apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I've had great success with baking soda. Just mix it with enough water so that it takes on the consistency of a paste and scrub away.

I use my homemade all-purpose cleaner spray, which consists of water, Dr. Bronner's soap, and washing soda. Works like a charm.

I've had really good luck sprinkling baking soda and then rubbing it in with the cut side of a lemon. Really cuts the grease, and then regular soap and water will take care of any residue.

I got most of the mixtures that work from various green cleaning books. My favorite for eco-cleaning tips is The Naturally Clean Home. Highly recommended!

@Jessimuhka I'm sorry for me not knowing, but washing soda? What is this? We use Bronner's so knowing what washing soda is and we're set, thanks!

For stubborn, caked on bits, let the paste of baking soda sit half an hour or more (and keep it wet!) It can get messy if you have to use a lot of it, but you can just scoop it up and put it in the drain - it'll help keep grunge out of your pipes, too.

Washing soda is a mineral related to baking soda, but slightly more caustic (use rubber gloves.) You'll find this with the laundry detergents; the Arm and Hammer brand is common. KateN, would you share proportions? I'd love to know. thanks!

I'm in love with Mrs. Meyer's CounterTop Cleaning Spray in the Lemon Verbena scent; I've even bought it for friends before. It's made with plant-derived surfectants, essential oils and says that everything in it is biodegradeable. It smells fresh and lemony (of course), but isn't overwhelming. The best part is when it's empty you can refill it with a couple of tablespoons of their All Purpose Cleaner and water. I found mine in a local general store, but they have a website if you have problems finding it. www.mrsmeyers.com.

Method All-Purpose cleaner is great for everyday cleaning. Bon Ami or Barkeeper's Friend is great for burnt on stuff, especially under the "lid" when liquids sneak under the burners. Dr Bronners is fantastic for cleaning greasy stuff, and just about anything else!

Bon Ami (texture like baking soda, cheap, enviro friendly) for tough spots. Straight white vinegar is the best for shining up stainless steel without leaving streaks or residue!

If baking soda isn't enough, I've used salt as a mild abrasive before to help scrub off stubborn stains, and it's worked well. I second the baking soda/vinegar solution comments. That's worked well for me in the past.

Spray bottle with 1:1 ratio of white vinegar to water and a scrubbie sponge has always worked for me.

This mixture also works well for deodorizing cutting boards, cleaning granite counter tops and just about anything else. The vinegar smell dissipates in a few minutes and leaves the kitchen smelling like nothing as opposed to the chemical-lemon smell most cleansers have.

First up: You need to clean your stove really well to get a clean start!

Remove all the removeable metal bits, scrub with baking soda and a damp sponge to get hardened stains off, and run them through the dishwasher. Meanwhile, scrub your stove really, really clean with the baking soda sponge. For rust spots if you have any, scrub with a paste of plain toothpaste and baking soda, leave for 5 minutes, and it comes off like magic. Then wipe it all once over with 1:1 vinegar and water as others have suggested, it's SO great and streak free!!

That should give you a nice fresh start ;)

Then for regular maintainence, a quick wipe with 1:1 vinegar and water after every use should work fine. It's much easier to spend couple minutes cleaning up after every use.. and vinegar has been so much easier than regular cleaners because it doesn't streak.. SHINYY!!

mr. clean eraser's are my savior! They clean caked on grease on the stove and baked on months old food inside a microwave with little to zero effort! They come in so many varieties also including febreeze! So great, I buy them in bulk at costco!

ps. also great for scuffs on walls, and super easy bathtub cleaning! Wow i should get paid for this endorsement...

I make a paste of dish soap and baking soda. It works like a dream.

Baking soda and water is great, as others have said. So is Bon Ami, but I haven't seen that in the stores for a while.