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If you use your kitchen on a regular basis chances are you will have to be pretty vigilant about keeping it clean. Instead of harsh formulations, you can use natural ingredients such as lemons, white vinegar, baking soda, salt, cornstarch, and olive oil, which can help effectively cut through grease and grime.
Indian kitchens tend to have more buildup of spices, oils and other staining ingredients since our regular modes of cooking include frying, sauteing, grinding spices, blending chutneys or working with greasy aromatics. Moreover, cooking in ghee can lead to the accumulation of grease on stovetops, countertops, and kitchen surfaces.
Grinding spices or blending ingredients to make spice pastes, chutneys, or sauces can create splatters and spills, leading to grease buildup on kitchen surfaces. Since traditional Indian cooking often involves cooking over an open flame, it can result in grease and oil splattering onto nearby surfaces. If you need to clean your kitchen every few days, opt for natural ingredients and foods which are more useful than chemicals. Here are some foods which double up as kitchen cleaners.
Lemons
Lemons are nature's cleaning powerhouse, thanks to their high acidity levels and natural oils. They work wonders on cutting through grease and leaving surfaces sparkling clean. To use lemons for cleaning, simply cut one in half and rub it over greasy surfaces such as stovetops, countertops, or even greasy dishes. The acidic properties of lemons help to break down grease and grime, making it easier to wipe away. Additionally, the fresh scent of lemons will leave your kitchen smelling clean and fresh.
White Vinegar
White vinegar is another versatile ingredient that can help tackle grease in the kitchen. Its acidic nature makes it effective at cutting through grease and dissolving buildup on surfaces. To use white vinegar for cleaning, mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle and spray it onto greasy surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe away the grease with a clean cloth or sponge. White vinegar is also effective at removing odours, so it's great for tackling lingering smells in the kitchen.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that can help scrub away stubborn grease and grime from surfaces without causing damage. To use baking soda for cleaning, make a paste by mixing it with water and applying it to greasy areas such as stovetops or oven racks. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub away the grease with a sponge or scrub brush. Baking soda is also effective at absorbing odours, making it a great choice for deodorizing kitchen surfaces.
Salt
Salt is another abrasive ingredient that can help scrub away grease and grime from surfaces. It works particularly well when combined with other cleaning agents such as vinegar or lemon juice. To use salt for cleaning, mix it with vinegar or lemon juice to form a paste, then apply it to greasy areas and scrub away the buildup. Salt is also effective at absorbing grease, making it easier to wipe away.
Cornstarch
Cornstarch is not just for cooking – it can also be used as a natural cleaner in the kitchen. Its fine texture makes it effective at absorbing grease and lifting it away from surfaces. To use cornstarch for cleaning, sprinkle it onto greasy surfaces such as countertops or stovetops, then let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the grease. Once the grease is absorbed, simply wipe it away with a damp cloth or sponge.
Olive Oil
While it may seem counterintuitive to use oil to clean grease, olive oil can actually help dissolve stubborn stains and remove deep-seated grime from surfaces. To use olive oil for cleaning, apply a small amount to a clean cloth and rub it onto greasy surfaces such as stainless steel appliances or range hoods. The oil will help to loosen the grease, making it easier to wipe away. Additionally, olive oil will leave a shiny finish on wooden surfaces like cabinets and table boards.
