More and more of our customers ask whether we use eco-friendly cleaning products. It’s a great question. What we use in your home affects the air you breathe, your family and pets, and the environment, including the rivers and coastline around Weston-super-Mare.
In this post we’ll explain how we choose products, which natural ingredients really work, and some simple ways to make your own cleaning greener.
What makes a cleaning product “eco-friendly”?
“Eco”, “green” and “natural” aren’t legally defined terms, so it’s worth looking beyond the label. We look for:
- Plant-based or naturally derived ingredients instead of petroleum-based ones wherever possible
- Readily biodegradable formulas that break down quickly in water
- No unnecessary harsh chemicals, such as chlorine bleach for everyday cleaning
- Low or no added fragrance, which is better for people with allergies and sensitive skin
- Concentrated formulas and refills, to cut down on plastic packaging and transport
- Recognised certifications where available, and products not tested on animals
Microfibre: the unsung hero
One of the biggest changes to our cleaning has nothing to do with chemicals at all. Good-quality microfibre cloths have very fine fibres that grab and hold onto dirt, grease and bacteria. With just water or a small amount of cleaner, they can clean many surfaces effectively. We use colour-coded cloths for different areas, so the cloth that cleans your toilet never goes near your kitchen.
Natural ingredients that really work
Some traditional cleaning ingredients are genuinely effective:
- White vinegar: great for limescale on taps and shower screens, and for streak-free glass. Avoid it on natural stone, as the acid can etch the surface.
- Bicarbonate of soda: a gentle abrasive for sinks, hobs and ovens, and a natural odour absorber for carpets and fridges.
- Citric acid: excellent for descaling kettles, shower heads and washing machines.
- Lemon juice: mild acid and a fresh scent, useful on chopping boards and for brightening.
- Castile and plant-based soaps: gentle all-purpose cleaners for many surfaces.
A word of caution: never mix vinegar and bleach, or bleach and ammonia, as they can release harmful gases.
Where eco products need a helping hand
We’re realistic. For some jobs, such as heavy oven grease, limescale build-up in hard-water areas, or disinfecting after illness, a stronger product may be needed. In these cases we choose the most suitable product, use it sparingly and correctly, and rinse surfaces well. Our goal is always the best result with the least impact.
Greener outdoor cleaning
For driveways, patios and windows, the most important thing is often the method rather than the product:
- Our window cleaning uses purified water, with no detergents at all.
- For patios and driveways, we use pressure, heat and brushing to do most of the work, and choose biodegradable cleaners and biocides.
- We avoid washing products into ponds, streams or drains where possible.
How to make your home cleaning greener
- Buy concentrates and refills to reduce plastic.
- Use microfibre instead of disposable wipes.
- Clean little and often, so you don’t need strong products for built-up grime.
- Open windows to reduce damp and the need for mould removers.
- Measure products rather than pouring freely. More isn’t better.
- Choose fragrance-free products if anyone in your home has allergies.
Our approach at TIME2SHINE
We use eco-friendly products and microfibre as standard across our domestic cleaning and commercial cleaning services. If you have your own preferred products, allergies or sensitivities, just let us know and we’ll happily adapt.
Want a cleaner home with less impact? Click Get a Quote to book an eco-friendly clean.