Cut down on chemicals - learn to make natural household cleaning products

Recycle Devon is encouraging Devon residents to 'Green Your Clean' this summer, by sharing greener ways to clean our homes to reduce the amount of waste produced by shop-bought cleaning supplies.

The Green Your Clean campaign launches today (Monday) and will run throughout the month, which is also recognised internationally as Plastic Free July.

Devon residents who take part in this waste reduction challenge can win one of 10 'greener clean' kits containing a range of natural ingredients which can be made into cleaning products for around the home.

Tips for how to produce homemade cleaning products will be shared on Recycle Devon social media pages throughout the Green Your Clean campaign, including how to make your own floor cleaner, dishwasher powder, laundry detergent and spray cleaning solutions.

According to a 2018 study commissioned by Lidl UK, the average household buys washing-up liquid, toilet cleaner, kitchen cleaner, air freshener and bathroom cleaner at least once a month.

By switching to making their own cleaning solutions, families can reduce their plastic consumption by reusing the bottles and tubs they already have and decrease the use of harsh chemicals which might trigger allergies such as asthma and eczema.

What can be used to make natural cleaning products?

Biodegradable ingredients such as white vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and citric acid form the basis of many home cleaning solutions.

Essential oils such as lemon or lavender can be added to create natural perfumes, leaving homes smelling fresh and fragrant without the use of synthetic chemicals.

A simple cleaning and disinfecting routine can provide the same result as a commercial product but without the harsh chemicals.

A good scrub with hot, soapy water is often enough to clean grease and grime from a surface, and a vinegar solution to finish will disinfect and kill a range of germs found in our households.

'We don't need chemicals to keep clean and healthy'

Councillor Geoff Jung, chair of the Devon Authorities Strategic Waste Committee (DASWC), said: "We've been conditioned to think that powerful chemicals are the only way to keep our families safe and healthy but regular use can be harmful to our health, not to mention the endless plastic needed to create the bottles.

"There are plenty of natural alternatives that are just as effective but much gentler on the environment and our health.

"Why not try switching one of your usual cleaners or detergents to a natural alternative and start the journey towards a cleaner, greener home?"

How to find out more about natural cleaning products

For green cleaning tips and a chance to win a greener clean kit, visit Recycle Devon's social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The deadline for submissions to the competition is Tuesday, August 31. You also find out more on the Recycle Devon website.