Spring cleaning the right way

It won’t be long before the sun comes out (I am forever hopeful) and we start thinking about spring cleaning but at least promise me you’ll do it the natural way.

It is far better to use natural products as conventional detergents contain so many potentially dangerous toxic chemicals. Of course it’s not one bottle of washing-up liquid that’s the issue, more the cumulative effect of so many different synthetic chemicals.

If you choose well, plant-based detergents are just as effective as conventional detergents and often very little is needed. We all know about ‘old-style cleaning’ too, using vinegar and newspaper to clean the windows, bicarbonate of soda for surfaces, cleaning the oven, etc.

Most cleaning products contain VOCs— volatile organic compounds. They evaporate easily and build up in the air and can aggravate asthmatics and anyone with allergies or respiratory problems. Most laundry detergents have added phosphates that could improve their cleaning power but isn’t good for sensitive skin. (Or for the environment as they stimulate the growth of algae, resulting in dead fish and the chemicals make their way back into the food chain!)

Similarly many contain sodium laurel sulphate, a foaming agent that is known to be a skin irritant, some contain formaldehyde, propellants, alcohol and synthetic fragrances that can trigger asthma attacks and could be hor- mone disrupting. It’s important to remember that most conventional cleaning products are based on petrochemicals – many of which are classed as hazardous waste.

Personally I’m anti the anti-bacterials – we know the problems with ‘superbugs!’ I’ve recently found an amazing probiotic cleaner, it puts back the ‘good bacteria’ and it is so ‘pure’ you can use it as a starter yoghurt!

Most people want to get back to old-style cleaning but the question I’m always asked is ‘How to clean the loo without bleach? Interestingly, brand new toilets come with a sticker saying ‘Do Not Use Bleach’!

It’s all about the one forgotten ingredient – elbow grease: get your rubber gloves on and remove some of the water – and scrub – great for triceps too! You can use bicarb mixed with a little eco washing-up liquid or white vinegar, or buy one of the natural loo cleaners such as Ecover, but it’s the regular cleaning that’s important.

For loo seats or any area that requires a little more ‘anti-bacterial’ help use a few drops of Tea Tree Oil. For cleaning the bath/shower any good multi-surface cleaner will do, my current faves include the multi-surface cleaner from www.myeco2life.com and the probiotic cleaner already mentioned: the ‘Libby Chan’ probiotic cleaner from www.mylivingwateruk.com.

So go green with your spring clean: you’ll burn some calories, save some money and avoid the headaches.