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Naturally Derived vs. DIY Cleaners: What is the best choice for you?

Recently, there’s been a growing interest in using natural ingredients for household cleaning. Many people turn to DIY solutions, from vinegar to essential oils, believing they’re safer and more eco-friendly than store-bought alternatives. However, while these ingredients can be effective, some have potential risks, especially if not used correctly. That’s why professionally developed, naturally derived formulas are better for safe, effective, and consistent cleaning.

In this post, we’ll explore what “naturally derived” really means, some of the risks associated with DIY cleaning methods, and why trusting a professionally developed formula is the best approach for keeping your home clean and your surfaces protected.

What Does “Naturally Derived” Mean?

The term “naturally derived” refers to ingredients sourced from nature, meaning their base materials are linked directly to biological origins. However, these materials may undergo processing to enhance their effectiveness in cleaning products. For example, our Magic Universal 6-in-1 Cleaner uses Surfactin, a naturally derived bio-surfactant sourced from a probiotic bacterium. Surfactin breaks down dirt and grease efficiently while being biodegradable and environmentally friendly.

When we say a product is up to 98% naturally derived, we mean that the ingredients originate from nature but have been formulated and tested by professionals to provide maximum cleaning power and surface safety.

Examples of Naturally Derived Ingredients in Cleaning Products

When it comes to naturally derived ingredients, not all of them come from the same sources. These ingredients can be sourced from plants, animals, or microorganisms like bacteria. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of naturally derived ingredients and how they contribute to cleaning products:

Infographic of naturally derived sources
Plant-Based Ingredients

Plants are among the most common sources of naturally derived ingredients in eco-friendly products. Plant-based ingredients are valued for their sustainability, and effectiveness in cleaning. Some common plant-based cleaning ingredients include:

  1. Citric Acid: Found in citrus fruits, it’s a powerful, natural cleaner that helps dissolve minerals and remove grime. Though the main source of citric acid is the fermentation of crude sugars (e.g., molasses and corn starch) by the mould Aspergillus niger.
  2. Essential Oils: Extracted from plants like thyme, lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus, essential oils offer natural fragrance and often have antibacterial or antifungal properties. 
  3. Coconut Oil: This versatile ingredient provides natural fatty acids to help break down dirt and grease while being gentle on surfaces.
  4. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Baking soda is an alkaline compound that neutralises acids and acts as a mild abrasive, making it perfect for scrubbing away dirt without damaging surfaces. It also has natural deodorising capabilities.
  5. Vinegar (Acetic Acid): Fermented ethanol (often from corn or fruit). Vinegar is a natural acid that breaks down grease, grime, and mineral build-up. It’s a well-known deodoriser, often used for its ability to handle most general cleaning.
Why Plant-Based? 

Plant-based ingredients are renewable, biodegradable, and generally safe for people and the environment. They are often the go-to choice for eco-conscious consumers.

Bacterium-Derived Ingredients 

An exciting area of innovation in naturally derived ingredients is the use of microorganisms, particularly bacteria. Ingredients sourced from bacteria, like bio-surfactants, are gaining popularity for their effectiveness and environmental benefits.

  1. Surfactin: This bio-surfactant is derived from a probiotic bacterium and is used in our Magic Universal 6in1 Cleaner & Disinfectant. Surfactin reduces surface tension, making lifting dirt and grease from surfaces easier, offering powerful cleaning action without the need for synthetic chemicals.
  2. Mannanase: Derived from bacteria like Bacillus lentus. Mannanase is an enzyme that breaks down complex sugars (mannans) found in food residues, particularly in laundry and dishwashing applications.
  3. Protease: Derived from various bacteria, including Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis. Protease is an enzyme that breaks down proteins, making it excellent for removing protein-based stains like blood, food, and grass.
  4. Cellulase: Derived from bacteria such as Bacillus or fungi like Trichoderma reesei. Cellulase breaks down cellulose, helping to remove soil and prevent pilling on cotton fabrics. It also helps to soften fabrics and enhance colour brightness.
Why Bacterium-Derived? 

These ingredients are naturally occurring and biodegradable. They are often more effective than their plant-based counterparts in terms of cleaning power. They are created through sustainable, low-impact processes. Bacterium-derived ingredients represent an innovative and highly effective alternative to traditional cleaning components.

The Risks of DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions

While DIY cleaning solutions using natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda can be appealing, they come with potential downsides, especially when used on the wrong surfaces. This is not to say that they can provide a cleaning alternative if used correctly.

Here are some common issues:
  • Vinegar: This popular DIY cleaner is highly acidic and can etch or corrode certain surfaces like granite, marble, and stainless steel if misused. For example, when mixed with baking soda, the chemical reaction converts both ingredients, rendering them useless.
  • Essential Oils: While they offer natural scents and antimicrobial properties, essential oils can degrade rubber and plastic over time or cause skin irritation in concentrated amounts. Some, like tea tree oil, are even toxic to pets.
  • Baking Soda: Its abrasive qualities can scratch delicate surfaces like glass or ceramic cooktops and leave a white residue if not well rinsed.
  • Lemon Juice: Similar to vinegar, its high acidity can cause damage to natural stone surfaces and react with metals, causing tarnishing or corrosion.
Home kitchen cleaning concept, front view of dishes, dish washing brushes, organic soap bar, kitchen towels, house plant, baking soda, lemon and eco safe all purpose cleaner in reused glass

Why Professionally Developed Naturally Derived Formulas Are Better

  1. Safety and Surface Protection: Professionally developed naturally derived cleaners are specifically formulated and tested to ensure they’re safe for a wide variety of surfaces, such as stainless steel, wood, glass, and stone. This helps avoid common DIY pitfalls like etching or corrosion.
  2. Effective Cleaning Power: Natural doesn’t mean weak! Professional formulas use carefully calibrated concentrations of natural ingredients to deliver consistent and powerful cleaning performance. Whether breaking down tough grease or lifting stubborn stains, these formulas are optimised for effectiveness.
  3. Surface-Specific Ingredients: Professional products include ingredients designed for specific cleaning challenges. For example, bio-surfactants like Surfactin are effective for reducing surface tension, making it easier to clean dirt, grease, and stains without harsh chemicals.
  4. Consistency: Unlike DIY mixtures, professionally formulated products provide predictable and repeatable results. You won’t have to worry about mixing ratios or whether your concoction is safe for a particular surface.
  5. Environmentally Friendly: Professionally formulated naturally derived products are designed to be biodegradable and eco-friendly. Ingredients like bio-surfactants are sourced sustainably, and many products are made without harmful synthetic additives.

Be Safe, Be Effective: Trust the Pros

While DIY natural solutions can sometimes get the job done, they can also lead to damaged surfaces, inconsistent results, and unexpected issues. That’s why it’s wiser to trust professionals who have spent time developing naturally derived formulas that offer powerful cleaning action and peace of mind.

By choosing our professionally developed cleaners, you’re opting for safe, effective, and environmentally friendly products designed to tackle all your cleaning needs—without the risk of damage.

Ready to Make the Switch?

Check out our Magic Universal 6-in-1 Cleaner, powered by the naturally derived bio-surfactant Surfactin, for a safe and powerful clean.

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