:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/SPR-ways-to-use-coconut-oil-to-clean-kitchen-11848999-hero-cca5e007447e4ec59192c6741191e733.jpg?ssl=1 "We Asked a Cleaning Pro How to Use Coconut Oil to Clean the Kitchen, and It’s So Easy")
Key Points
- Coconut oil lifts grime, removes residue, and polishes surfaces.
- It works well on wood, sinks, stainless steel, stoves, and countertops.
- It is affordable, long-lasting, and pairs well with other DIY cleaners.
Coconut oil can be an incredible cleaning tool, specifically when it comes to common areas of concern in your kitchen. We asked a cleaning expert why coconut oil makes for such a great kitchen cleaner, how to best use coconut oil on the sink, stove, and elsewhere, and much more.
You won’t believe you haven’t tried this affordable, quick, and organic technique sooner.
Meet the Expert
Marla Mock is the president of Molly Maid.
Why Coconut Oil Is a Good Kitchen Cleaner
Cleaning expert Marla Mock explains that coconut oil makes for such a great kitchen cleaner because of its natural greasing and polishing capabilities.
“It lifts grime, breaks down sticky residue, and shines up a lot of surfaces in the kitchen without resorting to chemicals,” she says.
Plus, coconut oil is affordable, comes in a large jar, and, depending on whether it’s refined or not, has a shelf life that lasts between 18 months and five years. This mean it’s easy to keep on hand in your home at all times so that you’re always prepared when messes occur.
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How to Clean a Kitchen With Coconut Oil
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There are many different ways that you can use coconut oil as a kitchen cleaner to refresh various frequently-used components of your space. Here, Mock breaks down a few additional common approaches for how you can use coconut oil to make your cooking space shine.
For Wooden Utensils
Coconut oil is an excellent way to clean commonly used prep items such as wooden utensils or cutting boards, Mock says. Just apply some to the surface of whatever item you’re cleaning and rub it in. Once it’s soaked in, wipe it away.
On the Sink
If your sink could use a good shine, don’t worry—coconut oil can easily save the day.
Mock recommends scooping a small amount of coconut oil onto a soft cloth. Then, use that to buff the sink—the process of doing so will help to remove water spots and make the sink more shiny.
If you’re dealing with stainless steel, you can follow the same approach to remove streaks and fingerprints, she adds.
On the Stove
If your stove is looking a bit lackluster due to stains from cooking, coconut oil can help there, too. Mock suggests using it to help with greasy buildup and splatters alike.
Grab a damp cloth and apply coconut oil to it before cleaning whatever part of your stove needs a refresh. Then, wipe the area clean with a warm, soapy cloth.
For Stuck-On Stains
If you’re dealing with especially stubborn residue, you can still turn to coconut oil to get the job done.
“Spread a thin layer of coconut oil on sticky residuals—old labels, greasy stains, food residue on countertops,” Mock says.
After a few minutes of letting the oil sit, wipe the area clean.
3 Other DIY Kitchen Cleaners
In addition to often reaching for coconut oil, Mock has a few other go-to DIY kitchen cleaners that she recommends turning to as needed. These are also simple to create using basic household staples and are effective in a range of areas within the kitchen.
- Baking soda and water: Mock will use this to lightly scrub sinks, countertops, and stovetops.
- Vinegar and water: Mock uses this to clean appliances, glass, and hard surfaces.
- Lemon and salt: Mock praises this mixture’s ability to deodorize as well as remove stains. She will generally use it on cutting boards or countertops.