Eco-Friendly Cleaning Swaps

Here are some of our top alternatives to plastic cleaning tools – these are just as effective at getting the job done without the need for materials that will stick around forever in landfill!

  • Kitchen roll – purchase reusable cloths that can be machine washed after use, these are usually more absorbent! You can also give old clothes a new lease of life by cutting up into cloths to use.
  • Dish brushes – opt for wooden brushes with plant based bristles, such as this A Slice of Green replaceable head brush or coconut wood varieties.
  • Washing-up gloves - try FSC naturally sourced rubber gloves, these often have a soft cotton lining which will be kinder on your hands.
  • Cleaning cloths - again, go for reusable versions! These are softer on your furniture whilst still giving a good clean. Alternatively, there are compostable cleaning cloths available that will break down in your home compost.

Check out our Kitchen & Cleaning category for more eco-cleaning swaps!

Eco-Friendly Cleaners

You’ve got the eco-friendly tools sorted – now for the cleaning chemicals. Spray cleaners contribute to air pollution, and anything washed down the drain can harm aquatic life.

It is surprisingly easy to swap out chemicals for more natural options – without fear that they won’t ‘properly clean’. Lemon, baking soda and vinegar are natural alternatives that can be used for nearly all tasks, including those really greasy pans!

Where possible, opt for multi-purpose cleaners to avoid having multiple plastic bottles on the go. This also keeps you safer, as it limits the chance of chemicals mixing.

Furthermore, there are some great refill services out there! Avoiding the need for new packaging each time, you can buy dissolvable tablets that are non-toxic.

Eco-Friendly Laundry

Want fresh smelling laundry every time, whilst also saving the planet and money? A seemingly unavoidable, monotonous task, it may seem impossible to make this chore eco-friendly - however this is not the case!

Washing at 30 degrees instead of the usual 40 or 60 can save nearly 40% of the energy normally used each year in your home. Not only this, but washing at colder temperatures reduces the chance of fading and shrinkage in your clothes and is much better for keeping your denim in top condition.

Perhaps an obvious one – but hanging out your clothes in warm and breezy weather can not only save your bank balance, but also the planet! Drying your clothes outside whenever possible can reduce the carbon footprint of an average household by 2,400 pounds a year. Even if the weather is not 100%, you can still hang out the laundry and knock significant time off your dryer cycle when you bring it inside. And of course, using less electricity is always beneficial to your monthly bills.

What’s more, line-drying can help your clothes last longer. The sun is a natural stain remover and can help your whites ‘stay white’! It is also much gentler to dry your clothes compared to using a tumble dryer.

If you are unable to line-dry your clothes, due to lack of space or time, then do not despair! There are other ways to make your drying cycle more efficient. Using wool dryer balls is a natural way to reduce dryer time, soften clothes and reduce wrinkles. They can also cut out the need for ironing - bonus!

Small changes to your routine can help you to cut out unnecessary plastic and harmful chemicals - without sacrificing cleanliness. Think reusable wherever possible, and opt for natural cleaners which can make your home smell fresh and clean.