For each surface, a different type of detergent: do we need it?

A whole cabinet full of cleaning products in front of the windows, the kitchen, the bathroom and the toilet is: do we need it? What is the difference between the products, putting additional strain on the environment? Eight questions to ask, Wesley Browne, professor of Chemistry at the University of Groningen, Helen Slob, an information officer at the independent voorlichtingsorganisatie MilieuCentraal.

What types of detergent are there? < / p> ", All cleaning products are chemical," says Browne. "You can have two groups of cleaners, which are distinct. One group, for instance, bleach is one of them, it is very reactive and will kill the bacteria. The other group, for example, where the soap is made from fats, which is mixed with the oil or the caustic soda."

Responsible for the production of detergents and the environment? < / p> "as A part of the cleaning is to be made on the basis of the crude oil. Some are made from plant-based raw materials such as palm oil and coconut oil. They both have their pros and cons," says Slot. "For both raw materials and energy. Crude oil hit a second time, and puts extra CO2 in the atmosphere. Plant-based raw materials cannot get to it, but there are some arable land, and plantations, which often goes hand in hand with the phenomenon."

"It's good to go for cleaning agents which are not petroleum-based," says Browne. "But please try to remember that the biological materials used are not automatically good. Just think of the oil palm."

What's the deal with substances that are present in the water? < / p> ' In cleaning products can have harmful substances," says the Slob. "It's the dirty water, throw you to the floor drain to the sewer system is in. The water will be properly treated, but it can be harmful substances remain in the sewage sludge from waste water treatment plants. Surface water can become contaminated."

“There's a little bit of a difference between the detergents. For a large part, the same ingredients are being used.”

Wesley Browne, professor of Chemistry, < / p> "Sulfates in products are, for example, is not very good," says Browne. "This is to kill bacteria in the water, which is required for the cleaning process. A lot of people think that using bleach is very bad, but the bleach is released, if you use it, you are almost immediately in a salt, water, and air. Also, surface-active substances for the foam, its not very good. Which are released into the environment."

What can you do with these environmental pollution and contamination have to do?

"don't Buy it for any schoonmaakactiviteit is a different product and don't buy too much," advises the Slot. "And to the use thereof, is: very good as well. Due to the dosing, you can avoid wasteful and unnecessary load on the sewage treatment plant. Following the instructions on the label."

In total, by 2018, with household detergents and cleaning products 975,1 million euro. 526,4 million euro for the cleaning products 218,3 million euro for the cleaning products (toiletreinigers, bleaches and cleaners, e.(d.) 143.5 million euros for the detergent to € 86.9 million in the maintenance products (air care products, maintenance products for wood, leather, etc), there also are natural cleaning products? < / p> Slot is: "On some of the bottles that is, indeed, the word "natural". However, you have to be careful, or that it is no empty phrase it is of the manufacturer's instructions. You can watch out of them. A good seal is the guarantee that the product does not contain harmful substances. Also in charge of products with an eco-label, the environment, and the least during the production process."

How many cleaners do you need?

"There's a little bit of a difference between the cleaning products," says Browne. For a large part, the same ingredients are used. It's more of a placebo effect if you believe that one product works better on the surface than the other. Vinegar is a very good detergent. It is a safe and effective manner. Use vinegar, and a little bit of soap, and occasionally bleach, so you don't need it."

Slot: "I've got three tools that I have things to do: all-purpose cleaner with a label, vinegar, and dish soap. Window cleaner? You can use ordinary vinegar to use. You can also think of all the packages that need to be made, and that is contributing to the waste mountain."

as to dosing, you can avoid any wastage'. (Photo: 1234RF).

Are there any products that you can use to avoid it?

"do not Use a product that has no label and no ingredients to stand up," says the Slob. "Cleaning products containing volatile organic compounds, such as aerosol sprays and glass cleaners are also better for the environment."

What are the other environmentally friendly tips in cleaning it?
Slot: "the Use of a bowl to clean, and don't let the water all the time. If you can, use cold water. Throw in addition to standard procedures, the best I can do in the garden, or out on the street, then pull up the fabric at the bottom. This also applies to a mixture with vinegar."

Date Of Update: 21 January 2020, 01:00