When we set up EcoBroom in Streatham, the decision to use only biodegradable, plant-based cleaning products wasn't just a marketing choice — it was the founding principle. The science behind it is straightforward, and the environmental case is compelling. Here's what we've learned about conventional cleaning products, why we avoid them, and what it means for the homes we clean.
What's actually in conventional cleaning products
Conventional household cleaning products often contain synthetic surfactants (typically derived from petroleum), phosphates, chlorine-based compounds, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. Many of these are effective cleaners — but effectiveness and environmental safety are not the same thing.
Phosphates, for instance, were phased out of laundry detergents in the EU by 2013 because of their role in eutrophication — the process by which excess nutrients in waterways cause explosive algae growth that depletes oxygen and kills aquatic life. They remain in some cleaning products.
What 'biodegradable' actually means
Biodegradable means a substance can be broken down by microorganisms into water, carbon dioxide and organic matter within a reasonable timeframe under normal environmental conditions. Plant-based surfactants typically biodegrade within days; many petroleum-derived alternatives persist for months or years.
Not all 'eco' claims on cleaning products are equal. Look for products certified to recognised standards — EU Ecolabel, Nordic Swan, or OECD 301 biodegradability standards — rather than relying solely on marketing language.
Tip: EcoBroom products carry EU Ecolabel certification, which requires demonstrated biodegradability and limits on aquatic toxicity.
Why London's waterways are particularly relevant
The Thames and its tributaries — including the Wandle, which runs through Wimbledon and Wandsworth — are increasingly healthy ecosystems after decades of improvement work. Salmon have returned to the Thames; the Wandle is now one of the best urban chalk streams in England.
This recovery is fragile. Household chemical discharges through London's drainage system contribute to the chemical load on these waterways. Choosing products that biodegrade before reaching the river matters.
Indoor air quality: the argument closer to home
Beyond environmental impact, there's a direct human health case for biodegradable products. Conventional cleaning products — particularly spray disinfectants and aerosols — release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into indoor air. Studies have linked regular exposure to VOC-heavy cleaning products with respiratory irritation.
Plant-based products, particularly those without synthetic fragrances, produce significantly lower VOC loads. In smaller South London flats where ventilation can be limited, this difference is meaningful.
