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The impact of chemicals on the environment

Some chemicals end up in rivers and the sea

Many chemicals used in the home are invaluable, but some, for example phosphates in detergents, can accumulate and cause damage to the environment. 

Household waste water from sinks, toilets, washing machines and baths, drains into sewers. This waste water then flows to treatment works, and afterwards to rivers, lakes and seas. Most chemicals get removed during treatment, but some inevitably end up in rivers and the sea where they can harm wildlife.

• More on pollution

How to be green when you clean at home

Washing clothes at 30 degrees is just as effective

There are many things you can do to make your household cleaning greener:

• be sparing with your detergents and cleaners – don’t use more than the recommended dose, and use the mildest cleaning product needed for the job
• use the minimum dosage for the hardness of the water in your area
• washing clothes at 30 degrees saves energy, and is just as effective for normally soiled clothes
• where there’s a choice, machine wash rather than dry-clean clothes; some dry-cleaning chemicals are toxic and ozone-depleting substances
• read the label and follow the proper storage and disposal advice for cleaning products
• recycle plastic, cardboard and metal packaging according to the product label
• don’t pour cleaning products down the drain unnecessarily - remember that your drainage ends up in seas and rivers

• How to help the environment when doing your laundry Opens new window

• Tips on natural ways to clean and shine Opens new window

What cleaning products should you buy?

Some things to think about are:

• choosing concentrated products where possible helps the environment by saving on packaging and transport
• buying refill systems also helps cut down on packaging

• Find out more about eco-friendly brands Opens new window

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The European Union (EU) Ecolabel guarantees that the product will minimise or prevent risks to the environment and human health.

• The EU Ecolabel

Cleaning with less chemicals

Not all chemicals in cleaning products are harmful to the environment. However, if you want to reduce the amount of chemicals you use, many everyday substances are effective cleaning solutions. For instance, vinegar and warm water makes a great window cleaner, and you can use salt to scour dirty dishes.

• Alternatives to chemical cleaning products Opens new window