Green spring cleaning is not a hard task

When Satya Bourgeot started her cleaning business seven years ago, her focus was on the results, not the methods.

A week into the job, the owner of Pristine Professional Cleaning began to question what was in the chemical-laden products she was using.

“Switching to non-toxic cleaning methods and products started as just something I was doing for the benefit of myself and my team, as I didn’t want any of us to have the itchy skin, eyes and throats that we would get with traditional cleaning products,” Ms Bourgeot says.

MORE INTERIORS

Kitchens go dark and moody

Inside Perth's award-winning homes

Laundries get cosy

Window dressings to lift the room

Stylish kids' playrooms

The Inspired Little Pot’s Krissy Ballinger started living a life less toxic five years ago.

“I started with a simple washing powder recipe, throwing some natural ingredients into a bucket and trying it out,” she says.

Thrilled to find it cheap and effective, Ms Ballinger set about creating more cleaning recipes, which led to her business, The Inspired Little Pot, where she sells many of her recipe ingredients and runs a series of Chemical Awareness workshops.

Once tried and tested, her recipes — which also include DIY skincare products — are shared on her website.

Both women say it’s pretty easy to clean your home without the toxic nasties.

“Your tools are really important when you’re cleaning without the harsh chemicals, so invest in good microfibre cleaning cloths, scrubbing brushes and squeegees,” Ms Bourgeot says.

“I use Enjo and Norwex products, as well as my own kit that includes a water spray bottle, a set of good-quality microfibre cloths, a grout brush, a round brush, a squeegee, vinegar and marble paste, which we make ourselves.”

Biodegradable marble paste, which is made from marble flour, is also available from Enjo and Eco Mates and can be used to remove rust, mineral deposits and stains from most hard surfaces.

For an all-purpose spray and wipe in the kitchen, Ms Ballinger uses a mix of vinegar and water with a few added drops of lemon essential oil.

“It’s economical, effective and you won’t be breathing in toxic vapour,” she says.

Even dishwasher tablets are simple to make and in using these, you’re also looking after the environment.

When it comes to cleaning the oven, a bugbear for most of us, Ms Bourgeot says natural ingredients can take longer to work, so allow baked-on mess to soak overnight.

“Soak oven grills and trays in washing soda and hot water, scrub with 0000-grade steel wool and use a sharp-razor scraper blade (you’ll find these in the window cleaning section at the hardware store) to remove mess from inside the oven and the glass door,” she says.

In the bathroom, Ms Bourgeot says vinegar will remove soap scum from shower screens but if there’s a lot of build-up, be prepared for multiple applications.

“Follow this with a light abrasive, such as marble paste, and you’ll cut through the soap scum in no time,” she says.

“For the toilet, pumice stones will remove that unsightly rust-coloured ring from the bowl — look for one with a handle so you can reach the S-bend.

“A squeegee will remove any residue from wall tiles once they’ve been scrubbed. Follow this with a quick wipe with a microfibre cloth to catch any drips and you’ll leave your tiles gleaming and streak-free.”

In the laundry, Ms Ballinger says her washing powder can be made with just five ingredients and will leave your clothes clean and fresh. “Also, swapping commercial softener for plain white vinegar is not only cheap but will leave your clothes softer, plus you’ll notice less slimy build-up in your machine,” she says.

Recently named as a finalist in the 2018 AusMumpreneur Awards for her work on The Inspired Little Pot, Ms Ballinger suggests adopting an 80/20 rule when making the switch to a life less toxic.

For 80 per cent of the time, do what feels right for you and make changes based on what you can afford and what you can handle. Leave the other 20 per cent in the too hard basket until you’re ready to tackle it.

Make The Inspired Little Pot’s dishwasher tablets

This easy-as-pie recipe is courtesy of Krissy Ballinger, pictured right, and makes about 40 tablets. Check with your dishwasher manufacturer if you have concerns that using homemade tablets will affect the warranty.

Ingredients:

• 100g fine salt
• 300g washing soda
• 250g citric acid
• 200g natural borax
• 30 drops lemon essential oil
• 2-3 silicone ice cube or mini-muffin trays

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, whisking until well combined.

2. Using a tablespoon, scoop mixture into a silicone ice cube or muffin tray, and pack in firmly.

3. Allow mixture to harden in a cool place (such as laundry) for at least 24-48 hours, or until very firm and dry to touch.

4. Gently turn the tray upside down over a tea towel and tap until tablets fall out. Transfer into an airtight container.

5. Store in a cool, dry place.

To use, place one tablet in the dispenser or on the floor of your dishwasher.

For more of Ms Ballinger’s recipes, including her washing powder recipe, visit theinspiredlittlepot.com.au.