Cleaning your home can result in a lot of waste — from plastic trash bags, paper towels, disposable cleaning wipes…the list goes on. Not to mention traditional cleaning products have harsh chemicals that are harmful to the environment and your household.
With that in mind, you may consider making the switch to sustainable sanitizing methods. But when it comes to finding the best eco-friendly cleaning products it can be difficult to know what route to take. There are a lot of different brands and products out there, how do you know which are the best for the environment and still work well? That’s why we’ve rounded up our top eco-friendly cleaning products, along with sustainable cleaning advice, so you don’t have to spend time sorting through all the options.
What Are Eco-Cleaning Products and Why Use Them?
Before we dive into our eco-friendly cleaning recommendations, we should cover what it means if a cleaning product is eco-friendly and why it’s important to use them over traditional cleaning products. We’re covering 5 benefits below.
- They’re better for the environment
Eco-friendly cleaning products are made from natural ingredients and are non-toxic and biodegradable. This means that they’re free from the chemicals found in traditional cleaning products that contribute to polluting the environment. Many eco-friendly brands also operate sustainably by offering zero waste, carbon neutral, or refill options — so you can rest assured that you’re cutting back on waste as well.
- They’re better for your health
Just as the chemicals found in standard cleaning products are harmful to the environment, they also can have a negative impact on your health. Most contain VOCs (Volatile organic compounds) which contribute to poor air quality. Some experience headaches, asthma, and can contract long-term health issues with frequent exposure (Medical News Today).
- They’re safer for children and pets
Pets and children spend more time on the floor and are more likely to come into contact with or ingest cleaning products. Using non-toxic natural cleaners is safer for their well-being.
- They have Ingredient transparency
Legally cleaning product brands do not have to disclose the ingredients used in their products, making them risky to use in your home. Eco-brands provide ingredient lists and more transparency so you know exactly what you’re using in your home.
- They have better odors
Eco-friendly products are typically scented with essential oils and natural ingredients, so not only are they safer to use but they smell much better than traditional cleaning products which can have strong chemical odors.
Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Cleaning Options
Now that you know more about eco-friendly products and the benefits of using them, we’re diving into our top recommendations and helpful tips so you don’t have to spend hours scanning the internet or in the store trying to make a decision.
DIY Natural and Sustainable Cleaners
When it comes to cleaning products, the most sustainable option is to make your own. This might sound complicated and time-consuming but really all you need are a few ingredients and you’ll likely already have them in your pantry. They are an easy and affordable option that are more eco-friendly than many of the big-name brands. Here are 4 tried and tested DIY cleaning recipes that we use for our homes and Airbnb rentals.
- All-Purpose Cleaner
For an all-natural all-purpose cleaning solution that cleans and disinfects hard surfaces without harmful side effects, use vinegar.
Recipe: Equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Optional — add a citrus essential oil (or a favorite of your choice) for a fresh scent.
- Multipurpose Scrub
For cleaning a scrub that’s tough on messes but not on the environment, use baking soda. Baking soda is truly a miracle cleaning. This scrub can be used with a brush or sponge to deep clean sinks, stoves, your oven, tile, and other hard surfaces.
Recipe: Slowly combine water and baking soda until it reaches a paste consistency.
- Dish Soap
Ditch your traditional dish soap for a gentle but highly effective non-toxic and biodegradable option: Castile soap. This all-natural soap is created from plant fats (think coconut, olive, and almond oils) and can be used as a dish, hand, and body soap. You can find it in a variety of pleasing scents, from unscented to citrus and lavender.
Recipe: Mix castile soap and water in a 1:10 ratio. Combine in a bottle and use as normal for washing dishes or as a hand and body cleanser.
- Drain Cleaner
Baking soda comes to the rescue again for clogged drains. To free blocked drains use both baking soda and vinegar.
Recipe: Pour 1/2 cup of baking soda into the clogged drain and follow with 1 cup of vinegar. Let it sit for 15 minutes. Clear everything by pouring boiling water down the drain.
Top Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brands
If DIY is not your thing, no problem. But among the sea of eco-brands out there, how do you know which ones work well? Below are 4 of the top eco-friendly cleaning brands we recommend.
- Grove Collaborative
From all-natural cleaning essentials, skin care products, pet supplies and more Grove Collaborative has it all. They have their own line of home products that are free from ammonia, chlorine, phthalates, and parabens. They feature over 200 vetted brands that meet their sustainability requirements. They offer subscription services for added convenience with carbon-neutral shipping.
They’re a certified Bcorp, Carbon Neutral Certified, and will be net zero by 2030. They’re also plastic-neutral and are aiming to be plastic-free by 2025. Read more about their sustainable methods on their website.
- ECOS
ECOS offers natural and organic household cleaning products from all-purpose cleaners, laundry detergents, and pet cleaners. They’re fully transparent about their ingredients and meet EPA safer choice standards.
They are carbon and water-neutral, powered by 100 percent renewable energy, are Zero Waste TRUE Platinum Certified, and use sustainable sourcing, and recycled packaging. Learn more about their sustainable initiatives on their website.
- Blueland
Blueland offers a range of home cleaning and personal care products. First, you buy a starter kit which includes their reusable Forever Bottles and then moving forward you purchase refills that come in either tablet or powder form. They use biodegradable nontoxic formulas, along with recyclable & refillable packaging.
They’re plastic-free, a certified B-Corp, Climate Neutral, and Cradle-to-Cradle Certified. You can read more about their mission, environmental efforts, and certifications on their website.
- Aspen Clean
Aspen Clean is a family-owned company that offers non-toxic, organic, and plant-based cleaners, soaps, and detergents that can handle the dirtiest of jobs. They also use biodegradable, recyclable, and plastic-free packaging.
They are cruelty-free and have received an A rating from the Environmental Working Group (EWG). Visit their website to see their full range of products and read more about their certifications.
More Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips
Aside from making your own or buying eco-friendly cleaning products, you’ll want to ensure your cleaning methods are sustainable as well. Below are more tips
- Opt for reusable spray bottles, towels, and rags over disposable plastic bottles, paper towels, and cleaning wipes.
- Ditch those smelly disposable sponges and go for a biodegradable or reusable brush option instead, which you can sanitize weekly rather than throwing out and using a new sponge each week or two.
- Use reusable dryer balls over dryer sheets.
- If you use a cleaning service, go for a green cleaning service over one that uses traditional cleaning methods.
- Get trash bags made from recycled materials, like GreenPolly, over normal plastic bags
- When buying eco-friendly products, check the ingredients list, the term is used broadly in marketing, and remember the shorter the list the better.
- Look for the EPA’s Safer Choice labels on products.
- When you can’t reuse a product, go for a recycled or biodegradable option instead.
Feeling inspired to incorporate more eco-friendly practices throughout your home? If you’re home is in need of an eco-friendly upgrade, AHG Interiors can help! We’re experts on all things related to sustainable interior design. Get in touch with us today to tell us about your project.
