Home & Garden, Tips & Tricks
10 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products We Love
I used to think my bathroom had to smell like a hospital to prove it was clean. Those toxic fumes are so reassuring, right? Turns out that you, your kids, pets and the earth are getting exposed to multiple chemicals that can harm and irritate us and damage the environment when they run down the drain. And most of the time, they’re totally unnecessary for household cleaning.
But, do natural cleaning products actually work? Don’t you need harsh chemicals and bleach to really get the bathroom clean? While most of these do cut down grime and kill germs and viruses pretty quickly, eco-friendly cleaning products can be just as effective and much safer. Toxic chemicals found in most cleaning products, even just simple bleach, can be corrosive to your household surfaces, too. These eco-friendly products effectively dissolve and disinfect the microscopic terrors around your house.
Bon Ami No Scent Cleaner Powder
It may look like something your grandmother left in a forgotten cupboard, but truly, there’s a reason it has been around since 1886. It doesn’t have bleach, dye or ammonia, making it very eco-friendly but it also does work to scrub your tiles and appliances (without scratching). You can’t beat its simplicity or the price, for that matter.
Seventh Generation Lemongrass Citrus Scent Disinfectant
This product is one of the few disinfecting sprays rated as an A by the Environmental Working Group, which examines products for their environmental and human impact. You’ll be happy to know that this, and all of the products on this list do not have cancer causing ingredients.
ATTITUDE Natural Bathroom Cleaner
For those with sensitive skin, Attitude’s cleaning spray has been certified by the National Eczema Association. Its short ingredient list is safe for your home and your hands. One hint is when you’re cleaning an area that needs to be rid of bacteria and germs, spray it thoroughly and let it sit for a few minutes to do its work before wiping it up.
ATTITUDE Coco Lime Floor Cleaner
Your best friends deserve some protection, and you deserve something that can deodorize the messes they make.
FIT Organic Multi-Surface Cleaner and Degreaser
My go to for cleaning is a degreasing spray. I’m always shocked at what builds up in just a couple of days in my kitchen, on the microwave door, on my fridge and the kitchen cupboards. You’ll also be pleasantly surprised by an ingredient list that contains all words you know. Grapefruit oil is a miracle agent– dissolves cooking oil and smells heavenly. Does it seem weird to use oil to clean oil? Yep. Don’t ask me how. It works.
Aunt Fannie’s Glass and Window Vinegar Wash
We already know that vinegar is one of the best, all-natural cleaning products for windows and glass. Most of the supposed window cleaners usually leave film and build up on mine over time. Vinegar’s a great alternative.
e-cloth Window Pack
To be honest I’m a bit obsessed with these cloths for cleaning windows and mirrors. I am always happy with its streak-free finish during a quick cleaning session, and all you need is water. What could be more earth-friendly? And since I always have toddler fingerprints all over my bedroom mirror, it’s a lifesaver.
Biokleen Sport Laundry Liquid
I needed a perfume-free detergent because my family members had allergic reactions to some of the perfumes in regular detergents. I was using a “natural” laundry detergent for years before I finally decided it just wasn’t doing the job. As it turned out, it wasn’t very natural. Biokleen gets the musty smells out, which is important in the humid weather where I live, and does it without ammonia and phosphates.
Ecos Hypoallergenic Dish Soap
Since soap is one of the most likely things to get back into our water supply system, it’s so important to pick a biodegradable green cleaning product, like Ecos, for washing your dishes. Bonus is that it’s great for sensitive skin and very reasonably priced.
Dr. Bronner’s Castile Soap
You really can’t get any more classic than this magical castile soap. There’s a cult-like following praising the 18 listed uses, and it lives up to the hype. Castile soap is wonderful as a base for making your own non-toxic cleaners, from laundry soap to a multi-purpose cleaning spray. This lavender scented version is my favorite for washing up and is gentle even on my toddler’s skin.
We’ve come a long way in the world of natural cleaning products. All of these are readily available and for great prices, especially when you shop with Rakuten to get Cash Back.
Mariko is a high school English teacher who has three children, illegible handwriting and an obsession with mail-order artisan ice cream. She lives in Hawaii, but she makes a point to eat her way through big cities as often as she can.
Join The Conversation