Our Kitchen: The Heart of Our Home
 

Our kitchen is also my family's most lived-in room. We use it for various activities:
 

• Cooking favorite meals together

• Entertaining guests

• Prepping backpacks

• Sorting mail

• Sipping coffee on slow Saturday mornings
   

As we arrive home each day, clutter tends to take over with everyone's belongings and cooking mess. Maintaining order on countertops and in cabinets is challenging, but vital for our days to run smoothly.

A Natural Cleaning Solution
 

I don't clean surfaces as often as I should, but I have a tactic to keep things sparkling without exposing my family to potentially toxic cleaners in food prep areas. Katie Dills, Brand President for The Cleaning Authority, explains, "Other chemical cleaning products may contain harsher, toxic ingredients that may not be safe for you, your family, or your pets."
 

Using all-natural products in the kitchen, even if it takes extra time to mix, is worth the reassurance. "When you use environmentally responsible products in the home, you can feel safe knowing that your family is not breathing in harsh chemicals," Dills says.
 

My 3-Ingredient Cleaner
 

My defense against grime is a spray bottle filled with my 3-ingredient cleaner. I use this homemade solution on almost every kitchen surface. Most households have the ingredients—dish detergent, rubbing alcohol, and water—making it simple to whip up.
 

What You'll Need:

• Glass or plastic spray bottle

• Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing)

• Distilled or tap water

• Dish detergent
   

How I Make It:

1. Use a small funnel to add 1 cup of alcohol and 3 cups of water.

2. Swirl to combine.

3. Add 5 drops of dish detergent.

4. Swirl until drops disappear.

5. Spray on surfaces, then wipe clean.
    

Surfaces I Use It On:

1. Countertops: Clear clutter, spray heavily, let sit, then wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

2. Appliances: Spray and wipe refrigerator, microwave, oven, and dishwasher doors. Repeat until grime and streaks are gone.

3. Sink: Spray adequately, let sit, then rinse or wipe with a clean cloth.

4. Stovetop: Spray liberally, wipe clean, repeat if necessary.

5. Cabinets: Spray on a clean cloth, wipe knobs and surrounding areas to combat dust, grease, and fingerprints.
    

This solution works as a degreasing, streak-free cleaner on heavily used kitchen surfaces. It's less pungent than store-bought cleaners and effectively sanitizes without harsh chemicals.

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