A health problem that my daughter had when she was younger caused me to rethink all environmental toxins that were in our life. Preservatives and colours in our food, gluten and sugar in our diet (very inflammatory), and exposure to chemicals through things like personal care products and what I used to clean the house. The more natural the better for us, and as I took things out of my environment and switched to organic cleaning products, even my migraines stopped. I think they were triggered by cleaning products and probably ‘traditional’ perfumes, which are really just nice smelling poisons.
Have you ever stopped to think about the environmental impact of the cleaning products you use in your home? Are they safe for you, your little ones and the furry members of your household?
By making some simple changes as I did in your cleaning routine and eradicating things from your environment, you absolutely CAN cut down not only the toxic chemicals that are in traditional cleaning products but also the plastics that are often used as packaging. This of course saves you money in the long run and reduces what you throw away in the garbage that potentially ends up in landfill.
One of the best ways to reduce the toxins in your cleaning routine is to switch to environmentally friendly cleaning products. These products are made from natural and sustainable ingredients, and often come in eco-friendly packaging. Look for products that are certified organic, non-toxic, and biodegradable.
Some great examples and another female-led business that I absolutely love is Koala Eco. They are all plant based and use the Australian natives flowers to give the luscious scents that make you feel like you are living in a day spa!!
Have a look at the range of Australian natural cleaning products here
Some examples of eco-friendly cleaning products include vinegar, baking soda, castile soap, and essential oils.
Almost all bulk food stores now have a section where you can fill up your old bottles with toxic-free detergents, washing powder and other cleaning goodies.
If you can choose, always choose a product in a glass container, then the refills will cost less in the long run. There are some absolutely stunning glass bottles available and my favourite are these reusable glass bottles from Koala Eco, available in both a pump and a spray option.
There are loads of choices, from loofah eco friendly cleaning sponges, to products that combine both cellulose for the softer side and coconut coir or sisal grass fibres for more of a scourer.
Cellulose is a fabulous material that uses the wood chips to create a hardy, versatile cleaning cloth. These sponges which are great for bench tops, bathrooms and washing the dishes can be washed again and again either in the dishwasher or washing machine. They last a long time and are a practical, simple swap from those horrible fluorescent ones that contain microplastics that you buy from the supermarket.
Reusable cotton towels are fabulous to use instead of paper towels for spills and also napkins. Don’t use kitchen paper or single-use wipes, instead opt for old rags ( stained T-shirts anyone?) or products like the ‘Unpaper’ towels.( include link) Reusable, zero-waste and fun, sunny patterns.
The best thing is that all of these sponges can be popped into your home compost when they are done.
Yep, it’s possible, and our grandmothers would be able to testify! Nothing like some bicarb and lemon to scrub and polish the kitchen sink! When you can use what you already have in your pantry such as baking soda, vinegar and salt. Essential oils are lovely to add too to freshen up the mix and many of them have antibacterial and mould killing properties too!
An easy one is white vinegar and water in equal parts. Spray onto your shower head to help remove the limescale and clean it 100% naturally.
The versatility of soap berries ( also known as soap nuts) is massive. I even wash my car using them! Hair, body, cleaning, dishwasher, laundry. This totally biodegradable fruit is a powerhouse that causes no harm!
Our skin is the largest organ of our body and absorbs everything we put on it so what you wash in DOES make a difference. The mass-market products sold with cuddly bears and small children and images of unachievable ‘softness’ all undoubtedly contain harmful chemicals such as PEG's, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), synthetic fragrances and colours. They can all irritate your skin and also affect your hormonal system. We breathe and absorb everything. I can’t be near a commercial dry cleaners or sleep on a pillow case where excess chemical laden laundry powder or softeners have been used.
One thing I love for washing ( and cleaning ) are 100% natural fruit called ‘soap berries’. They are hypoallergenic, antibacterial, anti-fungal and almost odourless ( apart from a fruity smell and I always add eucalyptus essential oils, lavender or lemon as I love these scents on my clothes and linen. The lather that’s created from the naturally occurring saponin has a balanced pH level and moisturising properties, gently cleaning your skin and your clothes. Soap berries are a 100% organic substitute to your usual cleaning products that can contain harmful chemicals such as PEG's, Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS), synthetic fragrances and colouring which can be a skin irritant and also affect your hormonal system. Aside from its wonderful cleaning properties, soap berries are also highly-sustainable, they can be reused many times and thrown in the garden or compost when done.
I always try to use the sun, I have NEVER used a softener ( there may be a non-toxic version but I actually like crispy towels as they give my skin a good rub!) BUT when it rains and rains and rains sometimes you need to use the dryer.
When you do, just use the woollen dryer balls. They not only soften and condition your clothes with the natural lanolin in the wool, they reduce the creases and static and also cut down your drying time by up to 30%. Want to chat about electricity rates anyone?
So we spoke about sponges earlier on, but what about the brushes? I have a stack of bamboo toothbrushes under my sink. No longer good for my teeth but good for cleaning around the edges of things. Then they go into my compost.
There are some really great sustainable cleaning brushes available, made from wood or bamboo and with natural bristles either made from coconut fibres or sisal grass. If they have replaceable head, like our natural dishwashing brush then even better. Reuse, reuse, reuse.
You don’t need a cupboard full of different products to clean, often one or two plant-based, natural products can do a multitude of tasks! Make sure you are signed up to our newsletter for loads of eco friendly tips and DIY recipes, amazing sustainable products and more!
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Items are very lovely and well packed. Waited for the seller to have this posted on her website before buying and it is worth the wait. Highly recommended
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