I’m on a mission to make my home cleaning routine more sustainable, but with so many eco-friendly cleaning products on the market it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here’s a deep dive into the best options to help you go green with your home cleaning.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?
There are a few key reasons why I want to swap out conventional cleaning products for greener options:
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Reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Many conventional cleaners contain ingredients like bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and volatile organic compounds that can irritate lungs and skin. Eco-friendly products avoid these.
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Protect waterways and ecosystems. Harsh chemicals get flushed down our drains and end up polluting our rivers, lakes, and oceans. Greener ingredients are biodegradable and less taxing on the environment.
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Promote sustainable manufacturing. Eco-friendly brands tend to prioritize sustainable sourcing, packaging, and business practices compared to mainstream brands.
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Improve indoor air quality. Greener products often omit artificial fragrances and use plant-based ingredients that don’t degrade air quality. My home feels healthier as a result!
What Makes a Cleaner “Eco-Friendly”?
When researching eco-cleaning options, watch out for these signs of a truly green product:
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Plant-based ingredients. Look for plant-derived ingredients like citrus extracts, coconut oil, baking soda, vinegar, etc. These break down safely.
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No phosphates. Phosphates in cleaners cause algae blooms in lakes. Most eco brands exclude them.
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Limit on volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs degrade indoor air quality. Eco brands minimize them.
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Sustainable packaging. Look for reusable, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging. Some offer compostable or concentrate options.
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Responsible manufacturing. Check that brands use renewable energy, ethical sourcing, and greener chemistry.
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Third-party certifications. Certifications like Safer Choice, EWG Verified, and USDA Organic verify the eco-friendly claims.
Top Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Here are my top picks after testing a ton of green cleaning brands:
All-Purpose Cleaners
Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner
- Plant-based formula cuts grease and freshens
- USDA Certified Biobased Product
- No added fragrances or dyes
Puracy Natural All-Purpose Cleaner
- Powered by plants, not petrochemicals
- Cleans without sulphates, perfumes, or animal by-products
- Certified Child & Pet Safe
Mrs. Meyer’s All-Purpose Cleaner
- Derived from essential oils and plant ingredients
- Comes in nice scents like lavender and lemon verbena
- Cruelty free and packaged in recycled materials
Glass and Window Cleaners
Better Life Natural Glass Cleaner
- Cleans windows, mirrors, chrome without streaks or haze
- Certified cruelty free and vegan
- Light cucumber mint scent
Cleancult Glass Cleaner Spray
- Chemical-free and made with just 4 plant-based ingredients
- Cuts through grease, grit, fingerprints, and dirt
- Sustainably packaged in aluminum bottle
Aunt Fannie’s Glass Cleaner
- Vinegar-based formula powers through dirt and smudges
- Greener alternative to ammonia-based glass cleaners
- USDA Certified Biobased Product
Dish Soaps
Puracy Natural Dish Soap
- Natural coconut-based formula cuts grease
- Free from petrochemicals, sulfates, perfumes
- Comes in scents like citrus and sea salt
Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap
- Made with essential oils and plant-derived ingredients
- Available in nice scents like lemon verbena
- Cruelty free and packaged in recycled materials
Eco Me Better Dish Soap
- Powers through grease using plant-derived sudsers
- Never tested on animals; vegan and biodegradable
- Light and uplifting lemongrass scent
Laundry Detergents
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
- Stain-fighting enzyme formula derived from plants
- USDA certified over 95% bio-based
- Fragrance free and hypoallergenic
Eco Nuts Organic Laundry Detergent
- Contains soap berries that gently lift dirt and stains
- Plastic-free packaging; compostable materials
- For sensitive skin; fragrance, dye and chemical free
Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder
- Powdered plant-based formula for HE and standard machines
- Graywater safe and septic system safe
- Handmade in the USA; vegan and cruelty free
DIY Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
You can also make effective green cleaners at home with a few simple ingredients:
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1⁄2 cup vinegar
- 1⁄4 cup baking soda
- 10-15 drops essential oil (optional for scent)
- Mix in spray bottle, dilute with water as needed
Glass Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- 1⁄4 cup vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 tbsp rubbing alcohol or vodka
- Mix, add to spray bottle
Foaming Dish Soap
- 1⁄2 cup Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap
- 1⁄2 cup water
- 15-20 drops essential oil if desired
- Mix until foamy. Use sparingly.
The eco-friendly cleaning revolution is in full swing. I hope this guide gives you a helpful overview of the best plant-powered products and DIY options to eliminate harsh chemicals from your home cleaning routine. Let me know if you have any other greener cleaner recommendations!
