As someone who has been on a mission to green my cleaning routine, I’m excited to share the ultimate guide to sustainable cleaning swaps for every room in your home. It’s no secret that traditional cleaning products are often packed with harsh chemicals, artificial fragrances, and packaging that’s harmful to the environment. But the good news is, there are so many amazing eco-friendly alternatives that work just as well, save you money, and keep your home sparkling clean.
Revamping Your Cleaning Caddy
When it comes to sustainable cleaning, it all starts with the tools you use. I used to have a mishmash of plastic spray bottles, disposable wipes, and other single-use items, but I’ve since overhauled my cleaning caddy to be 100% zero waste.
As I learned from Going Zero Waste, the key is to focus on reusable, durable cleaning tools that can be used again and again. My new caddy is a sleek metal one that holds all my essentials: a bamboo dish brush, some reusable microfiber rags, a silicone and steel scrub brush for the tub, and a wooden toilet brush. I also keep a bottle of my homemade all-purpose cleaning spray, a jar of baking soda, and a small container of vinegar.
Not only does this setup look way chicer than my old plastic bottles, but it’s also incredibly practical. The bamboo and silicone tools will last for years, and I can simply toss the rags in the wash when they get dirty. No more single-use paper towels or disposable wipes taking up space in my landfill-bound trash!
Tackling the Kitchen
The kitchen is arguably the busiest and messiest room in the house, so it’s a great place to start with your sustainable cleaning swaps. After cooking up a big meal, I always make sure to wash my dishes using a DIY dish soap or a brand like Filaree. And for those stubborn pots and pans, my trusty bamboo dish scrubs do the trick without any harsh abrasives.
When it comes to countertops and sinks, I reach for my all-purpose cleaning spray made with simple ingredients like vinegar, castile soap, and essential oils. It cuts through grease and grime like a champ, and I feel good knowing I’m not releasing a cloud of toxic chemicals into the air. And if I need a little extra scrubbing power, I’ll use a baking soda paste to really get things sparkling.
The one area of the kitchen that often gets overlooked is the oven. But with a natural oven cleaner made from baking soda, vinegar, and a few other pantry staples, I can keep that bad boy looking brand new without any harsh fumes. It might take a bit more elbow grease, but the results are so worth it.
Refreshing the Bedroom
If there’s one room in the house that should be a serene, chemical-free oasis, it’s the bedroom. And that starts with how I clean and care for my bedding and linens.
Instead of using traditional laundry detergents loaded with synthetics, I opt for a gentle, plant-based option like Molly’s Suds. And I skip the dryer sheets altogether, using wool dryer balls to naturally soften my clothes.
When it comes to actually cleaning the bedroom, I love to open up the windows and let some fresh air in. A quick wipe-down of surfaces with my all-purpose spray is usually all I need. And for deeper cleans, I’ll use a microfiber cloth to dust off furniture and baseboards. It’s amazing how much dirt and dust can accumulate, even in a room we spend so much time in!
Of course, no bedroom cleaning routine is complete without tackling the mattress. I sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the top, let it sit for a bit, then vacuum it up. This helps neutralize odors and lift away any lingering dirt or hair. And every few months, I’ll strip the bed and give the mattress a good scrub with my DIY cleaning spray.
Refreshing the Bathroom
The bathroom is another room that can really benefit from some sustainable swaps. Instead of reaching for harsh chemical cleaners, I’ve found that natural ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, and castile soap work just as well, if not better.
One of my favorite cleaning recipes is a simple tub scrub made with baking soda, castile soap, and a few drops of lemon essential oil. I slather it all over the tub and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing away with my trusty bamboo brush. The results are always sparkling clean without any toxic fumes.
For the toilet, I’ve found that toilet cleaner bombs made with baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils work wonders. I just drop one in the bowl, let it fizz and clean, then give it a quick scrub with my wooden toilet brush.
And of course, no bathroom is complete without a good mirror cleaning. I keep a little spray bottle of diluted vinegar and water on hand, which leaves my mirrors streak-free and sparkling.
Maintaining the Rest of the Home
While the kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom are the main cleaning hotspots, it’s important not to overlook the rest of your home. After all, dust, dirt, and grime can accumulate everywhere.
When it comes to floors, I’m a big fan of using a simple castile soap and water solution in my old-school mop. It gets the job done without any harsh chemicals, and I can feel good about my dog and toddler crawling around on the freshly cleaned surface.
For dusting, I love using reusable microfiber rags instead of wasteful paper towels. They pick up dust and dirt like a magnet, and I just toss them in the washing machine when they need a refresh.
And when it’s time for a deep clean, I make sure to hit all the nooks and crannies – under beds, behind furniture, in closets and pantries. This is where baking soda, vinegar, and a good scrub brush really come in handy. It’s amazing how much grime can build up in those hard-to-reach areas.
Making Cleaning a Breeze
I know what you’re thinking – “All these sustainable swaps sound great, but won’t they take forever?” Well, I’m here to tell you that sustainable cleaning can actually save you time and effort in the long run.
The key is to minimize what needs to be cleaned in the first place. By decluttering and getting rid of things we don’t use, there’s simply less stuff to dust, wipe down, and scrub. And by creating a regular cleaning routine, we can stay on top of things instead of letting the mess pile up.
I also find that natural cleaning products are often more effective than their chemical-laden counterparts. The baking soda, vinegar, and castile soap I use can tackle even the toughest grime with a little elbow grease. No need for harsh abrasives or fumes that make your eyes water.
So take a deep breath, dive into your cleaning cabinets, and get ready to transform your home with some amazing sustainable swaps. Your wallet, your lungs, and the planet will thank you.
