When it comes to cleaning, what you put on your countertops matters just as much as what you use to wipe them down. But with greenwashing claims running rampant across supermarket shelves, it can be confusing to figure out whether you've made the right choice for your home.
Here are six affordable and eco-friendly cleaning products the Good & Fugly team love for keeping the kitchen (and the entire house) sparkling.
1. White Vinegar
Vinegar is one of the most versatile cleaners available, and white vinegar works wonders in the kitchen. Not only does it disinfect and deodorize, it also cuts through soap scum and can help unclog drains when combined with baking soda. If the smell of vinegar puts you off using it for cleaning, pop a lemon rind in the spray bottle with the solution of vinegar and water.
2. Baking Soda
Baking soda is another all-natural cleaner that has a long list of amazing uses. It's great for scrubbing pots and pans, removing grease, and cleaning the oven – simply rinse off or wipe with a damp cloth once you’re done. It’s also a powerful deodoriser – sprinkle some on the carpet before vacuuming or on the fridge trays to absorb bad smells.
3. Lemon
Lemons are another kitchen staple that can be used to clean everything from countertops to cutting boards. The citric acid in lemons is a natural disinfectant and degreaser, and it can even remove tough stains like coffee and tea. Plus, the lemon scent is refreshing and smells great!
4. Castile Soap
Castile soap is a plant-based soap made from olive, coconut, or jojoba oils. It's naturally antibacterial, and is much gentler than traditional soaps making it a great option for people with sensitive skin. Mix castile soap with water to make your own dishwashing liquid, or add a few drops to a spray bottle filled with water for an all-purpose cleaner. Castile solution will leave your mirrors and windows satisfyingly streak-free!
5. Dissolvable Cleaning Pods
If all-natural products aren’t the right option for you, there is an increasing range of low-waste products in the cleaning aisle of your supermarket. Just add water to dissolvable cleaning pods – like these from Re•stor, available at Woolworths – to make new cleaning solution in a spray bottle that you already have. It significantly reduces your plastic waste and packaging that would otherwise end up in landfill.
6. Closed-Loop Cleaning Brands
Refillable products are even more widely available than dissolvable tablets and pods. Brands like Zeroco provide a closed-loop product cycle – use the concentrate from soft plastic pouches to refill reusable spray bottles, and mail the empty pouches back to them to wash, refill and reuse. Many supermarkets provide soft plastic recycling bins which help recycle pouches from brands they stock.
