Summer Kitchen Cleaning: Non-Toxic Tips That Actually Work

One summer morning, I walked into my kitchen, coffee in hand, and froze. The light from the sun shone just right on my stove and backsplash — and this made all the greasy marks, dusty smudges and mystery stains very clear to see. It wasn’t just a mess. It was a quiet reminder of how much I’d let slide.

Have you ever noticed how summer makes the kitchen feel more… alive? There’s an increase in cooking, moving around and feeling warm, but there’s more mess, too. And let’s be honest: in that heat, the last thing I want is to spray the oven with something that smells like a science lab.

That’s when I decided to change how I clean — no more heavy chemicals, no more holding my breath. Just practical, natural methods that actually work. And in this post, I’m sharing exactly how I keep my summer kitchen clean without harsh cleaners — including some tricks that completely surprised me.

Why I Ditched Harsh Chemicals in the First Place

Here’s the part I didn’t expect: cleaning naturally made my kitchen feel cleaner. Not just look better — actually feel better.

I used to reach for strong sprays — the kind that promise instant degreasing power but leave you coughing if you forget to open a window. I tolerated the burning smell and cracked knuckles because I thought that was the price of a clean stove.

But one day, my son wandered into the kitchen just after I sprayed the oven door. The smell was so strong it made him retch and it wasn’t something I enjoyed either. That moment stuck.

So I gave myself a challenge: could I get the same level of clean using just pantry staples?

Turns out… I could. The real secret? Knowing when and how to use them.

How I Clean the Stovetop in 3 Simple Steps

It started with something I thought I’d hate — giving up my usual spray for a DIY paste. But it worked better than expected, and now it’s my go-to routine, especially when the summer heat makes me want fast, no-fuss results.

Here’s my 3-step stovetop ritual:

1. Steam first: I soak a kitchen towel in hot water, wring it out, and lay it over the stovetop for 5–10 minutes. The steam softens dried-on grease without any scrubbing.

2. Soda + lemon paste: I mix baking soda with a little lemon juice until it forms a spreadable paste. I apply it directly to greasy areas and let it sit for 7 minutes.

3. Wipe clean: I use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm water to wipe everything away. If I need a little extra shine, I follow with a drop of vinegar.

✨ It’s gentle, effective, and leaves the whole kitchen smelling like fresh lemonade — not artificial “citrus breeze.”

My Apron Backsplash Trick (And Why I Keep a Spray Bottle on the Counter)

I used to avoid deep-cleaning the backsplash because I thought it was time-consuming. But then I realized: the key is not letting it build up.

Now, I keep a glass spray bottle filled with my go-to homemade mix:

• 1 part distilled white vinegar

• 1 part warm water

• A few drops of tea tree or lemon essential oil

When I’m done cooking, I do a quick spray-and-wipe with a soft cloth. If something splatters mid-recipe, it’s not a crisis — because cleanup takes less than a minute.

What to consider before cleaning your backsplash:

• Material: Glossy tiles need a soft cloth to avoid streaks. Matte finishes may benefit from a quick rinse with plain water after vinegar.

• Frequency: If you cook daily, a once-a-day wipe prevents buildup.

• Sensitivity: Vinegar works wonders, but if you dislike the smell, infuse it with citrus peels for a few days before use.

This tiny habit changed everything. Now my backsplash always looks fresh — and it doesn’t feel like a chore.

Cleaning the Oven Without Choking on Chemicals

This is where I used to struggle most. Oven cleaners have a strong smell that could make your eyebrows melt — or so it seems. But skipping oven cleaning meant baked-on residue, smoke, and food tasting… odd.

So I started using steam and time to my advantage.

Steam method:

• Place an oven-safe bowl filled with water and ½ cup vinegar on the lowest rack

• Heat the oven to 300°F and let it sit for 20 minutes

• Turn off the oven, let it cool slightly, and then wipe down the inside with a damp cloth

The steam lifts grime. The vinegar deodorizes. No scrubbing until your arms fall off.

Alternative: Overnight soda paste

If things are really stuck:

• Mix ½ cup baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a thick paste

• Spread on oven walls (not the heating elements!) and leave overnight

• Spray vinegar in the morning and wipe clean

Comparison Table: My Go-To Oven Cleaning Methods

This is where it all shifted. I found that doing a few small changes in my routine made deep cleans unnecessary. Think of it as “maintenance cleaning” — not dramatic, but effective.

Here are the 5 things I do (almost) every day:

• Wipe the stove right after I finish cooking

• Spray the backsplash while the pan is cooling

• Clean the oven weekly — usually while something’s simmering

• Never leave dishes overnight

• Use microfiber cloths and rotate them every 2–3 days

Do I skip a step here and there? Of course. But most days, these habits keep the kitchen sparkling without ever feeling like I’m “cleaning.”

Final Thoughts: It’s Not About Perfection. It’s About Peace.

Before, I cleaned because I had to. Now, I find cleaning helps me feel a little more organized in the summer madness. And I do it without holding my breath or worrying about what my skin’s absorbing.

Would you ever try a natural method for your stovetop or oven?
Save this if you’re planning your own seasonal reset — or send it to a friend who swears by bleach but secretly hates the smell.

✨ Small changes. Big difference. Clean doesn’t have to be complicated.