Cleaning your home should be a safe and enjoyable experience. Okay, maybe it’s not always enjoyable, but you should not be exposing yourself to toxins or using chemicals that can cause harm to the environment. If you are eco-friendly conscious you may already know that many big brand cleaning products are chock full of toxic chemicals that are hazardous to both our health and the environment.
I’ve created a list of some of the best eco-friendly cleaning products out on the market. Some are from eco-friendly brands you may already be familiar with and others are creative solutions to tackle the most unpleasant of cleaning jobs.
Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
So, what are the best eco-friendly cleaning products?
1. DAZZ Cleaning Tablets
Looking for a simple cleaning method to reduce your plastic waste? Start by reusing your cleaning bottle. DAZZ Cleaning Tablets are a plastic-free method where the cleaning solution comes pre-made in a tablet form. Simply fill your empty spray bottle with warm water and add two DAZZ tablets. After letting the solution sit for 5 minutes you’re now ready to clean. When you run out, no more need to throw out your plastic cleaning bottle and replace it with a new one. That means one less plastic bottle added to the environment as waste and one less plastic bottle that needs to be produced.
The DAZZ Cleaning Tablets Whole House Starter Kit (link to storefront) has tablets made from plant and mineral-based ingredients that quickly dissolve to produce an all-natural and eco-friendly solution that’s alcohol and ammonia-free. They’ve got all your bases covered with a starter kit that includes tablets for all-purpose, bathroom, and even glass and window cleaning. Three reusable spray bottles are included along with six 32oz bottle refill packs, so you’ll be sure to get the most cleaning bang for your buck.
2. Good Life Solutions Stain & Odor Remover
Some stains and odors really need some extra attention. You shouldn’t have to settle for using harsh toxic chemicals, especially if you live in a home with kids and pets. Fortunately, there is a safe, reliable, and eco-friendly alternative that can tackle even the toughest stains and odors.
The Good Life Solutions Stain & Odor Remover (link to read reviews on Amazon) features a bio-enzymatic formula that gets the job done – even those embarrassing organic stains we all dread to clean including blood, vomit, urine, and feces. Its non-toxic solution is pet and child-safe, fragrance-free, and made from 99% plant-based ingredients, all of which are ethically sourced and cruelty-free while adhering to the EPA “Safer Choice” product standards on the “CleanGredients” list.
Versatile, it can be used on just about any surface, from mattresses and furniture to upholstery and clothing. As a member of the “One Percent for the Planet” organization, Good Life Solutions is a brand committed to giving back to the environment. Each year they donate 1% of their gross sales to an environmental non-profit. An effective and eco-friendly choice for a multi-purpose stain and odor remover.
3. Dr. Bronners Pure-Castile Soap
Castile soap is an eco-friendly household staple because it naturally possesses antibacterial properties. Dr. Bronners Pure-Castile Soap (link to read reviews on Amazon) is a concentrated solution that is safe to use for cleaning everything from your body to the corners of your home. Simply dilute a small amount of the concentrated solution with water and you have an eco-friendly multi-purpose soap that’s free from synthetic preservatives, detergents, and foaming agents.
Dr. Bronner’s produces soap that is cruelty-free and contains only organic and vegan ingredients such as hemp, olive, and coconut oil and will naturally biodegrade if placed into the environment. They offer a ton of different natural smelling fragrances and since it’s a concentrated formula, it will last much longer after you dilute it with water. A perfect choice for a handwashing soap in the bathroom or kitchen. An eco-friendly bonus – the bottle is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic!
4. J.R. Watkins Hand Soap
Parabens are chemicals that have been used since the 1950s to prevent bacteria and common in many toiletries and personal care products. Sulfates are a common foaming agent found in many kinds of toothpaste, soaps, and shampoos. Both have been loosely linked to health problems. While the jury is still out on research, I won’t take any chances!
Instead, I use a soap that I can feel good about. J.R. Watkins Hand Soap (link to read reviews on Amazon) is made from plant-based ingredients and is free from any parabens, dyes, or phthalates. They offer a selection of naturally scented hand soaps that are crafted for no irritation to your skin. An eco-friendly benefit – they offer economical refill pouches so you can reuse your bottle without the added waste.
5. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Dish Soap
When choosing an eco-friendly dish soap, it’s important to find one that will not adversely affect our waterways when disposed of. The people at Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day have done a fantastic job of making dish soap that is all-natural and not harmful to the environment.
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Dish Soap (link to read reviews on Amazon) is biodegradable and contains only all-natural plant-based ingredients. No parabens, no phthalates, no-nonsense, still strong enough to cut through grease when you get down to scrubbing. They are available in a variety of naturally smelling scents too. If you have a dishwasher, don’t fret – you can still be eco-friendly with Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Automatic Dish Packs (link to read reviews on Amazon) as well.
6. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
Let’s face it, sometimes we need a strong scouring powder to tackle those tough cleaning jobs in the bathroom. With Bon Ami Powder Cleanser (link to read reviews on Amazon), you won’t have to worry about any potential chemical mixing mishaps that result in you inhaling harsh chemical odors and case of the dizzy spells.
Free from chlorine, perfumes, or dyes, the all-natural corn and coconut-derived ingredients in this powder eliminates odors and safely cleans all surfaces including granite, ceramic tiles, chrome, porcelain, and stainless steel. Perfect for use in the kitchen as well, this is a staple eco-friendly product that no cleaning cabinet should go without.
7. Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner
White vinegar is an eco-friendly cleaner’s best friend. The acidity in vinegar makes it a fantastic floor cleaner for counteracting dirt, grease, and grime. The only problem with vinegar the very strong odor!
Enter Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner, an all-natural cleaning solution safe to use on hardwood, vinyl, ceramic tiles, bamboo, and laminate flooring. Family and pet-safe, this concentrated vinegar-based solution comes in several naturally scented fragrances that will leave your home smelling refreshed rather than like a toxic chemical laboratory.
8. Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizers
Hand sanitizers are great for on-the-go sanitization, especially when you don’t have access to hand soap or a sink. The only problem is that many common hand sanitizers contain alcohol and a cocktail of chemicals.
Babyganics Alcohol-Free Foaming Hand Sanitizer (link to read reviews on Amazon) is the perfect choice for the little ones in your life. Free from alcohol, the foaming feature is a fun way to encourage your children to practice germ-free habits handwashing habits. Made from plant-based ingredients, it’s free from parabens, sulfates, phthalates, and artificial dyes and fragrances. A must for an eco-friendly family.
9. Eco-Me Wood Polish and Cleaner
Your wood furniture and surfaces in your home are valuable, so they take constant maintenance to keep them cleaned and polished to perfection. Popular commercial wood polish brands really do a fantastic job at cleaning and polishing wood surfaces leaving them lemony fresh, but it comes at a cost. Common brands come in unrecyclable aerosol spray cans chockful of chemicals you can’t even pronounce.
Eco-Me Wood Polish and Cleaner (link to read reviews on Amazon) is produced from naturally antibacterial essential oils that will still leave you with that familiar lemony fresh scent – minus the irritation and exposure to chemicals. Produced in the USA, it’s also safe to use near food surfaces and children and pet-safe.
10. Bunchafarmers Environmentally Friendly Stain Remover Stick
Have you ever used a stain remover stick? It’s a unique alternative to using traditional spray-on stain removers. Simply add hot water to the stain and gently rub the stick directly into the stain.
BunchaFarmers Environmentally Friendly Stain Remover Stick (link to read reviews on Amazon) is 100% biodegradable and made from natural ingredients including coconut, vegetable, and canola oils. Surprisingly, a small amount of this stuff rubbed directly into your stain gets the job done.
No more plastic spray bottle that creates extra waste. Cut up pieces of the stick and add it to your laundry for an extra stain-fighting boost or prolong the life of your stick by diluting it into a solution.
11. Earthworm Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator
Furry loved ones in your home? Let’s be honest, we love them but sometimes they can leave us presents and surprises around every corner. When cleaning up after our pets, we certainly don’t want to leave behind any harmful chemicals that they can be exposed to.
That’s why I prefer Earthworm Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator (link to read reviews on Amazon). Free from harsh chemicals yet strong enough to penetrate fabric and upholstery, it breaks down the source of the pet waste, including urine, feces, and vomit. No need to aggressively scrub into your carpet or fabric, just let the natural enzymes break down the odors leaving your house smelling fresh and your little loved ones safe.
12. Mieco Reusable Unpaper Towels
I’ll be the first to admit that I love the convenience of having paper towels on hand in the kitchen. I can use them for many tasks in addition to cleaning, but if they create so much added paper waste.
Fortunately, there is a durable and reusable alternative to single-use paper towels. Mieco Reusable Unpaper Towels are paper-free, made from organic unbleached cotton. When you are done using for cleaning, simply toss them in the laundry and reuse them over and over again. An easy way to reduce your waste in the kitchen.
13. Eney Natural Eco-Friendly Kitchen Sponge
Are the sponges you use eco-friendly? Some sponges may contain plastics that won’t biodegrade when tossed into the environment or additional dyes and fragrances. Cheap sponges can also wear out quickly, harbor nasty bacteria, and start to smell if not properly sanitized or replaced over time.
Eplanita Natural Eco-Friendly Kitchen Sponge (link to read reviews on Amazon) is a plastic-free sponge made from plant-based materials that are biodegradable. Think loofah for your kitchen sink – a durable material strong enough for scrubbing that will last up to 4-6 weeks before needing a change.
A company committed to environmental values, Eney is partnered with One Tree Planted, a US-based charity for focused on planting trees around the world. A purchase you can feel good about.
14. U.S. Pumice Heavy Duty Scouring Stick
Heavy-duty cleaning calls for a heavy-duty material. Pumice stone is an all-natural material produced from volcanic rock. It’s light and abrasive texture works wonders on difficult stains. The U.S. Pumice Heavy Duty Scouring Stick (link to read reviews on Amazon) always gives you the extra elbow-grease edge to finally get the job done.
An essential tool for cleaning that grease build up on your outdoor grill or those hard water stains in the bathroom that just won’t seem to go away. American made, these scouring sticks won’t hurt your wallet and are an eco-friendly “must-have” for any cleaning cabinet.
15. Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Out of all the chemical-based cleaning products I used before, the toilet bowl cleaner was some of the strongest and most irritating. Since it contained bleach, there was always the risk of staining clothing as well.
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner (link to read reviews on Amazon) is tough enough on stains but won’t release irritable fumes into the air. Free from chlorine, ammonia, or fragrances and made instead of plant-based ingredients, this toilet bowl cleaner will keep your porcelain throne white while not sacrificing the environment.
16. Waste Free Products Laundry Paste Detergent Bar
Laundry paste – a new alternative to traditional liquid-based laundry detergents. Simply dilute the laundry paste bar into a container with water and use it as you normally would for liquid laundry detergent. No more oversized plastic containers that may nor may not be recyclable.
Waste Free Products Laundry Paste Detergent Bar (link to read reviews on Amazon) is a natural plant-based soap made from ingredients including coconut & olive oils, liquid from soap nuts, yucca powder, and baking soda. No irritation to your skin caused by chemicals you’ve never heard. Each bar can dilute to make up to 1 gallon of solution which is enough for 256 laundry loads. A great way to save a bit of money and help out the environment.
17. Eco-egg Laundry Egg
Just toss in an egg! No need to crack the shell before, the eco-egg Laundry Egg (link to read reviews on Amazon) a unique and environmentally-friendly way to do your laundry. Simply leave it on top of your laundry load and start the cycle. It utilizes natural cleansing pellets inside of the egg which lasts for up to 720 laundry loads. Now depending on your household size, that’s a long time!
The natural cleaning pellets are hypoallergenic, so they are safe to use for all fabrics including the clothing of your little ones. A fun and convenient eco-friendly alternative to using conventional liquid detergent.
18. Ecos Liquid Laundry Detergent
Do you still want to stick with your traditional liquid detergent? Don’t worry, Ecos Liquid Laundry Detergent (link to read reviews on Amazon) is a concentrated environmentally-safe laundry detergent that is free of dyes, parabens, phthalates, and phosphates.
An ideal choice to be used for handwashing your garments, it’s gentle on your skin and also your clothes. It’s plant-based ingredients also contain an additional fabric softener solution, so no need to purchase another plastic bottle.
19. Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls
Having soft clothes and fabric are important, but no need to add another chemical-based solution to your laundry cycles or use dryer sheets that contain chemical compounds. Instead, use a natural fabric softener by adding wool dryer balls to your drying loads.
Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls (link to read reviews on Amazon) are made from 100% premium wool and act by increasing hot airflow in your dyer helping soften your clothes. About the size of a tennis ball, one ball can be used up to 1000 loads, which for some can be from 2-4 years! No chemical-based liquids or dryer sheets needed. An effective eco-friendly alternative that will also help save you energy costs by shortening your dry times.
20. Kamenoko Traditional Japanese Tawashi Brushes
Recycle that plastic scrub brush you have. Make the switch to a more durable brush made from natural ingredients. Kamenoko Traditional Japanese Tawashi Brushes are made from natural palm fibers that are tightly bound together.
Gentle enough for scrubbing your fruits and vegetables and also firm enough to scour your pots and pans. Use them also for deep cleaning and scrubbing jobs around the house, just make sure you have separate brushes for each job.
A traditional Japanese product, they are biodegradable so you can have a clear conscience when you are finished with them instead of tossing out unrecyclable plastic that will sit in a landfill for years on end.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a fun and creative experience, you can also DIY your own all-natural cleaning recipes. Most ingredients are simple and only call for a few staple ingredients such as baking soda, white vinegar, and essential oils.
Most of us are looking for ease and convenience, but the cleaning we do in our home should be safe – not a time where we are exposing ourselves to hazardous chemicals. Many big brand commercial cleaning products may market their products as being “green” or “non-toxic”. Take the time to be an educated eco-friendly consumer and learn more about what exact ingredients are in each product and what potential harm those can cause to your health and the environment.
I hope you find this list helpful towards your eco-friendly journey and I wish you a safe and happy cleaning experience!
