Sustainable Spring Cleaning

January is often the season for a bit of a refresh after the Christmas period of eating and entertaining. This might mean some clearing and sorting out and a good deep clean of the house. So if this is what you’re getting stuck into over the next few weeks then we have some tips to make the Spring clean a bit more sustainable. 

Many of the most common cleaning products in our shops and supermarkets rely heavily on harsh chemicals which are terrible for our health and for the environment. These chemicals may be derived from raw materials which require huge amounts of energy to extract. Additionally, these chemicals can contaminate our surfaces and food meaning we ingest them in our homes or absorb them through our skin or inhalation.

When we use products containing harsh chemicals these are often then washed down sinks or not disposed of safely and therefore end up in the natural environment. These chemicals can be incredibly damaging to plants, waterways, and marine life, as well as being absorbed into soil and air. The biodegradation process of many of these chemicals takes a very long time - if at all - meaning they stick around. 

Despite all of this, many cleaning companies use these chemicals freely and it can be very difficult to avoid them. In this blog post we are looking at some ways to make your cleaning and laundry routines less reliant on nasty chemicals, which might save you some money as well.

Use Natural Ingredients

There are many naturally-derived products you can use instead of harsh chemicals. Baking powder is a fantastic and versatile one. You can mix it into a paste for general surface cleaning, oven and microwave cleaning, bathroom surfaces and your shower curtain, as well as being useful for spot cleaning your clothes, and absorbing odours. 

Vinegar is a brilliant natural product which contains a strong acid, perfect for stubborn dirt. Use distilled white vinegar for bathroom cleaning or for clothing and carpet stains. You can also mix it with castile soap for tough grouting and tiling dirt. (As an aside, we don't recommend washing your underwear or other clothing with vinegar though, as the acid destroys elastic and rubber and they will slowly disintegrate). 

Lemon is another great acid cleaner which kills nearly all bacteria. You can squeeze it to be used directly onto surfaces, particularly as a safe bleach alternative for stains. Or mix with the above products for combined cleaning power. Lemon has the added benefit of making your house smell beautifully fresh!

Refillable and Plastic Free

Consider switching to refillable options for your cleaning and laundry products. While they might take a little more time than grabbing a new bottle, this approach could greatly reduce your plastic waste. You might have a local refill store you can go to or there are an increasing number of online providers who you can order from. This often works out as a cheaper option too, as you don’t have to buy new containers, and it’s easier to buy in bulk.

There are many options for plastic free cleaning these days as well. You don’t need to rely on plastic brushes and sponges to get the job done. Choose options like plant based loofahs and sponges or wooden scrubbing brushes.

Laundry

Our laundry cycles can be one of the most water and energy intensive processes in the house but there are many ways to reduce this. Try washing on cooler washes more regularly and you might be surprised at how well this works. This will also help your clothes to last longer as it is less intensive on the fibres. You may find you don't need to wash your clothes as regularly as you think - try hanging them outside for a quick refresh or spot clean with baking powder for smaller stains. 

Keeping your washing machine clean is also vital for ensuring its longevity and efficiency. You can clean it using some of the ingredients listed above, running a cycle with half a lemon and a dollop of toothpaste on top is an effective one for a sparkling finish! 

The microfibres released by the heat and vigorous movement of the washing machine can be very damaging for the water system and very difficult to take out. Consider installing a washing machine attachment microfibre filter to help combat this. 

Our Favourite Sustainable Cleaning Brands

Spruce

Fellow B Corp Spruce make cruelty free and vegan cleaning products which are free from any toxic chemicals. Their products are entirely plastic free and refillable.

LoofCo

LoofCo’s products aim to make your cleaning routine plastic-free by providing loofah and coconut based alternatives without plastic packaging.

Planet Care

If you’re considering installing a microfibre filter onto your washing machine, then Planet Care has everything you need to get started.

Strip Wash 

We love Strip Wash’s water and plastic free laundry and floor cleaner strips for low environmental impact cleaning. They make your clothes smell amazing too!

Eco Living

Eco Living has a huge range of plastic free products for all around your home. From plastic free rubber gloves, to compostable cleaning cloths and natural cleaning ingredients, you can be sure you’re not bringing toxic chemicals into your home. 

Herberowe

If you’re looking for natural alternatives to chemical air fresheners and room scents then Herberowe has the answer. Their hanging wax tablets add a beautiful natural scent to your room or wardrobe using essential oils and vegan wax.

 

Learn more here:

For more sustainable tips, read Oxwash's laundry guide

Find ways to reduce plastic with our swaps

Read about water scarcity with Just A Drop