Many of us seek ways to lessen single-use plastic and boost sustainability at home. Did you know your cleaning habits might contribute to environmental harm?
Fortunately, cleaning professionals suggest a straightforward method to cut plastic from your routine: switch to refillable products.
They provide their best cleaning hacks aimed at eco-friendly supply choices.
Effective Strategies to Decrease Plastic in Your Cleaning Supplies
According to Scott Schrader, a cleaning expert, "Eliminating plastic from your daily cleaning practices is not only beneficial for the environment but can also be healthier and more economical!"
The easiest solution is to replace your cleaning items with refillable alternatives. This change significantly reduces waste and lessens your environmental footprint.
Samantha Shpeen from a leading cleaning brand advises, "The kitchen is often filled with plastic—from dish soap to sprays. Replacing these with refillable aluminum containers can quickly make a huge difference."
The choice of aluminum is crucial, she emphasizes. "Many so-called 'eco' cleaners are still packaged in plastic. Opt for paper-based cartons or refillable aluminum bottles to completely avoid single-use waste."
For instance, the Cleancult Dish Soap Liquid Refills on Amazon use 90% less plastic, and the Cleancult Wild Lavender All Purpose Cleaner also found on Amazon comes in a refillable aluminum bottle.
While recycling is beneficial, refilling is even better, she notes, especially if you want to steer clear of greenwashing.
Scott concurs, stating, "Choosing refillable containers over recycling and buying new is often better for the planet, as it reduces the waste produced from manufacturing and shipping. Reuse is always a more sustainable choice than recycling."
Brands like Cleancult and Grove Collaborative available on Amazon offer refill systems for cleaning products that are durable, efficient, and eco-friendly!
We recommend the amber glass spray bottles from Amazon for DIY cleaning solutions using essential oils. These versatile bottles can clean various surfaces while being refillable and robust, shielding the contents from UV damage.
Refillable cleaning products can be used throughout your home.
Additionally, Armando Calderon, owner of a cleaning service, recommends refillable products as they allow you to purchase in bulk, enabling you to save money at home in the long term.
"We've operated as a professional cleaning service for over 12 years in Chicago," he shares. "To manage costs, we often buy in bulk, filling smaller spray bottles from larger containers."
"This decision was based on better pricing for bulk purchases, and it genuinely saves a significant amount."
"For instance, we can often buy glass cleaner or degreaser in one to five-gallon jugs. This method reduces plastic waste by recycling one five-gallon container instead of numerous smaller bottles with sprayers."
Combining this cleaning strategy to cut plastic at home is especially effective when you switch disposable wipes for microfiber cloths, as noted by Taylor Riley, a partner at another cleaning service, provided you know how to properly clean microfiber cloths.
"I use microfiber daily because they capture dust, dirt, and bacteria more effectively than standard paper towels, and they're washable and reusable hundreds of times," he explains.
"This not only reduces plastic packaging waste but also saves money over time. Personally, I prefer to use different colors for various tasks to avoid mixing cloths used for toilets and countertops."
Color-coding your cleaning supplies is also a top recommendation for maintaining hygiene.
Shopping Suggestions
All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Versatile kitchen scrubber
This eco-friendly scrubbing brush works well for cleaning dishes, non-stick cookware, cast iron pots, vegetables, and sinks. It's easy to maintain with just warm soapy water.
Machine washable
These soft, absorbent, and lint-free microfiber cloths are perfect for use with your refillable cleaning products, ideal for dusting and polishing surfaces.
Pack of 12
These compostable, non-scratch sponges are made from sustainable and odor-free coconut and cellulose fibers.
Meet Our Experts
Samantha is the chief home officer at a cleaning brand, dedicated to incorporating sustainability into household routines. As a mother of two, she advocates for practical eco-friendly living, offering relatable advice for consumers looking to adopt greener practices without drastic lifestyle changes.
As a cleaning expert at a family-owned cleaning service, Scott specializes in sustainable cleaning practices and how to effectively modify your routine for eco-friendliness.
Armando leads a cleaning service focused on commercial, post-renovation, and post-demolition cleaning, with a team that has over a decade of collective experience.
Taylor is a partner at a commercial cleaning business in Maryland, with extensive experience in residential and commercial cleaning, business management, and digital marketing. He has been featured in various publications.
Samantha notes, "You don't have to completely change your routine. Just swapping one frequently used product can prevent dozens of plastic bottles from being used each year."
If you're keen on reducing plastic, consider investing in non-toxic cleaning products to create a healthier home environment.
