14 Jan 2025
Housework is part of the everyday right?… but have you ever thought about what’s hiding in those sprays and soaps? Are they helping or hurting our world and are some products better for the planet than others?
And what about the electricity and water we use when we’re doing the chores… is there something we could do to cut our cleaning carbon footprint?
YES and YES.
Our cleaning CAN be planet-friendlier and we can reduce harmful chemicals, cut down on waste, and even save a bit of money. Plus, the planet will give us a friendly high-five.
10 sustainable steps.
Of course, we’re all for smol things that make a BIG difference. So let’s dive into how we can clean up our act, sustainably!
1. refillable bottles.
Why throw away a perfectly good bottle? Chances are - even if you’re putting it in the recycling bin it won’t go to a recycling plant. Just 12% of UK plastic waste gets recycled domestically with 20% getting sent overseas (eek). Almost 50% is incinerated, with the remaining amount going to landfill sites₁
What’s the answer? REFILL it for REUSE!
All smol, plastic bottles are refillable, either as tiny rehydratable tablets or from carbon cutting cartons that can be recycled.
2. steam clean.
Cleaning with eco cleaning products means you’ve already cut chemicals BUT another way to dramatically reduce your chemical use is with steam. 99% of germs can’t survive a blast of 100°C water vapour. It’s a safe, sustainable way to clean so many areas around the home:
- sanitising stoves, ovens, and microwaves
- banishing bacteria in bathrooms
- cleaning floors so they’re still safe for paws
- freshening up fabrics like curtains or cushions
- removing allergens from your mattress
3. choose cardboard.
Cardboard packaging is a great way to ensure cleaning products are planet-friendlier. It’s why we created the world’s first plastic-free cardboard packs for our laundry capsules back in 2020.
UK recycling rates for cardboard approach 70% ₂ and if any accidentally gets into the environment, cardboard will biodegrade.
4. plastic-free accessories.
Ditch those plastic scrubbers for something more earth-loving. Wooden dishbrushes, bamboo scrapers, and plant-based sponges are all perfect for cleaning with a conscience.
5. Watch your water.
It’s our most precious resource. Turn off the tap while scrubbing or wiping down surfaces. You’d be surprised how much water gets wasted when it’s just running. Every drop counts!
And when it comes to washing up… a dishwasher uses less water than hand washing when it’s fully stacked. And if you are washing up by hand - follow our top tips here for washing up wisely.
6. reusable cloths.
Paper kitchen towel is a one-hit wonder, but reusable cloths? They last forever. And if they’re made from plants (like smol ones are) so much the better! Wash 'em, dry 'em, and they’re ready to go again. Less waste, more clean!
7. natural air fresheners.
There’s really no need for chemical-laden sprays.
Freshen up your home with essential oils, a bowl of citrus peel with cinnamon or just open a window for fresh air! A couple of pumps of smol fabric conditioner in a clean spray bottle of water also makes a fabulous fabric spritzer. Your only problem? Which fabulous fragrance to pick!
8. vegan & cruelty-free.
Make sure your go-to eco cleaning products are kind to animals. Look for the Leaping Bunny symbol that tells you something is cruelty-free. Compassion and cleanliness can go hand in hand!
9. kitchen heroes.
Don’t think that natural kitchen ingredients like bicarbonate of soda, lemon & vinegar won’t cut the mustard! These natural ingredients are safe, cheap, and seriously effective at cleaning everything from worktops to floors. They can also clean your washing machine and remove stains. Who knew?!
10. hang out.
Tumble dryers use up a lot of energy, but the sun is free! 🌞 Hang your clothes outside (or on a drying rack indoors) to dry naturally. It’s gentler on your fabrics and saves electricity.
So there you have it, 10 simple ways to make your cleaning routine a bit greener. smol changes can make a big difference, and your home will feel fresh in more ways than one. Let’s clean with care!
₁Statista 2022
₂Business Waste Management 2021