Demand for eco-friendly products has been steadily increasing in recent years, and during lockdown, people have become more concerned about environmental issues.
A recent poll of 2 thousand adults in the UK found that 81% care about looking after our planet better, and half have begun taking action to reduce their impact on the environment; for example, by minimising food waste, buying fewer single-use products or switching to eco-friendly home cleaning products.
But what makes a product “eco-friendly”, and what should you look for when shopping for sustainable cleaning products?
What Makes a Cleaning Product Eco-Friendly?
Traditional home cleaning products, such as bleach, contain harsh chemicals and toxic agents that are damaging to the environment.
Eco-friendly products consist of natural ingredients and do not contain substances such as phosphates, chlorine, artificial fragrances or artificial colours. The most sustainable products are made from organically grown ingredients and sold in compostable, biodegradable or recyclable packaging.
Some people will only clean with substances found commonly in the home, such as vinegar, baking soda and lemon. However, most people with an eco-conscience find a balance between efficacy and sustainability by using carefully selected commercial cleaning products.
Terms like “natural” and “eco-friendly” are not currently regulated, so read the label carefully to check for any chemical ingredients that could be harmful to the environment. If a product is very cheap, missing a detailed ingredients list or the brand’s marketing lacks any reference to their sustainability, it’s unlikely to be truly eco-friendly.
The Benefits of Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning Products
Switching to environmentally friendly cleaning products can benefit you and our planet.
- Fewer Chemicals — the toxic chemicals that many synthetic cleaners are made from can cause an array of health issues, such as skin irritations and allergies. They also contribute to water and air pollution; for example, by entering rivers and waterways when we water drains from our household sinks. The chemicals can then infiltrate animal and human food chains, potentially causing serious harm.
- Not Tested on Animals — any genuinely “eco-friendly” cleaning product will also be cruelty-free. It will not have been tested on animals, nor should any of its ingredients be.
- More Cost-Effective — sustainable products may appear more expensive at first glance, but you often need to use less to achieve the results you need. Furthermore, as demand for eco-friendly products has risen, pieces have become much more competitive.
- Pleasant Odours — the harsh chemicals contained in traditional cleaners can be unpleasant and overpowering. Natural products often have a more pleasant scent. Your home will not only sparkle with cleanliness, but it will smell great too!
- You Know What You’re Getting — read the label of any commercially available synthetic cleaner and you may be none the wiser as to what it contains. Docusate, benzenesulfonate, alkyl ether phosphate — do you know what you’re spraying liberally around your house? Eco-friendly cleaning products contain familiar, natural ingredients that you’re likely to recognise.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging — it’s not just the product that needs to be free of any chemical or toxic nasties. Make sure the packaging is recyclable or biodegradable too. Plastic pollution is a serious global problem harming people, animals and the environment. You can do your bit to help by switching to eco-friendly home cleaning products.
The Best Eco-Friendly Home Cleaning Products
The sustainable cleaning product market is expanding rapidly — you’ll be spoilt for choice! Be sure to check the label and the packaging carefully to make sure the product is truly eco-friendly.
A few of the most highly rated products you could try include:
- The Eco Laundry Egg — replace regular detergent with natural mineral pellets that contain no harmful chemicals and no palm oil. They’re vegan-friendly to boot! The “egg” can be used repeatedly — a much more sustainable choice than single-use plastic — and has been rated by The Independent as their best natural cleaning product that actually works.
- Ecover Toilet Cleaner — this product is made with renewable plant-based ingredients that won’t harm our waterways nor the animals that feed there. This range is available in many supermarkets, so there’s no excuse not to choose the eco option!
- Plastic-Free Cleaning Sachets — made from plant-derived, sustainably sourced ingredients, these powerful little sachets clean all areas of the home. Replace single-use plastic cleaning bottles with reusable glass ones. Add one of these planet-friendly sachets with some water and repeat.
Choosing the right eco-friendly cleaning products for your home can be daunting. There’s so much to consider and plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re keen to make your home greener by switching to eco-friendly home cleaning products, but you’re not sure where to start or you’re struggling to find the time to make your home sparkle and shine, get in touch. MCS has a team of professional domestic cleaners who can help.
We understand the impact of harsh chemicals on the environment, which is why we replace these products with ethically sound alternatives wherever possible. Learn more about our services and how we work, or contact us today for a quote.
