Chemical-based cleaning products can easily enter soil and waterways as we wash them away down our drains, potentially polluting the sea and harming marine life.
Luckily, it’s easy to keep your home clean while staying conscious of the environment. Why not try these natural, eco-friendly cleaning hacks?
Let in the light
Want to make your own window cleaner? Instantly brighten up any room with this homemade eco-friendly mirror and window cleaning solution – simply mix 2 cups of water with ½ cup white or cider vinegar and ¼ cup rubbing alcohol. The vinegar leaves windows shiny and streak-free while the alcohol kills germs.
Simply spray onto glass and wipe away with a soft microfibre cloth. You can add a drop of essential oil to the solution to leave surfaces lightly scented – try orange or other citrus oils.
Loosen up limescale
Limescale can affect appliances in hard water areas. Attempting to scrape off these hard mineral deposits can damage the surface underneath – but soaking in either vinegar or lemon juice softens the limescale and makes it easy to wipe away.
For kettles, fill a quarter of the way with either vinegar or lemon juice and leave for an hour, then top up with cold water and boil. Pour the boiled mixture away and rinse thoroughly to remove any trace. You can also run your washing machine or dishwasher with a large cup of either vinegar or lemon juice in place of detergent.
You’ll need to be more inventive to keep the liquid in contact with kitchen and bathroom taps for long enough to soften limescale – try soaking cotton wool or a dishcloth in the liquid and tying it around the tap. Leave for a couple of hours before removing and gently scrubbing with a soft scourer and rinsing thoroughly.
When life gives you lemons…clean!
With their acidic juice and zesty scent, fresh lemons have a variety of hidden cleaning purposes. Put a small sponge in a ramekin or small dish and pour over lemon juice, then pop the dish in your fridge to soak up and neutralise food odours. You can also rub a freshly cut lemon over your chopping board to deodorise the surface.
Easily freshen up your microwave by adding lemon slices to a bowl of water and heating on high power until boiling, then leave the steam to pass through the microwave’s vents.
Ready, set, baking soda!
A cheap, mild abrasive that cuts through grease, baking soda has several cleaning uses around the house – and it’s perfect for use in the kitchen as it’s the very same ingredient you use in cooking. To scrub hard surfaces like hobs and kitchen worktops, simply sprinkle baking soda onto a damp cloth, rub into the surface and then wash away with a clean cloth.
To tackle stubborn carpet stains without harsh chemicals, mix white vinegar with baking soda to form a paste, then rub into stains with a soft cloth. Leave to dry, then vacuum away the baking soda.
