Think it’s hard to go plastic-free with your cleaning products? With this guide it’s easy peasy lemon squeezy
Going plastic-free doesn’t have to be a big and scary change. You don’t have to be chaining yourself to buildings to make a difference. The real revolution begins at home.
Making your own cleaning products is an easy way to massively reduce your plastic use. You can save money and finally get rid of that pesky bicarbonate of soda you have left over from that one time you decided to bake a cake, all while saving the planet.
What happens to our cleaning products?
Shop bought cleaning products don’t just generate single-use plastic, they also lead to harmful chemicals being released into the environment.
When you use cleaning products in your toilet, sink and dishwasher, do you ever think about where it ends up? The chemicals we spray in our bathroom are meant to be filtered out before the water is released back into our water sources, but one study found only 30% of chemicals are successfully removed. In fact, a 2002 study showed that 69% of all streams across the US had traces of cleaning detergent in them. These chemicals are harmful to wildlife, and in some cases can lead to over fertilisation of things like water algae, which sucks up oxygen from ponds and streams. As a result, less oxygen in these water resources means less aquatic creatures. In this case, it’s not just the plastic packaging which is the only issue.
How does plastic free cleaning work?
While it’s all very good us telling you that homemade cleaning products are the way forward, what exactly is it about a few cupboard items that mean you can trust us?
Lemons
A lemons’ natural acidity makes it perfect for cleaning. The acids found in lemons are actually antibacterial and antiseptic, as well as being a natural bleach. The high acidity in this zesty fruit creates a hostile environment for many kinds of bacteria, including salmonella and E.coli. However, it’s important to remember lemon juice doesn’t kill these pathogens, it just makes them inactive. Lemon rinds can also help to add a natural shine to things like bathroom surfaces and brass.
Bicarbonate of soda
Bicarbonate of soda is actually salt. It absorbs
Castile soap
This might be the one that you haven’t heard of before, but have no fear, castile soap is often used as a base in many kitchen and bathroom cleaners. It is chemical free soap made from a variety of vegetable oils. Its name refers to Castile in Spain, where the olive oil based soap originates from. So if you see this bad boy mentioned in any recipes remember: it’s just a natural, animal-cruelty free soap that helps provide a lather and grease cleaning property to your products. You can find castile soap online and in Waitrose. We recommend checking out this one on Etsy.
White wine vinegar
Again, white wine vinegar’s natural acidity is what makes it an integral part of natural cleaning products. In particular, white wine vinegar cuts through grease, so it’s often found in homemade kitchen products. Vinegar has many superpowers. It can dissolve away soap scum, be used to shine up mirrors and windows or even get rid of sweat stains on white clothing. However, we don’t recommend using vinegar on delicate fabrics as it might damage the fibres.
Homemade cleaning product recipes
Glass and window cleaner
Makes 200ml: Mix together 8tbsp of water with 8tbsp white wine vinegar in a bowl and shine to your heart’s content.
Serious grime remover
Single use: Combine 4 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda with 1tbsp of castile liquid soap. Add warm water until you get a loose paste. Apply to a non-abrasive scouring pad and scrub away.
Forest fresh toilet cleaner
Single use: Mix 6 tbsp of bicarbonate of soda with 6 tbsp of white wine vinegar. Add 10 drops of tea tree oil and store in a vessel of your choice.
Zesty lemon everyday cleaner
Makes 500ml: Mix together 2 tbsp of white wine vinegar with 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda, 500ml of hot water and the juice of 1/2 a lemon. Store in a recycled spray bottle and use on surfaces around your home.
How to store your cleaning supplies
If you’re making your cleaning products for the first time, chances are that you have some old empty spray bottles lying around. We recommend putting your cleaning product in an old plastic-spray bottle. This means that your old spray bottles are getting reused and not ending up in our oceans. Or, if you feel a little braver and you’re willing to go without the ease of the spray element, you can always put it in a glass jar and use a sponge.
