54 Green cleaning
For those of us who secretly enjoy a big spring clean, now’s the time to get started! But ditching the dirt and dust doesn’t have to harm the planet. In this special edition of Go Green, Gabrielle Albert rounds up some of the most eco-friendly products on the market Mabu cloths
Lakeland
Make cleaning easy with these super-absorbent cloths. Not only are they made from 100 per cent biodegradable wood fibre, but they are designed to clean using just water. Better still, they remain fresher than ordinary dishcloths, thanks to their bacteria-resistant properties and open-weave design, from which dirt, debris and even stains rinse clean away. The clever colour coding means you can assign one cloth for dishes, another for the bathroom and another for general cleaning.
■ Lakeland (01539 488100)
Toilet cleaner sea breeze
& sage
Ecover
Say goodbye to harsh chemical fumes and hello to the refreshing fragrance of the sea. This rivals most conventional toilet cleaners when it comes to smell, but it uses plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are far kinder to the planet and effective at keeping toilets clean with regular use.
■ Also available in 5L bottles. Amazon.co.uk
Multipurpose cleaning paste
Ecozone
Thanks to its biodegradable, preservative-free and zero phosphate-free formula, you can use this hard paste for cleaning, polishing and protecting many things around your home. It’s great for removing dirt and oil calcium build-up from a number of surfaces such as pots, pans, sinks, window frames, stone floors and garden furniture.
■ Ecozonedirect.com
Eco coconut cleaning bottle brush
Myga
A good scrubbing brush is a kitchen staple. Do away with plastic varieties and invest in this ‘greener’ version. Its curved end is designed to get into those hard-to-reach places and its natural coconut fibres will help cut through grease and eliminate leftover residue without scratching.
■ Amazon.co.uk
Anti-bac all-purpose cleaner in peach blossom
Method
This smells so good! Killing up to 99.9 per cent of bacteria, this spray is like stepping into a spring orchard. And its non-toxic formula means it can be used on lots of different household surfaces without worrying about little hands or paws.
■ Try Method’s new 2L refill range, available through
Ocado.com and Amazon.co.uk
Crystal waterfall window cleaner
M&S
Made with plant-based ingredients, this window cleaner will cut through grease and grime for a streak-free shine on your glass. Suitable for all glass surfaces from TVs, monitors and computer screens to windows, simply spray onto a dry cloth or paper towel, wipe and the buff dry. Suitable for vegans.
M&S (0333 014 8000)
Eco floor wash
KINN
Keep floors clean and fragrant with this lavender floor wash. It has a neutral ph value, removing dirt and grease without harming the environment, and is made from 96 per cent of natural materials. Simply add two capfuls (approximately 60ml) into 5 litres of warm water and enjoy not only clean floors, but a wonderfully delicate fragrance.
■ Ocado.com
Furniture polish
Bio-D
Restore and nourish natural wooden surfaces with this versatile, vegan polish. It’s made from a blend of plant-based wax and natural oils that can be used on everything from furniture to banisters. The inclusion of linseed oil offers protection against everyday dirt– and even builds resistance against fingermarks and spillages with prolonged use.
biod.co.uk
Compostable sponges
EcoVibe
Durable, absorbent and compostable – these sponges make a great alternative to traditional synthetic sponges. They can be used on bathroom surfaces and kitchen countertops, as well as dishes and everyday spills – so they’re perfect for cleaning all around the house. Better still, each sponge can absorb and retain up to ten times its own weight in water and can last through many tough cleaning jobs! They’re made from 100 per cent cellulose (natural wood fibre) – so you can say goodbye to
microplastics.
■ Ecovibe.co.uk