Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products

If you are among the many people who are becoming aware that the chemicals we use everyday can damage our health, and the environment, then no doubt you are searching for natural, greener cleaning products to use instead.

Natural cleaners are safer, usually cheaper, equally effective as harsh chemicals, and best of all, you know exactly what you have used. Home made green cleaners usually use only the main cleaning agents, while as commercial cleaners often also contain additives such as fragrances and bulking agents.

Allergy sufferers- both those with skin sensitivities and breathing/astham difficulties- are much less likely to have adverse reactions to environmentally friendly cleaners. However, with any of the stronger natural products, it is still advisable to wear gloves.

Natural environmental cleaners biodegrade more quickly and fully, are lower in toxicity, and therefore much less harmful to our waterways. "Grey water" containing green cleaners is also suitable for re-use on gardens, as a water saving measure.

If you don't have time, or the desire, to make your own cleaners, then look out for Environmental Choice logos when choosing commercial products.

Suggested Earth-wise Cleaners:

Bicarbonate of Soda
Otherwise known as bicarb, carb soda or baking soda, this is a marvellous medium for absorbing odours from fridges, drawers etc. One of the great things about it is that it is a powder, not liquid, so it can be used in even delicate water sensitive items, such as cardboard boxes.

Composed of sodium bicarbonate, and mildly alkaline, it is a mild abrasive and therefore is excellent for mild scrubbing. It is low in toxicity and forms a "detergent" which reacts with grease and oil.

Salt
Salt acts as a scourer and a disinfectant.
Excellent for saucepans etc.

Borax
Borax, an alkaline mineral salt, is a wonder cleaner! It dissolves grease, removes stains, disinfects, deodorises and inhibits mould. You can use it as a water or fabric softener. It can be toxic if eaten, so watch animals and children. This toxicity dissipates quickly in the environment however.

Soap Flakes
You should be able to buy pure soap flakes, or you can grate a bar of pure laundry soap to make your own. Store in an air tight container. Pure soap is biodegradable, low toxicity and unlike detergent, does not contribute to algal blooms in rivers.

White Vinegar
Will remove tarnish, bathroom scum and clean toilets, including removing hard water stains.

Lemon Juice
Lemon juice smells wonderful and is good for deodorising, removing stains and inhibiting mould.

Also, as a matter of interest, lemon juice works wonders if squirted into a dog's mouth in a dog fight! Best to avoid the eyes unless unavoidable, although it is a fairly mild acid so will probably only sting and not do any permanent damage. If you do get any in the eyes, rinse out of eyes immediately after the fight is stopped- make sure dogs are fully separated and unable to get near each other again first, or the fight may start again without warning, with you in the middle!

Eucalyptus and Tea-Tree Oils
Naturally scented disinfectants- add to hot water. Also, used neat, they are good for removing sticky goo off surfaces, but be careful with some plastics or plasticised surfaces!

Washing Soda
Consisting of sodium carbonate (moderate alkaline) washing soda is useful in the kitchen for cutting through grease. Also removes stains and softens water.

See some of our other Environment Guides for more environmentally friendly cleaning ideas.