Give your home a bit of TLC with an eco-friendly makeover

Get the dusters out, your sleeves rolled up and put your marigolds on – it’s time to do your spring clean. But, before you head to the shop and fill your basket with products that will make your home sparkle, take a look at the packaging and check if it’s eco-friendly. Choosing cleaning products that are kind to the planet offers a whole host of benefits, not just for the environment, but for ourselves and our families, too.

Bottles covered in labels warning us that they are toxic and flammable give a pretty clear indication that they include a number of chemicals that will not be good for our health. Using eco-friendly or homemade products is an easy way to rid your home of these nasties. This is especially important for those who have children and animal companions, as they will be more at risk of falling ill from these chemicals due to their small size. They can also still have a negative impact on adults, too – you’re likely to see a reduction in the number of sneezes, rashes and headaches you have if you ditch the ready-made toxic concoctions and opt for green alternatives. A number of cleaning products have a high vapour pressure – known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) – meaning they emit higher levels of pollution than green products, both in and outdoors. VOCs can linger in the air, and have been linked to a number of serious health problems, such as kidney and liver damage. It has been suggested that switching to greener products can help improve the air quality across the globe, while reducing the impact of respiratory irritation. By cleaning with eco-friendly products, you’ll be able to breathe a little easier, too.