The new year is a great time to reflect on our cleaning habits and make small changes that can have a big impact on improving sustainability. Here are some ideas for swapping out products or tweaking routines to make your home cleaning greener in 2024.
Reduce single-use products
One of the best things you can do is cut down on disposable cleaning tools and products. Here are some swaps to try:
- Instead of disposable wipes, use washable microfiber cloths. They pick up dirt and dust effectively.
- Swap paper towels for reusable rags or towels made from old cloth.
- Use reusable produce bags for small trash bins rather than plastic bags.
- Try using a reusable mop pad that can be washed instead of single-use mop heads.
- Switch from single-use plastic gloves to reusable rubber gloves that you can wash after each use.
Use natural cleaning ingredients
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals. Luckily, you can DIY effective cleaners using simple, natural ingredients you may already have at home:
- Baking soda is a mild abrasive that cleans and deodorizes.
- White vinegar cuts through grease and disinfects.
- Lemon juice removes stains and freshens.
- Hydrogen peroxide disinfects without leaving chemical residues.
- Castile soap is plant-based and biodegradable.
You can find recipes online for making your own all-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, toilet scrub, and more using these ingredients.
Use concentrates
Instead of ready-to-use cleaners, opt for concentrated products that you can dilute at home. They contain less water, which reduces plastic packaging and costs for transporting. Here are some examples:
- Laundry detergent – Look for powder or liquid concentrates to dissolve in water.
- All-purpose cleaner – Buy a concentrated natural cleaner to mix with water in a spray bottle.
- Dish soap – Dishwashing liquid concentrates require smaller doses.
Improve laundry habits
The laundry room is filled with opportunities to go green. Try these tips:
- Wash in cold water whenever possible to save energy.
- Air dry clothes instead of using the dryer to reduce energy consumption.
- Fill the machine so you’re maximizing each wash cycle.
- Use natural detergent that is phosphate-free and biodegradable.
- Pre-treat stains so clothes can be washed in cold water.
- Clean the lint trap before each dryer load to increase airflow and efficiency.
Prioritize reusables
Plastic waste adds up quickly with cleaning tools and products. Make reusables a priority:
- Use reusable bottles for cleaners instead of plastic spray bottles. Glass is ideal.
- Choose reusable microfiber cloths over paper towels for dusting and cleaning.
- Opt for a reusable silicone scrubber rather than continually buying plastic scrub pads.
- Use reusable bags made of cotton or hemp when purchasing package-free cleaning bulk products.
The new year is a perfect chance to implement small changes that can make cleaning routines more sustainable. With some simple swaps and habit adjustments, you can feel good about keeping your home clean while also taking steps towards a greener lifestyle in 2024.
