Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips from an Indian Grandma: Time-Tested Wisdom for a Sustainable Home

Indian grandmothers have long been recognized for their eco-conscious practices, particularly for cleaning their homes. Their time-honoured methods passed down through generations, are not only effective but also environmentally friendly.

These time-tested practices not only ensure a sparkling home but also honour the planet, embracing a sustainable approach to cleanliness.

1. Rock Salt Scrub: Coarse rock salt is a gentle abrasive cleaner that adds sparkle to utensils.

How to Use: Sprinkle rock salt on kitchenware, scrub with a sponge, and watch stains vanish.

2. Multifunctional Lemon Peels: Lemon peels, often discarded, have potent cleaning properties.

How to Use: Place lemon peels in a jar of vinegar, let it sit for a couple of weeks, strain, and use the liquid as a natural cleaner.

3. Charcoal for Odor Elimination: Charcoal is a natural odour absorber.

How to Use: Place a few charcoal pieces in areas prone to odours, like the refrigerator or shoe rack.

4. Ayurvedic All-Purpose Cleaner: A mix of tulsi (holy basil), amla (Indian gooseberry), and mint makes for a potent all-purpose cleaner.

How to Use: Blend the herbs, add water, and strain. Use the liquid to clean surfaces and even as a room freshener.

5. Tamarind's Tangy Elegance: Acidity makes it a natural cleaner for brass and copper items.

How to Use: Create a paste with tamarind and salt, apply it to metal, let it sit, and then scrub. Witness the shine!

6. Eucalyptus Oil Freshness: Eucalyptus oil is a natural antiseptic and adds a refreshing scent.

How to Use: Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water in a spray bottle. Use it to clean surfaces and freshen up the air.

7. Red Lentil (Masoor Dal) Powder Scrub: Red lentil powder is a gentle exfoliant for surfaces.

How to Use: Mix red lentil powder with water to form a paste. Scrub surfaces for a natural and effective clean.

8. Sandalwood Paste for Wooden Elegance: Sandalwood is revered for its aromatic and antibacterial properties.

How to Use: Make a paste with sandalwood powder and water. Apply it to wooden surfaces for a natural polish and pleasant fragrance.

9. Neem: The Guardian of Cleanliness: Neem, with its natural antibacterial properties, was the go-to solution for disinfecting surfaces.

How to Use: Boil neem leaves in water, let them cool, and use the solution to wipe down surfaces. Neem also keeps pests at bay.

10. Turmeric's Golden Touch: Turmeric isn't just for cooking; it's an antiseptic and stain remover.

How to Use: Make a paste with turmeric and water, apply it to stains, such as curtains or upholstery, and let it sit for a few hours. The turmeric's yellow colour will naturally fade with time, leaving the fabric stain-free.

11. Coconut Oil Magic: Coconut oil is a natural polish for wooden surfaces.

How to Use: Apply a small amount of coconut oil to wooden furniture and buff it with a clean cloth for a natural shine.

12. Gooseberry (Amla) Shine for Hairbrushes: Amla is known for its nourishing properties and can also be used to clean hairbrushes.

How to Use: Soak dried amla pieces in water and use the infused water to clean hairbrushes, removing residue and adding shine.

13. Rice Flour Window Cleaner: Rice flour is a mild abrasive that leaves windows crystal clear.

How to Use: Mix rice flour with water to make a paste. Apply it to glass surfaces, scrub gently, and wipe clean for streak-free windows.

14. Bathroom Freshness with Vetiver (Khus) Roots: Vetiver roots have natural cooling and aromatic properties.

How to Use: Place dried vetiver roots in your bathroom. The subtle fragrance not only keeps the bathroom smelling fresh but also imparts a cooling sensation.

15. Dried Citrus Peels for Natural Fragrance: Citrus peels have aromatic properties.

How to Use: Collect dried citrus peels and place them in a bowl. The natural fragrance can act as a subtle air freshener for your home.

Additional Eco-Friendly Tips

- Use microfiber cloths: Microfiber cloths are much more effective at cleaning than paper towels, so you'll use fewer of them.

- Coffee Grounds: Use coffee grounds to deodorize your garbage disposal. Pour a handful of coffee grounds down the garbage disposal and run it for a few minutes.

Coffee grounds will help to neutralize odours and keep your garbage disposal clean.

- Natural light: Let natural light do its work. Open your curtains and blinds to let natural light in. Natural light will help to disinfect surfaces and kill germs.

- Natural Air Freshner: Use natural air fresheners. Instead of using chemical air fresheners, make your own by simmering a pot of water with your favourite herbs or spices. This will add a fresh scent to your home without the harmful chemicals.

- Reusable Mop Pads: Instead of disposable mop pads, use washable and reusable ones. This reduces waste and is a more sustainable option.

By following these simple tips and incorporating the traditional wisdom of Indian grandmothers, you can create a more eco-friendly home without sacrificing cleanliness. Remember, sustainable living is not just about using the right products; it's also about adopting mindful practices that protect our environment for future generations.