8 Things To Add To DIY Countertop Sprays For A Fresh-Smelling Kitchen

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Preparing food in the kitchen often produces smells that aren't always pleasant. After you're done with your meal or snack, the cleanup can be a challenge and can become even more difficult when you can't seem to get rid of leftover odors. DIY cleaning sprays for wiping down surfaces can be great at tackling spills and splatters. However, you'll also want to have a strong scent or odor neutralizer in your cleaner to cover or eliminate any lingering bad smells on your countertops. There are many things you can add to your DIY countertop spray, such as lemon juice, lavender oil, herbal teas, or vanilla extract, to help achieve a clean and fresh-smelling kitchen.

You probably already know the must-have cleaning items for every kitchen, so you can easily put together a spray for cleaning. If you don't have a countertop spray, make one with a few simple steps. Get yourself an empty glass spray bottle, like these Vitreaux amber glass spray bottles. Add in warm water and one or more of the following additives that help remove strong odors and make cleaning a breeze. Here are a few things you can add to your countertop cleaner for a good wipe down and the best-smelling kitchen.

Essential oils are great because many of them contain antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Lavender is the perfect addition to your countertop cleaning spray since it can help to disinfect surfaces and will leave your kitchen with a nice floral scent. Lavender is also frequently lauded for its relaxing properties, so using it as a fragrance might even help you unwind. Just add a few drops of it to your spray bottle and you're good to go.

Lemons and other citrus fruits help to eliminate strong odors, leaving behind a nice fruity smell. They are a more natural alternative to harsh chemicals if you're eco-conscious. Adding a few teaspoons (or more if you a want stronger scent) of lemon juice to your cleaner works to break down and cut through stubborn grime on your countertops. The juice also helps to kill germs.

Dish soap is great for cleaning stubborn stains, sticky messes, and annoying spills that have been left on your countertops. The soap also leaves behind a pleasant smell, so look for a product with a fragrance you enjoy. For example, you could get this Ajax Ultra liquid dish soap orange scent to leave your counters with a clean orange scent. Add just 1 tablespoon of soap per cup of water in your spray bottle to make a simple cleaner.

The scent of mint is strong and refreshing. Both mint essential oil and mint leaves contain antibacterial properties to help protect your home from germs. You can add a few drops of mint oil into your countertop cleaner for a natural and awesome-smelling spray. This mix not only cleans and leaves a nice fresh scent, but it might also help to repel pests. For a bonus use, freshen up your smelly carpets by adding a few drops to baking soda to make a powder and sprinkle on before vacuuming. 

While it might not have the best smell right out of the bottle, vinegar is known for being a versatile cleaning tool. The high acidity content in it is perfect for breaking down and neutralizing odors, too. This makes it a great addition to your DIY cleaner. By mixing equal parts water and vinegar together, you can create a spray that will deodorize your countertops. Be careful, though, not to use it on porous stone counters like granite or marble as the acidity can cause damage.

Vanilla has a pleasant and comforting scent and it helps to keep bacteria away, so it's a great addition to your DIY cleaner. Pure vanilla extract is often a pantry staple, which you can use. Add in 10 drops of vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean to 1 cup of water and 2 cups of white vinegar for your spray bottle. Spray and wipe your countertops clean, leaving behind that lovely warm scent.

Tea bags are also a great way to leave behind a woodsy fresh scent, and you have many different aromas to choose from. Cleaning with tea helps to deodorize, remove grease, and add a nice shine to your countertops. Their antibacterial properties ensure that they are a good option for your countertop cleaner. Consider steeping some peppermint, chamomile, or green tea bags into your DIY cleaner. 

Last but not least, another essential oil you might consider for your cleaner is lemongrass. This oil has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it an excellent choice for the kitchen where there can be many damp areas so you don't have to worry about mold. The scent is similar to lemon and long-lasting to get rid of cooking smells for a great-smelling kitchen. Mix 2 cups of water, 1 cup of vinegar, and 20 or 25 drops of lemongrass oil for an effective countertop cleaner.