Pros and cons of natural cleaning
In today's eco-conscious world, natural cleaning products are gaining traction. Natural cleaning products are free from harsh chemicals that can be harmful to both the environment and human health.
They are biodegradable, reducing the impact on water systems and aquatic life. Additionally, natural cleaning products often come in recyclable packaging, further reducing waste.
But is it all sunshine and lemons? Let's delve into the pros and cons of natural cleaning to help you decide if it's the right fit for your household.
Natural Cleaning: Pros and Cons to Consider
Pros:
- Healthier home: No more harsh chemicals lingering in the air or on surfaces, potentially improving indoor air quality and reducing risks associated with chemical exposure.
- Environmentally friendly: Minimises the use and disposal of harmful chemicals, reducing your environmental footprint.
- Multiple uses: Just a few ingredients can be used to create natural cleaning solutions for many different purposes.
- Cost-effective: DIY solutions are often budget-friendly compared to branded cleaning products.
- Transparency and control: You know exactly what goes into your cleaning solutions, promoting informed choices.
- DIY satisfaction: Creating your own cleaning solutions can be a rewarding and empowering experience.
Cons:
- Efficacy: Some DIY solutions might not be as effective as commercial cleaners on certain stains or surfaces - a bit more elbow grease may be required!
- Time commitment: Making your own solutions can be time-consuming, especially when compared to grabbing a ready-made product.
- Trial and error: Finding the right DIY recipe for different cleaning needs might require experimentation.
- Initial cost: Whilst over time DIY natural cleaning solutions can be considerably cheaper, the upfront cost to buy multiple ingredients can be off-putting.
- Not suitable for every surface: It's important to note that not all natural cleaning products are suitable for every surface, for instance vinegar is made up of acids that can damage a granite kitchen worksurface - please do your research first.
- Single-use packaging: Many readily-available natural ingredients come packaged in single-single use plastic, and can be heavy to transport.
- Ingredient sourcing: Finding quality, responsibly packaged and ethically sourced ingredients for DIY solutions can be challenging.
Natural cleaning: finding your balance
The decision to embrace natural cleaning is personal. Weigh the pros and cons based on your priorities. Maybe you start by swapping just one chemical cleaner for a natural cleaning alternative, such as clothes stain removal powder for green bleach (percarbonate of soda). Remember, small steps towards a healthier home and planet are still meaningful!
Here are some tips to navigate the natural cleaning journey:
- Experiment: Start with simple recipes for everyday cleaning. Many effective solutions involve vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and essential oils. Here's how to create a natural cleaning toolkit.
- Do your research: Look for reputable sources and brands that prioritise transparency and sustainability in their natural cleaning products.
- Embrace imperfection: Not everything needs to be DIY. Combine store-bought natural cleaners with your own concoctions for a balanced approach.
Remember, the goal is to make informed choices that contribute to a healthier home and a happier planet. Natural cleaning might not be perfect, but it's a journey towards a more mindful and sustainable approach to cleanliness.
