Switch to Sustainable Cleaning Products: A Beginner's Guide
Make your home healthier and greener with these simple switches to eco-friendly cleaning products. Better for you, better for the planet.
Most conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that harm both your health and the environment. The good news? Switching to sustainable alternatives is easier and cheaper than you think.
Why Make the Switch?
Conventional cleaning products often contain:
- VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that pollute indoor air
- Phosphates that harm aquatic life
- Artificial fragrances linked to allergies and asthma
- Single-use plastic packaging
The average UK household spends £500+ annually on cleaning products, most of which come in plastic bottles that end up in landfills.
Smart Switches for Every Room
Kitchen
Switch from: Brand-name washing-up liquid
Switch to: Ecover Zero Washing-Up Liquid ↗ (affiliate link)
- Plant-based formula
- Refillable bottles
- Hypoallergenic
- £3.50 vs £4.00 for conventional
Bathroom
Switch from: Bleach toilet cleaner
Switch to: Citric acid powder
Mix 2 tablespoons of citric acid with water for a powerful, natural toilet cleaner. £5 for 1kg lasts 6+ months.
Laundry
Switch from: Liquid detergent in plastic
Switch to: Smol laundry capsules ↗ (affiliate link)
- Delivered through your letterbox
- Zero plastic packaging
- 50% cheaper than supermarket brands
- Works in cold water
DIY Cleaning Solutions
You can make effective cleaners with ingredients you already have:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- 10 drops essential oil (optional)
Cost per bottle: 20p vs £2.50 for branded spray
Glass Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup rubbing alcohol
Works better than Windex and costs pennies.
The Financial Case
Here’s what I save monthly by switching:
| Product | Conventional | Sustainable | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washing-up liquid | £4.00 | £3.50 | £0.50 |
| Laundry detergent | £12.00 | £6.00 | £6.00 |
| All-purpose cleaner | £3.00 | £0.50 (DIY) | £2.50 |
| Toilet cleaner | £3.50 | £0.80 | £2.70 |
| Total | £22.50 | £10.80 | £11.70 |
Annual savings: £140.40 while reducing plastic waste by 80%.
Start Small
Don’t try to switch everything overnight. Start with one room or one product type. My recommendation? Begin with laundry–it’s the easiest switch and has the biggest impact.
Recommended First Steps:
- Finish your current products (don’t waste them)
- Try Smol’s trial pack ↗ (affiliate link) for £1
- Make one DIY cleaner this weekend
- Switch to refillable options as you run out
The Results
After 3 months of sustainable switches:
- ✅ Indoor air quality noticeably better
- ✅ No more chemical smells
- ✅ Saving £40+ per month
- ✅ Reduced plastic waste by 90%
- ✅ Home smells fresh, not artificial
Where to Buy
Best UK retailers for sustainable cleaning:
- Smol ↗ - Subscription service
- Fill ↗ - Refill stations
- Local refill shops - Check Google Maps
- Ecover - Available at most supermarkets
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve personally tested and genuinely believe in.