Have you ever noticed how much plastic is involved in our cleaning routines? From plastic cleaning bottles to plastic sponges to plastic dish brushes. It’s everywhere.
Not to mention the harmful chemicals these cleaners have that are dangerous to our health and the environment.
Read: The 10 most toxic things in your home
There is a better, more natural way to clean every inch of your home while still using less plastic and fewer chemicals.
I’m breaking down my favorite, most useful zero waste cleaning supplies, room by room and I’ve even included a few zero waste cleaning recipes!
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Zero Waste Cleaning Supplies:
Kitchen:
Normal sponges contain loads of plastic and are often only used a few times before being discarded. These sponges are all-natural and made from plant fibers meaning they don’t contain any plastic and are fully compostable at the end of their life!
For those that prefer a brush, this little bamboo brush is perfect! The bristles are made from recycled plastic and are work to create the perfect amount of suds to cut right through grease.
This is by far my favorite tool for washing dishes, it gets the job done every time.
Out with plastic bottles of dish soap and in with a solid block of soap! No packaging required making this product 100% zero waste!
Simply wet your brush or sponge and rub it on the surface of the block to create suds!
Paperlesspaper towels? Yes, they exist and they’re amazing! People used to always use reusable rags or cloths to wipe up spills before paper towels and honestly, I don’t even know why paper towels were invented in the first place! (To make money, that’s why)
But they’re completely useless and just plain waste. Opt for reusable instead to save money and waste!
If you’re using a reusable water bottle (which you should be) it can be hard to clean it without the use of a hand dandy bottle brush!
It’s made from natural wood and recycled plastic and also has the ability to change brush heads at the end of their life!
This brush is also perfect for jars and vases to get those tough to reach corners.
Perfect for cleaning counters!
Most dishwashing and cleaning gloves are made from rubber. Rubber is almost always sourced using slave labor but that’s another post for another time.
While rubber does come from trees, these gloves usually end up in our landfills and can’t break down.
These natural cleaning gloves, however, are made from natural latex rubber (sourced responsibly) and 100% cotton.
8. All-purpose cleaners
I have two all-purpose cleaner recipes that I sweat by.
Orange vinegar all-purpose cleaner:
- Orange peels
- Vinegar
Soak orange peels in vinegar in a jar for about two weeks and then transfer to a spray bottle and use it to clean just about every surface in my home. It smells amazing and cleans like a dream!
Regular all-purpose cleaner:
- 1/2 cup of water
- 2 tbsp Castille soap
- 1/2 apple cider vinegar
- Optional essential oils of choice
Combine all ingredients in a spray bottle and spray away!
9. Dishwasher detergent
- 1 cup of washing soda (you can find it in the laundry aisle)
- 1/2 cup of citric acid
- Optional: essential oils of choice
You can use this as a powder in your dishwasher or you can use small rectangle molds to make dishwasher tablets. Just place all the ingredients in the mold and then use a spray bottle with water to slowly add water and pack the ingredients down until they form together in the molds.
Then when they dry you can just pop them in the dishwasher!
Bathroom:
Good news, those natural sponges you can use for your dishes can also be used for your bathroom!
Made from recycled plastic and natural bamboo, this tile cleaner is perfect for your bathroom and cleans in even the smallest crevices you forgot were there!
The same natural latex gloves because cleaning your bathroom can be gross.
This toilet bowl brush is 100% natural and plastic-free made from Beachwood and Tampico plant fiber!
5. Toilet bowl cleaner
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/4 citric acid
- 1 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
- Essential oils of choice
This is the same method as the dishwasher tabs using silicon molds. Pack down all the ingredients into the molds and allow them to dry. Then pop one into your toilet and watch it fizz up before scrubbing!
Laundry room:
Not only is this stain remover stick completely plastic free but it’s also completely natural! It contains no bleach or harsh chemicals and still works like a charm!
2. Soap nuts
The name may sound funny but soap nuts are an all-natural laundry detergent that can be used several times before discarding. And since they’re natural, they create very little waste!
3. Dryer balls
A reusable version of the classic dryer sheet.
4. DIY dryer sheets
If you don’t want to have to buy dryer balls, try this DIY instead!
Simply cut up an old towel into rectangles and hem the edges so they don’t fray. Place them in an airtight container and pour over 1 cup of vinegar with 15 drops of essential oils.
Use one sheet per load and refill the container when you’re done.
5. Laundry detergent
Try making your own laundry detergent with this simple recipe!
- 2 cups of hot water
- 1 cup of baking soda
- 1/3 cup of salt
- 1 cup of Castile soap
Combine all ingredients in an airtight container. It’s important to note that the ingredients may separate so just give it a quick shake before using.
I use about 1/3 cup of this mixture for an average load but feel free to use less if it’s a smaller load.
Related:
15 things to start making instead of buying
I hope this post inspires you to cut back on some of the plastic in your cleaning routine!
As always, don’t forget to share this post and follow me on Instagram for more low waste living tips!
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