At some point 12 years in the past, I discovered myself on my fingers and knees, scrubbing the partitions of our home. It was throughout the nesting part of my being pregnant that I noticed how a lot the fumes had been affecting me. Again then, non-toxic cleansing merchandise weren’t as available as they’re now, however from that time, I made it a mission to seek out non-chemical cleaners that had been protected for my child and for the setting. Typically that additionally meant getting out the nice ol’ vinegar and bicarb soda.
Featured picture of Brian and Jessie De Lowe’s kitchen by Michelle Nash.
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The Best Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Thankfully, brands have finally caught up with consumer demand, and the “clean” cleaning product market is booming. Awareness and education about the health implications of toxic chemicals have also made us choose cleaner beauty products and non-toxic cookware. But with so many brands to choose from, which ones do you buy?
Ahead, we share some of our favorite non-toxic cleaning products that actually work (including one brand five of our editors use!) along with the chemicals you should steer clear of.
What to Toss
If you’re ready to make the swap to clean cleaning products then it’s time to ditch the toxic chemicals once and for all. That means anything that has ingredients like:
Methylisothiazolinone, ammonia, butyl cellosolve/glycol ether, parabens, phosphates, synthetic fragrance, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates, 1-4 Dioxane, fragrance, dye, synthetic foaming agents, unnatural preservatives, water softening agents, pH adjusters, formaldehyde, bleach, artificial colors, and buffering agents.
Just like your food or beauty ingredient lists, always do your research. Look up the names of ingredients you’re unsure of, keep a list of the ones you want to avoid in your phone notes app, and typically (but not always) the fewer ingredients listed the better.
Healthier Non-Toxic Swaps
When possible choose fragrance-free or all-natural organic products. Look for essentials oils on the ingredients list for fragrance instead (but opt-out altogether if you’re sensitive to fragrances). Use simple detergents and soaps with short ingredient lists, and avoid antibacterial products with triclosan for home use.
White vinegar is always a great choice for general cleaning and can also replace your fabric softener or dryer sheets—or opt for wool dryer balls. (Biokleen Laundry Oxygen Bleach Plus uses the power of hydrogen peroxide for removing stains from clothing and your carpet.)
Tea tree oil is also another great antibacterial, antifungal alternative to chemical disinfectants. In fact, if you’re looking for an effective all-purpose germ-killing cleaner, simply add a few drops of tea-tree oil and a tablespoon of vinegar to some water (option to add your favorite essential oil for fragrance), then mix it all together in a spray bottle and start cleaning!
For stubborn surfaces like the bathroom, kitchen sink, or stovetops, I always reach for Bon Ami unscented powder. It’s made from natural ingredients like ground feldspar and baking soda without the added bleach, chlorine, dyes, or perfumes. It also doesn’t scratch the surfaces which are very important when you have white ones like mine! Also, a hot tip for cleaning the toilet bowl, mix some vinegar with Borax powder.
Learn on for extra wholesome swaps!
Starter Units
Supernatural Cleaning Starter Set
I remember when this set came out. It changed the game and it helped to launch more brands just like it with a similar concept. Basically, you buy the starter set with four glass bottles—glass + mirror cleaner, counter + Granite cleaner, wood + floor cleaner, bath + tile cleaner. Then you simply add the Supernatural concentrate vials for each into the spray bottles with water. Then all you need to do is buy a new concentrate vial when you run out. So genius and they all smell amazing too.
Blueland The Clean Essentials Kit
The Blueland vary relies on an analogous idea to Supernatural. You purchase the set however as an alternative of a focus in a separate bottle, Blueland founder, Sarah Paiji Yoo, saved any further environmental waste by turning the substances into cleansing tablets that dissolve within the water. I actually love this waste-free, sustainable strategy.
EC30 Home Care Subscription Bundle
In case you’re actually aware about your carbon footprint (which all of us ought to be) then EC30 is for you. Yearly, the common household finally ends up with 108 plastic bottles from cleansing their properties and our bodies. Even after we recycle, as much as 90% nonetheless leads to a landfill. In order that they don’t use plastic bottles or water. How? Their simple drop one-step toilet cleaner dissolves and foams with time after contact.
For his or her floor cleaner, you possibly can select to drop the dried substances tab into a sprig bottle stuffed with water, or you possibly can dissolve it on a moist material and use it instantly. I found this model in my analysis for this story so I haven’t tried it but, however I’m actually into the idea so I’m undoubtedly ordering some. In addition they partnered with the Arbor Day Basis to offset their quick carbon emissions. Now, that’s how we hope all manufacturers will function sooner or later.
Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit
Once I reached out to the Camille Types editorial group to share the perfect non-toxic cleansing merchandise they’ve tried, I used to be shocked when 5 of them replied on the identical time with the identical model. That model is Department Fundamentals. Anne Campbell has been a cult follower of the female-founded model for years now as a result of it helps her pare down on single-use plastics and is Made Safe Certified, which implies it’s made with out the 6,500+ poisonous chemical substances identified to be dangerous to each people and the setting.
Kelly Krause swears by their stain remover, Oxygen Boost: “It’s acquired crimson wine out of a white blanket and fully blew my thoughts.” Hannah agrees: “It magically will get out even the hardest stains on garments, counter tops, and furnishings.”
Koala Eco Starter Collection
This firm checks off all of the bins on the subject of creating fantastically aromatic, non-toxic merchandise that also maintain your property recent and squeaky clear. This starter set consists of their dish cleaning soap, multi-purpose cleaner, and hand wash. Every accommodates fragrances that’ll give each nook of your property main spa-like vibes.
The Honest Company Clean Vibes Kit
These smooth, easy, and minimalist bottles maintain my under-the-sink storage from wanting like a catastrophe (anybody relate?). This set comes with all the pieces you might want to maintain your property clear and excessive vibin’—I really like that they even thought to incorporate palo santo within the bundle.
Cleancult Complete Home Bundle
In case you’re seeking to dive deep into the world of non-toxic cleansing, that is the set that’ll get you there. It consists of all the pieces you might want to embark on a cleaner cleansing journey: refillable glass bottles, cleansing refills for each floor and use, plus wool dryer balls and the best-smelling bar soaps you’ve ever used. I really like that they boast biodegradable substances and paper-based packaging. Click on by way of on your cleanest clear.
Kitchen Cleaners
Biom All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes Starter Kit
You’ve likely seen these cleaning wipes all over your social feeds. Not only are they a minimalist homeowner’s dream, but they also boast a plant-based and biodegradable seal. The wipes are gentle (safe on surfaces and skin!) and have a subtle, lovely scent in either grapefruit or lavender. They’re perfect for when you need to clean messy hands and countertops. And how cute is that refillable dispenser?
Public Goods Dish Soap
The Public Items firm is all about making clear, sustainable cleansing merchandise accessible to everybody. All of their merchandise are inexpensive and efficient. I additionally actually love the branding.
Grove Co. X Jeremiah Brent Art of Ceremony Home Collection
As an enormous fan of Jeremiah’s inside design work, I knew that his collaboration with the Grove Co. can be nothing wanting perfection. From the attractive inexperienced bottles to the attractive customized scent, this assortment ticked all of the bins, however extra importantly, it really works! I really like the handwash and the dishwashing liquid however I particularly benefit from the marble catch-all tray for resting my cleansing instruments (though I’ve seen individuals use it for his or her palo santo rituals too). He actually considered all the pieces to raise this on a regular basis process right into a every day ritual.
Blueland Dish Soap Starter Set
In case you’re seeking to make a non-toxic shift within the kitchen, then this Blueland dish cleaning soap starter set is an effective place to begin. It would maintain your dishes clear with out the nasty chemical substances and it appears good too.
Grove Co. Dishwasher Detergent Packs
Discovering an efficient however clear dishwasher detergent wasn’t at all times simple till now. This one does double obligation and it’s good worth.
Puracy Natural Dishwasher Detergent Packs
In case you haven’t heard of Puracy, it’s time to get on board. I’m a giant fan of their floor cleaner (extra on that later) so I can solely think about these are additionally price each penny too.
Blueland Dishwasher Starter Set
I really like that these dishwasher tabs come on this handy and stylish little case. Simply purchase the refills and save on water and waste.
L’Avant High Performing Natural Dish Soap
This model doesn’t look or odor like dish cleaning soap however it certain cuts by way of grease like one. It’s additionally impossibly stylish for these of us who love fairly packaging as a lot as they love to avoid wasting the setting. The bottle is glass too!
L’Avant Natural Multipurpose Cleaner
If fashionable packaging can also be vital to you, then L’Avant additionally makes this stunning all-purpose cleaner that gained’t look misplaced on the counter in case you neglect to place it again underneath the sink after utilizing it.
L’Avant Biodegradable Cleaning Wipes
Whereas we’re within the enterprise of decreasing our single-use plastic consumption, let’s additionally be certain something with a one-time use is recyclable and/or biodegradable like these wipes.
Puracy Natural Dish Soap 16 Oz Bottle and 64 Oz Refill
As I discussed earlier, Puracy is a clear cleansing model that you might want to have in your radar. It’s easy, fuss-free packaging with substances that odor good and do good.
Puracy Disinfecting Surface Cleaner
The Puracy floor cleaner is the hero of this line (in my view). It makes use of the facility of hydrogen peroxide to kill 99.9% of germs however it additionally cuts by way of grease and dirt. I actually love this product.
Everspring Lavender Bergamot Multi-Surface Cleaning Wipes
We’re biiiig followers of Goal’s non-toxic cleansing model, Everspring. Camille loves the whole line however makes use of these cleansing wipes on the common—very helpful when you will have younger youngsters! Not solely do they reduce by way of grease and dirt however the compostable material can also be ammonia-free with 100% pure perfume and by no means examined on animals both.
Eco Roots Zero Waste Dish Soap
Once I’m doing dishes by hand, there’s nothing I hate greater than having cracked and dry fingers from all the recent water and harsh cleansing chemical substances. This dish cleaning soap accommodates aloe vera, which retains my fingers moisturized and dishes sparkly clear. Little enjoyable reality: This cleaning soap does greater than suds up your sink. It may possibly wash off carpet stains, scrub your kitchen counters, and extra.
Laundry Products
Grove Co. Wool Dryer Balls
Ditch the dryer sheets for these eco-friendly hypoallergenic reusable wool dryer balls that assist to scale back wrinkles and drying time.
Grove Co. Auto-Dosing Liquid Laundry Detergent Dispenser
I invested on this dispenser as a result of I needed to begin shopping for my laundry liquid in bulk to avoid wasting on waste. What I didn’t notice till it arrived was that this design has an auto-dosing characteristic. So while you flip the nozzle, it solely pours out the right dose you want for that load. It’s simply so genius. Extremely suggest.
Grove Co. Ultra-Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent
There are such a lot of flavors however I can by no means go previous lavender. This one smells good and it additionally cleans our garments very well too (as a result of not all clear laundry detergents are created equal). If you wish to take away powerful stains although, I like to recommend attempting out the Branch Basics Oxygen Boost I discussed earlier—our group swears by it!
Puracy Natural Stain Remover
Our Motherhood Editor, Brandy Pleasure Smith is a giant fan of this stain remover and I’ve to agree. It actually works.
Blueland Laundry Starter Set
In case you want tablets to liquid, then this laundry starter set is a good possibility. The fantastic thing about these is that they’re bare which implies they don’t come individually wrapped in plastic movie (PVA/PVOH or polyvinyl alcohol). Merely drop them into your washer for an earth-friendly clear—with out sending dissolved plastic down the drain!
Branch Basics Oxygen Boost
That is the primary product our editorial group swears by for eradicating stains (we’re speaking 5 out of a 10-person group). So evidently, this can be a must-have non-toxic cleansing product for each laundry.
EC30 Laundry Detergent
If the critiques are something to go by, these laundry tablets go away your garments wanting clear and smelling recent (lots of people love the Granny Smith apples crisp scent) with none white residue that tablets have been identified to go away previously.
Everspring Fabric Softener in Lavender & Bergamot
In case you do wish to use a liquid cloth softener then attain for this one. Its paraben-, dye- and fragrance-free method are protected for all garments and its biodegradable method promotes sustainability. Win, win!
Dropps Stain & Odor Detergent
Once I first made the change to sustainable, plant-based detergents, I used to be admittedly disenchanted. Whereas I used to be pleased with all of the good-for-the-planet choices, I nonetheless couldn’t discover a detergent that would get the job accomplished. With Dropps, all of my laundry comes out with none stains or spots. My garments are shiny and odor superb, plus I can be ok with the compostable packaging and realizing my detergent is freed from any synthetic dyes.
Dirty Labs Signature Bio Laundry Detergent
The scent of Soiled Labs’ signature detergent has made me fall in love with my whole wardrobe once more. It’s a delicate mixture of magnolia, bergamot, and cedar—in different phrases, simply concerning the furthest factor from the synthetic fragrances of larger manufacturers. This detergent options their Phytolase® enzyme cleansing expertise, which eliminates odors whereas nonetheless being protected for delicate pores and skin.
Lavatory Cleaners
Blueland Bathroom Starter Set
When it comes to the bathroom, we want hardworking products and bleach is usually the one ingredient we always reach for to kill germs and mold but it’s not great for your health or the environment. This bathroom spray doesn’t act like bleach but it will clean down any surface areas really well.
Blueland Glass & Mirror Starter Set
I’ve at all times beloved Windex for the outcomes however hated the way it smells. This one from Blueland does the job with out the fumes.
Public Goods Bathroom Cleaner
As soon as once more, this isn’t bleach however then that’s the purpose. The mix of purified water, coconut-derived actives, citric acid, pure rosemary oil, and pure lemon oil mix to chop by way of filth and clear surfaces with ease.
EC30 Toilet Cleaner
I’ve been in search of a clear bathroom cleaner that doesn’t are available an unpleasant plastic bottle. I can’t wait to strive these.
Seventh Generation Non-Chlorine Bleach
Each product is curated with care by our editors. In case you purchase one thing by way of our hyperlinks, we could earn a small fee for free of charge to you.
This publish was initially revealed on January 20, 2021, and has since been up to date.