Eco cleaning brands

[Leafy2018]

I was reading Tim Spectre talking about microplastics and chemicals in cleaning products (and well as bath products) and their connection to brain health. I’ve been thinking about swapping to something less full of chemicals for a while but it’s given me a nudge to really do it.

I already use Method surface spray but I’m sure there’s probably better out there. Of course I know I could make my own too - but I don’t want my whole house smelling of vinegar - I like a little light fragrance. I’ve seen Purdy and Fig but it reeks a bit of heavy marketing and something I might find disappointing in real life. Ideally I’d like to keep my supplies to a minimum as I try to be minimal where I can - so looking for multipurpose spray plus bathroom. Also, any ideas for better dishwasher tablets and washing detergent too?

I’d just like to reduce the amount of chemicals we use in our house. Thanks for any ideas!

Don't forget that "natural" products are chemicals too. Deadly nightshade is organic and table salt is produced in a factory but I know which I'd prefer to have at home.

What does Tim Specter suggest?

I really like Nancy Birtwhistle's stuff: https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/lifestyle-wellbeing/eco-friendly-cleaning-products-natural-cleaning-tips

I use a lot of soda crystals. You can mix with water and put them into a cleaning bottle. I use them for:

Cleaning surfaces
Burnt pans
Cleaning drains, washing machine
Cleaning tea stains off cups
Laundry and softening water
Cleaning the floor

You can use citric acid for limescale

I’m also thinking about this. That’s why I’m unsure about using essential oils such as in Purdy and Fig. TS didn’t suggest anything - he just said that in light of some blood tests he had done recently, he would be looking into it.

Don’t bother with Purdy and Figg, smells nice but doesn’t clean very well. Agree with PP re Nancy’s recommendations. I also like Miniml and Fill.

Thank you! This is so helpful!

Thank you! Good to know about P&F. As I had feared. Shame.

Thank you so much! I’ll look into soda crystals. That’s really helpful. I bet that works out quite economically too.

Soda crystals forms an alkali when dissolved in water. Vinegar and citric acid are acids. All are relatively mild. I reckon that these and maybe some washing up liquid will clean most things but the harsher chemicals will clean more quickly and with less elbow grease.

Does anyone know of a good website for eco living products? In the UK?

Can recommend Miniml! Products smell lovely and work.

Anyone tried Bower Collective? They also advertise as natural and also sustainable

You might find this useful.
https://www.sustainablylazy.com/blog/natural-eco-friendly-cleaning-uk

Neat products are great. They work well, and as you mix the little refill with tap water,it saves on transporting single use plastic bottles. You can buy them in Tesco, Sainsburys and Ocado and also direct from Neat.com
I love Purdy & Fig for granite and glass but the spa-like smell doesn't last long.

Wow! This is just what I was looking for. Thank you so much for that.

I think the big refill thing of washing up liquid I have is Miniml actually! It’s rhubarb and I love it.

Thank you! I’ll have a look. I wonder how they rate chemical wise. It’s good to hear they work well.

I use smol and neat.

Yes, I’ve been using Bower Collective for the past 6 months. I particularly like their limescale remover and their washing up liquid.

Thank you!

Another vote for Miniml. They are one of the best and made in the UK too. Some of the eco companies aren't as green as they claim. I always look for leaping bunny, and B corp certification, aswell as ingredients.
Nancy Birtwhistle is fantastic. Her books are my go-to for stains and tricky jobs in the home and garden. Her cream cleaner and pure magic are brilliant. Not everything she makes contains vinegar. It's worth checking her SM pages.

I love Miniml too. Their orange blossom surface spray smells amazing.

I’ve used Bower Collective for several years and their products work well. We haven’t missed “chemical” products at all since we made the switch. I take the point that they are all chemicals but I really like using more natural products. Our cleaners are very complimentary about them and they use all sorts in different homes. I am also surprisingly disciplined (for me) about posting back the pouches. It makes me happy to pop them in the postbox knowing they are going back to be reused. We’ve never thrown any away. I’m sure lots of the equivalent brands are also good but this is the only one we’ve used.