By 7 Eco Friendly Christmas Cleaning Tips for Your Home in Epsom
- Freshen your home the natural way this Christmas with clever eco cleaning tips that save time and smell amazing even with guests arriving.
What are the best eco friendly Christmas cleaning tips for homes in Epsom?
If you’re aiming for a festive, fresh home without using harsh chemicals, there are practical eco friendly cleaning ideas that make a difference. These seven tips are low waste, easy to follow, and ideal for Epsom homes. Whether you prefer DIY methods or expert support from local services like T&M Cleaning, each option supports a cleaner, greener festive season.
Table of Contents
Quick Pre Guest Checklist
Before guests arrive, it helps to complete a few quick wins to make your home feel tidy and festive. Mop the entryway using a natural floor cleaner to remove any traces of outdoor grime. Wipe down high traffic surfaces using a citrus and clove spray that adds a warm, inviting scent. Shake out sofa cushions and rugs to lift dust and refresh the seating area. Drop lemon peel into the kitchen bin to neutralise odours naturally. Finally, light a cinnamon scented candle or place pine sprigs in corners of the room for a cosy, holiday aroma.
1. Start with Natural Multi Surface Cleaners That Smell Like Christmas
Sprays from the supermarket often leave behind overpowering chemical smells. A better option for the festive season is a cleaner scented with clove, orange or pine essential oils. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle, then add ten drops of your favourite essential oil. This homemade solution works on most surfaces and doesn’t leave behind any residue.
If you’re buying instead of making, look for Bio D, Method UK or Ecover. These brands are often Soil Association certified and rated by Ethical Consumer. Always check the label and avoid vague “eco” claims with no proof. Citric acid and vinegar are ideal for tough spots like limescale. T&M Cleaning can bring their own non toxic sprays if you’d prefer professional help. One easy swap is using citrus vinegar and clove instead of synthetic kitchen sprays.
2. Switch to Reusable Cleaning Cloths and Ditch the Waste
Holiday cleaning doesn’t have to rely on single use paper towels or wipes. Reusable cloths clean more effectively and help reduce landfill waste. You can cut up old socks or towels for homemade cleaning cloths, or choose bamboo or Swedish cloths for cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Compostable sponge cloths are another excellent alternative that balances convenience with eco awareness.
Having around ten reusable cloths on hand should be enough to get through a busy festive week. Wash and dry them regularly to maintain fibre longevity and ensure hygienic use. Choose options that resist bacteria build up and are made with blends that reduce microfibre shedding across multiple reuse cycles. Brands like Spontex, Marley’s Monsters and E Cloth offer reliable options. A great eco swap here is replacing single use bathroom wipes with compostable cloths.
No time to deep clean? Let our Epsom team handle the festive prep with eco friendly care.
3. Get Guests Ready with a Plant Based Bathroom Shine Up
Festive gatherings mean bathrooms get a lot of use. You can keep them guest ready using plant based cleaners that deliver a deep clean without synthetic chemicals. Make your own surface spray using citric acid and water. For mirrors and taps, a mix of three parts water to one part vinegar gives a clear, streak free finish. Toilet bombs made with baking soda and a few drops of essential oil can help maintain freshness between uses.
If you prefer ready made products, try brands like Splosh, Ecozone, Neat or Delphis Eco. They are gentle, effective, and comply with NHS hygiene standards. For tile grout, apply a paste of baking soda and water using a soft brush. Use non abrasive polishing cloths on taps to avoid scratching, and clean high contact areas with natural disinfectants like vinegar or citrus oil. To add fragrance, place a cinnamon stick or eucalyptus sprig in a small jar. For a simple upgrade, swap bleach based sprays for eco friendly alternatives using citric acid.
4. Use Baking Soda to Deodorise Soft Furnishings Before They Arrive
Before visitors settle in, freshen up soft furnishings with a safe and simple method using baking soda. Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over cushions, carpets and rugs, then add a few drops of pine or orange essential oil for a festive touch. Leave the powder to sit for at least fifteen minutes to absorb odours. Once the time is up, vacuum thoroughly using a particulate vacuum to ensure the baking soda is removed and the fabric is left clean.
This method neutralises unwanted smells, helps improve indoor air quality and is safe for homes with pets and children. It’s an ideal task for the night before hosting. A natural swap here is using baking soda and essential oils instead of synthetic air fresheners to refresh your home.
Eco Cleaning Tips for Pet Owners
If you have pets in the house, a few adjustments to your cleaning routine will help keep them safe. Avoid essential oils like tea tree, which can be harmful to dogs and cats. Instead, use gentler oils such as lemon, chamomile or lavender in areas your pets frequent. Wash their blankets, towels and bedding often to reduce odours and allergens. Use vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters to handle pet dander and maintain air quality.
Where to Refill Eco Cleaners in Epsom
To reduce plastic waste and save money, visit local refill stations. In Epsom, Natural Choice at The Ashley Centre offers refills of popular eco brands like Bio D and Ecover. If you’re willing to travel a short distance, the Zéro Waste Shop in Kingston stocks a broader selection of refillable household products. Bring your own bottles and fill them up to reduce packaging waste while keeping your home clean.
Natural vs Synthetic Cleaning Comparison Table
| Product Type | Ingredients | Pet Safe | Scent | Residue-Free |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus Vinegar Cleaner | Vinegar + Essential Oil | Yes | Festive Fresh | Yes |
| DIY Toilet Bombs | Baking Soda + Oil | Yes | Customisable | Yes |
| Commercial Bleach Spray | Sodium Hypochlorite | No | Harsh | No |
| Air Freshening Spray | Synthetic Fragrance | No | Artificial | No |
Pro Tip: Always check that “eco” labels are backed by trusted certifications like the Soil Association.
5. Keep Floors Mud Free with Eco Door Mats and Local Cleaning Hacks
Epsom’s wet winters bring in more than just guests. A muddy footprint can undo your work in seconds, especially on light flooring. Place coconut coir mats both outside and inside your doorways to capture dirt before it spreads. A polite sign reminding guests to remove their shoes helps reduce indoor mess. Use a damp mop with a mix of vinegar and warm water for a natural clean that’s gentle on wood and laminate flooring.
Because local soil is clay heavy and sticks easily, it’s helpful to choose quick drying microfibre mop heads and biodegradable mat fibres. For wooden floors, floor polish alternatives like diluted castile soap or olive oil based blends add shine without leaving residue. Entryway cleaning is particularly important in high traffic homes. A practical eco swap here is using coconut coir mats instead of synthetic, plastic backed alternatives.
6. Tackle the Oven with Non Toxic Steam and Citrus Power
Nothing ruins the aroma of Christmas dinner like the lingering smell of harsh oven cleaner. To freshen your oven naturally, place a bowl of water with lemon slices inside, and heat it at 100°C for about thirty minutes. The steam will loosen grease and soften burnt on food. Follow this by applying a paste made from baking soda and water to greasy areas. Let it sit, then wipe clean with a cloth.
This method works well with heat safe natural cleaners and lifts grime without scratching enamel surfaces. It also provides residue free degreasing and odour lifting without any strong chemical smell. If you’d rather not tackle it yourself, Lakeland UK offers helpful tools. A good swap here is switching from traditional oven spray to baking soda paste.
Say goodbye to grease before the roast goes in. We use natural methods that work.
Request Oven Service7. Post Party? Refresh with Low Waste Clean up That Feels Like a Reset
After the fun is over and the wrapping paper piles up, it’s time to bring your home back to calm with a low waste reset. Set up bins for recyclables before guests arrive to make sorting easy. Wipe down worktops using leftover lemon peel for a natural degreaser. Save and reuse wrapping paper, ribbons and gift bags where possible. Compost food scraps according to Epsom and Ewell guidelines.
Turn on your favourite playlist and clean in short bursts to keep it manageable. You’ll feel the difference without feeling overwhelmed.
Bonus Tip: Recycle and Reuse Leftover Decorations into Next Year’s Cleaning Tools
Instead of throwing away worn out decorations, repurpose them into useful items for next year. Cut up old stockings and turn them into dusters for delicate surfaces. Dry citrus peel and cinnamon sticks for homemade potpourri that can refresh drawers or shelves. Add pine sprigs to cloth bags or jars for natural air fresheners that bring a forest scent to any room. It’s a festive way to reduce waste and continue your eco cleaning journey.
Pro Tip: Sprinkle baking soda the night before guests arrive for a fresh smelling home by morning.
Quick FAQ
Is eco cleaning more expensive? Usually not. Refillables and DIY recipes tend to cost less over time.
Can baking soda and lemon really clean the house? Yes. They’re safe, effective and well tested.
What if I don’t have the time? T&M Cleaning in Epsom offers eco friendly help, whenever you need it.
Final Thought: Let Your Home Shine Sustainably This Christmas
Making even one eco swap can have a big impact. Whether you mix up a citrus spray or replace synthetic wipes, your home will feel fresher.
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