Scraps to Shine: Making Your Own Kitchen Cleaners
Because the only thing better than a clean kitchen is knowing you didn’t harm the planet to get it that way.
We love a good kitchen glow-up—but we don’t love chemical-heavy sprays, plastic bottles, and overpriced “eco” labels that overpromise and underdeliver.
At Happy Scraps, we believe in keeping things simple, effective, and sustainable. And the best part? Some of the most powerful cleaning tools are already in your kitchen scraps.
Here’s how to turn your citrus peels, vinegar, and bicarb soda into safe, all-natural cleaning solutions that leave your bench (and your conscience) sparkling:
Citrus-Infused All-Purpose Spray
Perfect for benches, sinks, stovetops, even bathroom tiles!
What you’ll need:
A jar or bottle
White vinegar
Citrus peels (lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, whatever you’ve got)
How to make it:
Pop your citrus peels in a jar.
Cover completely with vinegar.
Let it sit for 1–2 weeks in a cool, dark spot.
Strain and pour into a spray bottle (dilute 1:1 with water if you like).
Spray and wipe—it smells amazing and cuts through grease like a dream.
Bicarb Scrub Paste
Great for sinks, stovetops, and stained mugs or containers.
What you’ll need:
1/2 cup bicarb soda
A splash of water
A few drops of essential oil (optional – tea tree or eucalyptus are fab)
How to use it:
Mix into a paste, apply with a cloth or sponge, scrub, and rinse.
It’s gentle but mighty, and totally food-safe.
🫙 Natural Drain Cleaner (AKA: No More Funky Sink Smells)
Freshens your drain without chemicals.
What you’ll need:
1/2 cup bicarb soda
1/2 cup vinegar
Boiling water
What to do:
Pour bicarb down the drain.
Follow with vinegar (enjoy the fizz!).
Let sit for 10–15 minutes, then flush with boiling water.
Repeat every couple of weeks to keep things flowing fresh.Glass + Window Shine Spray
Smear-free and simple.
What you’ll need:
1/2 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
A few drops lemon juice (optional)
Spray bottle + cloth
Shake, spray, and wipe. Use newspaper for extra sparkle if you're feeling old-school.
Bonus Scrappy Tips:
Use old t-shirts or cut-up towels as reusable cleaning cloths.
Keep citrus peels in the freezer until you’re ready to make a batch.
Store your DIY cleaners in glass jars or reused spray bottles—label them so they feel fancy.
Got herbs going soft? Add rosemary, thyme, or mint to your vinegar mix for an extra fresh twist.
Your kitchen should feel like a place of nourishment, not just from what you cook, but how you care for it.
These little rituals of reuse are powerful—they turn “waste” into wonder and make cleaning feel a little more meaningful.
Scraps to shine, always.
