We know, that beginning your natural cleaning journey can feel overwhelming at first, but remember: This isn‘t a race – it‘s about taking small steps in the right direction. These changes will only last if they make you happy and if they fit your lifestyle and meet your standards.
A good starting point is to use up what you already have, to avoid waste. When it’s time to re-stock, consider replacing one item at a time with a natural, more eco-friendly alternative. Not only will this cut down on overwhelm, but it’ll give you time to play around and find out what works best for you and your home.
FIRST OF ALL, WHAT IS NATURAL CLEANING?
When it comes to cleaning, choosing the right chemicals is crucial. Don’t let the word ‘chemicals’ scare you off. Believe it or not, everything is technically a chemical, even our good ol’ friend H2O. And while some chemicals may be harmful, that doesn’t mean they all are. When it comes to Natural Cleaning, we steer clear of harsh and toxic chemicals and opt for safer, eco-friendly alternatives like Bicarbonate of Soda or Citric Acid, that are jus as effective for most household cleaning needs.
And if you come across a tougher task, you can adjust other cleaning factors instead of reaching for harsher chemicals.
THE 4 FACTORS FOR YOUR CLEANING SUCCESS
Sinner’s Circle illustrates the four key factors that work together to clean effectively (time, temperature, chemicals, and mechanics). And guess what? Each component can be adjusted as needed to achieve the perfect clean.
Factor Chemicals = Which solution are you using?
There are three other key factors that define your cleaning success:
Mechanics = What is the physical cleaning process?
Mechanics involve a few different factors, like how much scrubbing power you’re applying (also known as abrasiveness), the amount of pressure you’re putting on the surface (contact pressure), and how often you’re moving your cleaning tools (frequency).
Temperature = How warm is the solution?
The right temperature is a secret weapon when it comes to cleaning! Choosing the ideal temperature will reduce your need for chemicals.
Time = How long do the other variables act?
Basically, the longer a surface is exposed to the cleaning solution, the better chance those powerful ingredients have to attack and get rid of dirt or grime. So, don’t rush the process – give it some time to work its magic!
10 Easy eco-friendly replacements.
Choose one of the 10 easy replacements to jumpstart your natural cleaning journey. Each of these straightforward changes will set you on the right path and save you a bundle in no time.
1/10 Replace paper towels with reusable sponge cloths.
Keep a stack of reusable sponge cloths on the kitchen counter and use for everyday spills and messes instead of disposable paper towels. Simply wash them in the washing machine or dishwasher with your next load and reuse.
2/10 Replace dryer sheets with reusable wool dryer balls.
Most Dryer Sheets contain at least 7 hayardous chemicals, replace them with Organic Wool Dryer Balls. They naturally soften your clothes by soaking up moisture and keeping laundry separate, so hot air circulates better. This means faster drying, lower energy bills, and fluffier clothes!
3/10 Ditch artificial scents for fragrance-free or natural options.
Synthetic scents, often labeled as “fragrance” or “parfum,” are artificial, cheap chemicals added to products, hiding up to 200 different chemicals, linked to allergies, hormone disruption, cancer, and environmental harm. Choose fragrance-free or natural cleaning solutions scented with
Essential Oils.
4/10 Switch to concentrates, powdered cleaners and refills.
Ready-to-use cleaners are mostly water – over 90%! Opt for concentrates, mixable powders or tablets to cut down on plastic waste and the hefty carbon footprint from transporting heavy water. Refillables are also a smart choice to reduce waste.
5/10 Swap out your scouring powder for Bicarbonate of Soda.
Baking Soda (Bicarbonate of Soda)is a gentle yet effective abrasive that can deodorise, degrease, and clean surfaces like countertops, sinks, tubs, appliances, and toilets – anywhere you‘d use scouring powder. Just sprinkle it on a damp sponge or cloths, scrub away stains and grime and wipe off.
6/10 Make your own simple cleaning solutions in 3 seconds.
A great place to begin is an easy, budget-friendly (ca. 0,22 £) All-purpose cleaner: Mix a tbsp of Castile Soap with 250 ml of boiled, cooled water in a spray bottle and give it a good shake. For an extra touch, add 10 drops of your favourite Essential Oil to match the task, room, season, or your mood.
7/10 Replace harsh oven cleaners with Baking Soda or Soda Crystals
Swap out harsh oven cleaners with non-toxic alternatives like bicarbonate of soda or its big cousin, soda crystals, that work just as well. Give your natural cleaners time to work and use a bit of heat. If a product promises a quick spray-and-wipe solution, it likely contains harsh chemicals.
8/10 Replace chlorine bleach with Oxygen Bleach.
Chlorine bleach uses sodium hypochlorite as its active ingredient, that can be very harmful even in small amounts. Oxygen Bleach is a safe, gentle non-toxic alternative. It uses hydrogen peroxide, which breaks down into water and oxygen to safely remove stains, disinfect surfaces, and brighten your laundry.
9/10 Use better cleaning tools to reduce the need for chemicals.
Many commercial household cleaners are no more effective than plain water. Water is the ultimate solvent, dissolving more substances than any other liquid. For a chemical-free clean, invest in some high-quality tools like lint-free microfibre cloths, they can eliminate 99% of dirt and bacteria with just water.
10/10 Swap harsh toilet cleaners with Citric Acid to descale your toilet.
Heavy-duty toilet bowl cleaners can be a real headache with their strong chemicals. Citric Acid is an effective, natural cleaner for soap scum, hard water stains, and limescale without the harsh chemicals or odours. Just sprinkle 100-150 grams in the toilet bowl, leave overnight, then flush and scrub away any leftovers.
The 3 R’s of forming eco-friendly habits:
Habits shape our daily lives without us even realising it most of the time. They’re the automatic routines we develop, like brushing our teeth every morning or choosing a reusable bag over a plastic one when we shop. We are what we do. Our life is practically the sum of all your habits. What we repeatedly do forms who we are, the things we believe in, and the character we present to the world.
Goals, on the other hand, are the milestones we set for ourselves. They’re like the destination on a map, while habits are the roads we take to get there.
Imagine you have a goal to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle. This is a fantastic ambition, but without daily habits to support it, it’s just a hopeful thought. Each habit, small as it may seem, accumulates into significant progress over time.
Every good or bad habit follows the same three step pattern:
Let this simple framework work for you
Developing a new habit can feel a bit daunting at first, but with the 3R’s—Reminder, Routine, and Reward—you can easily turn eco-friendly cleaning into a regular part of your life. Let’s use a homemade cleaning spray with essential oils as an example.
1. R: Reminder: Setting the stage
The first step in forming a habit is to establish a trigger or reminder. This could be something as simple as placing your homemade eco-friendly cleaning spray in a spot you pass by daily, like on the kitchen counter. A beautifully labelled bottle filled with a blend of essential oils like lavender or lemon not only looks inviting but also serves as a gentle nudge to kick-start your cleaning routine.
2.R: Routine: The heart of the habit
Once the reminder is in place, it’s time to focus on the routine itself. Pick a specific time each day to use your cleaning spray, whether it’s wiping down surfaces after breakfast or sprucing up your bathroom in the evening. The key is consistency. The more you repeat the action, the more it becomes second nature. Remember, you’re not just cleaning; you’re transforming your space with every spritz, leaving it smelling divine and fresh.
3. R: Reward: Reaping the benefits
Finally, there’s the reward – the benefit you gain from sticking to your new habit. With this eco-friendly cleaning spray, you’re not only keeping your home spotless but also making a positive impact on the environment. Plus, there’s something incredibly satisfying about knowing your home is free from harsh chemicals. The pleasing aroma of essential oils adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
Forming a habit doesn’t happen overnight, but with the 3R’s as your guide, you can create a routine that’s both rewarding and sustainable. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you slip up occasionally. Happy eco-friendly cleaning!