How to clean your home the eco-friendly way

What products should you use at home for eco-friendly cleaning?

To clean your home naturally, just a few basic ingredients will do the trick. Here are the ones that make up any good natural cleaning kit:

• Baking soda (also known as sodium bicarbonate) is one of the most versatile products for household cleaning.
• Borax can be used to clean, deodorize and disinfect various surfaces.
• White vinegar, diluted in equal parts with water, is well known for cutting grease, dissolving mineral deposits and keeping mould at bay. It acts as a cleaning agent by reducing microbial load, without guaranteeing complete disinfection.
• Liquid soap made from vegetable oil is useful for washing dishes.
• Washing soda crystals are ideal for tackling tougher stains.
• Essential oils—such as lemon, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, grapefruit and orange—can add a pleasant scent to your preparations. Test your mixtures on a small surface before use.

How to make your own DIY cleaning products

Making your own cleaning products is simple and lets you replace basic household cleaners, such as laundry detergent, at a lower cost. Here are 4 homemade recipes to keep in mind:

• All-purpose cleaner: Mix 1 cup of hot water with 1 cup of white vinegar, 1tbsp of mild dish soap and 10 to 20 drops of essential oil (lemon, lavender or eucalyptus).
• Scrubbing cream: Mix 250ml of baking soda with 30ml of borax, 30ml of washing soda crystals and liquid soap. Add about ten drops of essential oil and some water if your cream is too thick.
• Glass and mirror cleaner: Dilute 45ml of vinegar in 500ml of hot water. Scrub with a cloth or newspaper.
• Healthy room spray: Dilute 1.25ml of baking soda in 125ml of hot water. Add a few drops of lemon juice and about ten drops of essential oil. Mix well.

If making your own products isn’t for you, opt at minimum for eco-friendly products, ideally certified with a recognized ecolabel, such as EcoLogo. To reduce waste, replace disposable wipes (Swiffer) with reusable microfibre cloths.

Eco-friendly solutions for cleaning every surface

A few simple methods can effectively deep clean every area of the home.

• Floors and walls: Mix 60ml of vinegar in a 4-litre bucket of lukewarm water and use with a well-wrung mop.
• Sinks, bathtub, toilet and bathroom ceramic tiles: Use your scrubbing product (powder or cream—see recipe above) and rinse thoroughly.
• Shower: A cloth dampened with water and vinegar will clean the surfaces. Use an old toothbrush for the showerhead and grimy grout.
• Fridge: For both the inside and outside, use a paste made from baking soda and a little water (roughly three parts powder to one part liquid). Rinse with a damp cloth dampened with vinegar. This same technique can be used on the outside of the stove or dishwasher.
• Microwave: In a cup, heat a little water mixed with lemon juice for two minutes. Let the steam work for a few moments, then wipe the inside with a damp cloth. If any stains persist, try the baking soda paste.

How to keep a home clean and healthy

Regular upkeep helps limit the build-up of dirt and allergens.

• Dust surfaces with a damp cloth and sweep or vacuum regularly.
• Keep kitchen countertops clean.
• Air out rooms by opening windows often (even in winter).
• Wash the shower curtain regularly to prevent mould.

If you have pets, remember to clean their living areas, as dander contributes to dust and allergens.

What cleaners should you use with a baby or pets?

For safe, non-toxic cleaning, opt for gentle cleaning solutions such as a mixture of lukewarm water and vinegar for floors, or water with an unscented soap.

Avoid products containing ammonia, chlorine (bleach), strong artificial fragrances, phthalates or harsh antibacterial agents. Choose certified eco-friendly products.

Adopting eco-friendly cleaning helps reduce the use of harmful chemicals, cut down on waste and maintain a healthy home. With a few simple ingredients and the right methods, you can effectively care for every room in your home.

To go further, check out our tip sheet 10 easy steps for a greener, eco-friendlier and more economical home.