As someone who’s always been passionate about the environment, I can’t help but cringe when I see the amount of waste and toxicity involved in traditional cleaning products. I mean, “volatile organic compounds” and “toxic ingredients” in my household cleaners? No, thank you! That’s why I decided to make the switch to zero-waste cleaning – and let me tell you, it’s been a total game-changer.
First off, let’s talk about the tools we use to clean. I know it can be tempting to want to replace everything with fancy, eco-friendly alternatives, but the truth is, a lot of the cleaning supplies we already have at home can be perfectly fine. Take my trusty old plastic toilet brush, for example – it’s going to be around for the next decade, so why rush to replace it with a fancy bamboo one?
That said, I did decide to upgrade my cleaning caddy to something a little more sustainable. I went with a sleek metal one, which is perfect for storing all my zero-waste cleaning essentials: a feather duster, a wooden dish scrub, a hand broom, some reusable bar towels (they’re amazing at absorbing water!), and a few other handy items. It’s been a total lifesaver, keeping everything organized and within reach.
One of the best swaps I’ve made is switching to reusable rags instead of paper towels. Those 100% cotton bar towels are an absolute dream – they last forever, they’re super absorbent, and they do a fantastic job at picking up dust and spills. No more reaching for the paper towel roll every time something gets messy!
And let’s not forget about cleaning sprays. Instead of relying on those chemically-laden, store-bought solutions, I’ve started making my own all-purpose cleaner using a simple combination of vinegar and orange peels. It works like a charm on just about every surface, from mirrors and windows to sinks and countertops. Plus, it’s way cheaper and better for the environment!
Another area where I’ve made some serious upgrades is in the bathroom. Goodbye, plastic toilet brush – hello, bamboo or steel and silicone alternatives. And for keeping my tub sparkling clean, I swear by my homemade tub scrub recipe. It’s a game-changer, let me tell you!
When it comes to floors, I’ve got a secret weapon: the old-school janitor mop. My husband was adamant about getting one, and you know what? He was right. This thing is a total workhorse, and it’s made of wood and natural materials, so I can feel good about using it.
Of course, vacuuming is a necessary evil, but I’ve got that covered too. My trusty Dyson Animal has been a lifesaver, and the fact that it comes with a lifetime warranty means I can feel good about my investment. Plus, the dust that ends up in my vacuum? It’s compostable! Talk about a win-win.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “But Kathryn, making all these DIY zero-waste cleaning products sounds like a lot of work!” And you know what? You’re absolutely right. It can be a bit of a time investment at first, but trust me, it’s so worth it. Not only is it cheaper and better for the environment, but it also gives me the peace of mind of knowing exactly what’s going into the products I use to clean my home.
Some of my favorite DIY recipes include a tub scrub, an all-purpose orange peel vinegar cleaner, a toilet cleaner, and even a makeup brush cleaner. And the best part? They’re all super easy to whip up with just a few basic ingredients.
Of course, if DIY isn’t your thing, there are also some fantastic eco-friendly cleaning brands out there, like Blueland. They sell tablets that you mix with water in your own home, and they’re cruelty-free, zero-waste, and biodegradable. It’s a great option for those of us who want the convenience of store-bought products without the environmental impact.
Now, let’s talk about cleaning each room in your home. In the kitchen, I typically use my DIY dish soap or a brand like Filaree, along with my trusty bamboo dish scrubs. If I’ve got a lot of dishes to do, I’ll load up the dishwasher, which actually saves more water than hand-washing. And don’t forget to wipe down those counters, ovens, and sinks with your all-purpose cleaner!
As for the bedroom, I make sure to change our sheets every week and keep the pillows and top sheet covered to prevent our furry friend (a.k.a. our dog) from rubbing all over them. And when it comes to laundry, I’m super lucky that my husband takes care of it all – he even hangs everything to dry, which is a total dream.
In the bathroom, I swear by my homemade tub scrub (seriously, it’s like magic!), along with my all-purpose cleaner for the toilet, mirror, and sink. And for the floors, I rely on a good old-fashioned mop and some Dr. Bronner’s soap – it’s the perfect eco-friendly cleaning combo.
Now, I know deep cleaning can be a real pain, but it’s so important to tackle those dust bunnies, grime, and bacteria that love to hide out of sight. I try to do a deep clean of my entire home at least twice a year, making sure to hit all those hard-to-reach spots like under the beds, behind the sofas, and inside the closets and pantry.
The key to making this whole zero-waste cleaning thing work is minimizing what needs to be cleaned in the first place. Get rid of the stuff you don’t use, and you’ll have a lot less to worry about. And don’t forget to establish a regular cleaning routine – that way, you can stay on top of things and spend less time dealing with those big, messy projects.
At the end of the day, sustainable cleaning is all about making small, mindful choices that add up to a big impact. Whether it’s swapping out your plastic cleaning tools for more eco-friendly alternatives or mixing up your own homemade cleaners, every little step you take can make a difference. And hey, who knows – you might even find that you actually enjoy the process!
So, what are you waiting for? It’s time to ditch the chemical-laden, wasteful cleaning products and embrace the zero-waste revolution. Your wallet, your health, and the planet will thank you. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to check out Adam Cleaning – they’ve got all the tips and tricks you need to clean smarter, not harder.
