Want to embrace sustainable living? Start with your housekeeping routine. The regular cleaning products, tools and disinfecting wipes you use daily have a lasting negative impact on the environment. Traditional store bought cleaners contain harmful chemicals that release directly into the air and waterways, causing air pollution and water contamination. Moreover, prolonged exposure may lead to respiratory disorders, allergies, asthma triggers and other chronic conditions.
Fortunately, making a smart switch towards sustainable and eco friendly cleaning can make a world of difference. Start steady and make smart choices when investing in cleaning supplies and methods. The entire concept revolves around rethinking how to clean, what to use, and how to opt for environmentally friendly alternatives.
For instance, using microfibre cloths over feather dusters can help reduce landfill waste. Similarly, choosing vinegar over ammonia based cleaners can help prevent indoor air and water pollution. Fret not! Here is a comprehensive guide to help you establish a sustainable house cleaning routine that is easy to follow. The following tips will change your life while promoting a healthy, hygienic and harmonious home environment in Sydney.
1. Choose Eco Certified Cleaning Products
This is one of the easiest ways to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. Pick eco certified cleaning products for your home. Ensure you check the green certification labels on the bottle. This ensures that all the ingredients used in the products meet specific environmental safety standards set by recognised certification bodies. These cleaners are designed to be safer for the planet, human beings and animals.
Check the certifications, including GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia), Environmental Choice Australia, and Australia Certified Organic, among others. Verifying these labels or certificates ensures that you are bringing in safe, sound and sustainable products for your home. If you are hiring professionals, ask them to use Green Certified Products for a expert end of lease cleaning Sydney to reduce your carbon footprint.
2. Prepare DIY Natural Cleaning Products at Home
Nothing works wonders like this hack. You can save money while promoting a healthier and sustainable house cleaning routine. Prepare DIY cleaning agents at home using all natural ingredients. The best part is that these products are easily available in your kitchen pantry and bathroom cabinets. Here are some great recipes for different cleaning purposes:
- DIY All Purpose Cleaner: Mix vinegar, warm water, and dish soap to clean windows, chrome faucets, microwave, baseboards, carpets and other surfaces.
- Natural Degreaser: Use baking soda and a few drops of warm water to remove built-up grease from kitchen cabinets, oven grills, stovetops, countertops, and sinks. Sprinkling a cup of powder can refresh your carpets.
- Eco Friendly Mould Remover: Take 3 per cent of hydrogen peroxide or tea tree oil to kill all types of mould and mildew stains
- DIY Floor Cleaner: Use a mild plant based cleaning solution to clean delicate floors. You can prepare pH neutral floor cleanerusing castile soap and warm water.
- Green Deodoriser: Use essential oils like lavender, rose, etc or coffee beans, vanilla extract and charcoal to banish bad smell.
- DIY Disinfectant: Take one part of rubbing alcohol and 2 parts of warm water to disinfect high touch spots like a pro.
3. Prioritise Reusable Cleaning Tools
This is the right time to let go of single use cleaning tools, such as disposable dusting tools, paper towels, plastic scrubbers, conventional sponges, etc. These tools contribute to landfill waste, plastic pollution, and the depletion of non renewable resources.
Instead, switch to reusable options, such as microfibre cloths and mops, bamboo sponges, repurpose an old toothbrush, old cotton tshirts, brushes and scrubbers made from coconut husk. etc. According to end of lease cleaning Sydney experts, using them on a regular basis can save you money while reducing unnecessary waste collection in the long run.
4. Focus on Saving Water While Cleaning
Most households often overlook the optimum usage of water during a house cleaning session. However, making small changes can help deliver effective results. You can fill a bucket of water instead of using a running tap, use a steam cleaning method instead of washing windows and floors, soak grease laden surfaces in water before scrubbing, use microfibre cloths for soaking.
Make sure you fix leaking faucets and switch to low flow fixtures to conserve water while cleaning and create a sustainable environment.
5. Say No to Single Use Plastics
Plastic bottles of cleaning products, fancy packaging, spray bottles, etc contribute to single use plastic waste. You should make a smart switch by opting for refillable containers, such as glass bottles. It's good to refill spray bottles instead of throwing them away. These small modifications can help create a sustainable home environment with ease.
6. Create an Eco Conscious Deep Cleaning Session
While regular cleaning keeps dust and dirt at bay, deep cleaning at regular intervals maintains the hygiene levels and structural condition of the property. Incorporate sustainable methods when deep cleaning your home or rental property. Use a steam cleaner to tackle stubborn messes and grime on tiles and floors. Polish wooden furniture with olive oil, and use lemon juice to disinfect chopping boards, etc.
Create a proper weekly and monthly routine to maintain the shine of your home using only eco friendly methods. This will make a world of difference.
7. Dispose of Cleaning Chemicals Properly
This is one of the most overlooked steps when sprucing up your home. You should never pour store bought cleaners down the drain. Instead, dispose of them properly to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions. Check with local recycling centres in your area and follow the right guidelines for safe disposal. You can also choose a responsible company for a professional end of lease cleaning Sydney that can dispose of hazardous waste without harming the environment.
How to Create an Eco Conscious House Cleaning Schedule
Wrapping Up
These are some of the most effective and substantial ways to approach towards an eco friendly house cleaning routine. With a few adjustments, the right cleaning choices and natural cleaning products can help you keep your home, family, pets, and the planet clean and green.