Diwali 2023: 7 Natural Ways To Clean Your Kitchen For The Festive Season

With Diwali just days away people all over the world are readying themselves for the festival. This year, Diwali begins with Dhanteras on Friday the 10th with the main day of Diwali falling on the 12th. One of the major family activities for the festival is cleaning the house and making sure it's spick and span for guests and - as per legend - welcoming the goddess Laxmi into the home for blessings and good fortune. 

Another core part of the festival is the constant stream of festive snacks and meals that pour forth from kitchens everywhere. Taking this into account, the kitchen quickly becomes one of the main rooms of the celebration, so this year, skip the harsh chemicals and ensure your kitchen is sparkling clean with these simple, all-natural cleaning tips for every corner. 

1. Kitchen Cleaner and Deodoriser: 

To create a kitchen cleaner, take 4 tablespoons of baking soda and mix it with 1 quart of warm water. Baking soda works well to clean kitchen surfaces, appliances, and even the inside of your fridge. For deodorising, use the baking soda solution we made or sprinkle baking soda directly in your drain or garbage disposal to eliminate odours. To make stainless steel surfaces shine and remove spots, create a paste by mixing baking soda with water. Apply it with a damp cloth, gently rubbing in the direction of the metal's grain, then rinse and buff dry.

2. Brass Cleaner: 

For tarnished brass items like cabinet pulls or fixtures, use white vinegar or lemon juice and table salt. Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt and lightly rub over the surface. Rinse thoroughly with water or a clean damp cloth, and immediately dry with a soft cloth.

Also Read: Diwali 2023: 8 Deep Cleaning Tips To Get Your Kitchen Ready For Festive Cooking

3. Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub: 

This powerful homemade cleaner is perfect for tackling rust stains on porcelain or enamel sinks and tubs. Simply dip half a lemon into half a cup of borax powder and scrub the surface, then rinse. Please note that this method is not suitable for marble or granite surfaces. Borax can be found in the detergent aisle or online.

4. Surface Spray: 

Create your homemade cleaning spray by packing a large mason jar with citrus peels (a mixture of lime, lemon, orange etc.), filling it to the top with white distilled vinegar, and allowing it to infuse in sunlight for two weeks or more. After straining the vinegar and discarding the peels, pour ½ cup of the citrus-infused vinegar into a spray bottle and add 1 cup of water. Shake well before using, and apply it to any surface except natural stone counters or tiles. Wipe clean with a paper towel or microfiber cloth. If your surface is granite or marble, stick to plain soap and water.

5. Stove Top Cleaner: 

For daily cleaning, use soap and water or vinegar spray on your ceramic or glass stovetop. To remove stubborn food residues, apply hot soapy water, sprinkle baking soda, cover it with a damp towel, let it sit for 30 minutes, and then wipe it with a clean damp cloth. A silicone spatula can help loosen the food, and be sure to remove all residue.

6. Chopping Board Cleaner: 

To disinfect a chopping board, rub a lemon slice across the surface. For tougher stains, squeeze lemon juice onto the spot and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping. For bamboo or wooden cutting boards, opt for a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water, apply it and let it sit for 5 minutes before scrubbing off. For tougher stains, opt for a spoon of baking soda while scrubbing for slightly more abrasion. 

7. Drain Cleaner:

For light drain cleaning, mix ½ cup of salt in 3 litres of water. Heat it to a simmer and pour it down the drain. For more stubborn clogs, pour about ½ cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by ½ cup of vinegar. This chemical reaction can break down fats and oils that are coating the drain walls. After 15 minutes, pour in boiling water to clear any residue. (Please note that this method is safe for metal plumbing but not for plastic pipes.)

Note: Do not combine any process involving baking soda or vinegar with chemical cleaning products unless qualified to do so.