How green is your spring clean?

Spring cleaning season is upon us and, while it’s second nature to reach for the bleach, how does that affect the environment? and can natural alternatives really get the job done? Jo Dunbar finds out

DUSTERS at the ready, it’s time to polish those picture rails and shine up that silverware.

Research from shopping channel Thane revealed that 93 per cent of UK adults embark on a spring clean.

Traditionally, this means pulling on rubber gloves and arming ourselves with an arsenal of chemicals.

But as a survey by Beko reveals, 88 per cent of us feel a responsibility to be more eco-friendly in a bid to help the planet, and spring cleaning is one area where we can make a difference.

It’s all too easy to forget about what we flush away. But the truth is, the toxic chemicals found in many household cleaning products can damage plant and animal life in or near rivers or seas when sent down the drain.

Ingredients like chlorine and bleach are toxic to flora and fauna, while phosphates encourage algae to grow, which can suffocate aquatic life.

Polythene is a microplastic which was banned from cosmetics in 2018, but microbeads can still be found in cleaning products. These are dangerous for wildlife as they can be consumed by animals and disrupt the reproductive systems of fish and amphibians.

Thankfully the high street has taken note.

The global green-cleaning products market was estimated at £233billion last year and it’s predicted to keep on growing.

RETHINK YOUR INGREDIENTS

Given what’s happened over the last few years, we’re more aware than ever of cleaning things effectively to minimise infection. But former Great British Bake Off winner and green- cleaning expert Nancy Birtwhistle believes we often reach for harsh products without thinking.

“We need to understand that there are natural chemicals, and then there are harmful toxic or synthetic chemicals that are not good for our own health or that of the environment.

“Yet these are in many of our everyday home-cleaning products including bleaches, detergents, disinfectants, washing-up liquids and metal cleaners,” she said.

So how do we overhaul our housework?

Instead of automatically reaching for a bottle of bleach, Nancy suggested giving natural methods a try. “We have been brainwashed into believing that natural cleaning methods are old-fashioned and don’t do the job as well as modern alternatives.

“But lemon juice and white wine vinegar are eco-friendly, inexpensive, and will also sanitise and kill bugs.”

START SMALL AND SAVE MONEY

You don’t have to instantly throw out all your existing cleaning products. But when one runs out, why not replace it with a natural alternative?

“Start with small switches,” said Nancy.

“Try a sugar shaker filled with bicarbonate of soda to clean the sink rather than reaching for a plastic bottle of cleaning fluid. You can use it to clean your teapot, coffee pot and tannin-stained mugs too.”

Indeed, going green can benefit the planet and your bank balance.

“I now buy cleaning ingredients rather than products,” said Nancy. “Buying in bulk is the cheapest way and uses much less plastic and single-use packaging.”

Stock up on eco-cleaning store essentials such as soda crystals, white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and citric acid.

KNOW YOUR BRANDS

If making your own disinfectant feels a step too far, there’s a middle ground. Instead of buying your usual household cleaners, select those which do the least amount of damage to waterways and the air.

Ali Morse, water policy manager at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “We can all take simple steps to avoid unnecessary damage to the environment. When it comes to household chores, choose cleaners and detergents that don’t contain phosphates.”

This one small change will have a wider effect. “Switching one washingup liquid or cleaning spray for another can make a huge difference for wildlife in waterways and oceans.

“Checking which brands are looking out for wildlife – and those which aren’t – is simple.

“Just look on the back of the bottle and check the ingredients list. Brands like Ecover, Method, Bio-D and some supermarket own brands have products made from natural ingredients.” Brands doing more for nature are often packaged more sustainably too, using recyclable materials.

“What’s more, the environmentally friendly option is usually better for you and less harsh on your skin,” said Ali.

Swap hard-to-cupboard

recycle wire pads for natural alternatives such as Mr Eco Non Scratch Fibre and Cellulose Sponges, £3.99, Lakeland.

Method Antibac All Purpose Cleaner, £4.35, ethicalsuperstore.com, uses lactic acid instead of harsh chemicals to banish bacteria.

Sainsbury’s Greencare Fabric Conditioner, £1.80, contains plantderived ingredients in a 100 per cent recyclable bottle.

The Green Gardening Handbook by Nancy Birtwhistle (One Boat, £14.99) is out now

‘‘ try a sugar shaker filled with bicarb of soda rather than a bottle of cleaning fluid