Why
The majority of chemical cleaning products are toxic to humans and the environment. Their chemical run-off disrupts biodiversity by polluting the air, ocean, soil and the food chain.
How
There are a wide choice of environmentally friendly non-toxic cleaning products for the home (see list below).
If you have the time there are plenty of natural and inexpensive alternatives that you can make at home using a few simple ingredients. Here are some of them:
Disinfect surface germs with eucalyptus oil, tree-tree oil or white vinegar.
Use Castile soap to clean floors and sinks.
Use vinegar to get rid of mildew.
Use baking soda to remove stains on textiles.
Use baking soda for scrubbing stainless steel.
Use tea-tree oil to disinfect surfaces as it is has natural antiviral and anti-fungal properties.
Replace chlorine-based bleach with water-based bleach such as hydrogen peroxide or oxygen bleach.
Choose phosphate-free cleaning products.
Choose cleaning products that use natural fragrances.
Choose cleaning products that are free of dyes and hypochlorite.
Use liquid or solid cleaning products and avoid sprays.
Choose cleaning products that show full disclosure of all active and inactive ingredients.
Recommendations
Bio-D
Ecover
Ecovibe
NEAT
KINN
Norfolk
Sonett Eco Sponge
Boobalou Kitchen Brush
Ecoleaf
Method
Delphis
Faith In Nature
Dew
The Seep Company
Nimble
Spruce
Seventh Generation
LIGA Love Eco Living
Beldray
Homemade Disinfectant
2 cups water
1 tbsp liquid Castile soap
1 tsp tea tree oil
Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner
Mix equal parts vinegar and water
Pour into spray bottle and use on hard surfaces
Homemade Drain Cleaner
1/2 cup baking soda
1 cup vinegar
Pour down the drain, leave for 15 minutes, pour boiling water down the drain.
Homemade Glass Cleaner
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 cups warm water
1 tbsp cornstarch
Mix in spray bottle to clean windows
Homemade Air Freshener
Boil water with slices of citric fruit, spices, or essential oils
Homemade Multipurpose Scrub
Combine water and baking soda to make a paste.
Use a scrubber to clean stainless steel surfaces.
Learn more about toxic chemicals in consumer products on the website of the Environmental Working Group. This American organisation has useful guides on where to find the most common harmful chemicals in your everyday life: https://www.ewg.org/areas-focus/toxic-chemicals
Did you know?
Natural Cleaning Products:
Do not contribute to indoor air pollution, outdoor air pollution and water pollution.
Have low toxicity and low VOC (volatile organic compounds) content.
Are produced with less energy.
Are commonly packaged in biodegradable, recyclable or recycled packaging.
Are commonly available for refill.
Are typically cruelty-free.
Do not kill the natural and healthy bacteria found on our skin.
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