The Environmental Impact Of Cleaning: Choosing Eco-Friendly Practices

Excessive air pollution, contaminated water bodies, greenhouse gas emissions, soil erosion, and deforestation are some of the major environmental concerns worldwide. Humans have been relentlessly exploiting fossil fuels and other non-renewable resources, which has led to serious repercussions, such as floods, heat waves, and droughts. One of the key contributors to adverse environmental impact is chemical cleaning waste and carbon emissions.

The prolonged use of hazardous products or practising traditional cleaning practices can produce carbon emissions and toxic fumes that are enough to pollute the air and water bodies. Thus, it becomes imperative to understand our duty as a responsible citizen and stop using harmful cleaning products and practices for cleaning purposes. Even professional end of lease cleaning Canberra companies strictly adhere to green cleaning practices for desired outcomes.

Here is a complete guide to help you understand the environmental impact of cleaning and the most reliable eco-friendly practices. It will help you reduce toxic fumes, chemical cleaning waste, and carbon footprints.

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Understanding The Environmental Impact of Cleaning

The store-bought household cleaning products in supermarkets or online stores contain hazardous chemicals, such as ammonia, bleach, phthalates, etc., that are causing air and water pollution. Have a look at the following environmental effects of cleaning:

Water Pollution Due to Harmful Cleaning Products

There is no denying that Water is one of nature’s best gifts. Unfortunately, humans are polluting water bodies, such as lakes, rivers, and oceans, by using traditional cleaning products to remove stains, grime, and grease. These products include phosphates, ammonia, and other VOCs that are washed down the toilets, sinks, and drains and contaminate the oceans, threatening marine life and increasing water pollution.

Air Pollution Because of Toxic Fumes in Store-Bought Cleaners

Many traditional cleaning chemicals use volatile organic compounds that can pollute the air. Prolonged exposure to room fresheners, grease removers, and floor cleaners can also pose health hazards, such as respiratory disorders, eye and skin irritation, and allergy and asthma symptoms. This is why end of lease cleaning Canberra experts use non-toxic products to clean and disinfect surfaces.

Increased Plastic Waste Into the Environment

Store-bought cleaning products are packaged in single-use plastic bottles that only add to landfill waste or are disposed of in the oceans. In fact, some cleaning supplies, such as sponges, brushes, and dusting tools, are made of plastic, ending up in the water bodies and endangering marine life.

Depletion of Non-Renewable Resources

The production of traditional cleaning products involves the processing of raw materials that can deplete non-renewable resources and cause environmental degradation. For instance, phosphates and other VOCs require extensive mining that can lead to soil erosion. So, it is good to use phosphate-free cleaning products to keep your house clean and ensure pet and baby home safety.

Choosing Eco-friendly Practices to Protect the Environment

Whether it is an intense end of lease cleaning Canberra or routine housekeeping chores, focus on reducing the environmental impacts. Here is a list of the best eco-friendly cleaning practices that will help you tackle dirt, grime, grease and germs without polluting the air, soil and water bodies:

Switch to Eco-friendly Cleaning Products: Vinegar, Baking Soda, Lemon

Instead of buying fancy store-bought cleaners, minimise the pollution by preparing non-toxic cleaning products at home. You can use white vinegar instead of ammonia-based cleaners to dislodge stubborn stains, grime and soap scum from surfaces. However, using vinegar on natural stone countertops is one of the biggest kitchen cleaning mistakes. Instead, use baking soda.

It is a natural deodoriser and disinfectant that can promote a healthy and hygienic indoor environment. You can also use lemon to disinfect surfaces, hydrogen peroxide to kill mould and mildew, and essential oils to banish lingering smells. This can help you reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment.

Clean with Reusable Supplies or Tools

Replace your single-use plastic cleaning supplies, such as wipes, brushes and mop heads, with reusable tools. Here are some of the best alternatives for you:

• Use microfiber cloths instead of feather dusters to remove dust and grime.
• Scrub stains and gunk using an old toothbrush and reduce landfill waste
• Mop the floors using washable microfiber mop heads.
• Use kitchen rags and clothes for wiping surfaces.

This will reduce plastic and landfill waste to a great extent.

Natural Sponges Can be a Great Addition

Using conventional synthetic sponges can be harmful to the environment. They can increase landfill waste and cause soil pollution. So, switch to biodegradable sponges made with natural fibres. They can help you scrub stains and soak excessive liquid without causing any damage to the surface.

Steam Cleaning For Carpets and Upholstery

Traditional carpet cleaning methods involve harsh chemicals, VOCs, and excessive Water, which is not good for the environment. Steam cleaning, on the other hand, uses less Water and mild detergent to dislodge stubborn stains. The steam from the machine infiltrates deep inside the fibres and breaks down dirt, debris, wine stains, and germs, leaving your delicate surfaces shiny before the end of your tenancy.

Mindful Cleaning Waste Management

One pivotal aspect of green cleaning is responsible waste disposal. When decluttering and sprucing up your home, make sure you focus on implementing safe and sound composting and recycling parties for the betterment of our ecosystem. It is good to dispose of cleaning product bottles according to the local recycling guidelines in Canberra. Also, create waste reduction strategies for the environment.

The Environmental Impact of Cleaning and Eco-friendly Practices

Wrapping Up

There is no denying that cleaning chemicals and fumes pollute our environment. Our cleaning practices are the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and landfill waste. However, by incorporating these eco-friendly practices, you can minimise the environmental impact.