The Best Eco-Friendly Laundry & Cleaning Hacks for UK Homes

Hello there, fellow eco-conscious UK homemakers! As a Gen X'er in the 80s and 90s I got bombarded with TV ads from household brand names like 'Bold' and 'Fairy'. I was totally brainwashed in to believing that these were simply the best and the only choices, for keening things clean at home. In some ways they were the only choices back then, with limited alternatives and very little awareness about the ecological effects of cleaning products.

Turns out that products such as Fairy 'now hands that do dishes can be as soft as your face' are harmful.

Fast forward a few decades and 'Long lasting harmful effects for aquatic life' is literally printed on the label!

Now as far as I am concerned that feels like a big deal. Considering, that my children are also reliant on plenty of fresh and clean water for their wellbeing and that they could possibly be exposed to some of the residual effects of all these chemicals going down our drains, I decided to take a stand.

I made that decision a long time ago, in fact before my children were even born. Thankfully now in 2025, due to better awareness and demand from householders, there's now tonnes of ways to make your home greener without sacrificing convenience or cleanliness.

Eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products are always my priority when the price is right. From ditching plastic-heavy detergents to embracing zero-waste solutions, I think there’s so much we can do to shop and clean smarter. Let’s dive into my favourite environmentally friendly cleaners and laundry tips.

Why I’m committed to eco-friendly cleaning

Creating a healthier home, saving a few quid and reducing our household landfill burden, gives me a sense of satisfaction . Here’s 3 compelling reasons why we should all do it:

• Less Environmental Harm: Eco-conscious products are biodegradable and break down naturally, keeping our rivers and oceans cleaner.
• Safer for Us: Non-toxic formulas are gentler on skin, lungs, and little ones (and our pets!).
• Wallet-Friendly: Concentrated detergents and reusable options stretch further than you’d think.

Ready to green up your cleaning routine? Let’s start with laundry...

My Go-To Eco-Friendly Laundry Tricks

With young children and pets under my feet, laundry is a constant in my house, but I’ve found ways to make it kinder to the planet. Here are my top picks for sustainable laundry solutions that you will love.

1. Laundry Strips: My Zero-Waste Game-Changer

I can’t stop raving about eco strips or eco sheets - these little dissolvable sheets are a total revelation for zero-waste laundry. Brands like Tru Earth have won me over with their:

• Plastic-Free Packaging: Compostable or recyclable, perfect for the best eco-friendly laundry detergent no plastic vibe.
• Super Compact: One tiny strip cleans a full load, cutting down on shipping emissions.
• Gentle Formulas: No harsh chemicals, so they’re great for my sensitive skin.

How I Use Them: Pop a strip in with your wash, and it dissolves like magic - no mess, no fuss. You can grab these online or at eco shops across the UK. Trust me, once you try eco strips, you won’t go back to jugs of liquid detergent.

2. Zero-Waste Detergents: That Actually Work

If you’re hunting for the best zero-waste laundry detergent, there are some brilliant options out there:

• smol are currently offering Free eco-friendly laundry capsules that work great at colder temperatures and come without single-use plastic. They are free to try too - just pay £1 to cover postage to give them a go.
• Powder Power: Ecover’s biodegradable powders come in recyclable boxes and clean like a dream.
• Refill Stations: I’ve spotted refill spots at places like Lidl, where you can top up liquid detergent without the plastic waste.
• DIY Fun: I’ve even mixed my own using just bicarbonate of soda and castile soap - it’s cheap, effective, and feels like a science experiment! This one by LoveVeganByJenifer is tried and tested

My Tip: Look for certifications like EU Ecolabel or Soil Association Organic to know you’re picking a truly green product and not something that has been greenwashed. Also check out this comprehensive guide by Zero Wasted

3. Fabric Softeners: That Don’t Harm the Earth

I used to love the scent of traditional fabric softeners, but the chemical overload? Not so much. Now, I swear by environmentally friendly cleaners like Method’s plant-based softeners or Ecoegg’s reusable dryer eggs. They keep clothes soft and fresh without polluting our waterways.

Greening Up the Rest of Your Cleaning Routine

Laundry’s just the start—let’s talk about how to make your entire cleaning routine more eco-friendly, from kitchen counters to carpets.1. All-Purpose Cleaners I Can’t Live WithoutWhen it comes to eco-friendly cleaning, I’m all about versatile, planet-friendly sprays. My go-tos include:

• Plant-Based Sprays: Bio-D and Ecos make multi-surface cleaners that tackle grease and grime without harmful chemicals.
• Concentrates: I dilute these at home to cut down on packaging waste.
• Refillable Bottles: Waitrose and local zero-waste shops stock refillable sprays, which feel like a small victory every time I use them.

These cleaners are my secret weapon for keeping my house sparkling, from the kitchen sink to the bathroom mirror.2. Eco-Friendly Carpet Cleaning HacksCarpets can be a pain to clean, but eco-friendly carpet cleaning is easier than you think. Here’s what I do:

• Natural Solutions: Vax’s eco range uses plant-based ingredients to lift stains without leaving toxic residues.
• Hire Green Pros: I’ve found environmentally friendly carpet cleaning services in the UK that use biodegradable products and low-water methods—perfect for a deep clean.
• DIY Magic: Sprinkle baking soda, add a splash of vinegar, and scrub lightly for a budget-friendly refresh.

Why I Care: My carpets are a big investment, and cleaning them sustainably keeps them looking great while staying safe for my home.3. Bathroom Cleaning, the Green WayFor toilets and tiles, I stick to biodegradable cleaners from Ecover or Method. If you’re into zero-waste laundry, you’ll love tablet-based bathroom cleaners or refillable sprays that cut down on waste.

My Top Tips for UK Eco-Conscious Cleaners

Want to make your home a sustainability superstar? Here are my tried-and-true tips for building an eco-friendly cleaning routine:

1. Shop Local, Shop Green:
   • I love supporting UK brands like Bio-D or Smol—they’re committed to sustainability and often produce locally.
   • Check for Vegan Society or Cruelty-Free International logos to ensure your products align with your values.
2. Cut the Waste:
   • Go for minimal packaging, like eco strips or bulk powders.
   • Swap disposable wipes for reusable cloths—I’ve got a stash of cotton ones that wash like a dream.
3. Save Energy:
   • I wash at 30°C to save energy (and my clothes still come out spotless).
   • Air-drying on a clothesline is my go-to—it’s free and eco-friendly!
4. Be Label-Savvy:
   • Steer clear of phosphates, parabens, or artificial fragrances, which can harm waterways and skin.
   • Look for “biodegradable” or “plant-based” on labels to know you’re making a good choice.
5. Ease Into It:
   • If you’re new to this, start with one product, like a best zero-waste laundry detergent, and build from there. Small changes add up!

Let’s Make Cleaning Greener Together

Going green with your laundry and cleaning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By embracing eco-friendly cleaning solutions like eco strips, best eco-friendly laundry detergent no plastic, and environmentally friendly cleaners, you’re making a real difference for the planet and your home. Whether you’re trying zero-waste laundry or sprucing up your carpets with eco-friendly carpet cleaning, every step counts.So, grab a sustainable detergent, give these tips a whirl.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, rewarddeals.co.uk may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.