Ready to ditch the harsh chemicals? Time to try eco friendly cleaning products
Forget the scary stuff you usually find under the kitchen sink. Eco friendly cleaning products are awesome, and there are loads to choose from!
Why you should make the switch
- Better for the planet: Reduces your carbon footprint (that means less ‘damage’ to the environment). Less harsh chemicals going down the plughole means cleaner waterways too!
- Better for you: No nasty chemicals lurking around where you live and breathe. Great if you have little ones or pets who like to explore.
- Sometimes better for your wallet: Eco products can last longer and you can often refill bottles. Some brands also offer concentrated versions which save on space and packaging.
- They just WORK: Don’t think eco-cleaners aren’t tough enough! From sparkling dishes to gleaming floors, they’ll shift the same muck as traditional brands.
The Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
In terms of the best eco friendly cleaning products, various brands stand out for their commitment to sustainability and quality. Clothes Doctor, Method, Oceansaver, Ecover, Spruce, and Bio-D are among the top choices known for their effective natural cleaning solutions. Here are some recommendations:
Clothes Doctor
- No. 3 Cashmere and Wool Wash: Pamper your precious knits! This luxurious, eco-friendly wash extends the life of your knitwear, and leaves sweaters soft, fresh, and moth-free thanks to its subtle cedarwood and orange scent. It’s also packaged in 100% aluminium with a compostable label, making it infinitely recyclable
- No. 4 Eco Wash for Silk and Delicates: Lightly scented with bergamot and sandalwood, this detergent is perfect to cleanse your delicate garments, while still being suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Method
- Pink Grapefruit All-Purpose Cleaner: Leaves surfaces sparkling. Zesty scent brightens any room.
- Washing-Up Liquid – Green Tea & Citrus: Made with powerful plant-based cleaners & biodegradable ingredients it leaves your dishes dazzling and your pots spotless.
OceanSaver
- Kitchen Cleaning Ecodrop
- Anti-Bacterial All Surface Cleaning Ecodrop: Cleans like Dettol but saves our Oceans. Use on ALL surfaces, kills 99.9% of bacteria.
Ecover
- All Purpose Cleaner: Powerfully cuts through grease and grime. Good housekeeping institute approved 2001.
- Zero Delicate Laundry Liquid for Sensitive Skin: Powerful cleaning for sensitive skin. Ecover’s fragrance-free, non-bio laundry liquid cleans effectively while being gentle, making it perfect for families with allergies.
Spruce
- Multipurpose Cleaning Refill: Developed by scientists with toxic-free ingredients, this cleaner tackles everyday grease and grime effortlessly, with no cost to the planet or your health. Top-up your reusable bottles with these multipurpose refills.
- Starter Kit Duo – Refillable Multipurpose and Bathroom Cleaning Kits: A great way to try Spruce – includes reusable bottles and refills
Bio-D
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Non Bio Laundry Liquid: Add a little calm to your wash cycle with this laundry liquid perfumed with lavender essential oil. Can be used at low temperatures and with delicate fabrics.
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Multi Surface Sanitiser: Does what it says on the tin, sorry bottle. t neutralises 99.9% of harmful bacteria including E.coli, Salmonella and MRSA, while still being gentle on skin. It is also effective against Corona virus
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: Your Questions Answered
What makes cleaning products eco friendly?
Eco-friendly cleaning products prioritise natural, sustainable ingredients. They avoid harsh chemicals that can harm both you and the environment.
How do eco friendly products help the environment?
- Biodegradable: They break down safely, minimising pollution and lasting effects.
- Renewable Ingredients: These reduce reliance on non-renewable resources.
Are eco friendly cleaning products actually effective?
Yes! Eco-friendly products offer comparable cleaning power to traditional ones. Some may take a bit more effort, but they get the job done without harsh chemicals.
Can going green save me money?
Definitely! While some eco-friendly cleaners cost slightly more, here’s how you save:
- They last longer: Efficient formulas mean less product used over time.
- DIY options: Basic household ingredients make effective cleaners, saving even more.
Are there downsides to eco friendly cleaning products?
Sometimes, very stubborn stains might require stronger traditional cleaners. Also, finding the perfect eco-friendly brand for your needs might take a bit of trial and error.
Smart shopping tips for eco friendly cleaning:
- Check the label: Look for terms like “natural”, “plant-based”, “biodegradable”, and avoid harsh chemicals.
- Reputable brands: Research companies and read reviews to ensure effectiveness and environmental commitment.
Ditch the Chemicals: DIY Your Way to a Clean and Eco-Conscious Home
Tired of harsh chemical cleaners and their lingering smell? Not only are they potentially harmful to your health, but they also contribute to environmental pollution. The good news is that you can whip up incredibly effective cleaning solutions with simple ingredients likely already in your pantry.
DIY Eco Cleaning Products – Essential Ingredients
- Distilled White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant with grease-cutting powers. Dilute it with water for a multipurpose cleaner.
- Baking Soda: This gentle abrasive tackles grime and absorbs odors. Great for scrubbing surfaces or sprinkled in the fridge.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity combats grease and stains while leaving a fresh citrus scent.
- Essential Oils (Optional): Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil like tea tree, lavender, or peppermint for a pleasant, natural fragrance.
Simple & Effective Recipes
Remember: When making your own cleaning mixtures, use spray bottles or containers that you won’t confuse with food containers. Label them right away.
- All-Purpose Cleaner: For mild cleaning, mix 1/2 cup vinegar, 1/4 cup baking soda, and 4 to 8 cups hot water in a spray bottle. Add a few drops of essential oil to any mixture to give it a fresh scent.
- Glass Cleaner: Mix 1/2 cup white vinegar and 1 gallon of water for a mild cleaner. Or to make a “non streak” window cleaner, add ¼ cup white vinegar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to 4 cups warm water. Shake to dissolve the cornstarch before spraying. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth, then do a final wipe with a dry cloth to avoid streaks.
- Kitchen Cleaner: Combine 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup soda, and 2 drops tea tree oil. Spray it onto surfaces and wipe clean. This mixture works to disinfect only if it’s made fresh. Even 24 hours later, it doesn’t kill as many germs.
The Benefits of DIY Eco Cleaning Products
- Cost-effective: Save money by using common household items.
- Control Over Ingredients: Avoid harsh chemicals and tailor your cleaners to your preferences.
- Reduce environmental impact: Minimise waste and prevent harmful chemicals from entering waterways.
Sources for Further Inspiration
- WebMD – Guide to Natural Cleaning
- Healthline – 18 Easy and Green DIY Recipes to Clean All the Things
- University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service – Clean and Green Homemade Cleaners
Get creative and experiment! DIY cleaning offers a safe, sustainable, and budget-friendly way to keep your home sparkling.