It’s day nine of the zero waste challenge! The beginning of the challenge is focused on simple swaps like bringing your own water bottle and bags to the grocery store.
Now, we’re entering into the second phase of the challenge. These changes are lifestyle changes like learning to make your own snacks and decluttering your life. Today we’re talking about zero waste cleaning.
YES! Get your green clean on - cause spring is right around the corner. ;)
It’s super easy to make your own all-natural cleaning products at home. Today, I challenge you to ditch the conventional cleaners and make some amazing DIYs instead.
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the problem:
Conventional cleaning products do more harm than good for both your health and the environment. Did you know cleaning companies don’t even have to disclose what’s in their products!?
Store-bought cleaners are full of potentially harmful (and polluting) chemicals, they’re packaged in plastic, and they’re pretty expensive - especially when you compare them to their green clean counter parts which you can make for pennies!
Most conventional cleaning products contain ingredients made from non-biodegradable and non-renewable resources like petroleum, which can adversely affect the earth’s ecosystems.
By making your own cleaning products, you can prevent toxic chemicals from going down the drain. When they go down the drain, they pollute our waterways.
5 green cleaning benefits:
Makes your home safer. Since your products no longer contain questionable ingredients (and warning labels), you can rest assured you’re not inhaling toxic fumes.
Protects your health. Conventional cleaning products can cause coughing, sneezing, headaches and other health problems.
Cleans indoor air. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are released when products are used and stored so they can linger in the air long after use. This can lead to a host of health problems,
Helps the environment. This goes without saying, but using green cleaning products means you won’t pollute waterways, contribute to harvesting unsustainable ingredients, or bring unnecessary plastic into your home.
Saves money. Natural cleaning alternatives can be made from inexpensive ingredients like vinegar and baking soda - things you probably have in your kitchen!
the solution:
Homemade cleaners are just as effective as the store bought ones, and you only need a few simple ingredients that are easy to find without packaging.
I use things like lemons, salt, baking soda, vinegar (which you can easily buy in a glass bottle), and of course, soap. Find a few of my favorite recipes below.
DIY all-natural bleach: Forget conventional bleach. This makes a great, safe substitute.
All-purpose spray: who doesn’t love a spray that does it all? Not super into the vinegar smell? Check out this orange peel vinegar cleaner (great for giving your orange peels a second life!).
Tub scrub: tub scrub is so effective at breaking down soap scum on your bathtub and cleaning grout. You’ll never need anything else!
To get all of my latest cleaning recipes like dish soap for hand washing, soap for your washing machine, floor cleaner, and more check out my book 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste which is available for pre-order!
Some of the links below may be affiliate links for more information see my disclosure policy.
zero waste cleaning supplies:
SPRAY BOTTLES: For the all-purpose spray, reuse an old spray bottle, or get a glass one.
One you finish your current spray cleaners you can reuse their spray lids and put them on glass sauce bottles like buffalo and soy sauce!
REUSABLE RAGS: As far as cleaning supplies goes, use rags and reusable towels around the house instead of paper towels. You can just cut up an old shirt or towel to get the job done and throw them in the wash after cleaning.
If you’re having trouble breaking up with paper towels, get my 6 tips for transitioning to a paper-free kitchen.
BROOMS AND DUSTERS: For cleaning floors, use a plastic-free broom made from wood. I have one of these hand held brooms/dusters and love it! Or, continue using whatever you have until end of life.
If you have a swiffer, opt for a reusable swiffer duster instead of a disposable swiffer sweeper refill. Or you can use a sock!
DISH SCRUBS: For the dishes, you can use a rag, a wooden pot scraper, copper scrubbers, loofahs, wooden brushes or loofah sponges. There’s so many options to choose from (we’ll talk more about bamboo scrubs later in the challenge).
The great thing is all of these options last A LOT longer than the plastic sponge counter part - ultimately saving you money!
take the challenge!
Over the next 22 days, your challenge is to make your own zero waste cleaning products.
Making your own natural cleaning products will benefit you, your wallet and the environment because they’re cheaper and non-toxic.
Try making something simple like all-purpose cleaning spray from warm water and white vinegar: It’ll get the job done and you’ll be able to use it on almost everything. Store it in a spray bottle you have on hand and pair it with a rag to clean up the zero waste way.
Will you be taking the challenge?
want more?
Just starting out? Have 1,000 burning questions!? Get access to my private Facebook group, where I’ll be hosting weekly lives throughout the challenge and I answer all of your most pressing questions.
I’m the head content creator over at pelacase.com and have partnered with them to create an email version of the challenge. I will be sending out weekly recap letters with Pela if you’d prefer to have this challenge in larger chunks and delivered straight to your inbox.
PLUS! I’ll be sending out a brand new e-book at the end of the challenge called the Game On Handbook. Which is all about individual ways to fight climate change. You don’t want to miss it.
miss a day?
