Bio-D cleaner

Bio-D is a leading brand of affordable eco-cleaning products, sold in easy-to-recycle bottles made from recycled plastic, made with biodegradable ingredients. Most items are also available in 5 litre and 20 litre drums (use with a reusable pump and tap for easy dispensing).

Choose Fragrance Free if pregnant/nursing, affected medical conditions (like asthma and epilepsy) and cleaning near babies/pets (citrus oils are toxic to animal friends, if cleaning counters/floors).

If ordering online, you buy cases, so one purchase should last you around a year. Use these products with plastic-free sponges and cloths and Fair Trade rubber gloves.

All-Round Cleaning

Fragrance-Free Multi-Surface Cleaner (5 litres and 20 litres). This is legendary and can be used neat and left for 60 seconds, before wiping with a clean damp cloth. For floors, add 25ml to 5 litres of water. It’s also brilliant to clean ovens.

Glass and Mirror Spray (5 litres) – contains citrus oil, keep away from pets. Apply sparingly to surfaces from 20cm, wipe immediately with a clean dry cloth, then use the dry side of cloth to wipe again for streak-free shine.

guppyfriend bucket filter

Floor Cleaner (in 5 litres) – contains citrus oil, keep away from pets. Use with a Guppyfriend Bucket Filter to avoid microplastics leaching from synthetic mop heads, down sinks. Add 10ml to 5 litres of warm water, wash and rinse. Do not use on unsealed surfaces. 

Bathroom Cleaners

Bio-D limescale remover

Fragrance-Free Toilet Cleaner (5 litres and 20 litres). Use under rim of bowl and leave overnight. Then use a silicone toilet brush to remove dissolved scale. You can also pour a small amount on taps and showerheads to dissolve heavy limescale. Also as Pine Toilet Cleaner (5 litres).

Bathroom Cleaner Spray (refills and 5 litres). Just spray from 20cm and wipe to remove watermarks and limescale, can also be used on glass, ceramics, perspex, chrome and most non-porous surfaces. Regular use will reduce limescale. Do not use on gold-plated surfaces like taps. Test on inconspicuous area first.

Limescale remover (5 litres). Spray onto taps and leave for up to 2 minutes before wiping. Can also be used to descale kettles (which then need less energy to boil):

Half-fill kettle with water and boil. Pour 3 tablespoons into kettle, leave for 30 minutes. Empty and repeat 2 to 3 times. Fill kettle again with water, boil again and discard the water.

Wholesalers can order online and receive free marketing materials, and also offer refill stations, so buyers can return to refill their products. Just imagine if all shops, restaurants, schools, offices and commercial cleaning companies switched to this brand.

eco sponge cloths

Conventional cleaning cloths are often made from Microfiber (which means they leach microplastics when washed, that go from washing machines into the sea, ingested by marine creatures).  Instead, invest in plastic-free alternatives. Quality ones can be safely laundered again and again, then safely break down when binned (or cut up and compost).

Use with biodegradable cleaning products. Choose Unscented for pregnancy/nursing, affected medical conditions and near babies/pets. Also read posts on plastic-free washing-up tools.

A Pack of Plastic-Free Sponge Cloths

eco sponge cloths

This pack of 4 plastic-free sponge cloths are made from repurposed cotton and cellulose wood pulp, and hold 13 times their own weight in water. One cloth replaces up to 15 rolls of paper towels.

Made in Germany and printed in Sweden, they use environmentally-friendly inks, and the cotton is repurposed from waste in the fashion industry. Sold in zero waste packaging. Highly-absorbent and quick to dry (avoid fabric conditioner). Carbon footprint is offset, through partnership with a reforestation charity.

Quick-Drying Washable Sponge Cloths

washable sponge cloth

These quick-drying washable sponge cloths, are the ideal answer to synthetic sponge cloths or disposable paper towels. Made from a blend of cellulose (wood pulp) and waste cotton.

washable sponge cloth

Highly absorbent, these sponge cloths hold 30 times their weight in water, making them ideal for cleaning surfaces, or mopping up spills. But unlike paper towels, no Boreal forests are chopped down to make them, then throw them away. They also work out cheaper. And there’s no plastic packaging.

washable sponge cloths

Each pack contains 6 cloths. You can wash them in the machine or dishwasher. Expect each one to last from 3 to 6 months, with normal usage.

A Pack of All-Purpose Bamboo Cloths

bamboo cloth

This pack of 3 bamboo cloths contains cloths that can be used for many purposes, made from the world’s fastest growing grass (industrial bamboo is not the same as fresh shoots, eaten by pandas). Sold in zero waste packaging, buy a few packs for different jobs around the house.

bamboo cloth

These cloths are plastic-free and use far less carbon emissions to make. Perfect for cleaning, wiping or polishing, you can use these wet or dry, then recycle with other textiles, at end of use.

bamboo cloth

Made in audited factories in China, the set of 3 cloths have waffle texture, in different colours (natural, navy, turquoise) so you know which one to use for which purpose. They are super-soft to handle, and carbon footprint is offset, through partnership with a reforestation charity.

Fair Trade Gloves (in cardboard packaging)

Seep rubber gloves

SEEP Rubber Gloves are ideal for all your household cleaning jobs. The difference is that these ones are sold in cardboard packaging, instead of plastic. Sold in a pack of 3, they are flexible enough to do work while wearing them, and the soft lining adds an extra layer of comfort, for extended use without causing discomfort or irritation.

Seep rubber gloves

Plastic-free, these gloves are made from natural rubber and cotton-flock lining. Certified biodegradable, they also have textured pattern on the finger tips, for better grip.

Seep rubber gloves

Made in Sri Lanka, choose from 3 sizes (small, medium or large). The latex is sourced from trees using ‘rubber tapping’ that does not harm the tree, and carbon footprint is offset through a partnership with a reforestation charity.

eco friendly cleaning set

Non-toxic cleaners don’t just offer benefits for personal health; they’re also kind to our planet. By making the switch to these products, you’re contributing to a healthier environment in several ways:

This eco-friendly cleaning starter kit contains everything you need to begin your sustainable house-cleaning journey. This cardboard box contains zero waste tools to last you years. And at end of use, all safely biodegrade or compost back to the earth. The box includes:

  • A wooden dish brush
  • A dish brush holder
  • A replacement brush head
  • A bar of biodegradable dish soap
  • A pair of natural latex gloves
  • A pot brush
  • A scrubbing loofah
  • Compostable cloths

Together, this box works out way more affordable, than if you bought items separately.

Avoid essential oils if pregnant/nursing or with affected medical conditions. Use unscented items near children/pets (air rooms before allowing them back in – citrus is toxic to animal friends).

Houseplants don’t ‘clean the air’ (a myth based on NASA research from 30 years ago. And many houseplants (including sago palm & lilies) can be lethal to pets (even brushing a tail past).

Learn more on toxic plants to avoid near pets (don’t face indoor plants to face gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows).

A Book of Nontoxic House Cleaning Recipes

simply clean

Simply Clean is the bible for nontoxic housecleaning recipes, by the USA’s version of Kim & Aggie, but using homemade, nontoxic remedies. Designed to help you clean your house in 10 minutes a day, the book features tips, homemade remedies and easy checklists.

clean mama's guide to a healthy home

If you have children, also read Becky’s other book, Clean Mama’s Guide to a Healthy Home, to keep your family free from general household chemicals. You’ll find a room-by-room guide to cleaning and removing toxins from your home, and over 50 simple organic DIY cleaning recipes.

home detox

The best way to freshen the air is to give everything a good deep eco-clean, open the windows ajar (if safe to do so) and then keep the air fresh, simply through using common sense (removing unwanted clutter and furniture, steam-cleaning carpets and not bringing anything smelly into the house!

Home Detox is a book by a toxicologist on how to remove potential toxins from your home, including toxic air fresheners. The book covers everything from mattresses to furniture, to remove the ‘toxic ten’ that may lead to headaches, asthma, high cholesterol, skin and sleep problems, replacing with effective homemade alternatives.

Never spray scented air fresheners near young children or pets (air rooms after use) and also avoid essential oils for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions.

Indoor plants don’t clean the air (an outdated NASA myth). If you do use them, learn toxic indoor plants to avoid near pets (sago palm, cheese plants and lilies etc – can harm just by brushing a tail past). Avoid facing indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.

Bicarbonate of soda is a good natural deodoriser, just sprinkle onto carpets and then vacuum up 15 minutes later, or leave an open jar in the fridge. It’s also good sprinkled in the bottom of containers or bins, and can be used to clean cloth nappies and unblock plugholes.

White cleaning vinegar is a mild acetic acid, so can remove alkaline odours (sweat, fish, pet smells) and can also remove musty smells. Just add 1 part white vinegar to 1 part vinegar to a mist spray bottle, the vinegar smell will disappear after 10 or 15 minutes.

You can also soak a cloth to wipe down hard surfaces or add 1 teaspoon to 2 cups of water in a mist bottle, and use it to freshen fabrics.

Unscented volcanic potpourri is porous to soak up chosen essential oils, then slowly releases the aroma into your room (not near pets, babies or pregnancy/nursing). Long-lasting and reusable, it’s sold in a lovely matt black vessel with optional red agate stone lid.

For cars, use a charcoal purifying bag (if you smoke, use a personal ashtray to extinguish the butt, for safe disposal later on).

fill cleaning vinegar

Cleaning vinegar is gaining popularity as a go-to solution for many household cleaning tasks. Unlike traditional cleaners laden with chemicals, cleaning vinegar harnesses the power of natural ingredients. It’s eco-friendly and often more effective at tackling dirt and grime.

Fill is sold in glass boxes with cardboard refills. Miniml white vinegar is also sold in refillable packs. Just return your empties to either company, to send back with refills.

Keep cleaning vinegar away from children and pets (don’t use it to ‘kill weeds’ as it will also kill beneficial insects). Never mix vinegar with bleach, and avoid use on natural stone (granite), waxed wood or unsealed grout. Ventilation rooms and wear gloves. 

If using essential oils for scent, avoid for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions (or near babies/pets).

Understanding Cleaning Vinegar

Cleaning vinegar is a type of vinegar specifically formulated for cleaning tasks. With an acidity level of around 6%, it is stronger than the typical 5% acetic acid found in table vinegar. This elevated acidity makes it an excellent choice for dissolving mineral deposits, grease, and dirt.

What Can You Do with Cleaning Vinegar?

white vinegar refill

Many many things! Use with SEEP plastic-free cleaning cloths/scourers/sponges and their Fair Trade rubber gloves (in cardboard packaging).

  • Descaling toilets: Add 1/2 cup to warm water, leave for 1 hour, then flush.
  • Washing machines. Mix equal parts (50ml) with water and use to clean doors and seals. Then add 450ml directly to the drum and put on hot wash, leave door open to dissipate smell. This will clean and descale.
  • Laundry softener: Add 1 cup to fabric softener compartment on rinse cycle (most fabric softener contains palm oil and make clothing more flammable).
  • Decale kettle: Pour in cleaning vinegar to cover the element, switch the kettle on and leave overnight (tell others before you do this!)
  • Remove limescale & soap scum. Mix 250ml with 1 tablespoon bicarb of soda and 1 cap of biodegradable dishwash liquid.
  • Unblock plugholes. Pour boiling water down sink, add 1 tablespoon of bicarb of soda & 250ml cleaning vinegar. It will fizz, replace plug, wait 15 minutes then flush with more boiling water.
  • Remove stains & odours: Mix 1 part cleaning vinegar with 2 parts warm water, and dab with a soaked cloth.
  • Sparkling glassware: Use instead of glass cleaner in dishwasher.
  • Remove sticky goo on labels: Just dab on!

Tips for Effective Use

For routine cleaning and deodorising, a mix of equal parts cleaning vinegar and water will do the trick. However, for tough stains or heavy-duty cleaning, using it at full strength can yield better results.

Just remember, never use cleaning vinegar on natural stone surfaces, like granite or marble, as the acidity can cause damage.

Proper storage will extend the life of your cleaning vinegar. Keep it in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight. When stored correctly, cleaning vinegar can last for several years. Just keep an eye out for any changes in colour or smell, which could indicate it’s time to replace your bottle.

Vinegar as a Fabric Softener

Looking for a natural alternative to fabric softener? Try adding cleaning vinegar to your laundry. Use about half a cup during the rinse cycle to leave your clothes feeling fresh and soft. Plus, it helps break down detergent residues, leaving your fabrics cleaner.

bicarbonate of soda

Bicarbonate of soda is a fine white powder made from sodium bicarbonate. You can buy it in supermarkets but usually only as small pots for baking, it’s more economical when cleaning to buy online in bulk.

Although bicarbonate of soda is safer then chemicals, still keep away from children and pets, and never mix any cleaner with vinegar or bleach.

Anything in excess can harm aquatic life, so use sparingly and if used, only add a few drops of essential oils (not for pregnancy/nursing and affected medical conditions/allergies – nor near babies or pets).

Avoid use on aluminium or delicate fabrics. Use with plastic-free cleaning cloths/sponges/scourers and Fair Trade rubber gloves – all can be purchased from SEEP.

Kitchen Surfaces and Appliances

fill bicarbonate of soda

Fill is sold in glass boxes with cardboard refills.

  1. Countertops: Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the surface, then wipe with a damp cloth. It eliminates stains and neutralises smells effectively.
  2. Ovens: For greasy oven interiors, create a paste with water and bicarbonate of soda. Apply the paste to the greasy spots and let it sit for a few hours. Then, scrub with a sponge and wipe clean.
  3. Microwaves: Fill a bowl with water and add two tablespoons of bicarbonate of soda. Microwave on high for five minutes. The steam loosens food particles, making it easy to wipe down.

Bathroom Cleaning

  • Sinks and Tubs: Make a paste with three parts bicarbonate of soda and one part water. Apply this paste to the surfaces, especially in areas with stains. Scrub gently with a sponge then rinse with warm water.
  • Toilets: Sprinkle a cup of bicarbonate of soda into the toilet bowl. Then scrub with a toilet brush and flush. This method tackles hard stains and eliminates odours.

Laundry Booster

  • Regular Wash: Add half a cup of bicarbonate of soda to your laundry detergent. This simple addition boosts the cleaning power and helps lift stains.
  • Odour Removal: For items that have a strong smell, like gym clothes, soak them in a mixture of water and a cup of bicarbonate of soda for about 30 minutes before washing.

Deodorising Properties

By placing an open box of bicarbonate of soda in your fridge or freezer, you can absorb unpleasant odours. It works by trapping the molecules responsible for the smells, leaving your food environment fresh. Here’s how to make the most of it:

  • Choose the right spot: Place the box on a shelf where it won’t get knocked over. Make it easy to see so you remember to replace it.
  • Time for change: Replace the box every three months to ensure it continues to work effectively. Mark your calendar or use an app reminder.
  • Bonus tip: If you notice stronger smells in your fridge, consider placing several smaller containers around the space for better coverage.

Carpet and Upholstery Freshener

  • Sprinkle generously: Evenly sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the carpet or upholstery. You don’t need a thick layer; a light coating will do.
  • Allow time to work: Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, but if you can leave it for several hours or overnight, you’ll get even better results. It will absorb the smells while you go about your day. Keep pets away while it absorbs.
  • Vacuum it up: Once you’re ready, simply vacuum the area. You’ll notice a significant reduction in odours, leaving your home smelling fresh.

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