We’ve been led to believe that a clean home means strong chemical smells, antibacterial sprays, and rows of plastic bottles under the sink. But what if the products we trust to keep our homes fresh are actually doing more harm than good?
Jo from The Green Boutique has spent years investigating this question. After experiencing severe reactions to household cleaning products, she started researching the chemicals inside them—and what she found was alarming. Many everyday cleaning products contain harmful ingredients that can irritate the skin, damage respiratory health, and contribute to environmental pollution. Yet, they are marketed as safe, effective, and even necessary for maintaining a healthy home.
Jo’s research set her on a path to creating her own natural, zero-waste cleaning solutions, and now she’s bringing her knowledge to Harriet’s of Hove. Her Green Boutique Zero Waste Workshop is designed to help people understand the truth about commercial cleaning products and learn how to make their own safe, biodegradable, and effective alternatives.
What to Expect at the Workshop
This workshop is split into two parts. First, Jo will guide you through the hidden dangers of conventional cleaning products. Many well-known brands contain substances that can have long-term effects on human health, from causing skin irritation to affecting hormone levels and respiratory function. Some ingredients are also damaging to aquatic life, contaminating waterways long after they’ve disappeared down our drains.
The second part of the workshop is all about solutions. Instead of relying on single-use plastic bottles and synthetic chemicals, Jo will teach you how to create five natural cleaning products using simple, effective ingredients. By the end of the session, you’ll have made:
- Laundry sequestrant
- Laundry softener & dishwasher rinse aid
- All-purpose degreaser
- Limescale remover
- Dishwasher powder detergent
These products are biodegradable, non-toxic, and just as effective as commercial alternatives—without the unnecessary waste and hidden health risks. You’ll also take home a copy of the recipes so you can continue making them yourself.
Why DIY Cleaning is the Future
For many, the idea of making your own cleaning products might seem complicated or time-consuming. But the reality is that most commercial cleaners rely on the same basic ingredients—just packaged in plastic bottles and sold at a premium price. When you break down the formulas, many household tasks can be managed with just a handful of core ingredients.
Jo’s journey into DIY cleaning wasn’t just about saving money or reducing plastic waste. It was about reclaiming control over what she was bringing into her home. So many of us trust that because something is sold in a shop, it must be safe—but when you start digging deeper, you realise that the regulation of cleaning products isn’t as strict as you might expect. Many brands use vague marketing terms like “eco-friendly” and “natural” while still containing harsh synthetic chemicals.
One of Jo’s biggest frustrations is the misinformation surrounding household cleaning. The internet is full of well-meaning advice, but not all of it is accurate. For example, bicarbonate of soda is often recommended as a fabric softener or limescale remover, yet it doesn’t actually work for those purposes. By researching trusted scientific sources, Jo has built a foundation of knowledge that cuts through the myths and provides genuinely effective solutions.
Who is this Workshop For?
This workshop is designed for anyone who wants to clean their home more safely and sustainably. Whether you’re concerned about the health effects of conventional cleaning products, looking to reduce your plastic waste, or simply interested in learning new skills, this session will give you practical knowledge that you can use straight away.
No prior experience is needed. Jo will walk you through everything step by step, explaining not just how to make each product but also why each ingredient is used and how it works.
Join Us for a More Sustainable Clean
This workshop is more than just a class—it’s an opportunity to rethink the way we approach cleaning. Instead of relying on products filled with unknown chemicals, we can take a simpler, safer, and more sustainable approach.
Workshop details:
- Date: Monday 24th February
- Time: 3:30pm
- Location: Upstairs at Harriet’s of Hove
If you’re ready to ditch the toxins and embrace zero-waste cleaning, book your spot now. Let’s clean up our homes and the planet—without the chemicals.