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You might look at the grimy, brown ring around your bathtub, or the seemingly invincible orange stain on your lunchbox and think, ‘Only the toughest, biggest bottle of chemicals is going to be able to sort this out’, but no – sustainable cleaning methods can sort those just as easily!
From learning how to clean without chemicals (the harsher ones) to using less energy for washing, here are seven eco-friendly cleaning tips to tackle those messes that seem to happen so naturally. Remember though, always read cleaning instructions carefully and always test out your methods on a small, discrete area of the surface you’re cleaning before creating what could become an even bigger mess if it reacts badly!
1. The role of lemons in sustainable home cleaning
If life gives you lemons, you could make lemonade, or you could use them to learn how to clean without the chemicals that are super tough on surfaces. Lemons are considered an eco-friendly way to clean your home as they’re said to have antibacterial properties, which make them great for cleaning surfaces.
Lemon’s acidity can contribute to sustainable home cleaning, as it cuts through grease and grime. Cut a lemon in half and scrub away at greasy hobs, bathtub gunk and water deposits using a strong piece of kitchen paper.
2. Using baking soda for eco-friendly cleaning
Adding baking soda to your eco-friendly cleaning list is also considered a great way to start cleaning without chemicals that could do some damage. Its mildly abrasive properties can help with scrubbing pots and pans, cleaning your oven, and turning your toilet basin white again (remember?!).
3. Help tackle mould with vinegar
Vinegar is said to have antimicrobial properties, making it a key eco-friendly cleaning player. There are plenty of high-powered chemical mould killers, but a squirt or two of white vinegar can do the trick too. Combine it into a paste with baking soda and grin ear-to-ear at how effective it is at sorting out those mouldy spots in the bathroom.
4. Electricity-free eco-friendly cleaning tools
Vacuum cleaners, power sweepers and electric brushes may be good at general cleaning, but there are better sustainable cleaning options out there. Instead of always reaching for your electrical appliances, save power (and save your housemate from turning the TV volume up) by using a broom and dustpan to sweep away bits of dust.
5. Switch from plastic sponges to paper towels for sustainable cleaning
Ever grab a new sponge and fly into cleaning the greasiest bits of the oven or the sticky stuff lurking at the bottom of your bin, take one swipe with it, and realise it’s been ruined immediately? Don’t waste that plastic – grab a piece of strong and absorbent kitchen paper to tackle really dirty, greasy jobs. It’ll soak up the grease and can be thrown straight away with less guilt.
Tip
Plenty kitchen paper is the perfect companion for eco-friendly cleaning. In addition to being absorbent and strong enough to cope with dirty jobs, it comes from sustainable FSC-certified sources too.
6. Making homemade air fresheners
You’ve spent all that time learning about eco-friendly house cleaning, so you’ll want to keep that fresh smell for as long as you can. Just like cleaning without strong chemicals, you can make your own natural home fragrance with a selection of herbs like lavender and rosemary – just tie them in a little mesh or muslin bag and you’re good to go!
