Bee Sustainable: Zero-waste bathroom cleaning

Written by Julia Gralki. Photo courtesy of Envato Elements.

In the previous part of this series, we talked about how to clean the kitchen without creating waste. In this article, we will explore how to zero-waste clean another room of the house: the bathroom.

The zero-waste movement is a shift in mindset. It doesn’t mean that you have to go all-in right away – rather, it’s all about taking small steps. For example, make zero waste swaps whenever you can to keep plastic out of landfills and the ocean. Because the smaller the demand for plastic, the lower the pollution our planet has to endure.

Recipes

To make eco-friendly bathroom cleaning supplies, you will need products that you will likely have in your pantry already, such as vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, lemon and essential oils.  

Zero-waste-cleaning the toilet

To clean your toilet without creating waste, you’ll need four essential items: liquid castile soap, distilled white vinegar, a washcloth and a toilet brush.

1. Spray the whole toilet with white vinegar and let it sit.
2. Put liquid castile soap into the toilet bowl and clean it with the toilet brush, then let it sit.
3. Wipe the toilet with the washcloth. To get the maximum result, fold the washcloth after every time you wiped a part of the toilet. For example, start with wiping the seat, then fold the towel and proceed to the top of the toilet, then fold it again. That way, you use a clean cloth for each part of the toilet. Once you’re done cleaning, put the cloth into the laundry.
4. Flush the toilet and close the lid.

Zero-waste-cleaning the shower

This bathtub and shower cleaner will eliminate germs and hard water buildup – despite being waste-free, easy to make, and non-toxic. Here’s how to make it:

1. Combine ¾ cup of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide and 3 tablespoons of liquid castile soap in a bowl.
2. Mix until it turns into a thick paste.
3. To clean the shower or bathtub, dip a rag cloth into the paste and scrub the shower floor and walls.
4. Wait for ten minutes before wiping off the grime.
5. Rinse the shower floor with water, and you’re done!

While it’s difficult to find hydrogen peroxide without packaging, you can buy baking soda and liquid castile soap in bulk.

Keep in mind that the cleaning mixture has to be used right away. You might be able to store the cleaner for a day but not much longer.

Final thoughts

It takes time to transition to zero waste, and even then, you won’t do it perfectly. If you do your best and make decisions with intention, you are moving in the right direction.