Reducing Microplastics at Home: Starting with the Household Cleaning Supplies I Use

By A Natural Edit

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If you’ve been hearing more about microplastics lately, you’re not alone. I started paying attention to them the same way many lifestyle changes begin — slowly, with curiosity, and honestly, a little overwhelm. The idea that tiny plastic particles can end up in our water, air, and even our homes made me pause and look around at the products I use every single day.

I’m not interested in fear-based living or trying to be perfect. What I am interested in is making realistic swaps that help my home feel a little cleaner and more aligned with the natural lifestyle I’m working toward. For me, that journey started in a very practical place: my cleaning and household supplies.

Why Start with Household Cleaning Products?

Cleaning products are something we use constantly — on countertops, floors, dishes, and even our clothing. Some products can contain plastic-based ingredients or come in packaging that adds to the amount of plastic we bring into our homes.

Starting here felt manageable because it wasn’t about changing everything overnight. It was simply about asking:

Is there a cleaner, lower-plastic option I can try next time?

My Favorite Low-Plastic Cleaning Swaps (with Affiliate Links)

1. Refillable All-Purpose Cleaner

Instead of buying a new spray bottle every time, I switched to concentrated cleaners that mix with water at home.

➡️ My favorite: All Purpose Cleaner Concentrate
Why I love it: less packaging waste, simple ingredients, and it actually works on everyday messes.

2. Natural Dish Brushes Instead of Plastic Sponges

Traditional sponges break down quickly and can shed plastic fibers. I’ve been using wooden dish brushes and compostable scrubbers instead.

➡️ My favorite: Bamboo Dish Brush
➡️ Also love: Compostable Scrubbers

3. Laundry Detergent with Less Plastic Packaging

Laundry products are one of the easiest places to reduce plastic because options like detergent sheets or refillable systems are now widely available.

➡️ My favorite: Plastic-Free Laundry Detergent
Bonus: it’s gentle on skin and doesn’t overwhelm the house with fragrance.

4. Reusable Cleaning Cloths

I’ve replaced most disposable wipes with washable cloths. It’s a simple switch that reduces waste and saves money over time.

➡️ My favorite: Reusable Cleaning Cloths

5. Glass Spray Bottles for DIY or Concentrates

Even if you’re not into DIY cleaning solutions, having reusable glass bottles helps you avoid constantly buying new plastic ones. Give me a chance to change your mind on DIY solutions.

➡️ My favorite: Amber Glass Spray Bottles

The Real-Life Part (Because Perfection Isn’t the Goal)

If you’ve followed A Natural Edit for a while, you know I believe in progress over perfection. Some weeks I’m completely on top of my cleaner swaps. Other weeks I grab whatever’s convenient — and that’s okay.

The goal isn’t to eliminate every trace of plastic overnight. It’s simply to reduce where we reasonably can and build habits that feel sustainable for real life.

Why This Matters to Me

My children are grown now, but I remember the busy years when day by day survival mode was the norm. Back then, convenience usually won — and understandably so. Now that life is a little slower, I’m taking the opportunity to revisit the choices I make at home and simplify them in ways that feel healthier and more intentional.

Reducing microplastics isn’t about fear; it’s about stewardship — caring for our homes, our families, and the environment in small, meaningful and doable ways.

What I’m Exploring Next

Cleaning supplies are just the beginning. I’m also looking at:

• Low-plastic makeup and beauty products

• Supplements with cleaner packaging

• Household essentials designed to last longer

• Laundry routines that are gentler on both skin and water systems

I’ll be sharing what I learn — the wins, the mistakes, and the realistic swaps that actually work for everyday life.

Remember, if you’re just starting: one small swap is enough. We've got this!