Many environmental issues can seem overwhelming and a bit distant so it is always heartening to find green solutions that are easy to implement close to home. Green house cleaning is one of those areas. In this blog, we’ll sum up a few of the benefits of using natural ingredients to clean our homes and provide our How to.... Guide for getting it done.

The Benefits of Green Cleaning

Before diving into specific methods and ingredients, let's take a moment to consider why green cleaning is worth adopting:

1. Healthier Indoor Air Quality: Many conventional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxic ingredients that can contribute to indoor air pollution. Natural cleaning methods and products, on the other hand are safe for people and animals.

2. Reduced Environmental Impact: Synthetic chemicals found in traditional cleaners can harm ecosystems when they are washed down the drain and enter waterways. By choosing natural alternatives, you can minimize your contribution to water pollution and help protect aquatic life.

3. Cost-Effective: Many natural cleaning ingredients, such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice, are inexpensive and readily available, making green cleaning an affordable choice.

How to use natural ingredients to clean your home.

Most of these natural, eco-friendly ingredients are available to buy in grocery stores and supermarkets. You probably have many of them in your kitchen already!

Photo by Precious Plastic Melbourne on Unsplash

1. Vinegar

• Use what you have at home or buy cheap white vinegar in the supermarket or grocery store.

• All-Purpose Cleaner: mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle to create an effective cleaner for countertops, appliances, floors, and windows.

• Deodorizer: Simply place a bowl of vinegar in areas prone to odours, such as the kitchen or bathroom, and let it work its magic.

• Disinfectant: Vinegar has antimicrobial properties that make it an excellent natural disinfectant for the kitchen and bathroom. Use a 50:50 mix of vinegar and water.

• Limescale Remover: Soak a cloth or paper towel in vinegar and wrap it around the affected area, leaving it to sit for a few hours or overnight before rinsing clean.

• Laundry Aid: Add a splash of vinegar to the rinse cycle when doing your laundry to help remove soap residue, soften fabrics, and eliminate odours.

• Precautions:

◦ Avoid using vinegar on natural stone surfaces such as marble or granite, as its acidity can cause etching.

◦ - Always dilute vinegar with water when using it as a cleaner, especially on delicate surfaces.

◦ - Test vinegar on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger scale to ensure compatibility with the surface.

2. Baking Soda

• Baking soda is great for cleaning surfaces, removing stains, freshening the fridge and enhancing your laundry.

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix baking soda with water to create a gentle yet effective cleaner for countertops, sinks, and appliances. It tackles grease and grime with ease!

• Carpet Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda liberally on carpets, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, then vacuum away odors and refresh your carpets effortlessly.

• Scrub Away Stains: Create a paste with baking soda and water to scrub away stubborn stains on surfaces like sinks, bathtubs, and tile grout. It's tough on grime but gentle on surfaces.

• Fridge Freshener: Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odors and keep it smelling fresh for longer.

• Laundry Booster: Add a cup of baking soda to your laundry to help soften clothes, remove odors, and brighten whites.

• Harness the natural cleaning power of baking soda for a sparkling clean home without the harsh chemicals! ? #BakingSodaCleaning #NaturalHome #CleanLiving

3. Lemon Juice

• With its natural acidity, lemon juice is effective at cutting through grease and removing stains.

• Natural Degreaser: Lemon juice's acidic nature makes it an excellent degreaser. Cut through grease and grime on stovetops, countertops, and kitchen appliances by simply applying lemon juice and wiping clean.

• Stain Remover: Whether it's on clothing, upholstery, or countertops, the natural bleaching properties of lemon juice can help lighten and remove stains. Simply apply lemon juice directly to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse or launder as usual.

• Disinfectant: Lemon juice's antimicrobial properties make it a potent disinfectant. Mix 1 part lemon juice with 1 part water in a spray bottle for an all-natural disinfectant spray for counter-tops and sinks.

• Freshener: Banish unpleasant odours from your home with the refreshing scent of lemon. Whether it's in the fridge, garbage disposal, or trash cans, lemon juice can help neutralize odors and leave your home smelling clean and fresh.

• Polisher: Restore the shine to metal surfaces and fixtures with lemon juice. Simply apply lemon juice to a dull brass, copper or stainless steel surface, buff with a soft cloth, and marvel at the results.

• Glass Cleaner: Achieve streak-free windows and mirrors with the help of lemon juice. Mix 1 part lemon juice with 1 part water in a spray bottle, spritz onto glass surfaces, and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth for a sparkling finish.

• Microwave Cleaner: Place a bowl of water mixed with lemon juice inside the microwave, heat for a few minutes until steamy, then simply wipe away grime with a cloth.

• Precautions: Lemon juice can be acidic and may cause damage to certain surfaces, especially natural stone like marble or granite. Always spot test in an inconspicuous area before using it on sensitive surfaces. Additionally, avoid using lemon juice on surfaces that are sensitive to acidity.

Photo by Cristina Anne Costello on Unsplash

4. Essential Oils

• These concentrated plant extracts not only add a pleasant scent to your cleaning products but also offer antimicrobial properties. Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and eucalyptus oil are popular choices for natural cleaning due to their disinfectant properties.

• Add a few drops to your home-made cleaning solutions (10-20 drops per 500ml). Adjust according to your preference.

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash

• 5. Castile Soap

• Made from vegetable oils, such as olive oil or coconut oil, castile soap is a gentle yet effective cleanser.

• Use for for washing dishes, laundry, and even as a body wash.

• Available from Holland and Barrett and from online outlets such as The Kind Store https://www.thekindstoreonline.co.uk/collections/castile-soap

Green Cleaning Products

If you prefer the convenience of pre-made cleaning products, there are many eco-friendly options available on the market.

1. Biodegradable All-Purpose Cleaners: These cleaners are formulated with plant-based ingredients and are safe to use on a variety of surfaces.

2. Natural Laundry Detergents: Opt for detergents that are free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, and optical brighteners, which can be harmful to both your health and the environment.

3. Non-Toxic Washing-up Liquids: Look for washing-up liquids that are free from phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances, which can contribute to water pollution and aquatic toxicity.

4. Bamboo Cleaning Tools: Swap out plastic cleaning brushes and sponges for eco-friendly alternatives made from bamboo or other sustainable materials.

5. Refill: Choose refill services if you can, to reduce plastic waste.

Ethical Consumer is a great source of detailed info and advice on the best brands to buy and which companies to avoid.

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/home-garden/shopping-guide/ethical-household-cleaning-products

Here are their highest rated brands:

Best Brands

GreenScents

Fill refill

Ecoleaf

SESI

Bio-D

Miniml

Making the switch to natural cleaning methods and products is not only beneficial for your health and the environment but also contributes to a more sustainable lifestyle overall. Whether you opt for homemade cleaning solutions or eco-friendly products, every small change adds up to make a positive difference. So, let's clean green and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.