I clean homes for a living, so I spend a lot of time around cleaning products. And a while back, I started paying attention to what was actually in those bottles. Some of the ingredients were hard to pronounce, and honestly, the smell alone sometimes gave me headaches.
That’s when I made the switch to eco-friendly cleaning products. Not because it was trendy - but because I wanted something safer. Safer for the homes I clean, safer for my own health, and safer for the planet we all live on.
So, what is eco-friendly cleaning exactly? Why does it matter? And what do I actually use? Here’s a quick breakdown of how I work - and why I chose this path.
What ‘Eco-Friendly Cleaning’ Actually Means
Eco-friendly cleaning is exactly what it sounds like - cleaning that’s gentler on the environment, and kinder to the people living in the space.
The products I use are made with plant-based ingredients. They’re non-toxic, biodegradable, and don’t contain harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. They’re safe to use around children and pets, and they don’t leave behind that strong chemical smell.
That said, I know the words natural or green get thrown around a lot. Not every product that claims to be eco-friendly really is. I always check the label. I look for trusted certifications and clear ingredients. If I can’t understand what’s in it, I probably won’t use it.
The Problem with Standard Cleaning Products
Let’s be honest - most traditional cleaning products do the job. But they come with side effects, and over time, those side effects can build up.
Health concerns
Many store-bought cleaners contain chemicals that can irritate your skin, eyes, and lungs. For people with asthma or allergies, it’s even worse. And for cleaners like me, who are using them every day? It’s a lot to breathe in.
When I used to work with stronger products, I’d go home with dry hands, headaches, and that chemical smell clinging to my clothes. That’s not something I wanted to keep putting my body through.
Environmental impact
The chemicals in standard cleaners don’t just vanish. They get rinsed down drains, into waterways, and eventually into the environment. Some ingredients take years to break down - or don’t break down at all.
And then there’s the packaging. Most of it is plastic, and most of it isn’t recycled. It all adds up.
Why I Chose Eco Cleaning Products
It started small. I tried one plant-based spray in a client’s home, just to see how it felt. The smell was light and fresh. My skin didn’t sting. And the surface was still sparkling clean. That was enough for me to keep going.
Now, I only use eco-friendly products in my work.
I clean homes all over Southampton, and I want the people I work with to feel safe. If you have pets, kids, or allergies, you don’t want harsh fumes in the air or sticky residue on the counters. Eco products give me peace of mind, and they give my clients comfort too.
What I Use (And Why)
I don’t use anything fancy or complicated. Just simple, safe products that work well. Here’s what’s usually in my cleaning kit:
– Multi-surface sprays made with vinegar or plant-based ingredients
– Bathroom cleaner that cuts through soap scum without strong chemicals
– Eco-friendly floor cleaner that’s gentle on hard floors
– Reusable microfiber cloths instead of disposable wipes
– Glass cleaner with no ammonia and no harsh smell
– Refillable bottles so I’m not throwing out plastic every week
Everything I bring into a home is something I’d be comfortable using in my own. No hidden ingredients. No harsh chemicals. Just reliable, effective tools that keep things clean and safe.
What I Use (And Why)
Yes. Absolutely.
People sometimes think “eco” means “weak.” But in my experience, the right product and the right technique go further than a strong chemical spray.
I’ve removed grease, grime, limescale, and sticky residue using eco products. I’ve cleaned bathrooms, kitchens, and floors - and they all looked and felt just as clean as if I’d used bleach. The difference? No smell, no burning hands, no headache afterward.
And the air feels lighter too. You walk into a freshly cleaned room and it smells… clean. Not like chemicals. Just clean.
Why It Matters to Me
Cleaning is personal. You’re letting someone into your space, trusting them to care for it. I take that seriously. That’s why I clean the way I do.
For me, eco-friendly cleaning isn’t just about the environment. It’s about the people living in the home. It’s about keeping the air clear, the surfaces safe, and the whole place feeling fresh without that chemical cloud.
I want my clients to walk in and feel good—not sneezy, not itchy, not overwhelmed by smells. Just comfortable. Just clean.