When we deep clean our house, we typically put out all the sanitizers, bleach, and disinfectants to do tough cleaning jobs. But did you know these store-bought products mostly contain chemicals harmful to the human body and the environment? Do eco-friendly cleaning products work as an alternative to store-bought products?
Yes, for this reason, many consumers opt for more eco-friendly products for their cleaning needs. They are free of harsh chemicals and thus suitable for the planet and your family’s health.
However, while these natural products are popular these days, not all of us are ready to switch from bleach to baking soda.
If you are still on the fence about whether you should switch to gentle, safe, environmental-friendly cleaners, keep reading to learn the benefits of using eco-friendly cleaning products and if they work.
What Are the Risks of Using Chemical-Based Cleaning Products?
Before diving into how eco-friendly cleaning products work, let’s first look at the chemical-based products’ health and environmental risks.
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), some of the dangers of using traditional cleaning products include the following:
- Pollution due to the disposal of chemical products in waterways
- Compromised quality of outdoor and indoor air caused by Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in most ingredients of chemical products.
- Overexposure to dangerous chemicals by house cleaners, janitors, and other cleaning professionals.
- Certain ingredients from regular chemical-based cleaners can irritate the eyes, skin, and throat.
Moreover, exposure to chemicals may trigger potential complications and health risks, which include:
- Poisoning
- Asthma
- Congenital disabilities in children
- Chemical burns
What Are Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?
Eco-friendly cleaning products are those made with a biodegradable formula, without single-use plastics, and often packed in compostable packaging. They are safer than non-eco products because they typically contain organic materials or non-toxic ingredients.
Other than natural eco-friendly products like baking soda, lemon, and vinegar that you can find at home, you can also purchase eco-friendly cleaning products in the market.
To ensure that the product is free from harsh chemicals, the EPA certifies a product before being sold on the market. Check each product’s label and look for the “Safer Choice” tag on the packaging.
Do Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Work?
Absolutely! Eco-friendly cleaning products kill germs and thoroughly clean areas in your home.
Even natural products like baking soda are effective deodorizers, while vinegar is a popular all-purpose cleaner.
Eco-friendly cleaning products are just as effective as regular commercial products with toxic chemicals. While it is true that the chemicals make the cleaning product effective, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives that work just the same. They can clean tough stains, remove grease, and even kill bacteria.
Do Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Work on Hard Surfaces?
Eco-friendly cleaning products are better to use on hard surfaces. They are less corrosive and gently clean areas without being harsh and damaging.
What Are the Benefits of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?
Are you undecided if you should switch to plant-based or eco-friendly cleaning products? From health to environmental issues, here are some benefits of eco-friendly cleaning products.
Efficient Cleaners
Did you know there’s little evidence that traditional cleaners are more efficient at cleaning than eco-friendly cleaners? Some studies suggest that biodegradable cleaning products are more reliable in tough cleaning jobs.
Less Harmful
These products are safe for human health. After all, non-eco-friendly cleaners can be caustic and toxic and release irritating fumes. Overexposure to these chemicals is highly dangerous.
Good for the Environment
Eco-cleaning products are way safer for the environment. They don’t contain chemicals that can cause water and air pollution. Most of all, they are often recyclable, or at least their packaging. However, non-eco products contain harmful ingredients and may be deadly to our aquatic and wildlife.
Reduces Plastic Waste
Plastics are one of the perpetrators causing harm to the planet. They are highly detrimental to the environment. On the other hand, green cleaners typically use recyclable materials, refillable bottles, and biodegradable materials as packaging.
Tips to Making Sure You Are Getting Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Since eco-friendly cleaning products are becoming trendy, many manufacturers may sell the ones that are not “entirely” natural or organic. Here are some tips to navigate yourself around the growing eco-brands in the cleaning aisle.
Learn (Some of) the Language
To know the lingo, you don’t need to be a chemistry graduate or a pro in the eco-lifestyle. Some ingredients that an eco-friendly cleaning product may have are thymol, vinegar, and lemon.
Others may have Sodium Percarbonate, a combination of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. It’s helpful to search for the ingredients online before buying a particular product.
Avoid the Red Flags
Some products may claim that they are eco-friendly but contain harmful chemicals. Avoid products that contain ammonia, bleach, and chlorine. Also, don’t buy the ones with danger, poison, flammable, and corrosive words.
Buy EPA Certified Products
As mentioned earlier, to ensure you’re getting an eco-friendly cleaning product, buy EPA-certified cleaners. Before an eco-friendly cleaning product goes to market, manufacturers have to apply for EPA certification. EPA scientists test the products to ensure they are effective cleaning products and safe for the environment.
What Are the Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?
All eco-friendly cleaning products are beneficial to the planet, yourself, and your family. However, not all of them consist of the same material.
The best eco-friendly cleaning products are the ones made of compostable, zero-waste, and fully recyclable materials. They should be natural and contain biodegradable ingredients while remaining effective in cleaning the home and killing bacteria.
What are Natural Alternatives to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?
Eco-friendly cleaning products cannot only be bought at the store or online. They are also natural household cleaners you probably already have at your house.
Like eco-friendly cleaners, natural products are also efficient for the environment and human health. Some of these products include:
- Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- Baking Soda
- Lemon
- Castille Soap
- Tea Tree Oil
Green Natural Cleaning Products Recipes
Learn how to turn your extra household products at home into cleaning products by visiting our learning resources page and following our cleaning recipes.
All-Purpose Cleaner
Combine equal parts of water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Use this mixture to clean hard surfaces at home.
Disinfectant
To effectively remove germs at home, combine 2 cups of water, ½ tsp. Tea tree oil and 1 tbsp. Liquid castile soap. This mixture is a multipurpose disinfectant that can kill viruses.
Drain Cleaner
Put ½ cup baking soda into the clogged drain, then pour 1 cup vinegar. Leave the mixture for about 15 minutes to do the magic. Then, pour boiling water down the drain.
Glass Cleaner
Mix 2 cups of hot water, ¼ cup of vinegar, ¼ cup rubbing alcohol, and 1 tsp. cornstarch. This mixture is efficient as a glass cleaner and can clean stove tops and windows.
Air Freshener
To deodorize your refrigerator or carpet, sprinkle the baking soda on the affected area or leave a bowl of it in the refrigerator. You can also refresh the house by boiling water with cinnamon, slices of lemon, vanilla, or dried flowers.
Multipurpose Scrub
Mix water and baking soda to form a paste. Use the paste with a scrubber, brush, or sponge to clean the surface of the stoves, sinks, bathtubs, floor tiles, and other hard surfaces.
Conclusion
Do Eco-Friendly cleaning products work, you ask? For sure! They work just the same as your regular commercial-bought cleaners. Some are even more effective and, most of all, do not damage the environment or your health.
Anyone interested in using eco-friendly cleaning products should look for the label that says the product is EPA-certified. Buy the ones that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from harsh chemicals.
You can also try using popular household ingredients hiding in your pantry. Use left-over baking soda, lemon, vinegar, and the like to make eco-friendly cleaning products at home. Just follow the recipes on our learning resources page, and you’re good to go.
If you want to learn about one of my favorite eco-friendly cleaning products, read our post – Miracle II Soap: The Ultimate Review of its Unparalleled Benefits
