Keeping a clean home doesn’t have to cost a fortune or create a lot of waste. With some simple swaps and DIY solutions, you can clean sustainably without breaking the bank. Here’s how to clean your home affordably and eco-friendly:
Replace Disposable Products with Reusables
Disposable cleaning products like paper towels, plastic scrub brushes, and single-use wipes generate a lot of waste and expense over time. Switch to reusables like microfiber cloths, rags, and brushes to eliminate this waste.
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Microfiber cloths are my go-to for dusting, wiping surfaces, and more. They pick up dirt and grease easily. I have a stash of them to use and wash repeatedly.
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Old t-shirts or socks make great rags for cleaning. Cut them up and use in place of paper towels.
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Natural-bristle brushes last much longer than plastic scrub brushes. Look for ones with replaceable heads.
Use Baking Soda, Vinegar & Other Natural Cleaners
Harsh chemical cleaners are both expensive and often toxic. Natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and Castile soap get the job done without the high cost or health/environmental impact.
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Baking soda is a gentle scrubber and deodorizer. Sprinkle it on surfaces, let it sit briefly, then wipe away.
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Mix vinegar with water for an all-purpose cleaner. The acidity cuts grease and kills bacteria.
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Squeeze lemon juice onto sticky messes or for extra grease-cutting power.
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A few drops of Castile soap in water makes an effective floor cleaner.
Make Your Own Cleaning Products
With a few simple ingredients, you can make powerful cleaners tailored to your needs. Some of my go-to DIY cleaners include:
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All-purpose spray – Mix 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, 15 drops lemon essential oil.
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Scouring powder – Mix 2 parts baking soda, 1 part Castile soap.
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Drain cleaner – Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, follow with 1/2 cup vinegar, let fizz for 5 minutes, then rinse with hot water.
The best part about DIY cleaners is customizing scents and uses. Add different essential oils to make what you need.
Replace Single-Use Items with Refillable Options
Many cleaning products come in single-use bottles or containers that simply get thrown out. Invest in some refillable options to reduce waste and costs.
- Glass spray bottles for DIY cleaners
- Reusable silicone scrub brushes and sponges
- Refillable mop buckets and handles
Look for sturdy items that will last for years, not flimsy plastic.
Use Cold Water for Laundry
Heating water accounts for the majority of energy use from doing laundry. I wash clothes in cold water whenever possible to save energy and money.
Switching loads like sheets, towels, and most clothes to cold has little impact on getting items clean. For heavily soiled clothes, try washing in warm and rinsing in cold.
Let Sunlight Disinfect
The sun’s UV rays naturally disinfect surfaces and fabrics. Whenever possible, hang items outside to dry and spread out rugs and pillows in the sun. This avoids the costs of running dryers or cleaners.
I like to regularly air out pillows and cushions in the sun. For items that can’t be washed like couches or mattresses, letting sunlight hit them helps freshen and disinfect.
Prioritize Multipurpose Cleaners
Instead of having a bunch of specialized products, opt for cleaners that can be used in multiple ways. Some of my go-to multipurpose products include:
- Hydrogen peroxide – disinfectant, stain remover, deodorizer
- Bar soap – floors, counters, hands, laundry
- Steam cleaners – sanitizes surfaces, windows, floors, appliances
Finding multipurpose products reduces costs and makes cleaning simpler.
