Tips for Plastic-free Cleaning

Avoid plastics and microplastics in your home and create a healthier living space with these four “clean cleaning” tips by Seep:

1. choose kinder cleaners
2. switch tools
3. repurpose and recycle
4. try composting

The impact of plastic products on our wellness and the amount of waste produced by these ubiquitous products are topics of growing concern. The production and disposal of plastic products contribute to environmental pollution; plastic can take hundreds of years to break down, filling landfills and polluting waterways.

This pollution can harm wildlife and ecosystems, indirectly impacting human health through the food chain. Many cleaning products release microplastics (tiny plastic particles) that can have long-term health implications when inhaled or ingested.

1. KINDER CLEANERS

Commercial cleaning products are often laden with chemicals harmful to both our health and the environment. 

Look out for environmentally kind products made from natural ingredients with no harmful chemicals, such as Daylesford’s household cleaning range, which includes plastic-free and refillable items. 

Making your own cleaning solutions is another way to reduce plastic waste and exposure to harsh chemicals. Here are a few homemade cleaning solutions you can try:

• All-Purpose Cleaner

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. You can add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent. Use to clean countertops, glass surfaces and bathroom fixtures.

• Citrus Degreaser

Save citrus peels, like orange or lemon, and soak them in white vinegar for a couple of weeks. Strain the liquid into a glass jar, and you have a natural degreaser that works wonders on sticky residues.

• Baking Soda Scrub

Bicarbonate of soda, when mixed with water, forms a paste that is perfect for scrubbing surfaces, including sinks, stovetops, and tile grout.

2. SWITCH TOOLS

Instead of relying on disposable cleaning wipes and paper towels, opt for plastic-free and reusable cleaning tools, which reduce plastic waste and save you money in the long run.

Washable Sponges and Cloths Made from Plant Material

These work just as well as more commonly found plastic alternatives – and often last longer due to the quality of materials used. We recommend Seep’s Natural Sponge Scourer made from wood pulp cellulose and loofah.

Natural Fibre Brushes

Natural bristles made from materials like coconut, sisal or tampico won’t release microplastics.

Natural Scrubbers

Instead of plastic scouring pads, scrubbers made from copper or sturdy bristles are durable, easy to clean, naturally antibacterial, and infinitely recyclable.

4. TRY COMPOSTING

Composting encourages the consumption of fresh, whole foods and reduces the reliance on heavily packaged, convenience foods which can be significant sources of plastic waste. By composting food scraps in a food waste compost bin, you also reduce the volume of waste in your regular bin, which means using fewer bin bags, which are often made of plastic. 

Tips provided by Seep, who create eco-friendly, zero plastic household tools such as these natural sponge scourers stocked at Daylesford.