Using plant-based ingredients to power our products is just one of the ways our formulas are more eco-friendly than the chemical-heavy alternatives… But why is plant-based cleaning better?
Why choose plant-based cleaning products?
A common myth is that natural cleaning products are less effective than synthetic ones, but the truth is that not only can plant-based products be just as good at cleaning as their chemical counterparts, but they’re also better for our health. In our previous blog post, we talked about VOCs in cleaning products and the harm they can do. But did you also know that according to the American Lung Association, more than 80% of chemicals in cleaning products have no information related to health available.
Avoiding harsh or too many synthetic chemicals may be one good reason to choose eco-friendly products, but there are so many more reasons why plant-based is powerful!
- They’re biodegradable. This makes them better for the planet, because they’re safe for aquatic life as well as pet friendly, thanks to the plant-based ingredients and their biodegradable nature
- They contain fewer allergens, which means they’re better for those with sensitive skin and allergies. You can even explore our range of Allergy UK endorsed products
- Using harsh chemicals around the home can lead to indoor air pollution, so plant-based formulas help keep your air clean, which is also great for those with respiratory conditions.
What plant-based ingredients do Ecozone use?
Citric Acid
Citric acid is a popular plant-based ingredient because of its natural preservative and descaling properties, as well as being a chelating agent. Chelating agents are commonly used in cleaning products to prevent metal ions from forming soap scum.
What we use it in:
Coffee Machine Cleaner and Kettle & Iron Descaler leaves your coffee machine and other appliances spotless, with the citric acid working to rid any lingering limescale or coffee-build up
Toilet Cleaner will rid your toilet bowl of nasty stains and limescale, without the need for harsh bleach or chemicals
Washing Machine & Dishwasher Cleaner keeps your machines healthy and protected by removing limescale and detergent build-up
Photo by Han Lahandoe on Unsplash
Surfactants
A surfactant is one of the most important ingredients in any cleaning and laundry products, as it helps emulsify the dirt particles and remove them from the surface of whatever is being cleaner. Ecozone use cocamine oxide and alcohol ethoxylate, both of which help to remove dirt and suspend it in the water.
What we use it in:
Most of our spray cleaners contain Alcohol Ehoxylate, because it’s so effective at picking up dirt and making it easier to remove! You’ll find it in our Bin Cleaner Spray, Kitchen Cleaner Spray, Daily Shower Cleaner and Bathroom Cleaner Spray, as well as our Dishwasher Tablets and Delicate Laundry Liquid.
Zinc Ricinoleate
Zinc Ricinoleate is a white powder derived from the Ricinus plant, which remains liquid at high and low temperatures. This ingredient acts as a great deodoriser, and is used to both absorb and neutralise bad smells.
What we use it in:
Fabric Crease Releaser doubles up as a deodoriser! While not only leaving a pure linen fragrance, the zinc ricinoleate helps eliminate pre-existing smells to give your fabrics that freshly washed feeling.
Pro-Active Sports Wash is designed to get rid of tough stains on sportswear and outdoor clothing, but also eliminates the tougher smells that may also be present.
Natural enzymes
Plant enzymes, which we use in a variety of our products, are great at breaking down organic materials without the need for harsh chemicals. Amylase, for example, breaks down starch-based soil and dirt into simpler forms that can then be easily removed, while subtilisin is a proteolytic enzyme that helps to remove protein deposits and tough stains. Enzyme ingredients are also totally natural and biodegradable!
What we use it in:
Enzymatic Drain Cleaning Sticks literally says it on the tin! This long-term solution uses enzymes to break down anything that might get stuck in your plughole to prevent blockages. The natural enzymatic formula mean they’re septic tank safe, too
Ultra, Classic and Brilliance dishwasher tablets all use enzymes to break down grease, oil and other food residue to leave dishes sparkling
Plughole Hair Unblocker is an enzyme-based formula that helps unblock drains with ingredients that eat away at any trapped hair and organic build up to keep your drains clear
