A clean home shouldn’t come at the cost of a polluted planet. Zero-waste cleaning is all about minimising waste in your cleaning routine by using sustainable, reusable, and eco-friendly alternatives. The goal is to reduce single-use plastics, limit exposure to toxic chemicals, and embrace natural solutions. Here are 5 easy ways to reduce waste in your cleaning routine:
1. Ditch disposable wipes & paper towels
Single-use cleaning wipes and paper towels create unnecessary waste. Instead, switch to:
- Reusable microfibre cloths, old t-shirts, or bamboo cloths.
- Wash and reuse them multiple times.
They’re just as effective and save money in the long run.
2. Use refillable or DIY cleaning products
Most household cleaning sprays come in plastic bottles that often end up in landfills. Instead of constantly buying new ones:
- Purchase refillable bottles and buy cleaning solutions in bulk.
- Make your own natural cleaners with simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils, they work just as well and are free of harsh chemicals.
3. Swap plastic brushes for sustainable alternatives
Plastic cleaning tools wear out quickly and add to plastic waste. Consider replacing them with sustainable alternatives:
- Wooden scrub brushes with natural fiber bristles.
- Biodegradable sponges made from plant materials.
- Reusable silicone dish scrubbers.
These alternatives last longer and won’t contribute to landfill waste.
4. Opt for eco-friendly laundry solutions
Traditional laundry detergents often come in plastic containers and contain synthetic chemicals. For a zero-waste cleaning approach to laundry:
- Use laundry strips or powder detergent in compostable packaging.
- Try wool dryer balls instead of single-use dryer sheets.
- Wash clothes in cold water to save energy.
5. Choose sustainable cleaning services
If you don’t always have time to clean, hiring a cleaning service doesn’t mean you have to compromise on sustainability. Sweepsouth allows customers to provide their own sustainable cleaning products, ensuring your home is cleaned in an eco-friendly way.
How Sweepsouth can help:
At Sweepsouth, we support zero-waste cleaning by giving you the option to supply your own eco-friendly products. Whether you prefer refillable sprays, biodegradable sponges, or natural cleaners, your SweepStar can use your preferred products to keep your home fresh while reducing waste. This way, you get professional cleaning while staying true to your zero-waste values.
ALSO SEE: ECO-FRIENDLY SPRING CLEANING – A GUIDE FOR SUSTAINABLE HOMEOWNERS.
