Spring is a time for renewal and refreshing our homes. As the weather warms up, I start noticing all the grime that accumulated over a long winter. I love decluttering and giving my home a deep clean, but I also want to use cleaners that are safe for my family and the environment. Here are my top recommendations for the best natural cleaning products for an eco-friendly spring clean.
Why Choose Natural Cleaning Products
Conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, bleach, and formaldehyde. When cleaning agents contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), they can irritate eyes and airways. Many conventional cleaners also include artificial fragrances and dyes.
Exposure to the fumes and residues from chemical cleaning products has been linked to:
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Headaches
- Nausea
Natural cleaning products are made from plant-derived ingredients like essential oils, soapnuts, and citric acid. Going green with my home cleaning helps reduce indoor air pollution and protects my family’s health. It also keeps dangerous chemicals from going down the drain and into the ecosystem.
What to Look for in Natural Cleaning Products
Plant-Based Ingredients
The best natural cleaners contain plant-derived compounds like vinegar, baking soda, essential oils, and soapnuts. These ingredients break down quickly and pose minimal risk to your health and the environment.
No Harsh Chemicals
Avoid conventional cleaners with ammonia, bleach, formaldehyde, phthalates, and VOCs. Going natural means skipping synthetic fragrances and dyes as well.
Non-Toxic Certifications
Look for products certified by the EPA’s Safer Choice Program or GREENSEAL. These labels indicate a cleaner is effective and eco-friendly.
Concentrated Formulas
Concentrated cleaners have higher levels of active ingredients. A little bit of concentrate makes a lot of cleaning solution. Concentrates reduce plastic waste from packaging and the carbon footprint associated with transport.
Reusable Packaging
Some green cleaning companies sell concentrates in reusable spray bottles. Refilling bottles instead of throwing them away reduces plastic waste.
Best Natural Products for Spring Cleaning
Here are my top picks for effective, eco-friendly cleaners to tackle every spring cleaning chore:
All-Purpose Cleaner
For washing down surfaces throughout the home without nasty chemical fumes, I like Branch Basics Concentrate ($19.50). Dilute a few teaspoons in a spray bottle for an all-purpose citrus mint cleaner that works like magic. It’s non-toxic, biodegradable, and certified cruelty-free.
Bathroom Scrub
Grime builds up in the bathroom over a long winter. Scrubbing Bubbles Naturals Tub & Tile Scrub ($4.19) uses coconut oil to break down soap scum. The mineral abrasives scrub away grime without scratching. It’s biodegradable and safe if accidentally inhaled.
Glass + Window Cleaner
Get windows and mirrors sparkling with Better Life Naturally Derived Glass Cleaner ($4.49). This plant-based cleaner with mint and lime leaves behind a streak-free shine without any chemical smell. It’s GREENSEAL certified and comes in a recyclable bottle.
Wood Cleaner + Polish
Dust dulls wood furniture over time. Bring back the natural shine with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Wood Polish ($9.97). This lightly scented polish contains plant oils that nourish wood. The cream formula also includes a touch of beeswax for protective polishing.
Floor Cleaner
Mopping up tracked-in dirt is a must before spring. I’ve come to love Puracy Natural Hardwood Floor Cleaner ($19.97). This plant-based cleaner is safe for all types of hard floors. The light ginger and pear fragrance also naturally neutralizes odors.
Laundry Detergent
Freshen up tired linens with Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent ($11.97). It’s an eco-friendly detergent made from plant-based ingredients instead of chemicals. This hypoallergenic formula works in all water temperatures to get clothes clean without residue.
Hand Soap
Washing hands frequently over the winter means my soap pumps get grimy. I like to clean and refresh them with Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Hand Soap ($3.99). This castile soap blend disinfects with essential oils like geranium, rosemary, and lavender. The eucalyptus scent uplifts me while I wash away germs.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips
- Ventilate while cleaning and allow surfaces to dry completely to avoid lingering chemical smells.
- Mix concentrates with warm water to help dissolve ingredients.
- Use microfiber cloths and sponges to clean efficiently with less product.
- Look for reusable containers to reduce plastic bottle waste.
- Skip the heat and wash laundry in cold water to save energy.
- Air dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heating element.
With these natural cleaning recommendations, I can give my home a fresh start this spring while caring for my family’s health and the environment. Have you made the switch to eco-friendly cleaners? I’d love to hear your favorite products for green cleaning!
