In the last century, we’ve become accustomed to associating domestic cleanliness with perfumed products and bleached surfaces. While strong chemicals can be effective at killing germs, they also have an effect on us and the planet.
Many of us are now looking for alternatives to reduce our impact on the environment and also prevent toxins from entering our homes and bodies.
If you’re looking for ways to make your domestic cleaning more eco-friendly, discover these green house cleaning tips.
- Air Freshener vs Fresh Air
A fresh-smelling home is a simple pleasure and an indication of domestic cleanliness. The air freshener market is worth $1.62 billion in the US alone. But have you ever thought about what you’re actually spaying in your home?
Air fresheners are often marketed as compounds that can remove impurities from the air. However, there’s a lack of evidence for this being possible. Instead, many home deodorizers and air fresheners would be better labeled as perfumes.
Far from having any cleansing properties, air sprays, plug-ins, and gels are strong chemical fragrances that just mask any natural home odors you may be experiencing.
These chemicals can have toxic qualities and sit on the surfaces of your home. They’re also inhaled by your family – including your babies, children, and pets.
If you’re concerned about exposing your family to chemicals in the name of freshness, consider the green alternatives.
Depending on where you live, there’s no real alternative for fresh air. If you can open a window and allow some natural air circulation, this will immediately freshen up a stuffy space. As well as dispersing any lingering odors, fresh air is vital for our physical and mental health.
If you’re fond of fragrance, why not invest in an essential oil diffuser? This is a great way to bring some natural scents into the home, and the aromas have many health benefits. Citrus and mint blends are perfect for creating a fresh, uplifting home environment.
- Natural Ingredients for Green House Cleaning
When it comes to green cleaning, with only 3 natural ingredients you can make some powerful home cleaning products. Discover your new cleaning cupboard heroes:
Baking Soda
This curious cupboard ingredient is the key to your eco-friendly domestic cleaning. Baking soda, AKA sodium bicarbonate, is actually a blend of natural salts.
Thanks to this alkaline’s effervescent properties, it’s a versatile natural home cleaning ingredient. You can combine baking soda with white vinegar to make a simple green carpet cleaner. The ratios and process will vary depending on the type of stain.
Baking soda is also great for lifting stains and grime from ovens. Mix with a little water and allow to sit for 20 minutes before removing with a clean sponge.
You can even use baking soda to clean your toilet! Mix with a few drops of your favorite essential oil and sprinkle around the bowl. Leave for 30 minutes before scrubbing clean.
White Vinegar
The best friend of baking soda – white vinegar is another must-have natural cleaning product. White vinegar is the most acidic of household vinegars, meaning it may not be good for a salad dressing, but is excellent for stain removal.
The antibacterial properties of this natural wonder make it ideal for a simple green cleaner which can be used on surfaces in the home. If you find the smell a little strong, you can dilute it with water, or allow your trusty essential oil diffuser to create a fresh aroma afterward.
White vinegar is also great as a window and glass cleaner. Just spray and wipe with a microfibre cloth for a smear-free finish.
Lemon Juice
Our final natural wonder is this smart citrus. Lemon juice is both an antiseptic and antibacterial, making it a fantastic all-found surface cleaner.
Thanks to its natural fresh smell, lemon juice is perfect for kitchen appliances, from your microwave to your cutting board. It can even restore the shine to your faucets and garbage disposal!
- Buy Eco-Friendly Products
If the idea of making or mixing your own cleaning products seems too much like hard work, don’t worry. Many cleaning product ranges and supermarkets have launched eco-friendly cleaning ranges or natural cleaning products in recent years.
This is a great step towards sustainability and makes it even easier for people to make small changes. Be aware that many of these products do still contain synthetic chemicals. Eco-friendly doesn’t always mean natural.
- Consider How You Dispose of Chemicals
If you’re gradually making the switch from traditional cleaning products to eco-friendly alternatives, consider how you’re disposing of the chemicals still sitting in your cupboard.
Most cleaning products are designed to be water-soluble, so can be disposed of down the drain. However, for strong oven cleaners and drain unblockers, check with the manufacturers first.
Remember to recycle your cleaning product packaging too – every little helps when it comes to eco-cleaning!
- Leave It to the Professionals
If you want to ensure that your home is properly cleaned and don’t have the time or energy to do it yourself – leave it to the professionals.
Green house cleaning services are increasingly common, and they have all of the kit and tricks needed to make your house green and clean. Look here for more information on what to expect from professional eco-friendly cleaning services.
Green Home, Clean Conscience
Whether you prefer the DIY techniques or a professional touch, we’ve got you covered. With these 5 ways to be an eco-friendly cleaner, your house will be clean and green in no time!
Green house cleaning really is a breeze, and will clean your conscience as well as your home.
For more inspiring tips and tricks, check out our other blog posts.