Let me start by saying—I don’t mind cleaning. I actually find tidying up pretty soothing, especially on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Vacuuming, wiping down the counters, cleaning the stove and bathroom… it feels like an extension of a workout. There’s something really satisfying about seeing a clean space and breathing in that fresh, just-cleaned smell. But here’s the part I dread: deep cleaning. Especially figuring out how to do it without toxic chemicals, I need a non-toxic deep cleaning. That’s a whole different game.
Our Weekly Routine
Like clockwork, we do a standard weekly clean:
- Wash the sheets
- Take out recycling
- Vacuum and mop (with a Swiffer)
- Clean the stove and counters
But here’s the list of things I tend to procrastinate on:
- The inside of the oven
- The sideboards
- The shower and bathtub
- The fridge and freezer
And every time I clean the oven—usually every 6 months or so—I get frustrated with myself for waiting so long. It’s always the same: the oven glass is stained, the sides are greasy, and something always starts burning, triggering the fire alarm.
Our First (Toxic) Attempt
I initially turned to the internet for non-toxic oven-cleaning solutions. I tried all the natural hacks—baking soda, lemon juice, vinegar—you name it. But our oven was too far gone. Desperate, I gave in and used Easy Off, the classic but very harsh oven cleaner.
To be fair, it worked amazingly well.
But the fumes were intense. My pregnant wife had to leave the apartment, I wore a mask, and I kept all the windows open. Even then, I didn’t feel good about using it. What if chemical residue lingered in the oven? What would that mean for our food, or our health?
So, we went back to researching.
The Game-Changer: Dupray Steam Cleaner
After scouring reviews, Reddit threads, and watching way too many YouTube demos, we found what felt like the perfect non-toxic deep cleaning solution: the Dupray Steam Cleaner.

The idea was simple:
- Just use filtered water (our Reverse Osmosis water filter by Simpure really helps here)
- Let high heat and pressure do the work
- No chemicals or cleaning sprays needed
We ordered it. And wow—it delivered.
What We Cleaned With It
- Furniture: Dust, grime, and mystery spots gone in seconds.
- Sideboards: Always overlooked, but the steam cleaner made them sparkle.
- Shower tiles: We had stubborn soap scum that nothing worked on… until this. You could literally see the scum sliding off with the steam.
- The Oven: The big test. Even though I had done a deep clean with Easy Off a few months before, new grease had already started building up. The steam cleaner tackled it effortlessly. No scrubbing, no fumes, no stress.
Pro tip: Try not to let things get too bad. It makes the steam cleaner’s job even easier.
Why We Recommend It
Switching to the Dupray Steam Cleaner has been one of the most effective steps we’ve taken in detoxifying our home. Here’s why we love it:
- Non-toxic: No sprays, no smells, no chemicals. Just water.
- Powerful: It lifts grime and grease that even strong cleaners couldn’t touch.
- Safe for families: Ideal for new parents (like us!) who are cautious about what’s in the air or on surfaces.
- Versatile: From baseboards to ovens, it cleans just about everything.
Final Thoughts
We’ve tried all the “natural” DIY cleaning hacks, and while they work in light cleaning situations, they weren’t enough for deep cleaning in our apartment. The Dupray steam cleaner has been a total game-changer—effective, safe, and empowering.
If you’re on a journey to detox your home like we are, we highly recommend adding a steam cleaner to your toolkit. You’ll breathe easier—literally and figuratively.