Sustainable cleaning has become increasingly popular, as more products come on to the market claiming to be eco friendly.
But what does sustainable cleaning actually mean and, if you’re seeking to clean your home in a more sustainable way, how do you start?
We consulted Chris James from the British Cleaning Council to help you understand what sustainability really means, what to look for when you shop for eco-friendly products, and tips to help you clean your home in a more sustainable way.
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What is sustainable cleaning?
'Sustainable cleaning basically means cleaning in a way that won’t leave a footprint for the next generation,' explained Chris James, a biologist who specialises in cleaning science, environmental science and sustainability.
'You’re looking for cleaning products that have been properly designed and can be recycled at the end of their lives.'
However, there are some companies that try to persuade customers they are doing more to protect the environment than they really are. Sometimes referred to as 'greenwashing', it can mislead shoppers into thinking they're making sustainable choices when they're not.
Here are six tips to make your cleaning more sustainable:
1. Look for biodegradable cleaning products
Cleaning products can end up being washed away into our sewers so it's worth bearing in mind the toxicity of the chemicals in the brands you choose.
'There are lots of confusing terms: green cleaning, environmentally friendly cleaning, carbon-neutral cleaning, some of which aren’t terribly helpful,' said Chris.
'The truth is, there are very few cleaning agents that are completely environmentally friendly so, really, the term you’re looking for is "biodegradable" – preferably within 12 months. This means the contents will break down and won’t pollute the environment.'
We've taken an in-depth look at the following cleaning brands to see how sustainable they truly are:
- Bio-D
- Ecover
- Method
- Smol
Plus, our reviews of the best kitchen, bathroom and all-purpose cleaning sprays highlight which ones are biodegradable or likely to persist and linger in waterways.
You'll also see the most eco-friendly products highlighted in our Eco Buy recommendations, which also assess the specific chemicals used and whether the packaging is recyclable.
Looking for more sprays and carpet cleaners? See all our expertcleaning sprays advice guides.
2. Stick to just a few cleaning products
Many professional cleaners rely on just a small number of cleaning products: a neutral detergent – such as washing-up liquid – a degreaser for the kitchen, a mild disinfectant and a descaler for limescale.
'Most household cupboards have about 23 different detergents but you don’t need lots of products to clean your home – you can do it with just a few,' said Chris.
A smaller number of products also means chemicals are less likely to mix with each other – mixing can potentially cause harm both to you and the environment. Plus, you're less likely to have unused cleaning products going to waste.
You can find out more about the science behind popular cleaning hacks in our piece: 10 popular TikTok cleaning hacks explained.
Your washing-up liquid can be used for much more than dishes. Watch our video: 5 surprising uses for washing-up liquid.
3. Pay attention to dosing
'Many households are very imprecise when it comes to the ratio of cleaning agent to water,' said Chris.
'Often people use too little or too much. Too little means you won’t get the job done; too much is wasteful.'
Get to know your cleaning agents before you use them. The recommended quantities to use differ between products, so read the pack instructions carefully.
It’s also worth remembering that some brands, such as Smol, offer concentrated cleaning products in the form of a small tablet that's dissolved in water to produce the cleaning liquid. The sprays are available in three varieties – multipurpose, bathroom and glass.
Smol and other laundry detergent subscriptions: are they worth trying?
4. Invest in reliable appliances
There’s no point in buying an appliance if it’s going to break and need replacing after a few months. It’s not good for your wallet or the planet.
That’s where Which?’s reviews come in. By joining Which?, our members get access to all kinds of data, including our independent lab tests of cleaning appliances like steam cleaners and vacuum cleaners, and our extensive reliability surveys to determine which brands are likely to last.
In some areas, we also name a Which? Eco Buy, where we highlight which products will have the smallest environmental impact out of all the models we’ve tested in their category. They will also have scored well in our standard tests.
14 benefits for Which? members
Dodge Don't Buys, get personalised advice and shop smart with the Which? app – how many great perks could you make use of today?
Find out more
5. Dispose of your appliances responsibly
When your cleaning appliances reach the end of their lives, it’s important to make sure they don’t impact the environment. Often, (typically electrical) parts like batteries and wires can be disposed of at a recycling centre.
'Some companies are looking into whether it will be possible when, for example, your vacuum has stopped working, they can just replace the parts and send it back to you so it can be reused,' said Chris.
See more on responsibly disposing of your old or broken appliances in our guide to recycling electricals
6. Look for good-quality microfibre cloths
'Microfibre cloths are excellent – they have a large surface area and they remove both visible and invisible soiling,' said Chris.
'But you have to be careful with how you wash them. They can tear clothes if you launder them with other things, so it’s best to wash them separately.
'Don’t use fabric softener because it can cause the cloths to be less effective. And the less expensive ones do shed a lot of microfibres in the water, which can be harmful for the environment. Make sure you invest in good quality ones.'
See our tips to help you whizz through your next big clean
