The ecological footprint of cleaning products can be fairly large, especially if they contain strong chemicals. They may be particularly problematic if some cleaning product enters watercourses and external drains. Whilst making all your own cleaning chemicals may be difficult for most busy people, there is a balance between care for the planet and convenience. And for those that do not wish to make anything themselves, there are some brands that put more effort in to making their products less damaging to the environment.

Asking around the parish we have a few cleaning recipes to share. Why not share your own natural cleaning product recipe in the comments below?

• A combination of lemon and salt can shift some really stubborn stains in sinks and bathrooms
• White vinegar works great for descaling (e.g. kettle, sink, even in the water filter jug) and for window cleaning
• For descaling, if the smell of vinegar is off putting, consider using citric acid (buy the salt, dilute in water to make your own) instead. Better not to use citric acid for window cleaning, because citric acid needs clear water rinsing to avoid that bit of stickiness when it dries.
• White vinegar can also be used as an alternative to fabric softener in your laundry machine
• A mix of bicarbonate soda in the washing machine tub and vinegar in the detergent compartment can be used for the washing machine tub cleaning cycle.
• Using bicarbonate soda crystals is an alternative to scrubbing cream
• Natural soap and a stiff natural bristle scrubbing brush is often surprisingly effective

Some companies put effort into natural and sustainable ready-made cleaning products, and some even offer subscriptions and delivery to make natural cleaning products convenient too. Concentrated cleaning products make for more sustainable transport when we reduce the amount of water being shipped around: simply add water and then they are ready to use.

[Credits: thank you to N, S, G and A from St Ralph Sherwin parish Derby UK for sharing your top tips.]

Have you got a natural cleaning product recipe? Why not share it below?