Sustainable Cleaning

Cleaning: an activity we either love or hate, but something we’ve just got to do, particularly if you’re raising a family. However, in today’s climate, it’s never been more important to consider how we clean and what we use. We can all take steps towards sustainability in many areas of our lives, but in this article, we think about sustainable cleaning, what it is, and how we can achieve it. 

What is sustainable cleaning?

Sustainable cleaning is about considering and preventing as much wastage and damage from your cleaning habits as possible. In fact, the term sustainable can be defined as the ability to maintain a certain rate or level. In simpler terms, that means not taking from the planet what cannot be replaced and not making waste that cannot be reused.

When we clean, we use products such as detergents, appliances like washing machines, and other potentially harmful practices. However, it doesn’t need to be that way. Making small changes to your habits and stopping to think about how you shop can make a huge difference to the planet's health as well as your own.

What are sustainable and unsustainable cleaning products?

Many conventional and usually cheap cleaning products on supermarket shelves are produced with chemicals and harsh processes that do not support health. Their production also tends to use lots of water, which, with water scarcity, needs conserving. So, not only are these products damaging to the environment in their production, but they also cause problems when you’re finished with them, polluting waterways and soils and wreaking havoc on wildlife.

On the other hand, sustainable cleaning products are designed to clean your home to a high standard while causing minimal environmental impact. They’re often made from natural and gentler ingredients, so they don’t pollute. Their packaging is usually recycled or reusable, and the processes needed to create it do not impact or harm anything, causing as little impact as possible.

How else can you be sustainable when cleaning?

Sustainable cleaning is more than just products; it’s everything you do and everything you use. It’s also about whether there might be a greener and more sustainable way to complete the task each time you clean. For example, using excessive electricity drains resources, so washing your clothes at a lower temperature and even conserving water by considering whether your clothes need a wash every time you wear them. You might hang clothes out to dry rather than use the tumble dryer or think about what you use to clean with, and using refillable bottles means you’re not contributing to plastic waste.

Have you ever considered making your own cleaning products? There are plenty of simple but effective cleaning solutions recipes made with ingredients you’ll likely find in your cupboard, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and bicarbonate of soda. They may not smell as pretty, but adding essential oils can solve that problem, too.

Why choose sustainable cleaning?

Many of us are aware of the climate emergency, and considering our cleaning habits is one small change we can all make that will have a minimal impact on our use but a positive impact on the planet. Not causing more waste, whether plastic or chemical, is wildly important right now, as the existence of many creatures hangs in the balance.

Unfortunately, it’s also important to point out that many cleaning products affect more than just wildlife. Many cheap and poorly made, chemical-rich cleaning products also affect us. Living creatures are not designed to be exposed to these, and they often irritate the airways and skin of those who use them. This is especially important to remember if you’re an avid cleaner and have little ones around, particularly while cleaning.

Lastly, sustainable cleaning can significantly benefit your purse. Keeping your electricity bill down is a win-win for everyone, and using reusable cloths, for example, means you only have the occasional outlay when they have worn through. Some sustainable products can seem more expensive initially, but because they’re of much higher quality, they usually last longer and can be refilled for a fraction of the cost.

How to choose sustainable products

To begin, choosing to be a more sustainable cleaner can be a minefield. There are many options, and you’ll be keen to get it right. Visiting a farm shop is guaranteed to provide plenty of sustainable options, but supermarkets sell them, too. The key is to look for products with minimal packaging that have certifications, such as an Eco label or biodegradable products, meaning they will break down naturally and organically. There are also plenty of well-known sustainable brands.

The most important thing is choosing products that will work for you, your family, and what you want to clean. Spending some time researching will save you time and money in the long run and help if you’re thinking of becoming more sustainable in your cleaning practices.

Becoming a sustainable cleaner

Becoming a sustainable clever is not achievable overnight. It takes time, sometimes trial and error, and a shift in habits and thinking. But if it’s something you’d like to try, here are three simple but effective things you could try.

1. Think before you buy

The next time you need a cleaning product, stop and think. Is it sustainable? Look out for the clues and read the packaging to make sure you won’t be causing more harm than good.

2. Ditch the plastic

Wherever possible, stop using plastic. Plastic might be obvious, like in bottles or brush handles, but sometimes it’s hidden. Nothing is sustainable about plastic; unless it’s reusable, the planet will love you for choosing not to use it.

3. Avoid overuse

Avoid overusing water, energy, or products themselves. Conservation is key; the less resources we use, the less we need to replace.

Sustainable cleaning isn’t about perfection; it’s about making small changes to achieve a greener world. You can set better examples for those around you and take pride in knowing you are making a difference today and for future generations.

Author: Hannah Harding