5 Super Simple Zero Waste Cleaning Swaps For A Healthy Home

zero waste cleaning swaps

02/13/2024

Konstantina Antoniadou

Now Trending:
Just For You:
Welcome To SKL!

My name is Danielle and I am a mother of two, wife, CEO, and lover of vintage treasures. I created SKL in 2020 to help our community in their need for well-researched and trust-worthy articles, listicles and guides to live a more sustainable and healthy life. So happy to have you here! (Click to learn more).

hello,

Sign Up For Our Free E-mail List That Folks Are Raving About!

Sign Me UP!

Our amazing newsletter is beloved by our SKL community and offers tips on living more sustainable, books to read, podcasts to listen to, inspiring conscious leaders to follow, discount codes from the best brands out there, and more!

SKL is reader supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn affiliate commission. Learn more here.

Looking to swap out those toxic store-bought cleaners for some awesome natural cleaning solutions that were used by your grandparents and their grandparents?! 

Look no further than this simple list of the five best natural and zero waste cleaning swaps for a super healthy home.

P.S. If you’re looking for non-toxic store-bought options, check out our full guide to The Safest Eco Friendly Cleaning Products For A Non Toxic Home!

zero waste cleaning recipes

Best Zero Waste Cleaning Swaps For The Home!

Cleaning products are essentials we all buy on a regular basis, but we rarely talk about their impact on our health and the environment. 

Many of these conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals, which can both cause us health problems and damage the environment with pollution. 

For example, Ammonia, commonly found in glass cleaners and floor cleaners, is known for irritating and burning the skin, mouth, throat, lungs, and eyes. 

Chlorine is notorious for releasing toxic fumes when mixed with other chemicals, leading to respiratory issues.

Thankfully, these chemical cleaners aren’t the only solution – there are some easy and cheap natural zero-waste cleaning swaps you can try to clean your home in a cleaner way. 

Most of these also come much cheaper than the conventional cleaners you’d be using otherwise.

Free Cleaning Ebook

What is zero-waste cleaning?

Zero-waste cleaning is an approach that focuses on minimizing or completely eliminating waste, particularly single-use and disposable items, throughout the cleaning process. 

The goal is to reduce the environmental impact associated with cleaning activities by adopting sustainable practices and using reusable, eco-friendly alternatives.

It encourages the creation of homemade cleaning solutions using simple, non-toxic ingredients. Common ingredients include vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils. 

Also, instead of using disposable cleaning wipes, paper towels, or other single-use items, zero-waste cleaning emphasizes the use of durable and reusable cleaning tools. This includes washable cloths, rags, sponges, and brushes.

This post is all about zero waste cleaning swaps.


Super Simple Natural Cleaning Swaps


1. White Vinegar

Natural cleaning swaps

A staple ingredient in a zero-waste cleaning pantry is white vinegar. It can be used to substitute most surface cleaners and universal sprays you’d buy at the store. 

Simply dilute with some water and add to a spray bottle. If you find the smell of vinegar unappealing, don’t worry – it won’t stick around on the surfaces. 

However, if you do want something a little fresher, you can substitute artificial fragrance with a few drops of essential oils.

It’s best to store this DIY cleaner in a glass or metal spray bottle in a cupboard away from direct sunlight, but if you’ve got old cleaner bottles you’d throw away, feel free to reuse them – just make sure they’re properly washed.

Homemade All-Purpose Cleaner & Disinfectant

One of the key benefits of using vinegar-based cleaners is their natural disinfectant properties. White distilled vinegar possesses antimicrobial properties that can effectively combat bacteria, viruses, and fungi. 

This makes it an excellent choice for cleaning surfaces in your home, including kitchen countertops, bathroom surfaces, and various high-touch areas. 

Unlike some commercial disinfectants that may contain harsh chemicals, the vinegar-based solution provides an eco-friendly and non-toxic option.

  1. Gather a clean and empty spray bottle.
  2. Measure equal parts of white distilled vinegar and filtered, boiled, or distilled water.
  3. Pour the measured vinegar and water into the spray bottle.
  4. Secure the spray bottle’s lid tightly.
  5. Shake the bottle thoroughly to mix the vinegar and water.

Natural Shower Cleaner Recipe

This natural cleaning solution can easily tackle stubborn stains, germs, and soap scum on your shower door and walls. 

  1. To begin, bring 2 cups (500 ml) of vinegar to a boil.
  2. Once the vinegar is heated, carefully use a warm vinegar-soaked cloth to wipe down the surfaces of your shower door and walls. The heat helps to loosen grime and make the cleaning process more effective.
  3. To maintain the effectiveness of the cleaning solution, continue to wipe down the shower door and walls every five to eight minutes for a total of 30 minutes, ensuring that the surfaces remain damp.
  4. For a deeper clean, dampen a non-scratch sponge with vinegar and sprinkle it with baking soda. The combination of vinegar and baking soda creates a natural abrasive that helps to scrub away tough stains and grime.  

Zero-Waste Window Cleaner

  1. Combine 1 cup rubbing alcohol, 1 cup distilled water, and 1 tbsp vinegar in a spray bottle and shake well to ensure thorough mixing. 
  2. Spray the solution onto your indoor windows and wipe them down using newspapers or a microfiber cloth.  
  3. Pro Tip: This natural cleaning swap can be used for outdoor windows too! All you have to do is use a good sponge to scrub the windows.
  4. Finally, rinse the windows with clean water (using a hose is convenient) to avoid streaks. Wipe down the windows for a clear and spotless finish.

Natural Carpet Deodorizer 

This simple DIY natural cleaning recipe uses the natural power of vinegar and baking soda to effectively tackle odors, leaving your carpets smelling clean and revitalized. 

  1. Begin by wetting the desired area on your carpet with vinegar.  
  2. Once the spot is damp with vinegar, generously sprinkle baking soda over the wet area. Baking soda is an excellent odor absorber and works to eliminate unwanted smells in carpets.
  3. Use a brush or your fingers to work the vinegar and baking soda together, ensuring they penetrate the carpet fibers. This process helps activate the deodorizing properties of both ingredients.
  4. Allow the treated area to dry thoroughly, preferably overnight. This gives the vinegar and baking soda sufficient time to neutralize odors and absorb any lingering smells.
  5. Once the carpet is completely dry, vacuum the treated spot to remove the dried baking soda and any debris. Vacuuming helps lift away the baking soda along with the absorbed odors, leaving your carpet refreshed.

2. Baking Soda

natural cleaning solutions

If your white vinegar spray won’t cut through the grease and grime, baking soda surely will. 

It’s a wonderfully natural and zero-waste cleaning option for your sustainable home, as it can be used to substitute some of the harshest chemicals you’ll find in cleaning products.

It can be used in a variety of different ways – from cleaning the toilet to scrubbing the oven. It packs a big cleaning punch, especially when combined with vinegar spray.

Baking soda is also a fantastic alternative to bleach-based stain removers for your clothes!

Natural Bathroom Cleaning Recipe

This fantastic zero-waste cleaning swap provides an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to commercial bathroom cleaners. 

Baking soda is amphoteric, meaning it can act as both an acid and a base. This property makes it effective in neutralizing odors caused by acids or bases.

When used in cleaning, baking soda can help neutralize acidic or alkaline substances, eliminating associated smells. 

On top of that, due to its mildly alkaline pH, it can help break down and dissolve substances that are acidic or slightly acidic. 

In cleaning applications, this property makes it effective in cutting through grease, grime, and stains.

  1. In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup dish soap, 1 2/3 cups baking soda, 1/2 cup water, and 3 tbsp vinegar.
  2. Spread the paste onto the surfaces you want to clean, focusing on areas with stubborn scum or grime. The baking soda and vinegar combination provides a gentle abrasive action, making it effective for scrubbing.
  3. Allow the paste to sit on the surfaces for a minute or two. This gives the ingredients time to break down and lift away the accumulated scum and dirt.
  4. Scrub with a sponge: Using a sponge, scrub the treated surfaces. The combination of baking soda and dish soap acts as a powerful cleaner, helping to remove tough stains and grime.
  5. After scrubbing, rinse the surfaces with clean water to remove any remaining cleaning paste. This step ensures that no residue is left behind.

Zero-Waste Laundry Detergent 

Baking soda has a fine, powdery texture that acts as a mild abrasive. When added to the toilet bowl, it can help break down and dislodge materials causing the clog, such as toilet paper, waste, and other debris.

  1. Firstly, ensure that the water level in the toilet isn’t too high. If necessary, carefully scoop water out until it’s at least halfway.
  2. Pour 1 liter of boiling water into the toilet bowl. The hot water helps to break down and soften any materials causing the clog.
  3. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl. Baking soda acts as an abrasive and can help break down and loosen materials causing the clog.
  4. Pour 1/2 to 1 cup of vinegar slowly into the toilet bowl. The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a fizzing reaction that can help dislodge and break down the clog.
  5. Allow the mixture to sit for at least 20 minutes. During this time, the ingredients work to break down the clog and make it easier to flush away.
  6. After waiting, you can either flush the toilet to see if the clog is cleared or leave the mixture in the bowl overnight for more extended treatment.

Power Boost Scrub

Next up is one of our favorite natural and zero-waste cleaning swaps with baking soda! This natural cleaning recipe can easily be used as a power boost scrub for every surface.

Sprinkle a layer of dry baking soda onto the surface you want to clean. Baking soda is an abrasive substance that helps to scrub away dirt, grime, and stains.

  1. Give the baking soda a spritz of vinegar. The combination of baking soda and vinegar creates a fizzing reaction that enhances the cleaning power. This chemical reaction helps to release soil and makes it easier to lift away stubborn stains.
  2. Allow the fizzing reaction to take place. This reaction is a sign that the chemical interaction between baking soda and vinegar is actively working to break down and lift dirt and grime from the surface.
  3. Use a scrub brush or sponge to gently scrub the surface. The combination of the abrasive baking soda and the fizzing action helps to dislodge and lift away the soil, making it easier to clean.
  4. After scrubbing, rinse the surface well with clean water to remove any residual baking soda, vinegar, and loosened dirt. This step ensures that no residue is left behind.

3. Natural Fiber Cloth

zero waste cleaning swaps

Many of us use microfibre cloths, even with natural cleaners. However, we often fail to realize these aren’t zero waste. 

Synthetic materials used to make microfibre cloths are essentially plastic. Whenever this plastic comes into contact with water, it releases microscopic plastic particles – microplastics – into the water stream.

Often, these particles aren’t filtered out at wastewater treatment plants and continue polluting our rivers and oceans.

Natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo, don’t release any such particles, making for a much better alternative for zero waste cleaning. 

You can find some fun prints and patterns on stores like Etsy, but you could also simply cut up an old t-shirt or any other piece of clothing you’d otherwise throw away.

If the fibers of the cleaning cloth are fine enough, they’ll also easily substitute polishes for wooden furniture.


4. Lemon & Oil

best zero waste products

You’ll find one of the best natural cleaning alternatives right in the produce aisle. In many ways, it can be used similarly to vinegar – when diluted with water, but without the vinegar smell that most people find unpleasant.

However, aside from that, it’s also the perfect natural and zero-waste way to get rid of hard watermarks in the shower or elsewhere in the bathroom. 

For example, to clean watermarks on a glass shower door, rub a lemon cut in half on it and wash it off with water.

Natural Stainless Steel Polish & Cleaner 

This stainless steel polisher recipe using olive oil and lemon is a simple and effective way to remove smudges and grease from stainless steel surfaces. 

The citric acid in lemon juice has degreasing properties, making it effective in breaking down and lifting away grease and oily residues. 

This makes lemon a natural and eco-friendly alternative to commercial degreases.

Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a clean rag.

Olive oil works as a natural lubricant and helps to break down and lift away smudges and grease from stainless steel surfaces.

  1. Use the olive oil-soaked rag to wipe the stainless steel surface, focusing on areas with smudges or grease. The oil helps to loosen and lift the residue, making it easier to clean.
  2. If necessary, use a soft cloth to buff away any remaining residue. This step ensures a smooth and polished finish on the stainless steel.
  3. For added cleaning power and a fresh scent, you can enhance this recipe by adding a few drops of lemon juice to the olive oil. Lemon juice has natural degreasing properties and leaves behind a pleasant citrus fragrance.
  4. After wiping and buffing, you’ll notice that the stainless steel surface is clean and shiny. The olive oil leaves a protective layer that can help prevent future smudges and add a nice sheen to the metal.

Easy Zero-Waste Dust Cleaner

Did you know that lemon can easily wipe away dust? It’s true! Here’s a simple natural cleaning solution for the home.

  1. Pour a small amount of olive oil onto a clean, soft cloth. Olive oil works as a natural lubricant and adds moisture to the wood, making it effective for removing dust and giving the surface a polished look.
  2. Then, use the olive oil-soaked cloth to wipe down the wooden surface. Ensure you cover the entire area, especially focusing on areas with visible dust or dirt. The oil helps to capture and lift away the dust, leaving the wood clean and refreshed.
  3. You can enhance the dusting power and add a pleasant fragrance by incorporating a few drops of lemon juice into the olive oil. Lemon juice has natural degreasing properties and leaves behind a fresh citrus scent.

5. Essential Oils

zero waste changes

Many conventional cleaners use artificial fragrances to cover up the smell of the chemicals they use. 

Mostly, such fragrances aren’t needed in natural cleaning because there are no such chemical smells. However, essential oils provide other benefits aside from a natural way to scent cleaning products.

If you’re used to using air freshener sprays or dispensers, a simple essential oil diffuser does the job much better – and in a much more natural way. 

Aside from making your home smell nice, they also have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties! 

**Please be sure to talk with a highly qualified aromatherapist before using essential oils. There is a TON of bad information out there on essential oils and we want to make sure our community stays safe! I personally love the Facebook group “Using Essential Oils Safely” – here’s the link if you want to find a safe space to learn!


Zero-Waste Cleaning Swaps FAQs:


What are the natural cleaning options?

Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, olive oil, castile soap, and microfiber cloths are the most natural and zero-waste cleaning swaps. 

Adjusting the ratios and experimenting with different combinations can help create effective natural cleaning solutions for various tasks around the home.

What is the best natural bacteria killer?

Lemon contains citric acid, which has antimicrobial properties.

Additionally, vinegar, especially white vinegar (distilled vinegar), is known for its antimicrobial properties and can act as a natural bacteria killer. Acetic acid disrupts the bacterial cell membranes, leading to the death of the bacteria. 

In fact, studies have demonstrated that vinegar, particularly at higher concentrations, can be effective against foodborne pathogens such as Escherichia coli (E. coli) and salmonella.


This post was all about zero waste cleaning swaps.

There you have it, a super simple and budget-friendly list of all-natural cleaning swaps for your healthy home! No need to buy toxic sprays and cleaners at the store when you can use these simple finds!

If you enjoyed this article on Zero Waste Cleaning Swaps, check out these other articles below!

zero waste cleaning swaps
zero waste cleaning swaps

+ show Comments

- Hide Comments

add a comment

  1. Keith Davis says:

    I recently discovered Ekoworx, the only eco-friendly way I’ve found to clean an oven that works. Otherwise you have to soak overnight with vinegar and bicarb soda, even then it’s a looot of elbow grease.

    • Hi! So we found a new way: Mix half vinegar and half water in a heat safe bowl and heat the oven until the solution comes to a boil. Shut off the oven, allow to cool to light warmth and then wipe away the gunk. It works great.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.