No room gets more sanitary scrutiny than where you wash, brush, and wipe. After all, your bathroom is home to hundreds of millions of bacteria and microbes — some of which can lead to illnesses ranging from staph infections to salmonella. And they’re everywhere: from the floor tile to the toilet to even your toothbrush. So, it’s understandable that when it’s time to clean the commode, we seek out the toughest products available to get the job done. The problem is, these same chemical cleaners can put our own health at risk as well as damage the environment.
Fortunately, you can achieve a sparkling bathroom armed with a few green-minded techniques and basic supplies. From safe, effective tools to odor-busting air fresheners, read on to learn how to clean your bathroom the eco-friendly way — without the harsh chemicals.
Switch out your sponges
Traditional sponges can leave behind tiny microplastics, which in turn contribute to the global plastic pollution crisis. These particles end up in our waterways and oceans, where they enter the food chain as organisms ingest them. In fact, scientists have found microplastics in almost every place on the planet — from mountains and oceans to the Arctic Sea ice, our air, drinking water, and even our bodies. They’ve even found microplastics in the bellies of mosquitos. And since plastic is produced by extracting fossil fuels, through large-scale mining and drilling operations, the process itself wreaks havoc on the planet.
So, instead of relying on the same old sponges, consider eco-friendly alternatives consisting of natural ingredients. Cellulose sponges, derived from wood or vegetable fibers, are a renewable and biodegradable choice for cleaning all sorts of surfaces and crevices in the bathroom. And loofah sponges, made from the loofah plant — which you can even grow at home — are entirely natural and sustainable. Either choice offers a greener cleaning solution compared to traditional sponges and paper towels while still brightening up your bathroom in the process.
Swap out your other cleaning tools
While you’re at it, go ahead and switch out your other non-sustainable cleaning tools. Exchange disposable cleaning wipes and paper towels for reusable alternatives like natural sponges or microfiber cloths; opt for bamboo toilet brushes over plastic ones.
How often do you wash your bath towels? It may not be enough since most experts suggest you wash your towels after three uses or once a week. If you’re still using regular liquid or powder detergent, try moving to an eco-friendly alternative like SaltyLama laundry detergent sheets. In addition to providing an effective clean, our plant-based sheets come in lightweight biodegradable zero-waste packaging. If you never want to run out of detergent again, you can also simply subscribe. Just schedule when you want your order.
Consider fragrance-free and cleaner cleaners
Many conventional bathroom cleaners include synthetic fragrances and strong chemicals that can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. You can find safer alternatives by checking the labels before buying. Keep your eye out for the Safer Choice certification or details confirming the product is made without synthetic fragrance as well as 1,4-Dioxane, Phthalates, and other harmful ingredients. Look for eco-friendly brands that prioritize transparency.
However, you don’t have to go completely fragrance-free if you find an eco-friendly cleaning product that uses plant-based, natural scents instead of synthetic alternatives. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solutions using ingredients like baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, lemon juice, alcohol, and more. Get inspired by these DIY all-purpose cleaning sprays.
Use natural air fresheners
Modern air fresheners are known to contain synthetic chemicals and artificial fragrances that can worsen respiratory issues and contribute to indoor air pollution. Instead, choose natural alternatives like essential oil diffusers, as they not only freshen things up but offer therapeutic benefits. You can also use locally grown flowers, dried lavender, and DIY air fresheners using water, rubbing alcohol, and your favorite aromatic essential oils to add natural scents to your bathroom. Soon enough, your bathroom will be smelling beautifully — without abrasive chemicals.
Take care of cleaning waste properly
To complete your newfound embrace of green cleaning techniques, you’ll want to dispose of any used cleaning products and packaging responsibly. Do this by following your area’s local recycling guidelines and avoiding products with excessive or non-recyclable packaging.
Prioritize refillable options to minimize waste, like glass bottle cleaning sprays that offer refillable cartons, and consider switching to plastic-free packaging when it comes to toilet paper and hand soap.
Maximize sustainability with water-saving upgrades
If your budget allows, why not take things to the next level by upgrading your bathroom fixtures to water-efficient models? These conserve water and reduce your environmental footprint. Just remember to sustainably get rid of your old fixtures by selling or properly recycling them.
Install low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, and dual-flush toilets to minimize water usage without sacrificing performance. These upgrades not only save water but will also lower utility bills over time, making them a smart investment for eco-conscious homeowners.
Bonus: Add a bidet
Cut down on your toilet paper waste by adding a bidet to your toilet seat. From deforestation to energy consumption, the environmental impact of toilet paper is real. Bidets, on the other hand, reduce the need for toilet paper. And although a bidet requires water to clean your backside, it uses far less than is needed to produce toilet paper — even recycle-based toilet paper.
With just a few green cleaning tips, you can keep your bathroom bright and fresh while minimizing your environmental impact. Embrace eco-friendly bathroom cleaning practices and take pride in knowing that you’re making a positive difference for the planet.