Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products: A Simple Guide
Want a greener clean without wasting money on vague claims? Here's what eco-friendly really means, what works, and what to avoid.
TidyGo team3 min read
More and more of us want to clean our homes without harsh chemicals or piles of plastic bottles. But walk down the cleaning aisle and almost everything says "natural", "green" or "eco". Here's how to tell what's really better, and what works.
What does "eco-friendly" actually mean?
There's no single legal definition, so products use the words in different ways. A genuinely greener product usually has some of these:
- Plant-based or biodegradable ingredients that break down more easily after they go down the drain.
- Less packaging, such as refills, concentrates or recycled plastic.
- No animal testing.
- Clear information about what's inside.
Watch out for vague green claims
Words like "natural", "green" or "kind to the planet" on their own don't tell you much. Which? has looked at this in detail in How green are green claims?
Look for specific, checkable facts instead, like "made from 100% recycled plastic" or "refill pouch uses 80% less plastic", and for independent logos. For example, the Leaping Bunny logo means a product is approved by Cruelty Free International as not tested on animals.
Simple cupboard basics that work
You don't need a different product for every surface. These basics handle most jobs:
| Product | Good for | Don't use on |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar (diluted) | Limescale on taps, glass, kettles | Natural stone, marble, granite, wood, rubber seals |
| Bicarbonate of soda | Gentle scrubbing, sinks, smells in fridges and bins | Very delicate or glossy surfaces (it's slightly abrasive) |
| Washing-up liquid | Grease, everyday surfaces, floors | Oiled wood (use a wood cleaner) |
| Lemon | Fresh smell, light limescale | Natural stone (it's acidic) |
| Microfibre cloths | Dusting, glass, wiping with just water | Nothing much, just wash them often |
Microfibre cloths are one of the easiest eco swaps. They pick up dirt with just water, so you need less product, and you can wash and reuse them hundreds of times.
Safety first: "natural" doesn't mean harmless
- Never mix bleach with vinegar, or with ammonia-based cleaners. It makes toxic gas.
- Label any home-made mixes, and keep them away from children and pets.
- Vinegar is an acid. It can etch stone worktops and damage some appliances. Check before you use it.
- When you need to disinfect (after raw meat, or someone in the house is ill), use a proper disinfectant and follow the label. Vinegar and lemon aren't reliable disinfectants.
Easy ways to use less plastic
- Buy concentrates and refills, and reuse your spray bottles.
- Own fewer products. A good all-purpose spray, a cream cleaner, washing-up liquid and a toilet cleaner cover almost everything.
- Use the right amount. More product doesn't clean better. It just leaves residue to rinse off.
- Choose solid or refillable laundry and dishwasher products where they work for you.
Eco-friendly cleaning with TidyGo
If you prefer certain products, just tell your cleaner in the notes when you book, and leave them out ready. We're also working on a shop of eco-friendly supplies, coming soon.
For a regular eco-friendly clean, see our normal cleaning (£18 an hour per cleaner) and cleaning plans.
