Green science - household products
Group, ethique, bronners, backlink to house cleaning
I have previously covered the reasons why you should switch to non-toxic cleaning products - namely because a study which came out in early 2018 found that using cleaning products at home can potentially lead to lung function decline that is actually comparable to smoking 20 cigarettes a day over 10-20 years.
Best natural home cleaning products
Dr Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soaps
These pure castile liquid soaps have been around since 1948 and they are so popular because they can be used all over the house. They are biodegradable and contain ingredients like coconut oil, olive oil and hemp - they are designed to be diluted with water. You can use them in 18 different ways - everything from dish liquid to toilet cleaner to fruit and vegetable rinse and they come in so many scents like lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, citrus and tea tree. You can also use them as a natural dog shampoo and in the garden as a plant spray on leaves, buds or flowers - a trick is to mix in some cayenne pepper or cinnamon to make it stronger and the bugs will just stay away but you don’t need to use pesticides. Another tip is to use the tea tree version as an ant deterrent - just dilute with water in a spray bottle and spritz around any problem areas. You can also go for the unscented version and add your own essential oils to create custom cleaning liquids
Abode
An Australian made range of natural home cleaning products like dish liquid, cleaning sprays, toilet cleaners and laundry detergents. They use plant-based, food grade and biodegradable ingredients to create natural formulas that bubble up just like the mainstream versions but they are much gentler on our skin and don’t have that strong smell. They also make unscented fragrance-free options for anyone who is scent sensitive or has very sensitive skin.
Technology - bacteria - Counter Culture
New probiotic cleaning formulas which use live, good bacteria to help control the microbiological environment at home. These are an alternative to mainstream antibacterial cleaners which can kill both the good and bad bacteria - mainstream cleaning can leave behind a ’biofilm" which new bacteria then feed on. Probiotic cleaning works by destroying this biofilm, removing the food source for bacteria, but it is kept to a minimum instead of being completely wiped out. These formulas are also special because they incorporate essential oils for scent - they use lactic acid cultures which are extremely hardy and can withstand the essential oils without dying. We are seeing this technology in surface sprays and air fresheners to start with but it will also be in our hand and body washes soon.
Ethique
Ethique Flash Laundry Bar - laundry alternative to pre-wash stain remover sprays or powders and as a bonus it’s plastic-free too. It’s actually a solid soap-like bar that contains coconut oil and kaolin clay to help lift out oil and dirt stains - you just swipe the bar over the stain and use your fingers to lather it up and it just comes right out. It’s actually also great for travel because it can also be used to clean your dishes. The whole bar is totally biodegradable and it comes in compostable packaging.
Activated Charcoal
Binchotan charcoal sticks which are actually really absorbent thanks to its highly porous surface. It works through a process called ’adsorption" which attracts particles and binds them to the surface. Activated Charcoal is also known to have antibacterial properties. Charcoal sticks can be used as natural water filters and even air fresheners, and when the sticks reach the end of their life you can just crush them up and bury them in your garden because it actually makes great compost.
Insect repellent
Natural insect repellent sprays contain essential oils like tea tree, citronella, lemongrass and eucalyptus which are alternatives to the chemical known as DEET because they mask the smell of your body and repel insects and bugs.
Approved by the APVMA
Natural cleaning solutions - vinegar, bicarb?
