Is now the time to think about eco-friendly cleaning?

As the nation prepares for its annual spring clean and the environment takes centre stage, what better time to think about eco-friendly cleaning?

It might never cross our minds that a quick spray of the countertops or a wipe down of the bath could wreak havoc on the environment, but all those chemicals being washed away have to end up somewhere. Even after passing through water treatment plants, chemicals from cleaning products can seep into rivers and waterways, which has adverse effects on aquatic life and biodiversity*.

Indeed, it can even affect our own health: A recent study by the NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information) found that repeated inhalation of irritants from cleaning chemicals can cause damage to our lungs**.

Fortunately, there is a solution to this toxic problem: environmentally friendly cleaning products. Leading high street retailer Robert Dyas has a host of eco cleaning heroes, ready to line the nation’s cupboards for the green spring clean.

“As one of the oldest brands on the high street, we naturally stock a range of traditional cleaners which aren’t laden with chemicals, as well as more modern eco-friendly products”, says Robert Dyas COO Rachel Brain. “It’s important that people have a broad choice when buying their home essentials, which is why we offer such a great range of environmentally friendly cleaning products.”

CHECKLIST FOR THE GREEN SPRING CLEAN

Descale your appliances
Banish that pesky limescale on your kettles, irons, shower heads and more using the organic Kilrock Eco-Friendly Descaler (£2.29)

Take on the stains

Tackle tough stains without the harsh chemicals with the Ecoegg Stain Remover (£3.29). The non-toxic formula is kind on sensitive skin and contains powerful plant extracts, which means it’s safe to use on all fabrics.

Stock up on the staples

Perhaps one of the most versatile cleaning products around, a humble bottle of white vinegar is well worth adding to your cupboard. It’s been used for decades for cleaning glass and mirrors, removing limescale, adding to washing machine cycles and all sorts of other cleaning tasks. Try the Dri-Pak White Vinegar Cleaner (£1.49) which comes in a handy spray bottle.

You could also benefit from using soda crystals, another tried and trusted product. These versatile gems can be used to do all kinds of jobs, from keeping sinks and drains blockage-free to removing moss and algae from the patio – and they come with the added bonus of being completely biodegradable. What’s more, they’re a bargain: these Dri-Pak Cleaning Soda Crystalscome in at just £1.49.

Put your laundry on a green wash

Made from pure soap with no additives or fragrances, Dri-Pak Liquid Soap Flakes (£3.29) are an easy eco way to clean your clothes. Use it in your laundry to clean delicate fabrics or around the home on furniture, floors and surfaces.

You can also soften your clothes with the Ecoegg 240-Wash Soft Cotton Fabric Conditioner(£7.99). Just one bottle of this is enough for 240 washes – a year’s worth of conditioner for the average family. This not only saves the environment from harsh chemicals, but it reduces plastic pollution as you only need one per year. This is great news for the oceans, which are becoming vastly more polluted as plastic bottles break down into microplastics, which end up working their way up the food chain to our plates***.