Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to create a lot of waste and be hard on the environment. With some simple swaps to reusable products and eco-friendly cleaners, you can cut down on trash while still getting your home sparkling. I’ll share my tips on easy ways to make your cleaning routine more sustainable.
Reusable Cleaning Tools That Reduce Waste
Instead of constantly throwing away cleaning supplies like sponges, cloths, and mop heads, switch to reusable versions that you can wash and use again and again. Here are some of my favorite reusable cleaning tools.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are one of the handiest reusable cleaning supplies. The extremely fine microfiber fabric grabs onto dust, dirt, and grease much better than regular rags or paper towels.
I use microfiber cloths for:
- Dusting furniture and appliances
- Wiping down countertops
- Cleaning mirrors and windows
- Scrubbing surfaces like stove tops
After using, just toss them in the laundry. They clean up nicely without any fabric softener or dryer sheets which can leave behind residue. I have a whole stash of microfiber cloths in different colors so I can use certain ones for kitchen cleaning and others for the bathroom.
Reusable Sponges
Those cheap disposable sponges are a major source of waste. Instead, try reusable sponges that last for months with proper care.
My favorite options are:
- Silicone scrubber sponges – These have a coarse side for scrubbing and a soft side for wiping. More durable than regular sponges.
- Natural loofah sponges – These get scrubby when dry and soft when wet. Compostable too.
- Swedish dishcloths – Strange name but these reusable cellulose and cotton cloths are very absorbent.
I sanitize my reusable sponges weekly in boiling water or the dishwasher to keep them germ-free.
Washable Mop Pads
Standard mop heads are another cleaning item that usually gets tossed after each use. With a reusable mop system, you can attach and remove the mop pad from the handle.
My favorite is the microfiber butterfly mop because:
- The two microfiber pads velcro closed to trap dirt.
- Machine washable pads grab dust and clean floors well.
- Easy to rinse and wring out the mop pads.
- Pads last through hundreds of washes.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Supplies
Green cleaning supplies avoid the harsh chemicals found in many conventional cleaners. Here are some of my top picks for effective, non-toxic cleaning products:
Baking Soda and Vinegar
This dynamic duo makes a powerful eco-friendly cleaner. Baking soda is a great natural abrasive and vinegar cuts through grease and disinfects.
I mix them together to make an all-purpose cleaner and use straight vinegar as a rinse after washing dishes. Undiluted vinegar also removes soap scum and hard water stains. Baking soda can be combined with a little water to scrub surfaces.
Castile Soap
Made from vegetable oils, castile soap is biodegradable and versatile. I use a few drops of Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap in a spray bottle with water to make an all-purpose cleaner. It cuts through grease on counters, appliances, and floors. For a heavy duty scrub, I sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge with a few drops of castile soap.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is an effective disinfectant that breaks down into just oxygen and water, so it won’t pollute waterways. I spray 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to sanitize and remove stains from sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets.
Essential Oils
Many popular cleaning brands add artificial fragrance to their products. For a natural scent, I add a few drops of essential oils like lemon, peppermint, or tea tree oil to my DIY cleaners. Various citrus oils have natural antiseptic qualities too.
Simple Swaps Make a Big Impact
With these reusable tools and eco-friendly cleaners, I’ve managed to reduce a significant amount of waste from my cleaning routine. It’s easy to make the switch to more sustainable options that get your home just as clean. Small steps like using washable microfiber cloths instead of paper towels and reusable mop pads rather than disposable ones really add up in trash savings over time. I hope these tips inspire you to cut down on waste while you get cleaning!
