What to look for when choosing ‘clean’ Cleaning Chemicals
Do you want to start souring your cleaning products sustainably and without harsh chemicals and make an impact on the environment? Well, it begins with your selection of products. With a keen eye on sustainability, it’s easy to bring an environmental approach to every application and use. You might’ve lavished in the opportunity to buy M&S organic produce or eco-friendly furniture made from recycled, naturally felled timber, you may have been hesitant to give non-toxic cleaning supplies a try, but why?
The world knows that harsh chemicals in conventional cleaning supplies are not great for the environment either in production or while using, but they leave your workspace spick and span.
So, what happens when you make the sustainable swap?
It’s essential to have non-toxic cleaning supplies in your workplace as this space where we spend most of our time – well, not so much now. The products you use are what you breathe, what you touch, and where your customers might sleep.
Of course, your sprays and soaps are only as good as the formula used in manufacturing. So, if you want to pick up non-toxic cleaning supplies that work, here are four ingredients to look for:
Lemongrass Oil or Limonene
Lemongrass oil is the natural essential oil from lemons, and it is a powerful stain remover, grease cutter, and smells pretty great. Lemongrass oil is a top ingredient in most dish soaps and liquid laundry detergent and is as natural as an ingredient could be.
Thanks to its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties, Lemongrass alone as an ingredient will cleanse most surfaces and materials —and make unwanted Mold and bacteria vanish before your eyes.
Citric Acid
Citric Acid is a natural cleaning ingredient that combats grease and stains. And despite the word ‘Acid,’ your favourite fruits hold the answer. One of the most popular elements in non-toxic cleaning supplies is citric Acid, which is derived from lemons, limes, oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines.
“Citric acid is a natural disinfectant and if it’s is in a concentration over 0.7%, it kills 99.9% of germs, as referenced by the FDA,” It’s highly effective, incredibly natural, and cuts through most grime.
Tough on Mold, mildew, and bacteria, Citric Acid can be found in everything from sprays to soaps, to cleansing wipes. But, if you want to create your cleaner from scratch, you can mix two and a half teaspoons of Citric Acid to one cup of water.
However, use wisely – citric acid-based cleaners can come with some unexpected side effects. While most regulators say it’s entirely safe for use, breathing in citric Acid has been linked to respiratory discomfort, skin irritation, and eye redness. After all, it is a concentrated acid from fruit.
If you do use this type of cleaner, open the windows for some extra ventilation, cover your eyes and skin, and refrain from ingesting it – no matter how good it smells and reminds you of your favourite fruits.
Baking Soda
Baking soda doesn’t just make your cakes light and fluffy; it plays a vital part in cleaning and has been used for years! Its abrasive texture means baking soda works hard to remove stains and loosen up stubborn particles before being wiped away by an excellent citric acid-based cleaner. Baking soda is also known to absorb odour, making it the perfect match for your office kitchen stains and bathrooms.
While baking soda is present in many non-toxic cleaning brands, you can always make your own baking soda-based cleaner. Baking soda is known to be extra powerful when combined with vinegar.
When baking soda’s basic properties are exposed to the acidic vinegar, a chemical reaction occurs, so be careful if trying it yourself. A handy tip if you are making this yourself, keep the ratio one-part baking soda to two parts vinegar, and you will be fine.
Vinegar
Speaking of vinegar, this kitchen essential is also outstanding on its own? Made with a tough compound called acetic Acid, vinegar can wipe away dirt and grease with ease. Some reports claim vinegar is strong enough to kill some bacteria. However, when it comes to protecting your workplace from COVID-19, we recommend using approved cleaners – soaking someone’s desk in vinegar might not be the answer.
How common is vinegar in modern cleaning supplies we hear you ask? It turns out, Very. Vinegar is a crucial ingredient in most multi-surface sprays, wipes, and floor cleaners.
Read the Label
In addition to looking out for specific ingredients, it’s essential to pay close attention to a product’s eco-friendly certifications—or lack thereof.
Most certifications review everything from ingredients, to performance, to packaging sustainability before approval. Triple check the credentials from industry leaders, along with the ingredients on the back, and make sure to research anything you’re unfamiliar with.
That way, you can feel good knowing your cleaning supplies work effectively and have the environment at the forefront.