Adopting a low waste or zero waste lifestyle might have you thinking you need to toss out all your old products in favor of DIY detergents and wooden brushes. Of course, it’s a lot more practical, and sustainable, to use what you have and restock (replacing empty items with eco-friendly alternatives) only when necessary. Well, it took us about two and a half years since we moved into our apartment to run low on all of the conventional cleaning supplies we started with.
We’re a household of two (plus two surprisingly messy kitties), so we don’t go through cleaning supplies very quickly. Of course, I started to realize how much we’d run out of conveniently as everyone was stocking up on TP and cleaning supplies during the first wave of Coronavirus. Luckily many of the zero waste shops and brands selling sustainable cleaning supplies that I’ve had my eye on were ready to help consumers make the switch!
So to restock, with a more sustainable and natural kitchen in mind, I looked back on all the sources I’d collected via blogs and Instagram, knowing I’d try them eventually. The first thing I ordered was Blueland’s Clean Essentials Kit. I’d been intrigued by their concept of purchasing the packaging for your supplies once and reusing it for life by ordering refill tabs that you mix with your own water. I didn’t love the idea of purchasing acrylic bottles (only the hand soap is glass) but it definitely beats single-use containers. So far everything works just fine and I love that all I need to do next time is order the tablets!
Edit November 2021: I’ve used Blueland’s clean essentials for about a year and a half now, and I’m sad to report that two of my three acrylic bottles have already broke. There’s only two of us in our household, so it’s certainly not overuse. One just shattered while in my hand (no, I didn’t drop it). I hope they’ve since improved this design. Obviously, as a low-waste enthusiast I don’t want to have to replace acrylic!
Like I mentioned on Instagram, I’ve always wanted to try No Tox Life’s beloved Zero Waste Dish Block. I’d already been using a few wooden/natural cleaning brushes from them and Package Free Shop, so I just needed the block to get scrubbing. I’ve been using it for a couple of months now and don’t have any plans to go back to conventional dish soaps. It’s truly one of the most natural cleaning supplies you can opt for! It’s easy to work into a lather and if you get the proper dish brushes, you’ll have no problem cleaning dishes. Side note: We do have a dishwasher so most things that need a heavy-duty scrub can be done there. Though, I hand wash my cutting boards and serving platters and this does the trick.
For all natural cleaning brushes and soap blocks, you’ll want to make sure you let everything dry completely. Otherwise you’ll waste the soap, and the brushes can mold or rust (depending on materials). I’m currently storing the block in this ceramic sponge holder but would benefit from something bigger.
Another great place to find sustainable cleaning supplies is your local zero waste shop. One of our local favorites, Public, is in West Seattle. Not only do they sell the Dish Block but many other natural household supplies. Eco Collective is another well-stocked spot. Both have products available online as well.
Where do you find your sustainable cleaning supplies? Give your favorite shops a shoutout!
PS: Learn why now is the actually the perfect time to give zero waste a try, here.
[…] cleaning kit… I was skeptical of Blueland for sustainable cleaning supplies at first because you do purchase some plastic containers initially, but I do like the product and […]