You don’t need loads of products. A few well-chosen essentials can cover almost everything.
1. Daily Wipe-Down (Surfaces, High Chairs, Tables)
Use a plant-based multi-surface cleaner with a gentle essential oil scent (or fragrance free if you prefer).
What to look for:
- No synthetic fragrance
- No harsh antibacterial chemicals
- Safe for food prep areas
2. Washing Up (Dishes, Bottles, Pans)
Swap to a gentle washing up liquid that’s:
- Free from SLS/SLES
- Kind to hands
- Still cuts through grease properly
Low-tox doesn’t mean less effective—it just means smarter ingredients.
3. Weekly Deeper Clean (Grease, Limescale, Build-Up)
This is where a couple of simple ingredients go a long way:
For grease (hobs, extractor fans, cupboards):
- Use your multi-surface cleaner with a slightly longer dwell time
- Add a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda for stubborn areas
For limescale (kettles, taps, sinks):
- Use a citric acid solution or white vinegar
You don’t need a different product for every job—just different ways of using the same few.
4. Dishwasher Care
To keep things running smoothly:
- Use a low-tox dishwasher powder
- Top up with rinse aid (helps prevent residue and cloudiness)
Once a month:
- Run an empty hot cycle with citric acid to remove limescale
5. Floors & Finishing Touches
For kitchen floors:
- Use a diluted plant-based floor cleaner
- No need for heavy fragrances—clean should just smell… clean
The Only Products You Really Need
A simple low-tox kitchen setup can be as minimal as:
- Multi-surface cleaner
- Washing up liquid
- Dishwasher powder + rinse aid
- Citric acid (for limescale)
- Bicarbonate of soda (for stubborn cleaning)
That’s it.
No overwhelm. No clutter. No 20 different sprays.
Ready-Made vs DIY (What Actually Works?)
There’s a lot of pressure to DIY everything—but realistically:
- DIY is great for things like descaling or quick fixes
- Ready-made products are more consistent and convenient for daily use
A mix of both tends to work best—especially in busy homes.
A Gentle Approach That Sticks
The goal isn’t perfection.
It’s creating a routine that:
- Feels manageable
- Works in real life
- Supports a healthier home environment
Because the best routine is the one you’ll actually stick to.
Where to Start (Without Overthinking It)
If you’re just starting:
👉 Swap your surface cleaner first
👉 Then your washing up liquid
👉 Add in citric acid for limescale
Small changes, done consistently, make the biggest difference.
Want Help Getting Started?
If you’d like everything in one place, you can explore simple starter options here:
Or download our free green cleaning guide to explore the low-tox journey