I have a habit of bringing the same mindset I use for sustainable dressing into the way I care for my home: favouring simple, long-lasting solutions that are kind to the planet and easy on the wallet. One of my favourite discoveries over the years is the power of a very straightforward combination — nettoyer naturellement avec du savon et bicarbonate — which translates perfectly into practical, effective cleaning routines for someone who prefers low-tox, multi-purpose products.
Why I choose to clean naturally with soap and bicarbonate
There are three reasons I keep coming back to this duo. First, it’s effective: castile soap, savon noir (black soap) or simple liquid vegetable soap cuts grease while bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) scrubs and neutralises odours. Second, it’s safe: both ingredients are non-toxic, biodegradable and far gentler than many conventional cleaners. Third, it fits a sustainable lifestyle: less plastic packaging, fewer chemical residues, and ingredients that I can buy in bulk and use across the home and wardrobe.
Basics: what to use and why
I use two main products depending on the task:
Together they create a balanced, multi-purpose cleaner: the soap emulsifies dirt and oils while bicarbonate adds scrubbing power and deodorising action.
Simple recipes I use week to week
Below are the formulas I reach for most often. Everything is measured in practical household terms, and I keep small spray bottles and glass jars labeled for each mix.
| Use | Ingredients | How to use |
|---|---|---|
| All-purpose spray | 1 L warm water, 1 tbsp liquid soap (savon noir or castile), 1 tsp bicarbonate | Mix in a spray bottle. Shake before use. Spray on countertops, doors, and painted wood, then wipe with a damp cloth. |
| Degreasing paste | 2 tbsp bicarbonate, 1 tbsp liquid soap, splash of water | Apply paste to stovetop, oven glass, or grout. Let sit 10–15 min, then scrub and rinse. |
| Floor cleaner (wood & tiles) | 5 L warm water, 2 tbsp savon noir | Mop as usual. For wooden floors, keep bucket water relatively dilute and wring mop well to avoid over-wetting. |
| Stain pre-treatment (fabrics) | 1 tsp soap + 1 tsp bicarbonate + small water to make paste | Rub gently into stain, wait 15 min, rinse and wash as usual. |
How I use the mix around the house
Kitchens: I spray the all-purpose mix on countertops and backsplashes, then wipe with a clean microfibre cloth. For greasy pans or oven glass I make the degreasing paste — it works on burnt-on food with minimal elbow grease.
Bathrooms: for tiles and shower screens I apply the paste to grout lines and let it rest. For limescale, I try to avoid mixing the soap with strong acids (like vinegar) directly in the same bottle, but I’ll use vinegar separately for heavy scale. For a daily refresh I use the soap + bicarbonate spray to remove soap scum and deodorise drains.
Floors: savon noir diluted in warm water is gentle enough for painted wood and durable enough for tiles. I avoid over-doing bicarbonate on natural wood finishes; the soap alone does the heavy lifting here.
Laundry and delicates: a teaspoon of soap and a pinch of bicarbonate can pre-treat underarm stains and yellowing. For wool or silk, I use a very mild castile soap on its own and skip abrasive bicarbonate.
Tips and safety notes I follow
Addressing common questions I hear
Will this replace all commercial cleaners? For most everyday cleaning tasks, yes. For very heavy industrial grime or disinfecting after illness I still use targeted products (or a diluted bleach solution where appropriate and safe). But for regular maintenance, the soap + bicarbonate combo is robust, economical and far more pleasant to use.
Is it safe around children and pets? Generally yes — both ingredients are low-toxicity. Still, keep concentrated solutions out of reach, and never let pets drink cleaning water. Rinse food-contact surfaces with clear water after cleaning.
Does it work on odours? Absolutely. I sprinkle bicarbonate in gym bags, on carpets, or in the bottom of bins, let it sit, then vacuum or wipe. Mixed with soap, it neutralises kitchen and bathroom smells effectively.
How this aligns with sustainable style
As someone who writes about sustainable fashion, I see cleaning as another form of garment care — treating clothes, shoes and accessories with considered methods prolongs their life. Using soap and bicarbonate helps me avoid harsh chemicals that can degrade fabrics or finishes, reduces packaging waste, and supports a minimalist approach: one bottle of multi-purpose cleaner, one jar of bicarb, and a handful of microfibre cloths do the job of many single-use products.
If you’re interested in further reading or ideas, I often cross-reference cleaning tips with wardrobe care: simple recipes for delicates, spot-treating suede and canvas, or refreshing sweaters without frequent washing. These small habits keep both your clothes and home in better shape for longer, which is the most sustainable choice of all.
