5 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips for Your Home

Keeping your home clean doesn't have to mean filling it with harsh chemicals. More and more Melbourne families are making the switch to eco-friendly cleaning — and discovering that it works just as well (sometimes better!) than conventional products.

At UaDay Cleaning, we've been using certified eco-friendly products exclusively for over 10 years. Here are five of our favourite tips for a cleaner, greener home.

1. White Vinegar Is Your Best Friend

White vinegar is one of the most versatile eco-friendly cleaning agents available. It's antibacterial, cuts through grease, and removes mineral deposits — all for a fraction of the cost of commercial cleaners.

Best uses:

• Glass and mirrors (streak-free shine)
• Cutting through grease on stovetops
• Descaling kettle and coffee makers
• Removing soap scum in bathrooms

Mix it with water (1:1 ratio) in a spray bottle for a general-purpose cleaner. Add a few drops of essential oil (eucalyptus works brilliantly) to cut the vinegar smell.

⚠️ Do not use vinegar on marble, granite, or natural stone — the acid can etch the surface.

2. Baking Soda for Scrubbing and Odour Absorption

Baking soda is mildly abrasive and excellent at absorbing odours. It's completely non-toxic and safe to use anywhere in the home.

Best uses:

• Scrubbing the oven (paste with water)
• Removing stains from grout
• Freshening carpets (sprinkle and vacuum)
• Deodorising the fridge
• Unclogging drains (combine with vinegar for a fizzing reaction)

3. Look for Australian-Certified Eco Products

When buying commercial cleaning products, look for:

• Good Environmental Choice Australia (GECA) certified products
• Environmental Choice Australia certification
• Products free from phosphates, chlorine bleach, and synthetic fragrances

Australian-made eco-friendly brands like Earth Choice, Aware, and Seventh Generation offer excellent performance without the environmental impact.

4. Microfibre Cloths Over Paper Towels

Switching to high-quality microfibre cloths is one of the single most impactful eco changes you can make in your cleaning routine. Microfibre:

• Traps dust, bacteria, and grime without chemicals
• Can clean most surfaces with just water
• Lasts hundreds of washes before needing replacement
• Dramatically reduces paper towel waste

Dedicate different colours to different rooms (e.g., red for bathrooms, blue for kitchen) to avoid cross-contamination.

5. Use Concentrated Products to Reduce Plastic Waste

Many eco-friendly brands now sell concentrated formulas that you dilute yourself. A small bottle of concentrate can replace 5–10 regular-sized bottles — dramatically reducing plastic packaging.

Better yet, look for products that come in:

• Refillable packaging systems
• Dissolvable tablet formats (just add water)
• Glass or cardboard containers

The Bottom Line

An eco-friendly home isn't just better for the environment — it's better for your family. Children and pets are especially vulnerable to chemical residues left on surfaces by conventional cleaners.

At UaDay Cleaning, every product in our kit is certified eco-friendly, non-toxic, and safe for children and pets. We believe a clean home and a healthy environment aren't mutually exclusive.

Want to experience the difference? Book a clean today and see what a truly eco-friendly professional clean looks like.