For many of us,
home now doubles as a workspace or study space. The Harvard Business review says that “the physical environment of the workplace has a significant effect on the way that we work. When our space is a mess, so are we.” Taking this into account, we should make it a conscious habit to keep our homes tidy – and clean – to help boost productivity during the day.
Rather than spray and scour with conventional cleaners loaded with chemicals that are both bad for the environment and your health, make the smart switch to
green cleaning. Here are 10 eco-friendly products to add to your cleaning cupboard today!
Personally, I’ve always found washing dishes therapeutic and relaxing. This fragrance free dish liquid by Seventh Generation is not only all-natural, it's dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for anyone with sensitive skin. It's tough on dirty dishes, not the hands that wash them! Seventh Generation Free & Clear Liquid Dish Soap cuts through grease and powers away tough residue without the use of fragrances, dyes, phosphates or triclosan.
On extra busy days,
dishwasher pacs are a good way to go. This plant-based detergent will leave your dishes sparkling clean, and it's free of fragrance, dyes, chlorine bleach and phosphate. Using the dishwasher is an efficient way to save time while still keeping your space tidy during the day!
Accidents happen whether you’re home or not, and they’re bound to happen more often when you’re home all the time. Most stain removers contain harsh, harmful chemicals, but this
natural spot and stain remover is non-toxic, biodegradable and effective. It combines the powder of natural citrus and hydrogen peroxide to get the job done. Just spray this on the affected area a few times, rub it with a towel, and you’re good to go.
If something is going to come into close contact with my skin, I prefer to use natural products. This is why I use natural laundry detergent, and this
fragrance-free powdered detergent is a great option. It’s hypoallergenic, free of dyes, has naturally derived ingredients and still removes dirt and stains for fresh, clean clothes! You also get 100 laundry loads per package - a great value!
Conventional liquid fabric softeners contain harsh chemicals, but
wool dryer balls naturally soften your laundry. These are humanely, ethically sheared and “hand-felted in Nepal by women who support their families with their craft.” They’re fragrance-free, but you can add a few drops of
lavender essential oil directly to the dryer balls to give your laundry a calming scent.
We go through so much effort to wash our hands thoroughly and keep them away from our faces, but what about the places we touch in order to make that happen? We touch sink handles, soap dispensers, kitchen counters and door knobs with our dirty hands daily, so it’s important to remember to clean these areas with
surface cleaner. This is an all-purpose, natural, lime and sea salt-scented spray that leaves your surfaces extra fresh.
Moving onto the bathroom, this natural
toilet bowl cleaner removes buildup and replaces bad odors with tea tree and peppermint. Apply the gel at the beginning of a 10-minute break, and brush and flush at the end. You can finish an entire chore in no time!
This
hypoallergenic cleanser uses mild minerals and biodegradable cleaning agents (no chlorine, phosphorus, perfume or dye!) to get your surfaces sparkling clean without scratching. It's formulated from five simple, effective ingredients, and it’s gentle on skin (glove-free cleaning) yet tough on nasty stains and caked-on messes.
If you have hardwood floors or furniture,
ECOS Furniture Polish & Cleaner is a worthwhile purchase. Each bottle contains over 50 years of scientific passion and plant-powered goodness. It's fortified with natural olive oil and citrus to thoroughly clean and protect your wood furniture and other surfaces in your home.
Lastly, spraying some of this
natural air freshener is a great way to incorporate some aromatherapy into your routine. It’s made with organic citrus oil and lasts four times longer than ordinary air fresheners. Spray a few spritzes of this around your home at the start of your day, and you’ll be good to go.
2. Simple Truth Plant-Based Triple Power Dish Pacs 
