Want to clean in a more sustainable way but not sure how? The important thing to know is that you can first select the right products and more importantly, use them sustainably so as to save water, CO2 and money! Look for our tips in this chapter.
Most manufacturers in Europe are signed up to the Charter for Sustainable Cleaning, which commits them to continually improving the sustainability profile of their products.
Many laundry detergents are more compact and concentrated than they used to be, so they use less raw materials and need less packaging. They also clean more effectively at lower wash temperatures so you can save energy and water.
To help you clean more sustainably, just look for the Charter logo when choosing your detergent and maintenance products. Most products also have simple sustainable use tips on the labels to help you save water, energy, CO2 and money. Following these tips can make a big difference.
Save water, energy, CO2 and money
Laundry tips
Did you know that by setting the temperature at 30°C instead of 60°C, you can save more than 60%* of energy? Your laundry will still be as clean as you want and you will be helping the environment by reducing your energy consumption. Look for this tip and others on your laundry detergent label.
Dishwashing tips
The most energy used by a dishwasher is to heat up the water, so when the load is not unusually dirty you can choose 50°C or lower temperature programmes, save energy and money and still achieve great results. Check out this and other tips on your dishwashing detergent pack.
Washing-up tips
If you wash up or rinse with the water running, you could be using much more water than newer dishwashers. Avoid it! To save money and energy when you wash up by hand, look out for these tips on your washing up liquid bottle.
All-purpose cleaners tips
Even when using an all-purpose cleaner there are ways that you can make a difference and clean more sustainably. Following the dosage instructions and using cooler water will still get great cleaning results. Look for the tips on the label of your all-purpose cleaner.
Trigger spray tips
Trigger spray cleaners are not only convenient and easy to use but also help you to save money and clean more sustainably because you need less of them. Just squirt only where you need to and wipe clean. Take a look at your trigger spray cleaner label and look for this green and white tips panel.
Toilet cleaners tips
When using toilet cleaners, it can be tempting to pour a lot down the toilet, just to make sure you get it properly clean. But toilet cleaners are designed to do a good job often with just a little. Follow the instructions on the label and look for this handy tips panel.
Separate label and bottle for recycling
Many detergents and cleaning products now carry a thin plastic label (in the form of a “sleeve”) around the packaging container. This allows using better, more circular packaging, for example with better recyclability and/or higher recycled content, thus saving resources. But it’s important that you separate the label from the bottle after using its content and before disposal. Please also follow your local instructions to place the label and the bottle in the right bin(s) for adequate recycling!