Van Life: (eco friendly) Cleaning on the Road.
contains some affiliate linksThe joy of having a small space is that there isn’t many rooms to clean. But having a small space means it can get cluttered and dirty quicker and if you’re anything like me, you like to keep things uncluttered and clean. A love for the planet and van life really go hand in hand and the nasty, aquatic harming chemicals found in generic supermarket bought cleaners really don’t add the right vibe to your travels! Add to that, most of them are tested on animals and full of irritating ingredients that can get on our chest and pollute our grey water tanks.
So I’m sharing my go to cleaning routine in this post, in all honesty one of the products pretty much covers your back but I’m going into the nitty gritty of everything I take with me!
General cleaning.
I simply wouldn't be without my Spruce, at home and in the van. This gorgeous smelling multi purpose spray dissolves grease and can be used for your van sink, van floor, worktop, dashboard, sprayed to give cutlery and knifes a quick rinse and is safe to use to clean out dog bowls too. The refills are light as a feather and come in little sachets so you’ll never be without but without having to store multiple bottles. It also comes in a refillable metal bottle so no plastic and no glass. It’s your go to cleaner for everything! Get 25% off everything at Spruce with code ‘EMMACROMAN25’.
Laundry and hand wash.
It’s all about the Dr Bronners! I have used Tru Earth tabs for washing and they’re great but to keep the number of products I’m carrying on the road down this multi function Castille Soap has my back - as a hand wash it keeps hands clean and moisturised, you can use it as a shampoo or body wash and you can even use as a one off toothpaste if you get caught out (I have - but wouldn’t want to do it on the regular!). It can also be used as a washing up liquid as a back up - again you wouldn't want to on the regular as it leaves the dishes looking dull but it does clean well!
I also use AttireCare to spray clothes between washes - the natural ingredients have anti bacterial and microbial properties so will keep your clothes from needing a wash for longer as well as making them smell nice.
Washing Up.
I use Fill at home that I get from Milk & More and I just make sure I have some in a travel bottle before I hit the road - I use Muji bottles which I love. You can also find Fill in zero waste shops.
Toilet Fluid.
One of the greatest revelations of van life is a poo with a view (let’s not sugar coat it!) - moments on your portaloo staring out at an epic view! But if you use harsh chemicals it can be tricky to find to somewhere to empty your loo. This Elsan fluid works really well in your portaloo but because it isn’t full of nasties it can be disposed of in normal toilets and in a lot more places that chemicals can, making life on the road much easier. Plus you feel better in the knowledge you aren’t harming aquatic life or putting toxic stuff into the eco system. I also use this stuff to clean out my grey water tank.
And that’s it, a small but effective line up to keep your van interior sparkling clean. Gorgeous products that won’t cost the earth in all respects. Happy, clean travels 😀