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Are you worried about exposure to harsh chemicals in traditional household cleaners? Do you want to stop using cleaning chemicals that can get into the environment and pollute waterways?
If so, opting for natural and non-toxic cleaners is a great choice.
We've researched and tested the top eco-friendly cleaning products on the market in 2026. They contain natural ingredients and dissolve everyday dirt and grime without using harmful chemicals.
They also come in recycled, reusable, or biodegradable packaging.
These green cleaning essentials will help you tackle even the largest cleaning challenges with ease and peace of mind.
✔ EPA Registered Antimicrobial Product
✔ Makes Natural Cleaning Solution from Tap Water
✔ Costs only 11¢ per oz
We Say: The Force of Nature kit performs incredibly well at a fraction of the cost of some of its rivals. Allow me to explain.
The initial cost is higher than other cleaners. That's because you’re buying a device that can make an anti-bacterial multi-purpose cleaning product out of simple tap water!
First, you add salt and vinegar to water and then pass through an electric charge. This transforms the solution into Sodium Hydroxide (for cleaning) and Hypochlorous Acid (for disinfecting).
These might sound like scary chemicals, but they’re not. They’re safe enough for you to use them around children and pets.
I was initially skeptical, but the cleaning solution produced is incredibly effective all around the home. It can easily be an all-in-one replacement for many of your regular household cleaning supplies.
The starter kit comes with enough capsules to make five 12-oz bottles.
When you run out, you can simply reorder more capsules, costing less than $1 each.
I’ve not found a surface that this stuff won’t clean effectively. It even does a great job as a mirror and glass cleaner when used with clean sponges.
It might sound too good to be true...but it really does work.
Plus, there’s a 30-day trial period, so you can test it out for yourself and return for a full refund if you’re not impressed. You’ll only need to cover the basic cost of the return shipping.
Best All-Purpose Plant-Based Cleaner
✔ Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free
✔ Refillable and Reusable Bottles
✔ 100% Essential Oil
We Say: This all-purpose concentrated cleaner comes in three scent options (bergamot, tea tree, lavender). It cuts through grease and grime without the need for harsh and toxic chemicals.
I tested the tea tree variant and liked the smell. The amount of essential oil used is spot on for me. Clean and fresh, without being overpowering or artificial.
This worked well on most surfaces including glass. However, they do sell a separate glass cleaner if you want to give your windows and mirrors an extra sparkle.
Common Good products are Leaping Bunny certified.
Also, the supplied bottle is reusable so when you run out, you can go for the refill pouch. This helps you save money, and reduce your plastic use by 86%.
Biodegradable with Plant-based Ingredients
✔ 100% Vegan
✔ EPA Safer Choice
✔ Recycled Plastic Bottle
We Say: This EPA safer choice certified general purpose cleaner is made in the U.S. and not tested on animals.
It works great on all surfaces including glass, stainless steel, tile, paint, and many more.
I’ve always loved the smell of orange, so the scent of this product is very much to my liking.
But the main reason for using orange is because it's one of the toughest degreasers found in nature.
There is a list of over 500 human and environmental toxins they promise never to use in any of their products. The list is ever-evolving and expanding as they research more and improve their ‘Clean Chemistry’ ideals.
ECOS is a family-run company that has been championing sustainable products for over 50 years. They’re carbon-neutral, zero-waste, and carbon-neutral.
ECOS also makes laundry soap, dishwasher tablets, hand soap, baby care, pet care, and tree-free paper. Our pooch smells lovely after a wash with the peppermint pet shampoo.
✔ Save 20% (Code: ROUNDUP20)
✔ Plant-Based Formula
✔ Streak-Free Finish
We Say: I tested Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner after discovering the brand's refillable system that reduces single-use plastic bottles. I ordered the starter kit with one reusable spray bottle and multiple concentrated refill packets. Each packet, when mixed with tap water, makes 16 ounces of cleaning solution.
The concentrated formula of Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner contains plant-based surfactants including alkyl polyglucoside and decyl glucoside derived from coconut and sugar. I tested it on kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, stovetop surfaces, and door handles. It removes everyday dirt and light grease without leaving streaks or residue on our granite counters and stainless steel appliances.
Truly Free Home Everyday Cleaner slightly struggles with heavy baked-on grease on my stovetop and requires multiple applications. This is typical for plant-based cleaners that avoid harsh solvents. Truly Free Everyday Cleaner works best for routine daily cleaning rather than for heavy-duty degreasing.
✔ USDA Certified Biobased
✔ Certified B Corporation
✔ EPA Safer Choice Certified
We Say: I tested Seventh Generation Multi Surface Wipes with mixed feelings about single-use disposable products. I appreciate that wipes are not the greenest cleaning option. I would not use these at home for regular cleaning, and I only reach for them sparingly. However, there are times when wipes are necessary, especially for parents on the go.
I keep a container of Seventh Generation Multi Surface Wipes in our car. They're great for cleaning sticky spills on the dashboard and door handles when my daughters eat snacks in the back seat.
Seventh Generation wipes are also useful at rest stops to wipe down picnic tables before lunch, and at grocery stores to wipe down shopping cart handles. However, it's important to note that these are not disinfecting wipes. I use them for a quick wipe-down to clean surfaces, not to sanitise.
The lemony scent from essential oils and botanical ingredients gives these wipes a fresh aroma without an overpowering chemical smell. The plant-based cloth material (lyocell and viscose) holds together well and does not shred when I clean textured surfaces.
✔ Trusted Since 1886
✔ Non-Toxic Formula
✔ Gentle & Non-Abrasive
We Say: This absolute classic of a cleaner had to make the list. It’s been around since 1886 and still going strong.
The gentle cleaning nature of the soft mineral main ingredient (feldspar) makes it ideal for tackling delicate and shiny areas of the house.
It's particularly good on kitchen and bathroom fittings. It gets them clean without having to scrub and doesn't leave any residue behind.
I like to think of myself as a bit of a whizz in the kitchen. However, as Mrs. M likes to point out - AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY - I can be rather messy with my dishes, pots, and pans.
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser is powerful enough to remove burnt-on food. It brings everything back to a dazzling shine, while still being gentle enough that it doesn't scratch my more delicate cookware.
There is a good reason why this stuff has been around since 1886; it just works!
✔ Antibacterial
✔ No Hidden Chemicals
✔ Bargain Price
We Say: The tough germ-killing bathroom spray contains no nasty hidden ingredients. In fact, it’s made from 5% citric acid and 95% inert ingredients.
This is the least green of all my recommendations. But I’ve included the 4 x 28oz option from Amazon because it’s a bit of a bargain.
Clearly, there is an elephant in the room in the shape of eight single-use bottles. Not the sort of product I would usually recommend, right?
Well never fear, I have a plan for those that I think you'll like.
These bottles are refillable. So the plan is to use them to store and dispense your own DIY cleaning liquids. That way, you'll save money and you won't have to buy packaging of any sort again.
To help get you started, we have an excellent rosemary and lemon recipe in our 27 Green Ways to SAVE MONEY! guide.
It's completely free, so go ahead and download a copy today.
My wife and I personally tested each of these cleaning products in our own home over a three-month period. We wanted to see how they performed in real life, not just in lab conditions.
We put each cleaner through its paces on a variety of surfaces, including countertops, floors, bathroom tiles, mirrors, and kitchen appliances. We also evaluated them on tougher jobs like grease buildup and soap scum.
Here are the key criteria we considered when rating each product.
We rejected more than 15 well-known brands that didn't meet our standards. Some claimed to be "natural" but contained questionable ingredients. Others performed poorly in real-world cleaning tests. A few had excessive plastic packaging with no refill options.
We purchased every product featured in this guide online with our own money. We were not gifted any items for review. No brand is permitted to pay for inclusion in our recommendations. Our reviews are based solely on performance, safety, and environmental impact.
I’ve previously reviewed natural household items, including laundry detergent, dish soap, and bed bug killer. The reasons for switching to non-toxic cleaning brands are very similar.
Here's how some conventional workplace and household cleaners can release chemicals into your home and the environment.
Buying green cleaning products actually offers similar benefits to switching to greener dish soap or laundry detergent pods. You can achieve the same effective dirt and stain removal without the harsh chemicals.
So ask yourself, which type of products do you want to use in your cleaning routine? Ones that contain chemicals that pollute the planet, or ones that won't.
It's a personal choice, but I think it's a fairly easy one!
There are several things I look for when choosing sustainable products to clean our home, including:
If you're not sure what's in the household products you're using, check out the CPID database to find out.
No, the fact that products are marketed as eco-friendly does not always indicate they are chemical-free.
Not all chemicals are bad for the environment. But always beware of greenwashing, and double-check the ingredients before you buy.
When green cleaning experts use the term "eco" in relation to a product, we do mean that it is non-toxic. But again, if you see a product marketed as environmentally friendly then you should not take it at face value.
They might just mean that it has plastic-free packaging, but the solution itself may be toxic.
Never take a brand's claims at face value - always check for independent recommendations or do your own research.
Lemon juice, baking soda, vinegar, and castile soap are all natural cleaning solutions that you can use to make a homemade cleaning spray. They make a useful multipurpose cleaner that can be used for various surfaces.
Simply mix with water and pour into a spray bottle. You can add essential oils if you want to use your favorite scent - or leave it fragrance-free.
This solution, along with a couple of sponges or lint cloths, might be all you need for most everyday jobs.
If you have surplus household products, you can dispose of them through a household hazardous waste collection program.
Do not throw toilet cleaner, carpet cleaner, bleach, kitchen or bathroom sprays in the trash, or pour them down the drain!
Your local authority can advise you about the most suitable waste disposal options in your area.
Yes, it is true that baking soda is an excellent natural stain remover.
If you don’t want to buy ready-made products from commercial brands, you can experiment make your own cleaning formulas from baking soda.
The Force of Nature Starter Kit was my number one pick in this category. It's a fantastic bit of kit that turns tap water into a multi-surface cleaner that can tackle most jobs around your home.
However, I’ve included some very credible alternatives as I know that one size does not always fit all.
Whatever you go for, try to look for eco-certified products made using plant-based ingredients and zero-waste manufacturing methods.
Our core values mean we always prioritize sustainability over profit. We carefully evaluate and personally test every product to ensure they meet our high standards. All products recommended in this article were tested in accordance with our Review Methodology.
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