10 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips That Actually Work
Eco-friendly cleaning has a reputation for being weaker than the blue-bottle chemistry set under most sinks. In practice, a small handful of everyday ingredients handles 90% of household cleaning — safely for children, pets and older plumbing.
The four ingredients we reach for most
White vinegar cuts limescale and grease. Bicarbonate of soda deodorises and gently scours. Lemon juice adds fresh scent and mild bleaching. A pH-neutral washing-up liquid handles the rest.
Combined with a good set of colour-coded microfibre cloths, these four cover everything from kitchen tiles to bathroom mirrors.
What NOT to mix
Never combine vinegar with bleach — it releases toxic chlorine gas. Don't mix bicarbonate of soda and vinegar in a sealed container either; the reaction produces harmless CO2 but a lot of pressure.
Quick recipes to keep in the cupboard
All-purpose spray: 1 part white vinegar, 1 part water, a few drops of lemon essential oil. Keep in a labelled spray bottle.
Cream cleanser: 3 tablespoons bicarb, 1 tablespoon washing-up liquid, enough water to form a paste. Great for sinks and bathtubs.
Glass cleaner: 250ml water, 2 tablespoons vinegar, a drop of washing-up liquid. Buff dry with a clean microfibre for a streak-free finish.