Go Green Spring Clean

 

Why is it important that we switch our cleaning products to those with more natural ingredients? Not only is it helping to protect the earths eco-systems by reducing the toxic, hazardous and non-biodegradable substances entering into waterways, it can also protect you and your families' health.

Mixing cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals, can be flammable and cause coughing, sneezing, skin rashes and headaches. Many of the hazardous chemicals in conventional products are often carcinogens, neurotoxins, mutagens, teratogens, or endocrine disrupters as well as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)which can lead to liver and kidney damage. 

By making your own cleaning products, you can save money! Many cleaners use the same key ingredients and so can have multi-purpose use, saving you money and room in your cupboard!*

Natures Own..

Here is a list of common environment-friendly products used for cleaning in green homes:

BAKING SODA Baking soda will become your not-so-secret weapon on a natural cleaning journey. It cleans out grease and proteins(like blood, bodily fluids, dairy products, eggs, and baby food). Being slightly abrasive it is a great scouring agent that will not scratch the surface. Also baking soda neutralises smells and softens water.

DISTILLED WHITE VINEGAR Vinegar is a powerful natural substance that does a great job of dissolving scale, cleaning soap residue and grease, and prevents the formation of mould. Being mildly acidic it will remove some stains like coffee, tea or rust.

ALCOHOL Alcohol is used for disinfecting. You can choose rubbing alcohol or high proof vodka to do the job.

LEMON JUICE Lemon juice is a strong natural acid, and it is used in many non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products.

CASTILE SOAP Unscented mild soap made from vegetable oils. Castile soap is a multi-purpose, biodegradable cleaning agent. It can be used to clean your body, house and even pets.

CITRIC ACID Citric acid is another great ingredient in natural cleaning products. It is antibacterial, cleans proteins, grease, scale, rust and grime. It is versatile and safe since it is also used in cooking as a natural preservative.

ESSENTIAL OILS Essential oils are not necessary and you can absolutely make every recipe without them. Their sole purpose is to give scent to cleaning products. Most commonly used essential oils are citrus oils, eucalyptus, tea tree, lavender, lemongrass.

Try out these, and remember to make them up in your old bottles or glass containers to make up your products

Kitchen Cleaner

• 2 parts white vinegar
• 2 parts water
• Lemon rind
• Rosemary sprigs

Floor Cleaner

• 9 Litres of hot water in a bucket
• 2 tablespoons Castile soap
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil

Bathroom Cleaner

• 1 ½ cups of warm water
• ¼ cup of washing soda
• ½ cup of vodka
• 10 drops each of tea tree essential oil and lemon essential oil.

Glass Cleaner

• 2 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 10 drops essential oil of choice

Washing up liquid

• Baking soda or washing soda
• Grated soap (pure soap)  
• Lavender oil
• Lemon essential oil

Method

• Add your washing soda or baking soda into a bowl with the grated soap.
• Heat water to a boil and pour it into the bowl of washing soda and grated soap. Whisk the mixture until it is blended thoroughly. Add more of the grated soap to alter the texture of your homemade dishwashing liquid. 
• Add a few drops of lemon and lavender essential oil.

**Always use cleaners with caution and test inconspicuous areas before use**

If you are not quite ready to make the full transition, here are some popular eco friendly brands to get you started:

1.Ecover

Founded over 40 years ago in Belgium, after seeing the damage that phosphate and other chemicals were causing to waterways and aquatic life, scientists launched Ecover, a bold new phosphate free cleaner. A B Corp Business, a certification that rates companies on social and environmental performance, who since then have launched petroleum free cleaning products, products with 100% naturally derived fragrances, as well as committing themselves to making all their bottles 100% plastic free. Products include laundry cleaning, personal hygiene, dishwashing and household cleaning and can be found in most large supermarkets across the U.K. or online! There are also select independent stores across N.Ireland where you can refill your products. Visit www.ecover.com 

2.Smol

High performance, eco-friendly cleaning products conveniently delivered to your home, particularly dishwasher and washing machine tablets, they champion plastic-free and fully recyclable packaging wherever possible. If not possible, they make sure to use post-consumer waste that’s fully recyclable or returnable for reuse or create bottles for life. Cleaning shouldn’t involve animal cruelty and Smol is Leaping Bunny certified. By cutting out the middleman you can enjoy high performance, eco-friendly cleaning at a fair price. Visit: www.smolproducts.com 

 

 

     

3.Method 

Method focus their products on responsible ingredient sourcing, cutting-edge green chemistry and recycled and recyclable packaging. Offering a range of household cleaning products such as Multi purpose sprays, soaps, personal hygiene products and laundry cleaning. They are currently designing the industry’s first LEED-platinum certified plant in the U.S. and can also be found in most large supermarkets across the U.K. or online, visit: www.methodproducts.co.uk

 

*10 Reasons to Start Green Cleaning Today (thespruce.com)