WATER WISE: 5 DIY eco and wallet-friendly kitchen cleaners

ALSO READ: 20 Waterless recipes that will ensure you save every drop in your kitchen.

Regardless of your water consumption, these 5 easy earth-friendly hacks will give you peace of mind and help you keep a sparkling clean kitchen.

1. All-purpose cleaner:
A classic household staple, this cleaner will keep your kitchen and whole house fresh. 

–  Equal parts white vinegar to water, we recommend 1 cup to 1 cup
–  3-6 drops of essential oil of your choice
–  TIP: Save cleaning a measuring glass and add solution directly into a clear spray bottle, fill halfway with water, then halfway with vinegar.

2. Reusable homemade disinfectant wipes:
(adapted from Keeper of the Home)
Turning to disinfectant wipes is a fantastic way to save on time, money and water. 

–  Empty ice cream, yogurt or already used baby wipes container
–  Cut 20 squares of scrap material into 10x10cm or 12x12cm use old clothes or rags  
Make cleaning solution
–  1 cup water ½ cup vinegar and lemon essential oil optional
–  Cover squares with cleaning solution in your container
–  Leave for a few hours until completely soaked
–  TIP: Add to pile of towels to washing, they shouldn’t take up much space in the machine or much extra water when hand washing.

3. Baking soda oven cleaner:
Instead of scrubbing with water and soap or using harsh chemicals, try this tried and tested recipe for removing oven grit. 

–  Remove racks
–  Lightly spray or dampen oven with an 8th cup of water
–  Water saving TIP: If you don’t have a spray bottle measure out water and soak small dish towel, dampen oven with wet dish towel
–  Cake on baking powder (about a cm or 2 thick) NOTE: If it’s not sticking to the sides, add a a few drops of water your baking soda directly to make a paste
–  Leave for a few hours, the longer the better
–  Use an old recycled toothbrush to take off any leftover baking soda
–  Wipe down with homemade disinfectant wipe
–  Preheat oven before cooking again

4. Use lemon to clean your cutting boards instead of scrubbing under water:
Yes, you have to clean your cutting board better. 

–  Add a tablespoon of salt
–  Cut a lemon in half
–  Use the fleshy side of the lemon to scrub the salt into the board
–  Fill half a cup with warm water and rinse board

5. Baking soda air freshener:
A 2-step recipe to lift those funky kitchen smells; great for when you can’t do the dishes. 

–  Salt or pepper shaker or any jar with pin sized holes on top
–  Fill halfway with baking powder
–  Add 3 drops of your favourite essential oil, lemon, lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus
–  TIP: Add more drops for a bigger container.
–  Give a gentle shake
–  Repeat shake to freshen the freshener

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