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A Complete Guide to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Discover how to identify eco-friendly cleaners for a non-toxic home
Ironically, the cleaning products we use to scrub away dirt, grime, and germs often introduce harmful chemicals into our homes. These chemicals can cause minor irritations, allergic reactions, or, with long-term exposure, contribute to chronic conditions or even cancer. Beyond our homes, these products often end up polluting waterways, causing harm to aquatic life damaging the environment.
Packaging is another major concern, especially plastic. For example, 700 million laundry detergent jugs end up in U.S. landfills each year. Less than 10% of all plastic is recycled each year, and choosing products with more readily recyclable or biodegradable packaging is one small but impactful step toward reducing waste.
This guide will help you choose non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products, highlighting what chemicals to avoid, certifications to look for, and other helpful tips. Already know what you’re looking for? Jump to product recommendations.
Need eco-friendly cleaning tools to use with your non-toxic cleaners? Find suggestions here.
How do I choose non-toxic cleaning products?
You’ve probably noticed cleaning product labels with promising words like “environmentally friendly,” “natural,” or “green.” How do you know if these claims are actually true?
Identifying genuinely eco-friendly cleaning products can be challenging due to the widespread practice of greenwashing. This occurs when companies use vague or generic eco-friendly buzzwords in their marketing to create the illusion of sustainability. Often, these claims are misleading or even false, lacking any real data to substantiate them.
Product eco-certifications are helpful to see past the greenwashing, since companies must comply with a strict set of criteria in order to qualify.
Non-toxic cleaning product certifications to look for
Cleaning products that have earned third-party eco-certifications have undergone rigorous testing and met standards regarding chemical safety. The presence of symbols denoting these certifications on product packaging is a great indication that the cleaner in question is safe to use. Here are the most common certifications to look for when choosing green cleaning products.
Learn more about sustainability certifications on eco-friendly products.
EWG Verified
The EWG (Environmental Working Group) is a non-profit whose mission is “to empower you with breakthrough research to make informed choices and live a healthy life in a healthy environment.”
EPA Safer Choice
The EPA’s Safer Choice program “helps consumers, businesses, and purchasers find products that perform and contain ingredients that are safer for human health and the environment. Safer Choice is an EPA Pollution Prevention (P2) program, which includes practices that reduce, eliminate, or prevent pollution at its source, such as using safer ingredients in products.”
Made Safe certified products are made without harmful and polluting chemicals.
UL Ecologo
The UL ECOLOGO “indicates a product has undergone rigorous scientific testing and exhaustive auditing to prove its compliance with stringent, third-party environmental standards.”
This certification is a “designation that a business is meeting high standards of verified performance, accountability, and transparency on factors from employee benefits and charitable giving to supply chain practices and input materials.”
Leaping Bunny
Standardizes cruelty-free claims. Companies do not conduct animal testing or use/purchase ingredients from companies that do.
Toxic chemicals in cleaning products
Cleaning products can create indoor air pollution by releasing chemicals commonly referred to as VOCs (volatile organic compounds) into the air. VOCs vaporize at room temperature and can persist in the air long after the initial introduction. Indoors, these chemicals are concentrated up to ten times more than outdoors. Outside, they react with nitrogen oxides to form ozone, contributing to air pollution and smog.
Since most of us spend about 90% of our time indoors, frequent exposure to VOCs can become a problem. The presence of VOCs can lead to or exacerbate a variety of health problems, particularly for people with underlying lung-related conditions such as asthma or COPD. Immediate exposure can create symptoms such as:
- Throat or respiratory tract irritation
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches, dizziness, or fatigue
- Visual disorders and memory impairment
- Nose discomfort or bleeding
- Allergic skin reaction
- Nausea & vomiting
The long-term effects of VOC exposure might lead any one of these symptoms becoming a chronic ailment. Additionally, more severe illnesses may result, including damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system, and even cancer.
Common VOCs
- Benzene (carcinogen)
- Formaldehyde (carcinogen)
- 1,4-Dioxane (carcinogen) – Usually not specifically listed on ingredient labels, as it is not intentionally added but a byproduct of ethoxylated surfactants or alcohols, which ends in “-eth”, such as laureth-6 or sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), ceteareth, or steareth.
- Acetone
- Ammonia
- Dichlorobenzene
- Ethylene glycol
- Methylene chloride
- Phthalates
- Toluene
- Xylene
Learn more about VOCs and indoor air pollution here.
Common water-polluting chemicals in cleaning products
Cleaning products often contain chemicals that can contribute to water pollution when they are washed down drains, eventually reaching rivers, lakes, and oceans. Some of these chemicals can be harmful to aquatic life and ecosystems, in addition to human health. Besides impacting air quality, many of the previously listed VOCs also contribute to water pollution. More chemicals that are particularly damaging to water quality and aquatic organisms are listed below.
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)
- Where Found: Valued for their stain-repellent and waterproofing properties, PFAS can be found in a wide variety of cleaning products, most notably glass and hard surface cleaners; fabric, upholstery, and carpet cleaners and treatments; waxes and polishes; dishwashing rinse aids; and aerosol propellant-based cleaners and air fresheners.
- Why Avoid: PFAS, aka “forever chemicals,” persist in the body and environment indefinitely. Chemicals have been associated with a wide variety of health effects, from endocrine dysfunction, immune suppression, and cancer, among others.
- Common Names: PFAS are a large group of chemicals; identify ingredients containing “fluoro” or “perfluoro”, such as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), Perfluoroalkyl compounds, Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), Perfluorodecalin, Fluoropolymer.
Synthetic fragrances in cleaning products
- Why Avoid: Often a cocktail of chemicals that can not only trigger allergies, irritation, or dermatitis, fragrance information is considered proprietary and ingredients are not required to be fully disclosed. This allows companies to potentially hide any chemical (especially phthalates and parabens) under the umbrella of fragrance, leaving consumers in the dark regarding chemical exposure. Therefore, going fragrance-free is ultimately the safest choice.
- Alternatives: Besides products labeled as “fragrance-free,” seek those using natural essential oils for scent.
Palm oil
Palm oil is commonly used in cleaning products as a surfactant, emulsifier, and foaming agent. While it is not inherently toxic or dangerous, its inclusion in cleaning products—and cosmetics, personal care items, and food—raises important ethical and environmental concerns. The farming practices associated with palm oil production are often devastating to the environment, contributing to deforestation, habitat destruction, and significant carbon emissions. Additionally, these practices frequently involve the exploitation of workers, such as forced labor, child labor, and trafficking. As a result, palm oil has rightfully earned a negative reputation.
Learn all about this complicated ingredient and how you can find cleaning products that contain ethically and sustainably-sourced palm oil.
Helpful resources
Overwhelmed with all the chemical names? Utilize these helpful resources to find eco-friendly cleaning products.
- Browse EPA Safer Choice products.
- Search the Consumer Product Information Database (CPID), which is supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), U.S. Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
- Read this helpful article by Grove explaining the benefits of switching to natural cleaning products and the main ingredients you want to avoid.
- Check out the healthy cleaning guide by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). This is a fantastic resource to learn about different product ingredients. EWG has a safety rating system and they also certify products they deem non-toxic. Download the app for quick access to their database.
- Think Dirty is my favorite app to help me determine whether a product is clean. You can type in an item or scan the barcode of tons of cleaning (and personal care) products and they have a rating system of how ‘dirty’ they are based on the ingredients. Note that any product with added fragrance rates poorly since fragrance is proprietary and the ingredients don’t have to be disclosed; it creates a loophole for companies to hide ingredients.
DIY cleaning recipes
You may want to skip worrying about all the chemicals and control exactly what you use to clean. This is not only the safest option, but also most likely the cheapest. And you probably already have many natural cleaning ingredients in your cupboards. You can use items like white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, isopropyl alcohol, castile soap, salt, lemons & lemon juice, and borax.
I’m not going to reinvent the wheel here, so check out these awesome resources for homemade cleaning product recipes.
- Bob Vila’s recommendations on how to clean with vinegar & baking soda
- EWG DIY Cleaning Guide
- How to Make Lung- and Asthma-Safe Cleaning Products
Zero waste cleaning product packaging
Tips for reducing cleaning product packing waste:
- Use reusable bottles, like these glass spray bottles from Grove. Then purchase refills, concentrates, or cleaning tablets that can be mixed with water. Blueland is a great example; you have the option of buying refills that come in recyclable or biodegradable packaging. If you don’t have access to recycling, you can ship it to them for free and they will recycle it for you.
- Buy in bulk. Hopefully you have a shop near you that you can take your own containers and fill them with soaps or other cleaning products. Otherwise buy bulk size refills, which minimizes the amount of packaging used. Boulder Clean refills are a good example.
- Look for plastic-free cleaning products. Finding natural, non-toxic cleaners that also come in sustainable packaging adds another element of difficulty in finding the greenest products. The best packaging choices are glass and metal because they can be recycled infinitely and don’t involved a lot of chemicals in their production. Sustainable materials like bamboo, biodegradable packaging, or recycled paper are also good options. Check company websites for information on their packaging.
If you happen to have new, unused cleaning products that you don’t want or need, donate them to places like the YWCA, IRC, or local homeless or animal shelter. If you have opened products that you won’t use, give them to a friend or post on a Buy Nothing forum.
Recycling cleaning product packaging
The best zero waste cleaning products are packaged in plastic-free, recyclable packaging. Cleaning concentrates are best since they come in smaller packages. Make sure bottles and packaging are empty and dry. Here’s a brief rundown on responsibly disposing of empty product packaging.
- Glass – recycle curbside as available or at a drop-off location.
- Steel, tin, and aluminum – recycle curbside. Aerosol cans are acceptable if they are completely empty.
- Paper products – recycled curbside, unless packaging with a waxy coating.
- Plastics – recycle per local guidelines. Note that spray pumps cannot go into your curbside recycling since they contain a metal coil in addition to the plastic. Send to Terracycle for free.
- Plastic wrap – recycle at a grocery store drop off location.
- Terracycle offers a Cleaning Supplies and Accessories zero waste box that you can fill with dryer sheets, lid tops, cleaning product bottles, detergent bottles and nozzles, spray bottles, dust pans, dry & wet cleaning pads, buckets, mops, and brooms. Check their site for specific brand package free recycling.
Special cleaning situations
There are some substances that require special testing for their presence, and if action is required special care should be taken. Hiring a professional is strongly recommended. These include:
- Asbestos. If your residence was built before the s, it is possible you have asbestos in your cement, floor tiles, insulation, walls and pipes. You can hire a trained asbestos professional to help you detect its presence, and handle the removal if necessary. It is crucial to handle asbestos-containing materials properly, as improper handling poses risks to both workers and the general public, potentially leading to the development of asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma cancer, lung cancer, and asbestosis. The Mesothelioma Center is the best resource to learn more about where asbestos can be found in your home, and the safe handling and disposing of this material.
- Radon. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas emitted from the ground that can enter your home through openings in walls, basement floor, and cracks in the foundation. It is colorless, tasteless and odorless. When radon gets trapped indoors, it may concentrate at dangerous levels. Exposure to high levels of radon can cause lung cancer. In fact, radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer. You can purchase testing kits or a continuous monitor to detect its presence; the EPA recommends testing every two years. If levels are high, you can hire a professional to help you mitigate this gas. Learn more from the EPA’s radon FAQ.
- Lead. Lead-based paint was outlawed in , so if your home was built before then you may want to check your home for its presence. Children are more susceptible because their bodies absorb more lead than adults do and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead. Exposure to pregnant women creates a risk of harm to the developing baby. In adults, lead exposure can cause cardiovascular, kidney, and reproductive problems. To test for lead-based paint in your home, EPA recommends that you hire a certified inspector or risk assessor. Their risk assessment will tell you whether your home currently has any lead hazards from lead in paint, dust, or soil, and also tell you what actions to take to address any hazards. Learn more about lead from the EPA.
The best non-toxic cleaning brands
The best eco-friendly cleaning tool brands
- Full Circle – Certified B Corp, carbon neutral, most products are made from renewable materials or recycled plastic, plastic-free packaging
- Also available on Amazon, Grove, and EarthHero
- Zefiro – small company based out of Chicago, many plastic-free options, 1% for the Planet
- Also available on EarthHero
- Redecker – family-owned German company with products made from natural materials
- Also available on EarthHero / Amazon
The best places to buy green cleaning brands online
Besides buying cleaning products directly from the companies themselves, you can shop a variety of brands at each of these online retailers.
- Grove Collaborative – Certified B Corp, carbon neutral, plastic-free shipping. Their brand and all products they carry are free from the No Way Ingredients list. At no cost, you have the option to send their product packaging back to them for recycling. I have been a customer for years and have been very happy with their products. Their customer service is probably the best I’ve ever encountered.
- EarthHero – Certified B Corp, Climate Neutral certified, 1% for the Planet member. Plastic-free shipping. The company prioritizes sourcing products made from organically-grown materials and ingredients and any synthetic materials must be made from at least 70% recycled materials. They seek companies to work with that have sustainable and ethical business practices and look for brands that are female-owned, BIPOC-owned, and LGBTQIA+ owned. I like that under each product they list not only sourcing & ingredient information, but end of life care as well.
Eco-friendly cleaning product recommendations
I have not personally tried all of these items, and the suggestions here are by no means comprehensive. I chose products that I love or that I have researched and determined to be both safe and eco-friendly. There are many great plastic-free cleaning product included as well. Have fun trying them out!
I have started adding scores for products: Think Dirty (TD) rates products from zero to ten; those that score three or less contain the safest ingredients. The EWG rates ingredients 1-10 and uses a letter grading system for products. Again, remember that products with added fragrance tend to rate poorly because of non-disclosed, proprietary recipes.
Non-toxic air freshener
Go Green: Avoid aerosol air fresheners
Aerosol air fresheners emit VOCs into the air that can be harmful for both you and the environment.
Learn more about VOCs and indoor air quality here.
Plastic-free air fresheners
- My choice of natural air freshener is Grove’s room spray concentrates, fragranced with essential oils and plant extracts, and free of any aerosolized chemicals. The concentrates are packaged in small glass bottles with aluminum caps. You simply mix the concentrate with water in a spray bottle and you’re good to go. TD – 4
- Upcircle Home Mist with Lemongrass and Upcycled Grapefruit Water, packaged in a glass bottle. Certified B corp, vegan, cruelty-free.
- Fresh Wave Odor Removing Air Spray uses plant-based ingredients and is free of synthetic fragrances and VOCs, including phthalates. It is an EPA Safer Choice product and comes in an aluminum spray can but does not contain harmful propellants. TD – 3, EWG – D
- Grab Green Room & Fabric Freshener – made without phthalates, formaldehyde or dyes, but fragrance is a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients; packaged in aluminum bottle. TD – 3, EWG – B
- This Enviroscent diffuser is made from mango wood, the fragrance sticks are made from recyclable paper (no liquid involved), and it comes in plastic-free packaging. I recently bought one for my bathroom, and I like the sturdiness and appearance of the diffuser, and the scent is very nice. However, it faded within a couple weeks, and for that I don’t recommend this product.
Non-toxic plug in air freshener
I have been using the Pura air fresheners for the past year or so and I’ve been happy with them. The schedule is easy to program with their app, and they have a huge variety of delicious scents. Their products are cruelty-free and are made without acetaldehyde, diclorobenzene, ethylhexanol, formaldehyde, GMOs, methyl pyrrolidone, parabens, phthalates, propylene glycol, styrene, or animal testing.
Non-toxic all-purpose cleaner
These eco-friendly all-purpose cleaners can be used to clean most surfaces, but check brand-specific information first, and always test on a small, inconspicuous area.
Finding a good all-purpose cleaner you like can eliminate the need for purchasing multiple cleaners for all your different surfaces, decreasing waste and saving you money and space under the sink. Some experts say you really don’t need a different cleaner for each type of surface.
Go Green: Plastic-free all-purpose cleaners
All-purpose cleaner tablets
All-purpose cleaner tablets are the best zero waste option as they come in minimal packaging; the following tablets all come in compostable packaging. Tablets are simply added to water in a spray bottle.
- Blueland Multi-Surface Cleaner – $5 for two tablets that each make 24 oz of cleaner. Tablet wrappers/pouches are home compostable.
- Boulder Clean All-Purpose Cleaner – $2.49 for one tablet that makes 16 oz of cleaner. Packaged in industrially compostable material.
- Also available at EarthHero / Amazon
- Meliora All-Purpose Cleaner – $5.99 for three tablets, each of which will give you 16oz of cleaner. Packaged in home compostable/recyclable paperboard box printed with vegetable-based inks. Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout on to save 10% on your purchase.
All-purpose powder
- Bon Ami Powder Cleanser – This cleaner has been around since and uses simple, non-toxic ingredients. Its packaging is produced from 65% post-consumer material and is fully recyclable.
- Also available at Grove / Amazon
- Meliora Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub – Simple ingredients come either unscented or with peppermint and tea tree oils added. Packaged in uncoated paper can with steel end and cap; paper is home compostable/recyclable, steel can be recycled (separate parts). Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout on to save 10% on your purchase.
- Also available at EarthHero / Grove / Amazon
All-purpose liquid concentrate
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap ($16.49 for a 32-oz carton). I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this all-star cleaner. They are finally offering refills in FSC-certified paper cartons, although they still do contain a plastic liner, and you may not find them at retailers yet. But I think this brand deserves to be mentioned, as this company has more eco-certifications than any other I have come across. This castile soap is EWG verified and can be diluted to clean just about anything. Only a small amount is needed for an all-purpose cleaner.
- Also available at Grove / Target / Amazon / Walmart
- Branch Basics – The Concentrate ($55 for 32-oz). Like Dr. Bronner’s, this versatile concentrate can be used to clean nearly any surface, as well as dishes and laundry. The concentrate is sold in a recyclable plastic bottle, but considering the clean ingredients and how many bottles of cleaner it makes, it may be worth the trade-off. Made Safe, EWG A rating, Leaping Bunny.
- Grove Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate – Packaged in a small glass bottle.
- Etee All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate – packaged in compostable beeswax
Non-toxic bathroom cleaner
Go Green: Plastic-free bathroom cleaners
- Blueland Bathroom Cleaner tablets
- Boulder Clean Bathroom Cleaner tablets
- Also available at EarthHero / Amazon
- Seventh Generation Bathroom Cleaner Powder – this fragrance-free option comes in a tin
- Also available at Grove / Amazon
- Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
- Also available at Grove / Amazon
- Ethique Multi-Purpose Bathroom Spray Concentrate (currently unavailable)
Natural carpet stain remover
In addition to the products listed here, most laundry stain removers should also be able to double as carpet cleaners.
- Grove Carpet & Upholstery Stain Remover – 93% biobased formula, cruelty free
- Pure Sense Stain & Odor Treatment – triclosan-free, paraben-free, and Leaping Bunny–certified
- Puracy Natural Carpet Spot Remover – 99.51% natural, hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, vegan, cruelty-free
- Puracy Carpet & Upholstery Shampoo – this is a 4x concentrate, 99.36% natural, no sulfates, phosphates, animal by-products, chlorine, bleach, dyes, petrochemicals, caustics, synthetic fragrances, or optical brighteners.
Pet stain remover
- Puracy Pet Stain & Odor Remover – 99.52% natural with 5 plant-based enzymes
- Ecos Pet Stain & Odor Remover
- Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator – This enzyme-based carpet cleaner has over 110K positive reviews on Amazon. I’ve used it and it works magically. It has been certified safe for all carpets, earning the Seal of Approval by the trusted Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI). The only thing I’m not a fan of is that their ingredients listed are super vague, and when I emailed asking for specifics, they declined, saying that it was proprietary information.
- Also available at Amazon / Target
The AKC recommends two recipes for DIY pet stain remover:
- 2 Cups vinegar, 2 Cups lukewarm water, 4 Tbsp baking soda
- ½ Cup of hydrogen peroxide + ½ Cup of dish soap
Plastic-free carpet cleaners
I haven’t found any plastic-free pet stain removers, so try out these plastic-free all-purpose cleaners that list carpet under their usage instructions.
- Meliora All-Purpose Cleaner
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap (make sure you get their new plastic-free carton)
Degreaser
- Grab Green Power Degreaser – naturally-derived, made without Phosphates, Phthalates, Ammonia, Solvents or Dyes; cruelty-free
- Method Heavy Duty Degreaser – plant-based
Try a natural degreaser with vinegar and water, baking soda, or even oil, as suggested by Allrecipes.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Eco Friendly Cleaning Products Manufacturers.
Non-toxic disinfectant
Go Green: Skip the wipes
Even in our Covid life, there’s no need for any kind of disinfectant wipes at home. Cleaning wipes are made from synthetic materials like polyester and rayon. At home, use store-bought or home-made disinfectant spray with a rag to clean pretty much anything without all the excess waste.
Buy a glass spray bottle like my Grove Reusable Cleaning Glass Spray Bottle and try making this natural disinfectant spray recipe from Bob Vila. I like it because it’s quick and easy to mix, and uses ingredients that you probably already have.
- Boulder Clean Disinfectant Cleaner
- Free from Quaternary Amines (Quats),parabens, phthalates, phosphates, bleach, triclosan, known or suspected endocrine disruptors, dyes, or synthetic fragrance; CA Prop 65 compliant
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Available at Amazon
- Seventh Generation Disinfecting Multi-surface Cleaner – does contain SLS
- Method Antibacterial All-purpose Cleaner – note I used this on a marble counterop and it left a residue
Plastic-free disinfectants
There aren’t many options for plastic-free disinfectants. All I have been able to find is the Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray, packaged in a aerosolized metal can. Also available at Grove / Amazon.
Best disinfectant wipes
Save disinfectant wipes for when you’re out and about or traveling.
- Boulder Clean Disinfecting Wipes
- Kills 99.9% of bacteria
- Free of bleach, triclosan, paragons, phosphates and phthalates
- California Prop 65 Compliant, EPA Safer Choice
- Leaping Bunny certified
- Wipes are not biodegradable
- Available at Amazon
Disinfectant wipe disposal
Wipes are not recyclable or compostable; throw in trash. Recycle plastic packaging with plastic film.
Natural drain cleaner
Before resorting to chemical drain cleaners, try mechanical removal of clogs and slow drains with a product like the Green Goblin Drain Snake. I’ve had a lot of success clearing hair from slow drains with this.
- Drainbo Natural Drain Cleaner – USDA certified biobased product
- CLR – EPA Safer Choice
- Earthworm Drain Cleaner – I saw this product at Whole Foods and thought it looked promising. But alas, although it advertises a natural enzymatic process for drain cleaning, it receives a ‘D’ grade from EWG.
Natural floor cleaner
- Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Floor Cleaner Concentrate – EWG A-rated
Natural hardwood cleaner
- Aunt Fannie’s Hardwood Floor Cleaner – EWG A-rated
- Method Squirt + Mop Wood Floor Cleaner
Plastic-free floor cleaners
- Grove Floor Cleaning Concentrate – packaged in glass bottle
- Etee Floor Cleaner Concentrate – packaged in compostable beeswax
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap – Get the refill carton. Website says it is suitable for wood, stone, and laminate. Learn more about mopping with Dr. Bronner’s/Sal Suds.
- Also available at Grove / Target / Amazon
Glass cleaner
Go Green: Plastic-free glass cleaners
Natural leather cleaner
- Try this DIY option that calls for vinegar + water for cleaning, and conditioning with coconut oil.
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap (refill carton). They recommend dilution 1 qt water to 1/4 c soap.
- Branch Basics – The Concentrate – test on small area per company website
- Pure Sense Leather Conditioner & Cleaner – paraben-free, triclosan-free, naturally fragranced, and Leaping Bunny–certified.
- For a leather conditioner, try Beehive Naturals, made with beeswax and natural oils, packaged in a tin.
I haven’t found any plastic-free leather cleaner options.
Non-toxic oven cleaner
Remember, oven cleaners are notorious for containing VOCs, so take special care to choose a product free of these chemicals. Use the degreasers listed above for this purpose.
- Grab Green Power Degreaser
- Method Heavy Duty Degreaser
Stainless steel cleaner
ne to smudges and fingerprints, so having a reliable cleaner is key to keeping objects shiny and streak-free. But many commercial stainless steel cleaners contain potentially harmful or non-biodegradable ingredients. Several options for non-toxic stainless steel cleaners get the job done while being safe for your household.
DIY stainless steel cleaner – Try mixing equal amounts of water and distilled white vinegar into a spray bottle; add a few drops of your favorite essential oil if desired. Another option is adding a teaspoon of castile soap, such as Dr. Bronner’s, to a quart of water.
Commercial stainless steel cleaner – I have yet to find a spray cleaner specifically for stainless steel that doesn’t contain questionable ingredients. The best options are all-purpose cleaning concentrates that are suitable for stainless steel surfaces. These are
- Dr. Bronners Castile Liquid Soap
- Branch Basics – The Concentrate
Cookware cleaner
A stainless steel skillet is perfect for sauteing and searing, but sometimes dark brown burnt residue builds up and is not easily removed with regular dish soap.
My go-to stainless steel cleaner for restoring the shiny, gleaming finish of my stainless steel cookware is Bon Ami Powder Cleanser. It works wonders on baked-on grease and tough stains. Around since , this trusted cleaner uses simple, non-toxic ingredients. Plus, its packaging is made from 65% post-consumer materials and is fully recyclable.
Buy at: Grove / Amazon
No matter which cleaner you choose:
✅ Work with the grain of the stainless steel
✅ Use a clean soft cloth (NOT abrasive sponges or scrubbers)
✅ Buff dry to minimize streaks and spots
✅ Avoid excessive moisture around seams and edges
Stone cleaner
- Seventh Generation Granite & Stone Cleaner
- Method Daily Granite Cleaner
Plastic-free stone cleaners
Again, we’re relying on the plastic-free all-purpose cleaners here, since I haven’t found options for labeled stone cleaners that are plastic-free.
- Blueland Multi-Surface Cleaner – site lists ‘sealed stone’ under uses
- Meliora All-Purpose Cleaner – site states it is effective on stone, natural tile, marble, grout. Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout on to save 10% on your purchase
- Boulder Clean All-Purpose Cleaner – per their customer service, they do not recommend on unsealed stone or porous surfaces
- Grove Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate – site states for use on ‘non-porous surfaces…granite and quartz’.
- Dr. Bronners Castile Liquid Soap – specifically mentions quartzite and granite
- Branch Basics – The Concentrate – use list states ok to use on porous, natural stones like travertine, marble, and granite.
Natural toilet bowl cleaner
Go Green: Plastic-free toilet cleaners
Liquid
- Dr. Bronner’s Castile Liquid Soap (learn more here)
Powders
- Etee Sparkling Citrus Toilet Bowl Cleaner
- Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaning Powder
- BonAmi Powder Cleanser
- Also available at Grove / Amazon
- Meliora Gentle Home Cleaning Scrub Powder – Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout on to save 10% on your purchase
Tablets
- Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets
- Wild Waters Soapery Toilet Dazzler Bombs – This is a local company near me; I love these toilet bombs, they are fizzy and clean well. Paper packaging.
Natural wood cleaner
- Method Daily Wood Cleaner—I LOVE this stuff, it cleans wonderfully and it smells soooo good.
- Aunt Fannie’s Wood Surface Cleaner
- Ecos Furniture Cleaner + Polish
- Therapy Clean Wood & Cabinet Cleaner and Polish
Plastic-free wood cleaners
I haven’t been able to find any plastic-free cleaners labeled specifically for wood, but you can go with all-purpose cleaners here who list wood under their uses. Of course use your discretion and test first.
- Blueland Multi-Surface Cleaner – ‘sealed wood’ per their website
- Boulder Clean All-Purpose Cleaner – ok on sealed wood per their customer service
- Meliora All-Purpose Cleaner – wood listed under uses. Enter ‘LETSGOGREEN’ at checkout on to save 10% on your purchase
- Branch Basics – The Concentrate – test on small area per company website
Wax: I’ve used Daddy Van’s all-natural beeswax polish for a long time and I love it. Beehive Naturals is another option.
Final thoughts on non-toxic cleaning products
I hope you found this guide helpful in learning what to look for in non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for both you and the planet. I know there are many choices out there, and the products included here are those that I have come across that I believe to be the best options for a greener and cleaner home.
For more on non-toxic cleaning, check out:
- Dishwashing
- Laundry
- Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools
• Mix 1 part white vinegar with 1 part water in a spray bottle.
• Add a few drops of your favorite essential oil (like lemon or lavender) for fragrance.
• Shake well before use. Great for cleaning countertops, tiles, and windows.
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Every product or service we promote is carefully vetted for quality and sustainability. Our affiliate relationships do not influence our content; instead, they support our mission to provide you with the best in sustainable living. The trust you place in us is paramount, and our recommendations are always genuine and aligned with our core values.
Your Role in Shaping a Better World
By choosing to shop through our links, you're not just buying; you're participating in a movement for responsible, meaningful living. Together, we can make a global impact that benefits all.
Thank You for Your Support
Your trust in The Green Muse means everything. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Remember, every purchase you make is a step towards shaping a better, more sustainable world.
While we strive to keep all information current and relevant, the dynamic nature of our affiliate partnerships means that occasionally, some links in our articles may expire or no longer be accessible, through no fault of our own.
This is part of the evolving landscape of sustainable fashion and lifestyle, where brands and products are constantly adapting.
We encourage you to continue your journey toward ethical and sustainable practices by using these articles as a starting point. As you explore, feel free to seek out alternative options that align with your principles and aesthetics, keeping the spirit of conscious consumerism alive.
At The Green Muse, our mission is to inspire a movement towards sustainable living and conscious consumerism. We believe in the power of informed choices and the impact they have on our world. Our commitment to you, our readers, is not just to offer curated insights into sustainable fashion and lifestyle but to do so with the utmost integrity and transparency.
To ensure that the information we share is both timely and relevant, we utilize a range of advanced AI search platforms. These tools assist us in gathering the latest research, insights, and trends within the sustainability sector. It is important to us that you know the foundation of our content is built upon the comprehensive data and analysis these AI technologies provide.
However, we also acknowledge the limitations and evolving nature of AI-generated information. While these platforms are powerful, they are not infallible. Our team diligently cross-references this information with credible sources to ensure accuracy, but we encourage our readers to engage critically with the content we provide.
We pledge to continuously strive for accuracy, relevance, and reliability in everything we publish. Our aim is not just to inform but to empower you to make choices that align with our shared vision for a sustainable future. We invite you to join us in this journey, armed with knowledge, to shape a world that benefits all.
Transparency is the cornerstone of trust. Therefore, we openly share our process with you, our valued readers. By understanding the tools and methods behind our content, we hope to reinforce your confidence in the information we provide. Together, let's forge a path towards a more sustainable and conscious world.
The Green Muse is more than a blog; it's a call to action for meaningful and responsible living. Thank you for trusting us as your guide on this journey.
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