In order to maintain hygiene, cleaning supplies and agents are a common sight in our homes. Whether it’s cleaning surfaces or eliminating stains and smells, these items are necessary for daily tasks that improve our general health.
However, while effective, many traditional cleaning products can be harmful to our environment and our health. Cleaning chemicals like bleach, phosphates, and artificial perfumes can cause allergic reactions, endanger respiratory health, and add to indoor air pollution.
Additionally, the manufacturing and disposal of these chemical-laden items frequently contaminate water supplies and damage aquatic ecosystems. The good news is, there’s a better way! Eco-friendly cleaning products are increasing in popularity, offering a safe and effective alternative.
What is meant by an eco-friendly cleaning agent?
An eco-friendly cleaning agent is a product that effectively cleans while minimising environmental impact throughout its entire lifecycle, from production to disposal. These products use biodegradable ingredients, sustainable packaging, and environmentally responsible manufacturing processes.
In practice, eco-friendly cleaning agents typically contain plant-based ingredients rather than petroleum-based chemicals. Thus, these cleaning agents work with nature rather than against it. They utilise natural compounds like citric acid, vinegar, and essential oils to achieve the same cleaning power as conventional products.
As such, customers who choose environmentally friendly products actively contribute towards sustainability. Thereby, they do their part to reduce climate change and foster a healthier planet.
What makes a cleaning product eco-friendly?
Eco-friendly cleaning products prioritise both safety and sustainability. These key criteria define if a cleaning product can be considered genuinely eco-friendly:
- Non-toxic ingredients: Eco-friendly cleaning products avoid synthetic chemicals, using non-toxic, natural ingredients. Plant-based surfactants, citrus extracts, and essential oils are common substitutes.
- Biodegradability: Ingredients should break down easily in the environment without leaving behind toxic residues. Biodegradable substances degrade naturally, minimising harm to water systems, soil, and wildlife.
- Renewable resources: Products that utilise ingredients from renewable sources, like plants, are more sustainable than those derived from petroleum-based compounds.
- Minimal packaging and Waste: Eco-friendly products often feature reduced or recycled packaging. Some brands offer refillable containers or bulk packaging to decrease plastic waste.
- Low carbon footprint: Green cleaning products may have reduced production emissions. Sourcing local or regional ingredients and manufacturing within proximity to distribution centres also lowers carbon output.
Overall, eco-friendly cleaning products employ plant-based ingredients that are kinder to the body and don’t emit dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the atmosphere.
As a result, they make homes and workplaces healthier places for people to live. This characteristic is especially important for vulnerable groups like children and people with underlying medical conditions.
How do you know if a cleaning product is eco-friendly?
The easiest way to determine a product’s eco-friendliness is to check its labelling and certification. Look for certifications from reputable environmental organisations, such as:
- USDA Certified Biobased for plant-based products.
- Green Seal and EcoLogo for sustainability standards.
- EPA’s Safer Choice for reduced risk to health and the environment.
Reading the ingredient list can also help. Furthermore, avoid products with long, chemical-sounding ingredients and aim for labels that list simple, natural components.
Online reviews and consumer reports can provide additional insight into a product’s effectiveness and commitment to eco-friendly principles.
Types of eco-friendly cleaning products
Eco-friendly cleaning products cater to a wide array of cleaning needs. Whether for household, commercial, or kitchen use, green cleaners offer solutions designed to tackle specific types of grime while promoting sustainability.
Eco-friendly home cleaning products
Household cleaning products range from multipurpose cleaners for countertops to glass, bathroom, and furniture cleaners. These products rely on non-toxic, plant-based ingredients to ensure safety in high-contact areas around the home. Many also include essential oils for a natural, fresh scent.
Eco-friendly commercial cleaning products
Businesses and commercial properties increasingly opt for eco-friendly solutions to maintain a healthier work environment. Eco-friendly commercial cleaning products often come in larger, concentrated packages that reduce waste and cater to high-traffic areas.
Essentially, these are products with strong disinfecting capabilities that meet safety standards for business settings while still adhering to green principles.
Eco-friendly kitchen cleaning products
Kitchen cleaning products often tackle grease, tough stains, and food-borne bacteria. Eco-friendly kitchen cleaners avoid harsh chemicals that could contaminate food prep surfaces.
Common ingredients include vinegar, baking soda, and plant-based surfactants that effectively clean without introducing harmful residues.
Advantages of eco-friendly cleaning products that disinfect
Choosing eco-friendly cleaning products for disinfection doesn’t mean compromising on effectiveness. Many of these products provide potent antibacterial and antiviral properties while delivering other notable benefits:
1. Fewer harmful chemicals
Eco-friendly cleaning products minimise exposure to dangerous chemicals, which can be especially useful to households with pets, children or allergy-prone individuals. Without harsh chemicals, eco-friendly cleaners reduce the risk of respiratory irritation, skin reactions, and long-term health effects.
2. Environmentally friendly
Eco-friendly products biodegrade naturally, ensuring they don’t pollute water systems or harm wildlife. By using renewable resources and minimal packaging, these products help reduce environmental impact while promoting sustainable consumption.
3. Cost-saving
Many eco-friendly products come in concentrated forms or are refillable, reducing both packaging waste and cost over time. For example, multipurpose concentrates allow you to make different types of cleaning solutions with one product.
4. Fewer health risks
Eco-friendly products tend to be less irritating to the skin and respiratory system due to the absence of VOCs and synthetic fragrances. These safer alternatives make cleaning more accessible for people with asthma, allergies, and other sensitivities.
The top 8 eco-friendly cleaning product brands
Eco-friendly cleaning supplies are safer for both people and pets because they are made with natural components. Conventional cleaning products frequently contain harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and ammonia.
These elements can cause skin irritations, respiratory disorders, and other health concerns when they are exposed.
However, choosing the best eco-friendly cleaning products involves balancing effectiveness with sustainability. Here are eight top brands that prioritise green practices without compromising on cleanliness:
1. Puracy
Puracy stands out for its commitment to plant-based ingredients and biodegradable formulas. The brand’s products are non-toxic, and biodegradable. Furthermore, they are free from harmful chemicals, making them suitable for homes with children and pets. Puracy’s all-purpose cleaner is a standout for tackling grease and grime without leaving streaks.
2. Ecominim
Ecominim emphasises sustainability by offering refills in eco-friendly packaging. Its products are crafted from plant-based ingredients and come in biodegradable pouches to reduce plastic use. Ecominim’s cleaners are effective in high-traffic areas and are known for their gentle, fresh scents derived from essential oils.
3. Kleenso
Kleenso specialises in eco-friendly commercial cleaning products that are equally suitable for home use. With a commitment to using non-toxic ingredients, Kleenso offers everything from floor cleaners to disinfectants designed for safe use in homes and workplaces. Their products are highly concentrated, allowing customers to dilute for extended use.
4. Raecare
Raecare focuses on providing gentle yet effective products with a commitment to using only sustainable ingredients. Raecare’s multi-surface cleaner is a top choice for general home cleaning, containing ingredients that are both vegan and biodegradable.
5. Bio-home
Bio-Home stands out for its hypoallergenic and biodegradable formulations, particularly suitable for sensitive skin. Their kitchen and bathroom cleaners are designed for efficient cleaning without leaving harmful residues, making Bio-Home a preferred brand for allergy-conscious households.
6. Kath + Belle
Kath + Belle specialises in non-toxic cleaning products that are both child- and pet-friendly. Kath + Belle’s focus on natural ingredients like essential oils and plant extracts aligns with the needs of households looking for gentle yet effective cleaners.
7. K Homemade Natural Cleaners
K Homemade Natural Cleaners offers handmade, eco-friendly cleaning products that uniquely combine the benefits of natural ingredients with the effectiveness of commercial cleaners. Each product is carefully crafted utilising ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and baking soda, which effectively clean and disinfect without harmful chemicals.
8. The Truly Loving Company
The Truly Loving Company integrates social responsibility with sustainability, donating part of its profits to charity. The brand’s cleaners are biodegradable and safe for various surfaces, balancing performance with a commitment to the environment and society.
Conclusion
One cannot ignore the effect cleaning goods have on the environment. Traditional cleaning agents’ hazardous chemical compositions greatly contribute to ecosystem deterioration and water contamination.
Eco-friendly cleaning solutions, however, are biodegradable and made to decompose organically without leaving any toxic residues behind. As such, switching to eco-friendly cleaning products is a small yet impactful step towards creating a sustainable, healthy, and safe home environment.
Protect your home and help keep the earth clean by opting for products crafted from plant-based ingredients that are non-toxic and biodegradable.
For more on sustainable products, read Top 10 Eco-Friendly Products for Everyday Use: Moving Towards a Sustainable Future and 10 Eco-Friendly Office Supplies To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
