Sparkle Safely: Eco-Cheeks' Guide to Eco-friendly Cleaning Products

Cleaning is a necessary chore in every home, but it doesn’t have to involve toxic chemicals that can harm your health and the environment. By adopting non-toxic cleaning methods, you can keep your home sparkling clean while also protecting your family and the planet.

Here are some top tips to help you make the switch to safer, greener cleaning practices.

1. DIY Cleaning Solutions: One of the easiest ways to eliminate toxic chemicals from your cleaning routine is to make your own cleaning solutions. Simple ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar can address almost any cleaning job. Here are some basic recipes to get you started:

• All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water (distilled if possible) in a spray bottle, and for extra aroma and antibacterial qualities, add a few drops of essential oils like eucalyptus, lemon, tea tree or lavender. This solution is great for countertops, windows, and other surfaces.
• Scrubbing Paste: Combine baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste. This works well for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and tiles.
• Glass Cleaner: Mix ½ part vinegar, ½ part rubbing alcohol with four parts water.  Again you can add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.

Hot Tip - when using essential oils, it’s best to use a glass bottle as the oils can still be concentrated enough to degrade some types of plastic bottles and cause leaks.

Making your own cleaners not only reduces your exposure to harmful and toxic chemicals but also cuts down on plastic waste from store-bought products, and saves you a ton of money.

2. Read Labels Carefully: When buying commercial cleaning products, it’s crucial to read labels and avoid those with toxic ingredients. Look out for signal words like "Poison," "Danger," and "Warning." Additionally, be wary of vague claims such as "natural" or "eco-friendly," as these terms are not regulated and can be misleading. Instead, look for certifications like the Certified Organic, which indicates that a product has been evaluated for its safety.

3. Avoid Synthetic Fragrances: Many cleaning products contain synthetic fragrances, which are made up of hundreds of chemicals which can trigger allergies, asthma, and harm our health . Opt for fragrance-free and eco-friendly cleaning products or those scented with natural essential oils. Better yet, address odours at their source rather than masking them with artificial scents.

4. Say No to Antimicrobial Cleaners: For most households, routine disinfection is unnecessary. Regular cleaning with soap and water is sufficient to remove dirt and microbes. Avoid products containing antimicrobial chemicals like triclosan and quaternary ammonium compounds ("quats"), which can contribute to antibiotic resistance and have been linked to health problems. If disinfection is needed, use safer alternatives like hydrogen peroxide or alcohol-based solutions, but only after cleaning the surface first.

5. Practise Safe Storage: Even eco-friendly cleaning products can pose risks if not used correctly.  Always use a new container/bottle or one that has been sterilised, as old bottles may have other chemicals that can cause a bad reaction.  Ensure to also label the bottle with what ingredients it contains.   To be extra safe, store all cleaning supplies out of reach of children and pets.

6. Eco Cheeks: The Perfect Complement to Green Cleaning: As you make the switch to non-toxic cleaning methods, consider how your choice of paper products can also impact your health and the environment. Eco Cheeks offers a range of eco-friendly tissue paper products that are free from harmful chemicals, dyes, and fragrances. Our products are made from sustainably sourced bamboo  and are designed to be gentle on both your skin and the planet.

• Eco Cheeks Tissue Paper: Soft, strong, and chemical-free, perfect for all your bathroom needs.
• Eco Cheeks Paper Towels: Highly absorbent and durable, ideal for cleaning up spills without the worry of harsh residues.

By choosing Eco Cheeks products, you can further reduce your household's chemical load and support sustainable practices.

Embrace Healthier, Greener Cleaning for a Safer Home and Planet

Transitioning to non-toxic cleaning methods is a win-win for your health and the environment. By using simple, homemade cleaners, reading labels carefully, avoiding toxic chemicals, and practising safe cleaning techniques, you can maintain a clean and healthy home without the use of harsh chemicals. 

Embrace the change, and enjoy a cleaner, healthier home! 🌿✨