How to clean the house in a healthy and ecological way

Watching the television commercials about cleaning the home, one does not know if we are at war because the products are increasingly destructive and specific (descaler, disinfectant, grease remover…), the instructions warn us of its danger for being potentially “corrosive”, “irritating” or “highly flammable” and it is recommended to wear gloves, masks and even glasses.

How have we come to fill our house with so many products, some really toxic, and so much plastic? How did our grandmothers do it with little more than natural soap, a rag, vinegar and a broom?

It is clear that progress promises us efficiency and a life free of germs, but it does not compensate if that implies aggressiveness for our skin and health (allergies, irritations, respiratory conditions, hormonal disorders…), dirtying the air we breathe at home with harmful substances and not respecting the environment.

Besides, there are equally effective, ecological and sustainable alternatives. The world of natural cleaning is experiencing a true revival of products and packaging that adapt to the lifestyle of the 21st century, which should be more natural and sustainable.

And we are not only talking about cleaners or dishwashers, but also brushes or luffas and refillable, bulk or biodegradable containers. The change is in all the elements.

Natural products do not contain toxic

For populations at risk such as children, pregnant women, people with skin, respiratory or environmental diseases, and for anyone committed to their health and to leading a lifestyle free of polluting substances, the alternative is in natural brands and in being our own cleaning alchemists.

Endorsed by seals such as Ecocert or Ecolabel, Natural products do not contain petroleum derivatives or contaminants: phosphates, phthalates, formaldehyde, PCE or PERC, triclosan, bleaching agents or synthetic additives, nanosilver, microplastics or other endocrine disrupting ingredients.

They are made with natural and biodegradable raw materials such as soap, alcohol, glycerin, clay, essential oils and little else. All vegetable or mineral and not tested on animals.

Multipurpose and with various containers

Another characteristic of natural cleaners is that, although there are specific ones for the home, dishes or glass, most They are multifunctional and concentrated. Depending on how much you dilute them, they will be more or less degreasing. For example, a concentrated eco-cleaner naturally cleans, disinfects and degreases all kinds of surfaces. Or an eco-dishwasher has 3 built-in functions: cleaning, salt and rinse aid.

Regarding packaging, there is greater variety and novelty than in conventional cleaning: sale in bulk, concentrates to be diluted in glass or steel containers, biodegradable tablets, single-dose with water-soluble packaging, or large quantities to produce less waste and minimize the use of plastic.

And another very remarkable feature of these green products is that the residual water after use can be used for irrigation. This is the definitive proof of its safety in the environment, the absence of toxins in its composition and its natural ingredients.

Cleaning instruments made of natural materials

Although cleaning products take center stage, they really cannot be used without the necessary instruments and these have also evolved a lot and follow the same criteria of quality and naturalness.

We refer, for example, to the following:

Ecological latex gloves Made with natural rubber and organic cotton, which come from sustainable and ecological forests (FSC).Eco cotton cloths Unbleached and super absorbent celloluse to avoid disposable paper or wipes and replace synthetic microfiber cloths. They are very durable and one can be equivalent to 15 rolls of standard absorbent paper.natural sponges of different materials such as sponges, esparto grass, luffas, coconut fiber, and even copper lullabies. Any of them can replace the scouring pads on the market, most of them made of polyester or polyamide, which not only cannot be recycled or composted, but with use they can transfer microplastics to the dishes or surfaces that we clean. And they also reach rivers and seas, harming them and affecting the trophic chain. Natural sponges, on the other hand, can be 100% biodegradable and compostable.

It is true that going from having an arsenal of products to one or two, and from using the classic sponge to a brush like your grandmother can be somewhat intimidating, because it is more rigid or the products foam less, but, like everything else, you get used to it. easily and you feel liberated by practicing this hygienic minimalism.

Beyond “green chemistry”: the DIY of cleaning

In addition to the kinder and more natural brand alternative, there is the option of self-sufficiency. With ingredients such as Castile or Marseille soap (from olive oil), vinegar, lemon, 100% pure essential oils, bicarbonate, percarbonate, citric acid, and simple recipes, you can cover whole-house cleaning and sustainable laundry .

He lemon It is a stain remover, disinfectant and eliminates mold and fungus. vinegar it will remove limescale from faucets and showers and is also a degreaser and disinfectant. natural soap is the all-round detergent. baking soda It is multipurpose, it removes odors and dirt, softens the water, unclogs pipes or leaves the oven like new. percarbonate It is useful for clothing stains and whitening laundry. citric acid It is a great anti-limescale and descaler and will reinforce the hygiene of your toilet.

The cleaning market is really wide. Although all the products have passed safety tests, we currently live with thousands of substances even at very low doses and neither the cocktail effect nor the accumulation over time is taken into account.

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