ECO Blog: Go Green Spring Clean

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

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!

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.

For more tips and tricks for making your own cleaning products, check out the ECO Blog post.