The Best Zero Waste Cleaning & Laundry Guide

Making the switch to zero waste cleaning products is easier than you think

Switching to zero waste cleaning and laundry products not only reduces your personal impact on the planet but also allows you to relax in the knowledge that you home environment is toxin-free. The majority of cleaners and cleaning products you buy in stores contain harmful ingredients that effect your health and have a detrimental impact on the environment.

After a toxic cleaning product has been used in a home it can affect the environment in different ways including polluting rivers & streams and entering the local food chain. Choosing natural products that break down can help to combat this.

Indoor air quality has become a hot topic in recent years and one of the main contributing factors is harmful chemicals in cleaning products and other items around the home. On average we spend around 90% of our time indoors so it’s important to make sure the air we’re breathing whilst inside is clean and toxin-free.

Below are some recommendations to help you get started on your zero waste cleaning and laundry journey. 

1. Zero Waste Cleaning Tools

Before you begin you need to have the right tools for the job. Switching to sustainable cleaning tools is a simple but effective switch that you can make at home. The great news is that there are lots of different sustainable options out there now to suit your needs.

Try to find products that are made from natural materials and can be composted at home. Below are some examples for you.

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Compostable Washcloths

Most washcloths that you buy are made from man-made, plastic materials such as polyester which cannot be recycled or composted. By switching to compostable washcloths, you are reducing the amount of waste you send to landfill. Compostable washcloths are often made from renewable cellulose or cotton. Once they come to the end of their life you can put them into your home compost.

A great option here is these upcycled cotton and denim rags. Giving items new life is key to a zero waste lifestyle and this product definitely checks that box. 

Compostable Sponges

Compostable sponges are made from natural raw materials such as cotton, flax & wood pulp. You can reuse them until they are no longer usable and then compost them at home unlike traditional sponges which end up in landfill.  

Coconut Scourers 

Coconut scourers are another great sustainable alternative. They are made from natural coconut fiber and can be composted at the end of their life. You can use them to scrape dishes and pans or to clean stubborn stains in your bathroom or kitchen. 

Natural Latex Rubber Gloves

If you use gloves whilst cleaning opt for reusable natural latex gloves. Try to stick to gloves made from sustainable rubber tree plantations. Check the label to make sure the gloves are reusable, biodegradable and compostable.

Loofah Scrub Pads

Loofah scrubs are made from the Loofah plant and are 100% natural and biodegradable. You can use them for washing up or cleaning around your house. They can be reused until they start to break apart but with care should last you a while. Make sure to rinse them thoroughly between uses.

2. Zero Waste Cleaning Products and Solutions

Natural Bleach

Natural bleach, otherwise known as oxygen bleach, is a non-toxic alternative to chlorine bleach. To use it, mix it with water so it releases oxygen making a powerful stain remover. You can use it for cleaning your bathroom or to brighten your laundry whites. It’s great for removing stains from clothes including wine, coffee and sauces.

Our favorite product here is BLUELAND’s Oxi Booster – their color-safe formula is also plastic, preservative, palm oil, dye, cruelty, and fragrance-free.

Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used in a variety of different ways and is a must-have for any sustainable home. Here are just some of the ways you can use baking soda in your home:

• Scrubbing sinks and counter tops
• Cleaning your oven
• Making homemade toothpaste
• Making homemade deodorant

Try to buy it in bulk, preferably from a plastic free store.

Tip: Pour baking powder into your oven and then spray with a white vinegar water mix. Leave to sit for an hour then scrub clean.

Vinegar

Vinegar is another must-have product for your home as it’s so versatile. Fill a reusable spray bottle with a ratio of 1 cup of water to ¼ cup of vinegar so you always have it on hand and use it in the following ways:

• Cleaning glass
• Bathroom cleaner
• Adhesive remover
• Insect repellent
• Kitchen cleaner
• Rust remover
• Laundry booster

Tip: Use vinegar to clean your toilet bowl. Sprinkle some baking soda into the bowl and spray your vinegar mix on top to create a fizzing cleaning mixture. Then scrub your toilet.

When first sprayed vinegar does leave a strong smell but once it’s dried the smell goes away. Some people like to add lemon to their mixture to disguise the vinegar smell. You can do this with essential oils or fresh lemons.

Castile Soap

Castile soap is another great all round cleaning product. It’s a natural vegetable based liquid soap and can be used for lots of different cleaning purposes including cleaning your bathroom, wiping down furniture and even washing your dog.

Mix castile soap and baking soda and add it to a reusable spray bottle for a simple and natural bathroom cleaner. It can be bought in plastic bottles which can be reused or recycled or bought in bulk at most zero waste stores.

3. Zero Waste Cleaning: Laundry Supplies

Natural Laundry Powder

Our favorite natural laundry powder comes from our favorite cleaning product company. Like their oxygen brightener, their laundry powders are dye, preservative, palm oil, and cruelty-free. Made for both high-efficiency and standard washers this is a great choice for all households.

Soap Nuts

Soap nuts are another popular alternative to store-bought laundry powders. They have been used for centuries for washing clothes. They are organic & natural and can be used in a variety of different ways around your home, including to wash clothes, making homemade shampoos & all-purpose cleaners and as a hand soap.

To use them to wash your clothes add a handful of the nuts into a little cloth bag – the bag normally comes with the soap nuts, then place the bag into your drum with your clothes. Wash your clothes as normal. When the wash is finished you can dry out and reuse the nuts several times.

Homemade Laundry Powder

You can make homemade laundry powder using a variety of natural products including white vinegar, baking soda, castile soap and washing soda. There are lots of great recipes online.

Tip: Once you’ve found a recipe that works for you make up your mixture and scoop it into an old ice cube tray. That way you have handy laundry tab size amounts for every wash.

Remember whatever you chose for your zero waste cleaning & laundry journey, the aim of the game is to reduce your impact. Choose items made from natural materials, reuse items as much as possible and recycle anything that cannot be reused. Lastly, keep your eye out for compostable products.

If you love any of these products, I encourage you to check out some of our other favorites in our store.