Sometimes our cleaning habits make the space in our homes clean, but contribute to environmental pollution. To have a truly ‘cleaner’ environment, we need to change our cleaning habits. Here are some ways to help make your household cleaning more environmentally friendly.

· Don’t tip any cleaning products down the drain. All of these products will be extremely toxic and if they make their way into water systems can be very dangerous. Products like paint, car oil and battery fluid should be taken to the closest recycle centre for safe and proper disposal.

· Instead of cleaning out your fridge with strong smelling cleaning products, put a lemon inside and leave it overnight.

· Open windows regularly to let air into all rooms of the house, rather than spray with air freshener.

· Don’t use a different cleaner for every cleaning task. A good multi-surface cleaner will work well on many different cleaning tasks and wont add extra chemicals to your home.

· Don’t use the strongest ‘kill everything’ chemicals. Baking soda is a good cleaning agent and can be used to scrub sinks, clean stoves and even fridges.

· Dirty roasting dishes don’t need to be washed many times. Simply add a splash of washing detergent and a centimeter of cold water, then have it simmer on the stove for a while before you rinse and wash.

· Before you put dishes in the dishwasher, make sure you scrape off excess food.

· Use old clothing, towels and sheets to clean, rather than purchasing new cleaning clothes each time.

· Read the label on cleaning products. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as chlorine and attempt to purchase products that will biodegrade quickly, especially in waterways. Many everyday products will leave toxic residues behind, so be sure to check the label.

· Soak pots and pans overnight if they are really dirty. Put a little cream cleaner in with water and let is soak, rather than change washing water constantly.