Kitchen Cleaners: The Good, the Bad and the Dirty

Cleaning the kitchen is a task very few of us enjoy. In the past year I moved from an apartment with ample storage space and a large dishwasher to a kitchen so tiny that it’s cramped when two people are within its walls. Oh, and a dishwasher? Yes, I do have one. It’s me.

So, I’ve been experimenting with various cleaning products that have minimal fumes (because as much as I love the convenience of a Swiffer,  there’s only so much of its potent aroma that I can take). Over the past few weeks, I’ve done some research and have spent more time in the cleaning products aisle in my grocery store than was reasonably necessary.

Here’s some of the dirt that I uncovered on what it takes to get your kitchen clean. I hope it makes your next sink-scouring experience more pleasant than a trip to the dentist.

Earth Friendly Products Parsley Plus: Even if you’re not that keen on having parsley on your plate, I have a new way for you to enjoy the abundant herb: in your all-in-one cleaner. Parsley Plus All-Surface Cleaner is a nice alternative to the citrus scent that many surface cleaners offer. It’s great for counter tops or any hard-surface area. The best part? It actually smells like parsley, a scent reminiscent of cleanliness rather than chemicals.

Eco Clean’s Kitchen Counter Top Cleaner: Made of local Danish plant and sugar based surfactants, the Eco Clean Kitchen Counter Top Cleaner is all-natural, organic, vegan, non-toxic and biodegradable.  It is formulated with D-Glucopyranose, a plant extract with exceptional detergency properties, excellent skin compatibility and is pH balanced, performing well on all surfaces. Lightly scented with hints of citrus and rosemary, it won’t overpower but will leave your kitchen fresh-scented.

Clorox Green Works Natural Cleaning Wipes: Made with corn and coconut based cleaners these are a far cry from the bleach that Clorox also sells by the gallon. They work on on grease, grime, dirt, soils and messes and are safe to use on multiple surfaces throughout the kitchen including counters, appliances, stainless steel, sealed granite, chrome, cook-top hoods and sinks.

Mr. Clean with Febreze Freshness Antibacterial Liquid Cleaner: This antibacterial all-purpose might not be chemical-free, but if you’re looking for a cleaner that’s been proven kill 99.9% of bacteria and help eliminate odors, the cleaning power and freshness of Mr. Clean with Febreze might be exactly what your home needs.