Have you ever wondered how to clean your sink until it shines and save money at the same time? Are you tired of spending money on expensive and harmful cleaning products for your sink? Instead, do you want to keep your sink clean and shiny using natural and eco-friendly methods? Then, you have come to the right place. Here is a list of the best eco-friendly sink cleaners.
Why Are Cleaning Detergents Harmful?
An average American household spends around $600 a year on cleaning supplies. And many of these products contain toxic chemicals that harm your health and the environment.
These chemicals can be potentially dangerous to kids and pets. Children and pets are often more vulnerable to the harmful effects of chemicals due to their smaller size and developing bodies. Exposure to certain compounds in cleaning products can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, eye irritation, and even poisoning if ingested. Additionally, some chemicals in cleaning products can linger in the air or on surfaces and can be breathed in or ingested by children or pets, leading to further health risks. Some of these harmful chemicals include:
- Ammonia – It’s often found in glass cleaners and can cause respiratory irritation and burns if ingested or inhaled.
- Chlorine – Chlorine is a common ingredient in bleach and causes skin and eye irritation and respiratory issues, and is even fatal if ingested.
- Phthalates – Phthalates are often found in fragranced cleaning products and can disrupt hormones and potentially cause reproductive issues.
- Triclosan – Triclosan is often found in antibacterial cleaning products and can contribute to developing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Formaldehyde – Formaldehyde is often found in air fresheners and can cause respiratory irritation, and has been classified as a human carcinogen.
Always read the product’s labels and be aware of its ingredients to avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Also, never mix cleaning detergents as it can lead to serious health problems. For example, combining bleach and ammonia can create a toxic gas called chloramine. In high concentrations, chloramine can be fatal. Similarly, mixing bleach with an acid-based cleaner can create chlorine gas, which can cause breathing difficulties, coughing, and burning eyes. Therefore, it is essential to read the labels of cleaning products and follow their instructions carefully to avoid any potential health hazards. It is also recommended to use eco-friendly cleaning solutions, which are generally less harmful and do not contain toxic chemicals that can be dangerous when mixed.
Benefits of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
You don’t have to worry about potential health problems or pollution with eco-friendly cleaning solutions. On the contrary, they have many benefits for your health and the environment. Some of the key benefits include:
Better for the environment
It has been found that traditional cleaning products contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can cause indoor and outdoor air pollution. In addition, these VOCs can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and eye irritation. On the other hand, eco-friendly cleaning solutions do not contain these harmful chemicals, reducing air pollution and improving indoor air quality.
Eco-friendly cleaning products help improve water quality. Harsh chemicals in traditional cleaning products can contaminate water supplies when you wash them down the drain. Eco-friendly cleaning solutions, however, are biodegradable and do not harm water sources. This means using these products can help improve water quality, which is particularly important for areas that rely on wells or have water shortages.
Many eco-friendly cleaning solutions come in reusable containers, which helps reduce plastic waste. On the other hand, commercial cleaning products come in single-use plastic bottles, contributing to the growing plastic pollution problem.
Better for our health
Many store-bought cleaning products contain toxic chemicals that can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations, and even cancer. Eco-friendly products are made from natural ingredients and do not contain harmful compounds, making them safer for us and our families. They are perfect for homes with pets and young children.
The chemicals in store-bought detergents can also trigger allergies and cause skin irritation. In contrast, eco-friendly products contain natural ingredients and are less likely to cause skin problems.
Cost-effective
Many eco-friendly cleaning solutions are cheaper than traditional cleaning products, often containing common household items such as vinegar, baking soda, and lemon. This means you can save money on cleaning supplies while keeping your home clean and fresh.
Supports sustainable living
Using eco-friendly cleaning solutions supports sustainable living by reducing the use of harmful chemicals, supporting local businesses that produce these products, and reducing waste.
Effective cleaning
Eco-friendly products are just as effective at cleaning as traditional cleaning products. They can remove dirt, grime, and stains from various surfaces, leaving your home clean and fresh.
Overall, eco-friendly cleaning solutions benefit our health and the environment, support sustainable living, and reduce waste. It’s a simple and effective way to impact the world around us positively.
Eco-friendly Cleaning Solutions for a Shining Sink
We looked at the harmful effects of cleaning chemicals and the benefits of eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Now, it’s time to share some of the best cleaning tips and green ways to keep your sink shining.
- Lemon – The humble lemon is a powerhouse for cleaning your sink. It is natural, non-toxic, and cheap, making it the perfect eco-friendly solution for a sparkling sink. Simply cut a lemon in half and rub the cut side over the sink’s basin. The acidic properties of the lemon juice will break down hard water marks, soap scum, and other stains, leaving your sink smelling fresh and shiny. You can also use lemon peels to deodorise the sink and eliminate unpleasant odours. Bonus tip: choose fresh and juicy lemons for the best results.
- Vinegar – Another non-toxic cleaning solution found in every home is vinegar. It disinfects and helps you to remove all kinds of spots. All you need to bring back the shine of your sink is vinegar and a soft cloth. It is simple as the method with the lemon above, pour some vinegar on the cloth and wipe your sink. If you have hard water stains, rub them with a sponge instead of a towel. It will save you time because the sponge isn’t soft as the cloth, making it easier to remove the stain. In addition, the acidity in the vinegar will help dissolve the stains, leaving your sink clean and shiny. Vinegar can also be helpful in unclogging drains, making it a great all-purpose cleaning product. It can remove stains, clean rust, unclog drains, and eliminate odours. Bonus tip: use distilled white vinegar for best results.
- Baking soda – You may be surprised, but baking soda can help you not only when cooking. For instance, it can be your best friend when you are fighting with soapy stains on your sink. Baking soda can clean softly without scratching your sink. First, sprinkle the baking soda in your sink, then scrub with a sponge. After scrubbing, you only need to rinse your sink with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth. You’ll be amazed at how easy and effective this method removes soap scum, hard water stains, and other common sink stains.
- Use a microfiber cloth – Another eco-friendly trick to keep your sink clean and shiny is to use a microfiber cloth. Microfiber towels are great for cleaning because they have tiny fibres that can trap and remove dirt and bacteria without relying on harsh chemicals. You can use a microfiber cloth with any of the above eco-friendly cleaning products for even better results. Wet the fabric with your chosen cleaning product and wipe your sink down thoroughly. The microfiber will grab onto any grime and leave your sink sparkling clean. Even professional domestic cleaners favour these magical microfiber towels as they make their work much easier and faster.
- Use Essential Oils – If you want to add a fresh scent to your sink after cleaning it, you can use essential oils instead of artificial air fresheners. Essential oils are natural and can be added to your cleaning solution or placed in a diffuser near your sink. Some great options for a fresh scent include lemon, lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus.
- Don’t Forget the Drain – While cleaning the sink basin is essential, don’t forget also to clean the drain. The debris in your sink drain can build up over time, causing unpleasant odours and possibly clogging your pipes. To keep your drain clean and clear, pour a mixture of baking soda and vinegar down the drain once a week. Let it sit for a few minutes before flushing it with hot water.
By using these eco-friendly cleaning tricks, you can keep your sink looking shiny and new without harming the environment or your health. Not only are these methods more sustainable, but they are also often cheaper than traditional cleaning products, saving you money in the long run. So, next time your sink needs a good cleaning, try these tricks and see the results for yourself.