Cleaning products are omnipresent in our lives as we constantly struggle with dirt and germs. We clean our dishes, countertops, furniture, windows, etc., but in doing so we may be harming the environment. Many of the traditional cleaning products we grew up with are petroleum-based and not only have an impact on the environment, but they can also affect our health. However, there are numerous ecological products and methods: We will tell you how you can clean your home in an environmentally friendly way.
Environmentally friendly cleaning: Swap plastic bottles for glass bottles
Break the cycle of constantly buying plastic bottles by choosing cleaning products in reusable containers. You can now find all kinds of glass spray bottles. Not only does this reduce your household’s plastic usage and carbon footprint, but it can also cost less in the long run. You only have to pay once for the glass container and refills are usually cheaper.
Clean ecologically with reusable cleaning cloths and brushes
Throw your cleaning cloths in the washing machine rather than in the trash can. When wiping surfaces, use reusable cloth wipes instead of paper towels or disposable cleaning cloths. After you have yourWiped down surfaces, simply throw the cloth in the washing machine so you can use it again and again.
Instead of the dish sponge that you often have to throw away, you can opt for durable dishwashing brushes.
Try environmentally friendly, homemade cleaning products
Avoid using harsh cleaning products and instead use chemical-free solutions that you can make yourself at home.
Baking soda, lemon juice, salt, vinegar - these are basic foods that can also be used to make excellent homemade cleaning products. Use baking soda forDegreasing in the kitchen, vinegar for cleaning the bathroom and lemon juice and salt for cleaning your cookware. For example, mix some warm water with white vinegar and a few drops of lavender oil and you have an all-purpose cleaner.
Vinegar and baking soda for the bathroom:
Try spraying your showerhead regularly with a solution made from one part white vinegar to one part water. This DIY cleaning solution can dissolve limescale deposits and restore the shine to your shower head.
For your strongdirty toilet bowlyou need 50 g baking soda and 250 ml vinegar. Allow the mixture to sit in the toilet for 15 minutes (or longer if necessary), then scrub and flush the toilet bowl.
Baking soda as an odor remover:
This household product not only removes unpleasant odors from your refrigerator, but also acts as an odor remover for your carpet.
Also try this eco-friendly DIY all-purpose cleaner:
- 500 ml water
- 250 ml hydrogen peroxide
- 60 ml lemon juice
Hydrogen peroxide is the key to this cleaner. It is inexpensive, non-toxic and easily available. Hydrogen peroxide has stronger cleaning power than vinegar and works similarly to bleach, only without harmful health and environmental effects. The acidic lemon juice helps break down the dirt and gives a fresh citrus scent. Water helps dilute the mixture.
Refresh your indoor air naturally
Skip the store-bought air fresheners and instead cook cinnamon, cloves, or other herbs you like. Fresh chocolate cookies are also known to give off a friendly aroma. Plants, for example, don't make your house smell any different, but they are good for filtering indoor air - pretty much any broad-leaved plant will do. Peace lilies are a popular choice.
Environmentally friendly household cleaning: Avoid using disposable feather dusters
When you've used up your last disposable feather duster, slide a sock onto the end of the handle instead. The difference between a frond and a sock is not very big. And socks are shaped to fit exactly on the end of the handle.
Always fill the dishwasher
Do not run the dishwasher until it is full. Unlike a washing machine, you can't simply tell the dishwasher to run a half load. If you absolutely must run the dishwasher and it isn't full yet, look for other things to throw in, such as the microwave's turntable, the countertop dish rack, or plastic or rubber children's toys.
Clean environmentally friendly at home – don’t throw away old toothbrushes
When you no longer need your toothbrush, you can repurpose it as a cleaning brush. Boil them to disinfect them and bend the handle to get into tight corners.
Wash ecologically: Switch to environmentally friendly detergent
Detergent doesn't necessarily have to be colorful or strongly scented to get your laundry clean. For a more sustainable laundry cycle, look for detergents that are free of artificial fragrances and colors, as these often cause skin irritation and allergies. Also, make sure the detergents have been tested for potentially harmful chemicals.
Stop using dryer sheets
Swap your dryer sheets for wool dryer balls. Dryer balls absorb the heat from the dryer and help dry laundry quickly, leaving linens and towels softer. If you want to scent your laundry, you can also drizzle some essential oils on the dryer balls between loads of laundry.
