Gentle Household
Creating a Gentle Household with Green Products
Changing my habits at home was a slow process, just like the process of changing my diet. And just like the process of changing my diet, it happened one product at a time. On one trip to the store, I bought ecological dish cleaner, the next time eco washing powder, and so on. Step by step, I arrived here. I know there is still room for improvement, but I am enjoying the little steps of the journey. I think it is just as important to enjoy the process as it is to arrive at the goal! Once you start on the path to an ecological household you will discover your own tricks along the way. Always remember to be gentle with yourself, because you are already brave in learning something new. These are just a couple of things that I have discovered so far.
What we try to avoid:
- Different products specifically sold to clean separate areas, like kitchen board, fridge, baseboard, toilet, bathroom tiles, floor, wooden furniture, glass, bathtub. Do you really want all those bottles when you only need one or two all-purpose cleaners?
- Products in plastic bottles, especially the ones that need to be recycled in a special place, because honestly, do you ever go there? We know that plastic is severely polluting our planet, and it takes over 500 years to break down completely. Let’s reduce usage of plastic as much as we can.
- Plastic kitchen sponges. They will all be thrown away eventually, and how many will you need to use in your lifetime? Too many!
- Single-use paper towels. They create unnecessary volume in our trash and are also usually wrapped in plastic. Just use cloth towels and rags!
- Special products for dusting. Again, a cotton rag is universal and reusable.
Why should we avoid these?
First, we want to reduce the overall usage of plastic. Second, there are a few products we can combine at home that will successfully replace all those colorful bottles full of harmful toxins. Their colorful contents are dangerous, we know, but ask yourself: How dangerous are these chemicals for our skin? What effect do these products have on our water, and are they able to fully dissolve? If I clean the table with some “Pronto” and my child licks it, isn’t it toxic for them?
All you really need for cleaning:
- Ecological dish cleaner
- Vinegar
- Baking soda
- Coconut fibre dish scrubber, loofah, cotton rag, or natural brush. Anything will work to clean dishes, and luckily there are plenty of ecological options.
- Pieces of old (clean) cotton to make into rags. These could be made from T-shirts, sheets, pants, or any other cotton materials you don’t use anymore.
- Ecological dishwasher tabs if you have dishwasher. There are some ecological products out there already!
I started by mixing two different all-purpose cleaners in spray bottles and they have lasted for months. Use them in combination with some other products and you can clean your entire home gently and effectively. Finally!
The cleaners I use are detailed below.
Please share your other cleaners with me as well, as I said, it’s an ongoing journey and there are always different options to explore.
| What you want to clean: | What you need: | What I do: |
| General Surface Cleaner |
|
This surface cleaner and cotton cloth can do serious magic around the house, use it on everything. |
| Universal cleaner |
|
The universal cleaner can be used almost everywhere. You can also combine with some ingredients below. |
| Dishes |
|
Wash and rinse with water. |
| Kitchen |
|
This universal cleaner I mix with the ratio 1:1 in a spray bottle, and spray onto a cotton cloth. |
| Floor |
|
I add half cup of vinegar to a bucket with warm water. |
| Windows |
|
I wash with warm water first. When it dries, I use the surface cleaner with a cotton cloth to shine the windows. |
| Bathroom |
|
Mix together and use a cotton cloth to wipe. This is the universal cleaner, so don’t let the ‘Bathroom’ category fool you! |
| Toilet |
|
I pour in baking soda and vinegar then let it sit for several minutes. Pour in hot water and scrub with toilet brush. If you feel it is not enough use the universal cleaner for an extra cleaning. |
| Wood |
|
Once in a while, wipe over dusty surfaces. |
If it’s too much all at once, just take it easy.
Finish using the products you have at home and when one runs out, replace it with a homemade option. Even replacing one product with a gently, homemade cleaner can make a difference! If you miss the clean and sparkly smell, you can also add a few drops of essential oils to the universal cleaners.
For start check out Dr. Bronners Castille Soap. https://shop.drbronner.com/home-care
Thank you for being here with me! And I’m looking forward to discussing laundry next time with you!
Pureearthwoman
Translation with the help of Ellie Farrier
Kristýna
I am a Montessori teacher, a woman, and an admirer of nature. My passion is keeping my household ecological and gentle. I have been making changes in my life and home for the last few years, with intention of living a more fulfilling life with the smallest burden on nature as possible. I love to share my experiences and I like to show others that these changes can be joyful and easy to apply.
