for deodorizing.

• Cedarwood 🌲 – A warm, grounding scent with natural purifying properties.

Feel free to mix and match oils based on the scent you love and the purpose you want. A popular blend for all-purpose cleaning:

DIY Fresh & Clean Scent Blend:

• 10 drops Lemon

• 5 drops Tea Tree

• 5 drops Purify

Surface Safety Tips

• Safe for sealed granite, tile, stainless steel, laminate, glass, and most countertops.

• Avoid use on unsealed stone (like marble or natural granite) — the acidity of vinegar can etch the surface.

• Always spot test a new cleaner on a small area first!

Customize Your Cleaner

Want to change it up? Here are some ideas:

• Add 1 tsp of baking soda for extra scouring power (note: may fizz with vinegar, so use sparingly and shake cautiously).

• Substitute lemon juice for vinegar in a pinch — but use within a week due to shorter shelf life.

• Swap the castile soap for a natural dish soap if that’s what you have on hand.

Pro Tips for a Sparkling Clean Kitchen

• Keep a bottle under the sink for quick daily wipe-downs.

• Label your spray bottle so the whole family knows what it is and how to use it.

• Store in a cool, dark place to preserve the potency of your essential oils.

• Involve the kids — this cleaner is safe enough for little helpers to use with supervision.

Your Clean Kitchen, the Natural Way

Ditching harsh chemicals doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice a clean kitchen. This DIY all-purpose cleaner harnesses the natural power of vinegar, castile soap, and essential oils to keep your kitchen sparkling without compromise. It’s safe, effective, and smells amazing!

Give it a try and let me know which essential oil combo you love best in your kitchen. 💧🍋