Most everyday kitchen surfaces collect grease, crumbs, spills and food residue. For routine cleaning, start with a soap-based spray and a clean cloth. Three spray solutions can cover many jobs throughout the kitchen and the rest of the home.

1. All-purpose soap spray

Made with castile soap and water, this is the first choice for routine surface cleaning. It loosens grease and everyday grime, but using too much soap can leave streaks. Start with a small amount and adjust only if needed.

2. Window & glass spray

Made with citric acid and water, this helps clear light mineral residue and soap streaks from suitable surfaces. Avoid acidic cleaners on natural stone benchtops such as marble, limestone and travertine — use the soap spray only on these.

3. Hydrogen peroxide disinfecting spray

Disinfection is a separate step used after the surface has been cleaned. For an accessible, eco-friendly option, use 3% hydrogen peroxide on suitable surfaces. Clean away grease and food residue first, then apply the hydrogen peroxide and allow it time to work before wiping.

Disinfection isn't needed every day. Reserve it for higher-risk situations, such as after preparing raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs, or when someone in the household is unwell.

Hot water is one of the most effective cleaning tools in the kitchen. It softens grease and loosens food residue in a way cold water often cannot.

You can make your own dish liquid using castile soap, or try one of these alternatives:

Rinse thoroughly. Soap loosens dirt and grease, but rinsing is what removes them.

For pots, pans and heavily soiled dishes, soak them in hot, soapy water first. A small amount of washing soda can be added for extra grease-cutting power on suitable materials.

Avoid washing soda on aluminium, and check the care instructions for delicate finishes.

A dishwasher usually begins with a short rinse before the detergent compartment opens for the main wash. This is why powder and tablets should generally be placed in the detergent compartment rather than tipped directly over the dishes, unless your dishwasher manufacturer advises otherwise.

Dishwasher powder and rinse aid perform two different jobs.

Dishwasher powder

A simple dishwasher powder can be made using washing soda and sodium percarbonate. Washing soda helps cut through grease, while sodium percarbonate provides oxygen-based cleaning power. Heat is important because it helps activate the percarbonate.

Rinse aid

Rinse aid is released during the final rinse. It helps reduce water spots, improve drying and clear light mineral residue. A simple rinse aid can be made with citric acid or vinegar, provided it's suitable for your dishwasher.

Both recipes are quick to make and can cost much less than their commercial counterparts. Use only on dishwasher-safe items, and avoid aluminium.

Keep the dishwasher itself clean

Check the filter and spray arms regularly for trapped food debris. A blocked filter is one of the most common reasons a dishwasher stops cleaning well.

For routine drain cleaning, start by removing the strainer and any visible food debris. Scrub around the opening with castile soap, hot water and a narrow drain brush.

A small amount of washing soda can help with light greasy residue in suitable drains.

Slow or blocked drains

First remove any visible debris and use a plunger where appropriate. Avoid pouring multiple homemade or commercial products into the drain. Never combine acids, alkalis, sodium percarbonate, bleach or commercial drain cleaners. Call a plumber if the blockage persists, water repeatedly backs up, or several drains are affected.

Ovens and rangehoods collect heavy grease and baked-on food residue that need more than a quick spray and wipe. This is where soap, alkaline ingredients, contact time and a little physical action work together.

The multi-purpose cleaning paste is easy to spread over greasy surfaces and combines coconut soap, washing soda and borax to soften stubborn build-up.

For compatible surfaces, sodium percarbonate can be used as a separate step for particularly baked-on residue.

Always check the material first. Avoid strong alkaline and oxygen-based cleaners on aluminium and other sensitive finishes.

Taps, kettles and sinks all develop the same problem over time: water evaporates and leaves its dissolved minerals behind as a chalky white build-up.

Soap and scrubbing won't effectively dissolve it, because it's mineral residue rather than grease or food. Citric acid (works like vinegar) reacts with the minerals in limescale and helps convert them into a water-soluble form, allowing the build-up to be wiped away rather than scraped off.

For taps and fittings, soak a cloth in a citric acid solution and wrap it around the affected area for 20–30 minutes. Remove the cloth, wipe and rinse thoroughly.

For kettle descaling, use a citric acid solution and water.

Microwave

Fill a microwave-safe bowl with water and heat on high for 3–5 minutes. Leave the door closed for another minute so the steam can soften dried food splatter, then carefully remove the bowl and wipe the interior. Use the all-purpose soap spray for any remaining grease.

Fridge

Remove shelves and drawers and wash them with warm water and castile soap. Wipe the fridge interior with the all-purpose soap spray, then follow with a clean damp cloth to remove any soap residue. For lingering odours, place a small open bowl of bicarb soda on a stable shelf — it can help absorb mild odours, but won't replace finding and removing the source.

Bin

Empty and scrub the inside with the cleaning paste or castile soap and a stiff brush. Rinse well and leave upside down to dry fully before relining — a damp liner is the main cause of bin smells. Sprinkle a little bicarb soda in the base under the liner between washes to absorb moisture and odour.