More and more, individuals are prioritising sustainable living and seeking to minimise the impact their daily activities have on the environment. It's always possible to go greener in many areas of our lives, and one of these is cleaning. Eco-friendly cleaning is not only possible, but it is also easy, effective, and better for the planet and your health. Let's dive into some sustainable cleaning tips that will help you maintain a greener, cleaner home.
9 Ways to Embrace Eco-Friendly Cleaning
1. Whip up Some Homemade Cleaning Products
One of the quickest ways to start adopting eco-friendly cleaning is by making your own cleaning products using simple household ingredients that act as natural cleaning agents. Most of them are probably already in your pantry. Unlike commercial chemical cleaning products, these are environmentally friendly and safe, yet are also effective. Some recipes for cleaning products you can make at home:
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar or equal parts water and baking soda. Add a few drops of essential oil like lavender to create a pleasant scent. No ammonia, no problem!
Glass Cleaner: Combine equal parts water and distilled white vinegar. For an extra boost of glass-cleaning power, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to the mixture.
Scouring Powder: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. That's it. This paste works wonders on sinks, tubs, ovens, and more.
All-Rounder: Combine white vinegar and baking soda for all kinds of cleaning uses. There's little these two ingredients can't do when they're together, from cutting through oven grease and unclogging drains to cleaning silverware, removing grout, lifting stains, getting rid of mold...the list goes on.
Not only are these homemade cleaners gentle on the environment, but they're also super affordable. (Hint: When in doubt, use baking soda or vinegar.)
2. Use Natural Cleaning Agents
You don't have to necessarily mix together natural household ingredients to use them as cleaners - they have many uses on their own, too, so incorporate them into your cleaning repertoire. Lemon juice, vinegar, and baking soda are all examples of natural cleaning agents. Lemon juice, for example, is a natural degreaser and has antibacterial properties. Baking soda can be used to scrub surfaces and neutralise odors.
3. Switch to Reusable Cleaning Tools
Instead of creating endless waste by using disposable cleaning wipes and paper towels, opt for reusable cleaning tools. Microfibre cloths are excellent for dusting and wiping down surfaces to pick up dirt and bacteria, and they can be washed and reused many times. Once you're done with them, they can be recycled.
4. Read Product Labels Carefully
When buying cleaning products, read the labels carefully. Look for products that are biodegradable, phosphate-free, and free from harsh chemicals - all factors that mean the products are more sustainable. Additionally, you can look for sustainability certifications such as AISE Charter for Sustainable Cleaning, CarbonNeutral, EcoCert, and other labels that show the product meets certain standards of sustainability. There are many eco-friendly cleaning brands on the South African market today that offer a range of products for your different cleaning needs.
5. Try to Conserve Water
Make the way you do your cleaning more environmentally friendly by being mindful of your water usage as you clean. For example, don't let the tap run unnecessarily, and use a bucket or basin to conserve water when mopping floors or cleaning larger surfaces.
6. Steam Cleaning
Steam cleaners use hot water vapor to disinfect and clean surfaces. They are highly effective at removing dirt and killing bacteria without using chemical cleaners. Plus, they are gentle on the environment.
7. Reduce Packaging Waste
Consider buying cleaning products in bulk or in refillable containers to reduce packaging waste. Many eco-friendly brands offer bulk options and a handful of sustainable and organic stores in Cape Town and Johannesburg even have refill stations for certain products like liquid soaps. In addition, choose products packed in biodegradable packaging where possible.
8. Dispose of Hazardous Waste Properly
When you're done with a chemical cleaning product, dispose of it correctly to ensure they do not harm the environment. Hazardous chemicals like bleach and certain solvents should not be poured down the drain or thrown in the trash, for instance. Get on Google and locate a hazardous waste disposal facility in your area.
9. Educate Yourself
Knowledge is power that can help save the planet. Take the time to teach yourself about the impacts of various cleaning products on the environment, and to learn about eco-friendly cleaning products and methods. There's plenty of information available freely online. Understanding the consequences of using certain chemicals can motivate and empower you to make more eco-friendly choices when it comes to cleaning your home.
Eco-friendly cleaning isn't, and shouldn't be, just a trend; it's a responsible choice that benefits your home, your health and the planet. By making small changes like using natural cleaning agents, making your own cleaning products, and investing in reusable cleaning tools, you can maintain a cleaner, greener home and set an example for others to do the same. Happy cleaning!
Did you know Vogue Hygiene Services only uses environmentally friendly cleaning products in all jobs, from deep cleaning to retail, commercial and industrial cleaning?
We are committed to not only making your spaces clean, hygienic and healthy, but also to helping the planet by ditching harmful products.
See our range of cleaning and sanitation services.
Contact us now for a free quote.
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