Eco-friendly cleaning

*The WRT has bulk B.E.E. cleaning products & baking soda on sale in our shop. See prices here*

Conventional cleaning products often contain chemicals that care harmful to our health and the environment. They may contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation or have negative impacts on air and water quality, wildlife and the proper functioning of septic tanks. We have a range of septic friendly B.E.E cleaning products available for purchase so come in and see us at the Waiheke Resource Centre in Artworks. Or you can stock your natural cleaning kit with homemade cleaners—making them yourself is super easy.

The basic supplies you’ll need to make your own eco-friendly cleaners include:

  • Distilled white vinegar 
  • Baking soda
  • Olive oil
  • Borax
  • Essential oils (optional)
  • Microfiber cleaning cloths
  • Newspaper

Here are a few basic recipes and techniques to get you started:

  • Glass: Mix 1/4 cup vinegar with 1 litre of water in a spray bottle. Spray on glass and wipe clean with old newspaper or a lint-free cloth.
  • Benchtops and bathroom tiles: Mix 2 parts vinegar and 1 part baking soda with 4 parts water. Apply with a sponge, scour, and wipe away.
  • Floors: Mix 4 cups of white distilled vinegar with about 4 litres of hot water. If desired, add a few drops of pure peppermint or lemon oil for a pleasant scent. After damp mopping the floors, the smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly, leaving behind only the scent of the oil.
  • Wood furniture: Mix equal parts of lemon juice and olive oil. Apply a small amount to a cloth, and rub onto the furniture in long, even strokes.
  • Toilet bowl cleaner: Sprinkle the toilet brush with baking soda and scrub away! Occasionally disinfect your toilet by scrubbing with borax instead. Wipe the outside of the toilet clean with straight vinegar.

  • Mould and mildew : Wipe with straight vinegar.

  • Air freshener: Sprinkle essential oil on a cotton ball, and stash it in a corner of the room. If you have kids, make sure it is out of their reach as essential oils are very strong and could irritate their skin. Lavender is a relaxing scent that is great for bedrooms, and cinnamon, clove, and citrus oils are great for the rest of the house. You can stash a few in the car too—try peppermint, which may help you to stay alert.