Natural Cleaning Made Simple: A Guide to Traditional & Effective Ingredients

Keeping your home clean doesn’t have to mean harsh chemicals or synthetic scents. Nature provides powerful, time-tested solutions that are gentle on surfaces, safe for families, and kinder to the environment.

Whether you're new to natural cleaning or refining your eco-home routine, here's a breakdown of the most trusted natural cleaning agents—and how to use them effectively.

What it is: A traditional olive oil-based soap from the South of France, Savon Noir is a concentrated, all-purpose cleaning paste or liquid.

What it does:

• Degreases kitchen surfaces, stovetops, and extractor fans

• Cleans floors, tiles, sinks, bathrooms, even leather and silver

• Can be used as a natural insect repellent in the garden

How to use: Dilute a tablespoon in warm water for mopping or general cleaning. Use neat on tough stains or baked-on grease.

Why it’s great: 100% natural, biodegradable, non-toxic, and ultra-versatile. A staple in zero-waste homes.

What it is: Also known as "oxygen bleach", this is a non-toxic compound of sodium carbonate and hydrogen peroxide.

What it does:

• Whitens laundry and removes organic stains (wine, tea, blood)

• Deep-cleans drains, toilets, bins, and tile grout

• Deodorises fabrics and surfaces naturally

How to use: Dissolve in warm water for stain treatment or add to your washing machine drum for laundry boosting.

Why it’s great: Powerful yet biodegradable, it breaks down into oxygen, water, and soda—no harsh residues.

What it is: A natural alkaline powder used for gentle abrasion and deodorising.

What it does:

• Neutralises odours in fridges, bins, shoes, and upholstery

• Gently scrubs sinks, showers, ovens, and ceramic

• Boosts laundry detergents and unclogs drains when paired with vinegar

How to use: Sprinkle directly on surfaces or mix into a paste with water. Combine with vinegar for a fizzy deep-clean.

Why it’s great: Affordable, safe, and endlessly multi-purpose.

What it is: A stronger alkaline salt often used as a heavy-duty cleaner.

What it does:

• Breaks down grease and grime on pans, floors, and drains

• Softens water for more effective laundry

• Clears slow-draining pipes and removes moss from patios

How to use: Dissolve in hot water for general cleaning or add to laundry to tackle stubborn build-up.

Why it’s great: Ideal for hard water areas and deep-cleans without synthetic detergents.

What it is: Acetic acid diluted in water—an ancient, natural cleaner and deodoriser.

What it does:

• Cuts through limescale, mineral deposits, and soap scum

• Disinfects countertops, glass, and bathroom surfaces

• Removes odours and refreshes laundry

How to use: Spray undiluted on glass or limescale, or dilute 1:1 with water for everyday cleaning. Do not use on natural stone or waxed wood.

Why it’s great: An essential base ingredient in DIY cleaners with anti-bacterial and deodorising power.

What it is: A natural antimicrobial extract from the thyme plant, rich in thymol.

What it does:

• Naturally disinfects surfaces without bleach

• Helps eliminate bacteria and fungi

• Leaves a fresh, herbal scent

How to use: Found in ready-made sprays or added to DIY cleaning blends. Combine with vinegar or soap-based cleaners for a botanical boost.

Why it’s great: Proven antibacterial efficacy with a natural origin. Ideal for kitchen and bathroom use.

What it is: A botanical extract from sage leaves, known for its antiseptic and purifying properties.

What it does:

• Cleanses surfaces and neutralises odours

• Mildly antimicrobial—ideal for less intensive cleaning tasks

• Enhances herbal cleaning blends with a green, earthy aroma

How to use: Add to homemade surface sprays, laundry rinse water, or use in essential oil diffusers for a clean-smelling home.

Why it’s great: Supports mental clarity while naturally freshening and purifying.

For everyday, chemical-free cleaning, stock your cupboard with:

• Savon Noir for all-purpose surface cleaning

• Sodium Bicarbonate for deodorising and scrubbing

• Sodium Percarbonate for brightening laundry and tough stains

• Vinegar as a glass and limescale remover

• Soda Crystals for heavy-duty degreasing

• Herbal Extracts like thyme and sage for antibacterial, aromatic freshness

• Clay  to draw out stains from dry clean items

• Safe for kids, pets, and sensitive skin

• Biodegradable and eco-friendly

• Traditional ingredients with proven results

• Less plastic, fewer chemicals, cleaner conscience

 Browse Our Natural Cleaning Collection

Clean your home the natural way—with time-honoured ingredients that really work.