9 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products and Methods You Can Use Today
Here is a list of eco-friendly cleaning products and methods that Mother Nature will thank you for.
08/10/2018
Long gone are the days of using asbestos as a fire retardant or for insulation, spraying DDT all over your yard to kill bugs and covering everything with lead-based paint. As science continues to reveal harmful carcinogens and other toxic chemicals in household products, there has been a huge increase in the use of eco-friendly cleaners.
Today, it is common to hear terms like sustainability, climate change or “going green” as they all are related to being more environmentally conscious. Homeowners are continually searching for safe, eco-friendly products and ways to clean the house that won’t damage the environment.
There are many options on the market, and it is fairly easy to make your own green cleaning products as well. The following are a list of eco-friendly cleaning products and methods that Mother Nature will thank you for.
Green Cleaning Products
Browse the aisles of any home improvement store and you will see plenty of products with green qualities. Here are some of the better brands on the market.
1. Seventh Generation – For over 30 years, Seventh Generation has been making home cleaning products like dish soaps and laundry detergents from botanical ingredients, with a focus on developing formulas that are sensitive on skin.
2. Green Works – Created by a scientist who worked for Clorox, Green Works is known for making kitchen cleaning products and a toilet bowl spray cleaner, though their most popular item might be their disposable wipes. A portion of the company’s profits go towards empowering young girls interested in the sciences.
3. Eco-Me – From carpet cleaners to wood polish, Eco-Me products are free of chemicals, perfumes, dyes, and sulfates, are vegan-approved, and never tested on animals. They also have a line of commercial cleaning products for businesses looking to go green.
4. Ecos – This family-owned brand has been around for a long time – more than 50 years. They are best known for making pet cleaners like shampoo and carpet cleaner. They manufacture products in factories powered by 100% renewable energy and are carbon-neutral.
5. JR Watkins – Possibly the oldest green brand at 150 years old, they make high-quality natural products that cover everything from home care to personal grooming products. Their products contain natural scents that some claim make cleaning enjoyable.
Environmentally-Safe DIY Methods
While there are plenty of products on the market to purchase, there are also plenty of DIY cleaning methods you can try.
6. Pressure washing – Directpowerdeals.com points out that one of the most basic eco-friendly methods for cleaning home exteriors, cars, and outdoor furniture is simply using a pressure washer with water – absolutely no extra chemicals needed.
7. Homemade glass and window cleaner – This is as simple as mixing equal parts water and white vinegar and using a microfiber cloth or soft rag. Sometimes the oldest recipes really are the best.
8. Homemade tile and toilet bowl cleaner – For the toilet put a cup of baking soda in and let sit for an hour. Then you add a cup of white vinegar and let sit for a half hour then flush. For bathroom tiles use equal parts carbonated water and white vinegar. If this doesn’t work add baking soda until you get a paste and put that on the grout for 15-20 minutes then scrub and rinse and the tiles will sparkle.
9. Homemade all-purpose spray cleaner – Simply add ¼ cup of white vinegar, 2 tbsps. of any eco-friendly dishwashing soap and a tbsp. of Borax (optional.) to a 3/4 filled spray bottle of hot water, shake and then spray when ready to clean. You can add essential oils to add a nice scent as well.
With so many options now available, the time is right to ditch the toxic chemicals and switch to greener alternatives for all your cleaning needs – every small change adds up to make a big difference for the environment!