Cleaning the house is not something that happens by itself. In addition to a lot of manual work, numerous cleaning agents are usually used. But do you really need a lot of strong chemical pistols to keep your home clean, to ensure cleanliness or is it also possible to clean in an environmentally friendly way? We have taken a look at the possibilities for you to clean your house in the best possible way, but always keeping the environment in mind.
Cleaning products at a glance
The market for cleaning products is huge. Whether you want to clean shower cabin, the window, the bathroom fixtures, or even the kitchen cabinets - there are different cleaners to choose from for almost every purpose.
However, the majority of the products sold are designed primarily for their powerful effect and less for the protection of the environment. However, there is another way, because in fact a lot of cleaning agents can be saved without having to give up good hygiene.
In the following sections you will find various environmentally friendly cleaning products that are best suited for house cleaning.
Vinegar: An all-rounder among environmentally friendly cleaning agents
In combination with water, vinegar is very suitable as a cleaning agent to clean almost the entire apartment. The particular advantages of vinegar are its wide applicability and its natural disinfecting effect.
If you want to use vinegar to clean your home, you can make your own all-purpose cleaner by diluting the following ingredients:
- 500 ml vinegar (5%)
- 500 ml water (boiled)
Natural fragrance can be supplemented by adding a few drops of essential oil. However, this is not necessary. Especially citrus oil should be avoided, as it is toxic to many aquatic organisms.
Attention: On natural stone surfaces as well as on joints made of silicone, vinegar should be used as a environmentally friendly cleaning agent however, is not recommended, as it attacks the surfaces.
Soda, baking soda and citric acid for homemade cleaning products
Soda is best suited against grease, citric acid works very well against calcification and soda is the somewhat gentler counterpart to soda.
Three agents are best suited especially in the bathroom. In combination with vinegar, even a very strong descaler is created, which you should only use carefully.
Commercially available environmentally friendly cleaning products
Not everyone wants to start making their own cleaning products for the home. Fortunately, however, this is not necessary, because there are more and more manufacturers who offer environmentally friendly cleaning products in addition to conventional cleaners.
When making your choice, look above all for the EU ecolabel, which many people may also know as the EU flower. The ecolabel is only awarded to cleaning agents whose effects result in low soil, water and air pollution.
At the same time, cleaners must generate little waste, consume small amounts of energy for extraction and offer a high level of safety for users.
Basically, any kind of fragrance is unnecessary and pollutes the environment. It merely creates a subjective feeling of cleanliness. However, fragrances have no effect on the cleaning action. Unfortunately, many of the agents used are also harmful to water.
Tip: For organic cleaning products, look for the Ecocert label.
Environmentally friendly cleaning: This is how it's done!
There is a lot of truth in the well-known saying "the dose makes the poison". Unfortunately, consumption of cleaning agents is still far too high. In most cases, however, the same result can be achieved with a low dosage.
In this way, you protect the environment and save money at the same time, without sacrificing comfort.
If you want to clean in an environmentally friendly way, it is best to work only a little with special detergents, but clean surfaces primarily with the help of water. This is useful in the bathroom, for example. So you can first wash the sinks and faucets with warm water and a sponge.
Ideally, use washable microfiber cloths for drying and wiping. However, these should be allowed to dry sufficiently after each cleaning process so that no breeding ground for bacteria and germs is formed.
With regular cleaning, you can do without cleaners as far as possible. These are only used in the event of severe calcification.
Tip: You can gently clean the toilet and pipes with vinegar and citric acid.
Cleaning dishes in an environmentally friendly way
Many manufacturers of cleaning agents specifically point out the disinfecting effect of their products. However, disinfecting your own home is unnecessary in most cases. The only exceptions are for immunocompromised and very old people. Otherwise, common environmentally friendly cleaning agents are sufficient.
However, not only disinfectants are particularly harmful to the environment, but also chemical pipe cleaners as well as oven sprays and glass ceramic cleaners.
Tip: Do not use WC stones. These emit fragrances and have a polluting effect, but have not or very little cleaning effect.