11 sustainable cleaning tips for your home

Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Here’s 11 sustainable cleaning tips so you can keep your home spotless while reducing your ecological footprint at the same time!

1. Use eco-friendly cleaning products

Many store-bought cleaners contain harmful toxins and chemicals that can pollute waterways and negatively impact indoor air quality. Look for brands offering cleaning products that are biodegradable, plant-based, and free from synthetic fragrances and dyes. Examples include:

Ecover – A well-known brand producing plant-based, biodegradable cleaning products, including laundry detergents, dishwashing liquids, and multi-purpose cleaners.

Bio-D – A family-owned UK company making non-toxic, cruelty-free, and sustainable household cleaning products.

Method – A brand offering stylish, eco-friendly cleaning solutions made with plant-based ingredients.

2. Ditch the plastic bottles

There are alarming amounts of plastic sitting in landfill, so instead of contributing to this every time you throw out an empty cleaning bottle, buy reusable bottles instead. Not only can you buy reusable bottles that look nice and tie in with your décor, you can also buy refills of your products to decant into them, and the refills come in recyclable packaging.

3. Make your own cleaning products

Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solutions using simple ingredients you may already have around the home, like:

White vinegar – A natural disinfectant that cuts through grease and grime.

Baking soda – Great for scrubbing and deodorising surfaces.

Lemon juice – A natural bleaching agent with antibacterial properties.

Castile soap – A plant-based soap that can be used for multiple cleaning purposes.

4. Ditch disposable wipes and paper towels

Single-use cleaning wipes and paper towels contribute to excessive waste and don’t biodegrade, meaning they sit in landfill for hundreds of years. Instead, opt for reusable microfiber cloths or old rags that can be cleaned in the washing machine after use. When you need to use kitchen towel, look at brands like Naked Paper and Who Gives A Crap, that make biodegradable paper from bamboo and recycled materials.

5. Choose eco-friendly cleaning tools

Choose natural sponges like loofah sponges instead of plastic sponges, and bamboo brushes instead of plastic brushes. Check out The Seep Company for inspiration.

6. Avoid synthetic air fresheners

Many commercial air fresheners contain chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution. Instead, try:

• Eco-friendly air fresheners made from natural oils
• Essential oil diffusers
• Buy or make natural pot pourri, which can also make a nice display

An interesting tip if you want to eliminate odours rather than mask them is to put dried coffee grounds in a bowl and leave it in a room as it’ll absorb the odours.

7. Use baking soda on carpet smells

Smells can linger in carpets, so an easy eco-friendly way to counteract this is by sprinkling baking soda on carpets. Let it sit for 15 minutes where it will neutralise odours naturally, then vacuum it up.

8. Purify air with houseplants

Instead of chemical air fresheners, keep plants like aloe vera, peace lilies, and spider plants to absorb toxins and freshen indoor air naturally in-between cleaning. Note that peace lilies are toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so should be kept away from where they can get to them.

9. Use water efficiently

Conserving water is also key when trying to clean more sustainably. Simple habits like turning off the tap while scrubbing surfaces, putting the plug in whilst using the sink, and choosing water-efficient appliances with eco settings for dishwashing and laundry can make a big difference in reducing water wastage.

10. Repurpose old toothbrushes

Don't throw away old toothbrushes - repurpose them for cleaning! Their small bristles and narrow shape make them perfect for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas like grout lines, tile edges, and tight spots around taps. Just make sure you store them away from the new toothbrush you’re about to use!

11. Recycle and donate unwanted items

Cleaning often leads to us decluttering our homes at the same time. Instead of throwing away unwanted items, sell or donate usable items to local charities, and recycle anything you can. Recycling and reusing champions a sustainable circular economy, reducing landfill waste and benefitting those in need.

Switching to sustainable cleaning habits doesn’t just benefit the environment - it also leads to a healthier home for you, your family and friends, and your pets to enjoy. By making small, mindful changes, you can create a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable living space, free from harmful toxins.

We're passionate about sustainability as a business. Find out more at our sustainability hub.