Guest columnist Georgia Roberts, runs Sustainable Living and hosts pop-up events at Warrington Market. She was also an award-winner in the Young Traders Market contest.

SINCE becoming a mum I’ve become increasingly aware about the products I fill our home with, particularly for cleaning.

There was something about having someone else to look after that made me think twice about the air we were breathing in and the surfaces we were using.

It made me want to know what exactly I was using to clean – and what was in it.

So I have been on a mission to dust up my cleaning regime and to find natural, eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives.

I want good, honest cleaning products – good for the planet, as well as my family.

If you do too, read on for some of my top cleaning tips.

WHITE VINEGAR

This the simplest, easiest place to start. White vinegar is acidic which is what makes it great at removing dirt.

Want a natural surface cleaner? Let lemon peels soak in vinegar for a few days or longer, strain, then mix the vinegar with equal parts water.

Use an old spray bottle or if you want a new one, opt for a glass bottle that can be reused.

(The only downside is the smell of lemon and vinegar may bring back memories of fish and chips by the seaside and leave you feeling hungry.)

Prefer a different scent? You can use any citric fruit or an array of herbs. Oranges, limes, lavender, mint – experiment.

My latest batch was with sage that I grew in the garden, I learnt that sage is naturally antimicrobial (keeps infectious bacteria and viruses away) making it a great choice.

BICARBONATE OF SODA

This has so many uses around the home. I’m sure I don’t know all of them yet but here are a couple of the ways I use it.

Firstly for cleaning the sink and bath, I simply sprinkle on when they’re wet and clean off with a damp cloth. I’m always pleased with the results.

Bicarb is also a great deodoriser – brilliant if you’re a pet owner like me. Sprinkle onto carpets, pet bedding, soft furnishings, leave for 10 minutes and hoover off. Easy.

BETTER TOGETHER?

Combining white vinegar and bicarbonate of soda is a controversial one in the world of natural cleaning.

You’ll find lots of recipes that include them both but it’s not always a good idea to mix them.

It creates a chemical reaction and almost immediately you will see the results as they froth.

After this, they will both neutralise each other out so won’t be any use to your cleaning efforts any more.

However, that initial meeting of the two liquids can be useful. Have a blocked drain? Pour bicarbonate soda, followed by white vinegar down your sink and leave.

Come back half an hour later to pour down a kettle full of hot water.

BE A SAVVY SHOPPER

If you prefer to have ready-made cleaning products, you can find some amazing eco-friendly cleaning brands out there.

Always check the back because even ‘eco’ brands can have the sentence ‘harmful to aquatic life’ on the back. If it says that and there’s a chance you may end up washing even some of it down the drain, I would personally stay away.

As it says in Finding Nemo: ‘All drains lead to the ocean’. Although it may feel like a long way away, inevitably the sea is where it will be washed away to.

There are however many great brands and shops on the high street and online that do stock genuine eco-friendly cleaning products. It’s just always worth double checking the brand and product.

Lastly, to the washing machine. If you’ve met me at one of my Sustainable Living events, you’ve probably heard me singing the praises of the eco egg.

It replaces the need for detergent and fabric conditioner, washing your clothes with mineral pellets which contain no harmful chemicals.

It comes with enough pellets to last up to a year too so is great for the wallet as an extra bonus.

There we have it. I hope I’ve shown you that a sustainable cleaning cupboard can be achievable. If you’re ready to start your sustainable cleaning journey, you can find a selection of cleaning products including my new sustainable living cleaning kit at sustainableliving.co.uk.