Green cleaning Green cleaning tips
Even keeping your home spick and span has environmental implications, from energy-guzzling appliances to excess product packaging. Small changes to your cleaning habits can have a positive impact.
Follow our top green cleaning tips for a sparkling house – and sparkling eco credentials.
Washing a full load in your machine saves energy
1. Energy-efficient appliances
If you need to replace cleaning appliances, choose one that uses energy efficiently – these will be at least A-rated. You can search for energy-efficient appliances using the 'compare features and prices' tool in our reviews of washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers. You'll find that there are a greater number of energy-efficient washing machines, than say tumble dryers, as these are more power hungry.
2. Use your cleaning appliances efficiently
You can be a greener cleaner by using your appliances in a more eco-friendly way. Cut your running costs and environmental impact with these greener cleaning appliance ideas:
Washing machines Washing at 30°C rather than 40°C can cut electricity usage by an average of 40% – saving you between £9 and £15 a year.
Dishwashers Some dishwashers use as little as 11 or 12 litres of water to wash a full load of 97 items when using an eco program. That's just slightly more than a single washing-up bowl of water. Eco programs use less energy, too.
Tumble dryers Use a high spin-speed on your washing machine to minimise excess water, so your tumble-dryer won't need to work as hard. Always fill your tumble dryer to capacity, and clean the lint filter after each use to prevent blockages that could stop hot air from circulating freely and reduce performance.
3. Reduce
Use fewer cleaning products Avoid the temptation to overuse cleaning products on spills and stains and when disinfecting. A small amount of product can go a long way.
Reduce water usage An easy green cleaning tip – don't leave the tap running while you're cleaning. Turn the tap on and off as needed and collect excess water in a washing up bowl.
Reduce electrical appliance use Minimise use of energy-guzzling cleaning appliances such as tumble dryers as far as you can – if it's a nice day, hang clothes out to dry, and always fill up tumble dryers, washing machines and dishwashers before using them.
Use what you've got at home Make the most of items you've already got. Check your cupboards for everyday items that can double up as effective natural cleaning products, including white wine vinegar and lemons.
4. Re-use
Don't throw it away Reuse dusters, cloths and other cleaning accessories – freshen them up by washing them with your next washing machine load.
Refill items Choose cleaning products that offer a refill option. Refillable pouches for laundry products or washing up liquid minimise waste packaging, help to cut carbon emitted during product transportation and can be more cost effective than buying a new bottle every time.
Re-use unwanted clothes Think before you throw out unwanted clothes or textiles – cut them up and use as cloths for cleaning and polishing instead.
5. Recycle
Plastic recycling You should be able to recycle plastic bottles either at a local recycling bank or through a household collection service. Not all types of plastic are accepted for recycling, though – our plastic recycling guide has more information. Give your bottles a quick rinse before recycling them.
Cardboard and paper recycling Paper and cardboard are widely accepted by household recycling collection schemes.
Recycling aerosols According to Recycle Now, around 75% of councils will accept aerosol sprays via a local recycling bank or a household collection service. Detach the lid before you recycle the aerosol.
Contact your local council to find out which materials it collects and when, and other recycling facilities in your local area.
