Introduction
As consumers become more conscious about the impact of household chemicals on human health and the environment, the demand for eco-friendly cleaning products has skyrocketed. Green cleaning supplies use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients and avoid harsh chemicals that can irritate skin, trigger allergies, and pollute waterways. By switching to non-toxic cleaners, you can keep your home sparkling clean while protecting your family and the planet.
In this comprehensive guide, I will recommend the top eco-friendly cleaning products in each category, explaining why they are effective and better for your health and the environment. I’ll also provide tips for green cleaning your home safely and efficiently. Let’s get started!
All-Purpose Cleaners
All-purpose cleaners are used for general cleaning tasks throughout the home. Conventional all-purpose cleaners often contain chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde. Green all-purpose cleaners use plant-based ingredients like vinegar, lemon oil, and coconut-based surfactants to effectively cut through grease and grime without toxic fumes.
Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner
Seventh Generation’s multi-surface cleaner disinfects and deodorizes using thymol from thyme oil. Thymol is an effective disinfectant that breaks down grease and kills 99.99% of germs without harsh fumes. This USDA Certified Biobased Product comes in fragrance-free and scented citrus and mint varieties.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s all-natural cleaners are made with plant-derived essential oils and ingredients like coconut oil, aloe vera, and olive oil soap. The multi-surface everyday cleaner quickly removes grease and grime from counters, floors, walls, appliances, and more, leaving a streak-free shine. It has a light, uplifting scented geranium aroma.
Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner
Puracy’s plant-based formula uses sodium citrate, sodium carbonate, and other grease-cutting salts to lift dirt from multiple surfaces. It’s non-toxic, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and third-party tested. The grapefruit grove scent provides an energizing aroma.
Glass and Window Cleaners
Toxic chemicals like ammonia are commonly used in conventional glass cleaners. Eco-friendly window cleaners use natural solvents like vinegar and alcohol to create streak-free shine without toxic fumes.
Better Life Natural Glass Cleaner
Better Life’s non-toxic glass cleaner uses corn and coconut alcohol to effectively remove smudges and fingerprints from windows and mirrors. It also contains aloe to condition glass surfaces. The unscented formula prevents streaks and haze without toxic or harsh chemical residues.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
In addition to all-purpose cleaning, Mrs. Meyer’s plant-based cleaner can be diluted to clean windows and glass without streaks or chemical odors. The geranium scent leaves a light, uplifting aroma. It’s effective on mirrors, windshields, TV screens, and more.
Whole Foods Market Eco-logic Glass & Surface Cleaner
Whole Foods Market’s Eco-logic glass cleaner uses plant-derived decyl glucoside as a natural cleaning agent and corn-based alcohol to sanitize and prevent streaking. It’s USDA Certified Biobased, Non-GMO Project Verified, and EPA Safer Choice certified.
Bathroom Cleaners
Harsh chemicals like chlorine bleach are standard in conventional bathroom cleaners. Green bathroom cleaners harness the cleaning power of plants to cut through soap scum and hard water stains while avoiding toxic ingredients.
Method Antibacterial Bathroom Cleaner
Method’s bathroom cleaner uses thymol from thyme oil to kill 99.9% of bacteria and break down soap scum. Plant-based lactic acid also removes limescale and hard water stains from tile, tubs, showers, and sinks. Available in mint and eucalyptus scents derived from essential oils.
Cleancult Liquid Cleansing Bathroom Cleaner
Cleancult’s bathroom cleaner is powered by coconut-based cleaning agents, aloe leaf juice, and essential oils. It foams to remove soap scum and odors without irritating lungs or skin. Certified cruelty-free and reusable in their steel bottles available by subscription.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s toilet cleaner uses plant-derived ingredients like citric acid and essential oils to remove rust, limescale, and hard water stains without harsh fumes. The lavender scent provides a calming ambiance. Safe for septic systems when used as directed.
Floor Cleaners
Conventional floor cleaners often contain VOCs, petroleum solvents, phosphates, and other chemicals. Eco-friendly floor cleaners use plant oils and acids to clean safely and effectively.
Puracy Natural Floor Cleaner
Puracy’s plant-based floor cleaner uses mint essential oil and coconut-based cleansers to penetrate dirt and dissolve grease. The formula is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, biodegradable, and compatible with wood, tile, laminate, and other flooring types when used as directed.
Better Life Natural Floor Cleaner
Better Life’s floor cleaner is powered by plant-based alcohol, corn starch, and essential oil infusions tailored for tile, wood, and laminate floors. The cleaner lifts dirt without leaving toxic chemical residues or dulling floor shine. USDA certified biobased.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Multi-Surface Concentrate
Mrs. Meyer’s plant-based concentrate can be diluted to clean finished hardwood and laminate floors. The lemon verbena scent provides an uplifting aroma. When used as directed, it removes tough dirt and footprints without damaging floor sealants.
Laundry Detergents
Mainstream laundry detergents often contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, triclosan, and chemical surfactants that can trigger allergies. Eco-friendly laundry soaps harness the cleaning power of plants without the harsh additives.
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
Seventh Generation’s hypoallergenic laundry detergent is USDA Certified Biobased, made with plant-derived renewables. It comes in unscented varieties as well as fragrances from essential oils and botanical extracts. Effective at lifts stains and odors for clean, bright clothes.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Laundry Detergent
Mrs. Meyer’s biodegradable laundry soap gently lifts dirt and stains with plant-derived surfactants. It’s highly concentrated to clean 64 loads in the lavender, lemon verbena, basil, and other signature scents. Septic and greywater system safe.
Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent
Puracy’s plant-based formula contains clinical-grade enzymes to break down oils and lift stains. Certified hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Available in lavender vanilla, citrus zest, fresh linen, and other aromas from essential oils. Effective in all water temperatures.
Dish Soaps
Many conventional dish soaps contain petroleum-based detergents, synthetic fragrances, and preservatives. Eco-friendly dish soaps use plant-powered sudsing agents to cut grease while avoiding harmful ingredients.
Seventh Generation Dish Liquid
Seventh Generation’s dish soap uses plant-based ingredients like ethyl alcohol and citric acid to remove stuck-on foods. Hypoallergenic and dye-free formulas available in cherry blossom, apple blossom, and lemon scents derived from essential oils.
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Liquid Dish Soap
Mrs. Meyer’s sulfate-free dish soap uses plant surfactants and essential oils to wash away grease and provide a non-toxic clean for dishes. Available in scents like lavender, lemon verbena, basil, and honeysuckle derived from essential botanicals.
Puracy Natural Dish Soap
Puracy’s sudsing dish soap blend contains plant-based ingredients like sodium citrate and Recover plant-based surfactants to dissolve grease. Infused with essential oils in scents like grapefruit and lime. Sulfate-, chloride-, and phosphate-free formula.
Safety Tips for Green Cleaning
When using eco-friendly cleaning products:
- Always follow label directions for proper usage to maximize effectiveness and safety.
- Use gloves and run ventilation when possible while cleaning.
- Keep cleaners tightly sealed and out of reach of children and pets.
- Spot test cleaners in an inconspicuous area before widespread use.
- Check that cleaners are compatible with your surfaces. Don’t use on unfinished wood, for example.
- Combine vinegar or baking soda with green cleaners for extra strong cleaning jobs.
- Look for Safer Choice, Green Seal, USDA Biobased, and other eco-labels when choosing products.
The Bottom Line
Green cleaning supplies are better for human health because they avoid toxic ingredients found in conventional cleaners. Plant-based cleaners are also better for the environment since they biodegrade rather than polluting ecosystems.
Top eco-friendly cleaning brands like Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyer’s, Puracy, Cleancult, and Better Life use plant oils, acids, alcohols, and essential oils to effectively clean without toxic chemicals. With so many affordable, non-toxic options now available, there’s no need to expose your family and home to hazardous conventional cleaning products. Give green cleaning a try for a healthier clean!
