Trying to live more sustainably sounds simple enough, until the questions start popping up. Are your cleaning products safe for the environment? Is that “eco” label actually meaningful? And how do you keep things clean without creating more waste?
If you’re looking to reduce your environmental impact without overhauling your entire routine, sustainable cleaning is a great way to start. It’s not about perfection; it’s about small, conscious changes that are better for your home, your health, and the planet.
This guide shares 12 practical and effective tips to help you clean greener. From easy DIY swaps to eco-friendly habits and product suggestions, you’ll find everything you need to build a more sustainable cleaning routine one step at a time
1. Choose Sustainable Cleaning Products
Making your own all-purpose cleaner is easier than you might think. Moreover, it’s budget-friendly too. You only need a few basic ingredients you probably already have at home.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, add a few drops of essential oil, like lemon or tea tree, for a fresh scent and natural antibacterial boost.
This simple DIY solution works well on countertops, glass, tiles, and more—without leaving behind harsh fumes or chemical residue.
2. DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
Making your own cleaner is surprisingly easy, and cost-effective. Combine equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, and add a few drops of essential oil for scent (like lemon or tea tree). This homemade cleaner works wonders on countertops, glass, and tiles without toxic fumes.
3. Swap Disposable for Reusables
Cutting down on single-use items not only reduces waste but also helps you save money over time. Instead of constantly restocking paper towels or wipes, switch to these reusable alternatives:
- Microfiber cloths
- Old T-shirts cut into rags
- Reusable mop pads
- Beeswax wraps instead of cling film.
4. Reduce Water Waste
Sustainable cleaning isn’t just about the products you use. It’s also about how much water you consume in the process. Try these simple habits to save water:
- Turning off the tap while scrubbing
- Using buckets instead of running hoses
- Only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads
5. Create a Green Room-by-Room Routine
Breaking down your cleaning into zones makes it easier to stay consistent and eco-friendly. Try these room-specific sustainable swaps:
- Kitchen: Use baking soda to scrub sinks and stoves
- Bathroom: Try vinegar for mirrors and soap scum
- Living room: Dust with damp cloths instead of sprays
- Bedroom: Air out bedding in the sun to kill dust mites naturally
6. Clean Air Naturally
Improving indoor air quality is a crucial part of eco-friendly living. Therefore, try to skip artificial fresheners, which often contain phthalates and synthetic fragrances. Instead, freshen your space with:
- Indoor plants (like snake plants or peace lilies)
- DIY citrus simmer pots
- Essential oil diffuser
- Open windows for fresh airflow
7. Buy Cleaning Supplies in Bulk or Concentrate Form
To reduce plastic waste and emissions from shipping, buy cleaning refills in bulk or choose concentrate formulas you can dilute at home. Many sustainable cleaning systems now offer refill pods or tablets you simply mix with water—cutting packaging by up to 90%.
8. Repurpose Old Household Items
Repurposing items keeps them out of landfills and adds a creative touch to your home. So, before throwing away, ask yourself: Can this be used for cleaning?
- Old toothbrushes: Great for grout and tight corners
- Worn-out T-shirts: Cut into cleaning cloths
- Glass jars: Store homemade cleaners of powders
- Lemon peels: Add to vinegar for a natural scent booster
9. Compost or Recycle Cleaning Waste
Think beyond the bin. Many cleaning-related materials—like paper packaging, natural fibre brushes, and even baking soda residues—can be composted or recycled.
Set up clearly labelled bins at home to separate recyclables from general waste, and consider a small compost bin for food and biodegradable waste.
10. Try Steam Cleaning
For floors, tiles, and upholstery, steam cleaners only use water without any chemicals required. They’re especially effective for killing germs and removing grime naturally.
While the upfront cost may seem high, steam cleaning is a long-term investment in eco-friendly cleaning and healthier indoor air.
11. Use Baking Soda as a Scrub
This pantry staple is a powerhouse in green cleaning. Sprinkle it on sinks, tubs, or even inside your oven. Let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub with a damp cloth or sponge. It’s abrasive enough to clean, but gentle enough not to damage surfaces or harm the environment.
12. Hire Green Cleaning Services When Needed
Life gets busy, and sticking to a green cleaning routine isn’t always realistic. That’s where eco-conscious cleaning services can step in to help by using non-toxic products and sustainable methods that align with your values.
As green cleaning grows in popularity, many services promote eco-friendly claims. It’s worth asking about the products they use and their sustainability practices to make sure they truly walk the talk.
If you’re unsure where to begin, SuperClean SG is one option to explore. They provide a range of professional solutions, including deep cleaning services that follow environmentally responsible standards to support your long-term eco goals or one-off cleanups.
Keep It Simple and Sustainable
The key to sustainable cleaning is consistency, not perfection. Start with a few changes, build a routine that works for your lifestyle, and expand from there.
By choosing eco-friendly cleaning methods, you’re not only protecting your health but also contributing to a cleaner, greener planet for future generations.
Anamika is a passionate writer for Eco365Store.com, specializing in topics that inspire a cleaner, greener world. With expertise in home cleaning, recycling, and eco-friendly solutions, she crafts engaging and informative articles that help readers adopt sustainable practices in their daily lives.
