Effective and Eco-Friendly Ways to Clean and Spruce Up a Home

An estimated 78% of global consumers believe that environmental sustainability is important and that they wish to pursue more sustainable lives. Around 68% have taken positive steps to modify their lifestyle to become more eco-friendly. They have adopted environmentally friendly habits such as green home cleaning practices to reduce their carbon footprint. Modified behaviors not only benefit the planet, but also the health, finances, and overall wellbeing of the inhabitants of a home. Here are some ways to embrace green cleaning and create a healthier home environment.

Biodegradable and Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

Cleaning a home requires the use of water and products that will get rid of dirt, dust, and grime. Unfortunately, traditional cleaning products contain toxins and chemicals that are harmful to human health as well as the environment. New research published by the American Thoracic Society indicated that exposure to cleaning products, in the long run, can diminish lung function. Some products also emit dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage the liver, kidneys, and the central nervous system. One solution that a growing number of people are adopting is to buy green cleaning products that are free of toxins and VOCs. 

Made of natural, healthy, and eco-friendly ingredients, green cleaners do not contain harsh chemicals that may include ammonia, bleach or synthetic fragrances. Even commercial cleaning companies have made the switch to eco-friendly products to limit harm on their staff’s health and the environment. It demonstrates their commitment to not only improve the health of the planet, but also to promote eco-friendly practices that will satisfy their customers. In addition to being safer compared to classic cleaning products, the use of ecological cleaners promotes better indoor air quality, reducing allergies and sensitivities to particulate matter. The best of these products are also designed to be biodegradable and break down naturally without causing pollution or harming aquatic life. Plus, green products are generally gentler and are less likely to cause damage to surface, floors, and furniture saving money.

Homemade Cleaning Products

Do-it-Yourself (DIY) cleaning products are created from natural and easily accessible ingredients. They are an environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to commercial cleaning products that often contain harsh, toxic chemicals. Using natural cleaners such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils is and effective way to clean and disinfect without releasing harmful fumes. Preparing homemade cleaners can be made less complicated by mixing equal parts of the natural ingredients and water. To illustrate, mixing an equal amount of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle creates an all-purpose cleaner. White vinegar is useful in cleaning glass and mirrors as well as disinfecting surfaces, while baking soda works well on bathroom surfaces, as a grease remover, and as a cleaning agent for baked-on grime in pots and pans.

In addition to the environmental benefits, DIY cleaning products also save you money because they are made from inexpensive and readily available ingredients. By making these products yourself, you can save a significant amount on home cleaning supplies. Most home-produced products cost less than a dollar to prepare, compared to buying commercial goods that can cost as much as $57 a month. Cleaning sprays, on average, cost around $4. Furthermore, DIY cleaning products can be customized so it is possible to adjust cleaning solutions to your specific needs. The scent, concentration, or cleaning power of a DIY cleaner can be tailored to suit different surfaces and cleaning tasks. Moreover, making cleaning solutions at home also reduces packaging waste that ends up in landfills or oceans.

Microfiber Cloths and Natural Sponges

Another way to reduce environmental pollution is to use reusable cleaning tools such as microfiber cloths. They can trap and hold dust, dirt, and bacteria effectively. These fabrics are highly efficient at removing grime from various surfaces, so that there is no need to use harsh chemicals. In many cases, cleaning can be done with water and microfiber cloth, reducing the use of toxic products and promoting a healthier living environment. Furthermore, these cloths have excellent absorbency, making it easy to clean up spills and messes. In short, switching to microfiber cloths reduces waste because they are reusable and durable.

Similarly, using a natural sponge is an eco-friendly way to clean a home. Sponges are typically made of synthetic materials which are thrown in the garbage at the end of their lifespan. However, it is also bad news for the environment. A sustainable alternative is to purchase sponges made from natural or biodegradable materials. These sponges might be made of cellulose, which are plant-based fibers usually derived from wood pulp. Loofah sponges from the fibrous interior of the loofah plant fruit are ideal for scrubbing and exfoliating surfaces, while wool sponges can be used for both wet and dry cleaning tasks.

Energy-Efficient Cleaning Appliances

Opting for energy-efficient cleaning appliances is an eco-friendly practice as well. They are designed to use less energy while providing the same level of performance. These appliances use advanced technologies and features that optimize their energy use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. According to a special briefing report, increasing energy efficiency from 2.2% today to more than 4% per year by 2030 will deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.  For example, the American Cleaning Institute says that a new clothes washer in 2017 consumed 70% less energy than a machine in 1990. An Energy Star rated washer also uses less water or 14 gallons of water per load while a standard model consumes 20 gallons of water per load.

Energy-saving appliances can help save money as well on electricity bills in the long run. Since they use less power, there will be a decrease in energy expenses, especially if these appliances are used frequently, as in the case of washing machines, dryers, dishwasher, and vacuum cleaners.

Another argument for purchasing energy-efficient appliances is that they are often built to higher quality standards, which increase their durability and longevity. When a cleaning appliance lasts longer, there is less need for frequent replacements, saving you money and reducing waste and the environmental impact of manufacturing new ones. Furthermore, many governments offer incentives and rebates for purchasing modern appliances. Consumers save money on the initial purchase and contribute to the overall goal of reducing energy consumption and promoting suitable practices.  It is also a demonstration of commitment to environmental responsibility, which can inspire others to follow suit and make more eco-friendly choices.

Keeping a home tidy by adopting green practices is a safer and healthier routine for your home life. Switching to natural cleaning products and tools promises to benefit your health, pocket, and the environment!

About the Author:

Jenny Dee is a passionate gardener and freelance writer, she loves finding new and innovative ways to bring the outdoors in and brighten up her home. When not writing you'll find her outside enjoying her own garden and traveling to explore those around the world.

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