Going green with your home cleaning supplies can save you money while also benefiting the environment. Here are some economical and eco-friendly swaps to make for conventional cleaning products.
Replace Conventional Laundry Detergent with Eco-Friendly Options
Conventional laundry detergents often contain harmful chemicals and fragrances. Thankfully, there are affordable eco-friendly options that get your clothes just as clean.
I switched from using Tide to seventh Generation Free & Clear laundry detergent. It is made from plant-based ingredients and contains no dyes, fragrances, or masking agents. A 75 oz container costs around $11 and lasts me several months.
Another great option is Ecos Laundry Detergent, which starts at $6 for a 32 oz bottle. It is hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and made from plant-based ingredients.
I have found these natural detergents clean my clothes very effectively while being gentle on my skin. Switching has saved me money without sacrificing performance.
Swap Conventional Dish Soap for Greener Alternatives
Many popular dish soaps contain chemicals like phthalates and synthetic fragrances. Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap offers a great eco-friendly alternative. It costs around $3 for a 16 oz bottle.
Made from plant-derived ingredients like lemon and aloe, it gets dishes clean while leaving a lovely natural scent. I’ve found it to be just as effective as Dawn at removing grease.
Another excellent option is Seventh Generation Dish Liquid which comes in recyclable packaging. A 25 oz bottle costs around $3. It is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and cuts through grease with ease.
Replace Disinfecting Wipes with Reusable Options
Disposable disinfecting wipes are wasteful and often contain concerning ingredients. I switched to reusable microfiber cloths and Biokleen Bac-Out Cleaner.
A 32 oz spray bottle of Bac-Out costs around $8. It is plant-based, non-toxic and works well for disinfecting surfaces. I simply spray it onto my microfiber cloths and wipe down counters, appliances, etc.
This swap has reduced waste while still allowing me to effectively clean and disinfect my home. Reusable microfiber cloths are inexpensive and can safely be washed hundreds of times.
Make Your Own Green Cleaners from Simple Ingredients
You can make effective eco-friendly cleaners right at home using simple, affordable ingredients like:
- Baking soda – Cleans, deodorizes, scours, polishes
- White vinegar – Disinfects, cuts grease, removes stains
- Lemon juice – Cuts through grease, freshens
- Hydrogen peroxide – Disinfects, whitens
- Essential oils – Add natural fragrance
Here are a few easy DIY cleaner recipes:
- All-purpose cleaner – Mix 1 cup vinegar, 1⁄2 cup water, and 20 drops lemon essential oil
- Bathroom cleaner – Mix baking soda and water to form a paste
- Glass cleaner – Mix 2 cups water, 1⁄4 cup vinegar, and 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol
Making my own cleaners has been very cost-effective while also reducing my use of harsh chemicals. A little goes a long way with DIY cleaners.
Consider Swapping Paper Towels for Reusable Options
I used to go through a lot of paper towels for cleaning up spills and messes. Now I use reusable rags made from old t-shirts and towels instead.
This swap has saved me a lot of money that I used to spend frequently replacing paper towels. The rags can be washed and reused endlessly.
I also have some small reusable cotton cloths that I dampen to clean counters, mirrors, and other surfaces. These can be easily washed with the rest of my laundry.
Opt for a Reusable Swiffer Alternative
Instead of using disposable Swiffer pads, I purchased reusable microfiber Swiffer cloths that attach to my Swiffer. A 2-pack costs around $10 and has lasted me well over a year with regular washes.
This swap has allowed me to save money while reducing waste. The microfiber cloths pick up dust and dirt just as well as the disposable pads.
Consider Reusable Silicone Bags for Food Storage
Plastic baggies and cling wrap generate a lot of waste. Reusable silicone bags provide a great eco-friendly alternative for storing leftovers and snacks.
A set of silicone bags costs around $20 upfront but ends up saving money in the long run since they replace endless plastic bags. They are durable, washable, non-toxic and airtight for containing food.
Silicone bags take up a bit more space, so I store them flattened when not in use. But the trade-off for reducing plastic waste is well worth it.
Conclusion
Making eco-friendly swaps for conventional cleaning supplies has allowed me to reduce chemicals, waste, and costs in my home. Small changes like switching brands, using DIY cleaners, and replacing paper products with reusable options adds up to big savings over time – both for my budget and the environment. I encourage you to look at your own cleaning routine and see where you could introduce some greener alternatives. Our planet and wallets will thank us.
