The 13 Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for a Sparkling Home
Tidying your home is great (and can actually improve your health), but using high-quality, eco-friendly cleaning products can take your cleaning game to the next level. They can also help you save money, reduce waste and protect the environment over time.
These eco-friendly cleaning products are great because they are free of harsh chemicals, but still work hard to keep your home sparkling. Bonus: Many products on this list come in reusable, recyclable or refillable packaging to reduce unnecessary waste. Here is a roundup of the best eco-friendly cleaning products to choose from.
Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent
"The first natural cleaning products I used over a decade ago were from Seventh Generation and I still haven't switched from their natural laundry detergent," says Kelly Jones, M.S., RD, CSSD, LDN. It's made with plant-based ingredients, its packaging is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic and you can buy it at most grocery stores, Whole Foods and Target.
Glass Spray Bottles
While this isn't really a "product," these glass spray bottles will help you cut back on plastic waste (especially if you're making your own cleaning products at home). These ones from Amazon are reusable, come in a pack of two and include handy labels so you don't mix up your different cleaning products.
Blueland "The Everyday Clean" Starter Set
Blueland has just about every cleaning product you can imagine, but in addition to being made of natural ingredients, their mission is to reduce plastic waste by offering refillable cleaning solutions.
Jones says, "We switched to Blueland last year and couldn't be happier with the refillable glass soap dispensers, heavy-duty plastic cleaning spray containers and even their compact dishwasher tabs." Plus, you wind up saving money with their concentrate tabs (bonus!), and all packaging can be recycled or composted.
Branch Basics Basic Starter Kit
Branch Basics offers a unique plant- and mineral-based cleaning concentrate that can be used for every area of your home (think: windows, laundry and more). It's free of harmful chemicals and fragrances, so it's perfect for those who are sensitive to smells. When you're out of product, simply order another refill from their website and add to your existing bottles.
Earthworm Drainer Cleaner
This natural drain cleaner relies on powerful enzymes to get rid of clogs. Because it's free of harsh chemicals, it's safe to use around kids and pets.
Casabella Reusable Microfiber Cloths
Cleaning your home with paper towels produces lots of unnecessary waste (not to mention, it's expensive!). These microfiber cloths can be washed in the laundry and reused hundreds of times. They can also be used wet or dry for a variety of cleaning applications, and are gentle enough that they won't scratch delicate surfaces.
Mrs. Meyer's Lemon Verbena Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer's cleaning products were created based on the idea that household products should smell lovely, work well and still be safe for families and the environment. Mrs. Meyer's bottles are made of at least 25% post-consumer recycled plastic, and all of their containers are recyclable.
Common Good Dish Soap
Common Good's household products are made with plant-based ingredients and scented with 100% pure essential oils. Ilyse Schapiro M.S., RD, CDN says, "By offering recyclable bottles and refillable packaging, these surface cleaners, hand soaps and linen detergents are saving the environment one product at a time." Plus, you can replenish your cleaning supplies with their refill pouches when you run out.
CleanWell Disinfecting Wipes
Forgo bleach and other harsh chemicals for these plant-based wipes that use thymol as a disinfectant. They smell herbaceous (like thyme) and fresh, but are tough on germs. They're even approved by the EPA to kill the virus that causes COVID-19.
Ecos Stain and Odor Remover
Ecos has been leading the way in eco-friendly cleaning products for more than 50 years. This cleaning brand creates authentic, natural and affordable products that are safe for people, pets and the planet. "Ecos facilities run on 100% renewable energy and support water-neutral manufacturers, making this company sustainable from the inside out," says Schapiro. Plus, this stain and odor remover comes in a lemon scent to keep your fabric and clothes smelling fresh.
Dishwasher Tablets
These dishwasher tablets check all of the eco-friendly boxes: they're biodegradable, made with plant- and mineral-based ingredients, come in recycled packaging and are totally recyclable when you're done. Bonus: They have great reviews and don't cost an arm and a leg.
Biokleen Stain and Odor Remover
Say goodbye to stains and odors with this enzyme-based cleaner. From pet accidents to laundry, this natural cleaner has you covered. And when you're done, the bottle is recyclable.
Folex Carpet Spot Remover
From fabric couches and chairs to carpets, EatingWell's staffers are obsessed with this spray. And we're not the only ones: It's the #1 household carpet cleaner on Amazon and has over 24,000, 5-star reviews. Plus, it's non-toxic, non-irritating and can be used around kids and pets (no waiting or scrubbing required).