How to Clean Green: Products & Tips (Part 1)

1. Purchase reusable mop and broom pads.

I have used Swiffer products for as long as I’ve been an adult with my own place to clean. They’re easy to use and easy to store. But using them means purchasing not only plastic containers of cleaning solution but also disposable mop pads, which add up over time and contribute regularly to our landfills.

So I found two products that I’ve since switched to: one is a reusable pad specifically for the Swiffer mop and the other is a reusable pad for the Swiffer broom. The mop pad I highly recommend. I haven’t seen any difference in cleaning viability, and all you do is throw the pad into the wash when you’re done.

The broom pad is easy to use as well, but I find it’s best for pet hair, dust, or dander. Bits of leaves and small pieces of dirt will be left behind, but for those hard-to-reach spaces beneath the bed or furniture, where mostly dust bunnies reside anyway, the broom pad is great.

Reusable mop pad (left) and reusable broom pad (right). The packs I bought came with four each.

2. Try a steam mop.

As I said, since I’ve been an adult, Swiffers have been my go-to cleaning allies. But this year, my husband bought me a steam mop during one of the Amazon Prime Day deals, and I have to say, I’m converted.

No chemicals required—just water turned to steam. And my steam mop came with reusable pads, which I love. So even though the process is a little slower than using my Swiffer (you have to let the steam hit the surface of the floor) and even though steam mops require an outlet, I find that not having to purchase chemicals and (later) discard plastic containers emptied of said chemicals is worth the slight inconvenience of plugging the mop in.

I will say, steam mops aren’t cheap, especially if you get one that’s well reviewed. So you might want to wait for another deal day if the price tag is steering you away.

Also, in full disclosure, I still have my Swiffer mop (for now) because (1) I have some cleaning solution we haven’t used, and I’m not a fan of throwing things away (or recycling things) before we’ve used them . . . seems wasteful and contrary to the goal and (2) our daughter can easily use the Swiffer mop when she needs to clean up a mess (like, say, in the mudroom, where her cat often leaves fun surprises). So while I may move on from my Swiffer in the future, for now, it and its reusable mop pads remain.

3. Switch to refillable soaps and detergents.

One way to do this—with hand soap, that is—is to purchase a bulk container of (chemical-free, eco-friendly) soap that you can use to refill your reusable soap pumps around your house.

However, if you live in Nashville or close to Nashville (as we do), you have an even better option: head to one of The Good Fill’s locations, bring your empty soap and liquid detergent containers, and pay simply to have them filled up—no purchase of containers (plastic or otherwise) required!

We discovered The Good Fill a couple months ago through a friend, and I have to say, this store fills a lot of gaps when it comes to sustainable choices for bath and home. Calling themselves a “Zero Waste Refill Shop,” they offer so many options besides just (plant-based) soap.

Some of the items we bought at The Good Fill. The two glass containers are the kinds of reusable containers they have for purchase on site. You can also bring your own (glass or plastic) and pay to have them filled. (Back left is liquid laundry detergent, and front left is a natural mosquito repellant candle.)

At The Good Fill, you can make a one-time purchase of a refillable container (or bring your own) and fill it with

• Cleaning spray

• Dish detergent (liquid or powder)

• Laundry detergent (liquid or power)

• Baking soda

• Epsom salt

• Shampoo

• Conditioner

• Lotion

• Bug spray

• And much more!

  
  

One last thing (for now), if you don’t live in Nashville (or close enough to drive in), they also offer online orders of their products. You can order pre-filled bottles or refills for a container you already own, and after you receive pouches of the product you’re needing, they provide a return envelope so you can return the emptied pouches.

For more information on how it all works and their full range of products, be sure to visit their website: thegoodfill.co. And just know, sustainable options are out there! Sometimes all we need is a friend to spread the word. 💛