With more studies revealing the true health risks of common household cleaning products, it's no surprise many of us are swapping out our old favorites to healthier picks.
But with so many options to choose from, all claiming to be ‘healthy’ and ‘green’, do you know what’s what, or pick the best non-toxic cleaning products for your space?
Here, professional cleaners explain what to look for in ingredient lists for a healthy home, and share their top non-toxic home essentials for your cleaning cabinet.
Shopping for non-toxic cleaning supplies
You do not need harsh chemicals to clean, so picking the best essential cleaning supplies comes down to knowing which cleaning product ingredients to avoid and why.
Hector Stewart, CEO at Baltimore HCS Home Cleaning Services explains, ‘Non-toxic cleaning products are made without using dangerous chemicals that could hurt people or the environment, such as phthalates, parabens, chlorine bleach, ammonia, or artificial scents.
'Instead, they use natural ingredients that are safer, like plant-based surfactants (cleansers made from corn, coconut), essential oils (like lavender or tea tree for their scent and medicinal properties), baking soda, vinegar, and other materials that break down naturally.
‘If you choose non-toxic choices, you'll be less likely to be exposed to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other toxins that can make conditions such as asthma and skin irritations worse – this is very important for homes with kids or pets.'
Hector continues, ‘Most non-toxic cleaning products are also biodegradable and come in eco-friendly containers. This means that they break down more easily in dirt and water without polluting them. Because they don't use chlorine, phosphates, or other harmful chemicals, these cleaners help lower the amount of harmful chemicals that get into the water and air, which is good for saving plants and animals.
'Reputable eco-friendly brands never test on animals and use recycled or little packaging. This is in line with a more moral and environmentally friendly way to clean.’
With that in mind, these are the top picks to help you set up for green cleaning. Learning more about avoiding greenwashing when picking cleaning products will help you skip the products that claim to do things to protect the planet, or promise something about their ingredients, but actually, their claims are not truly representative of the reality.
All-purpose cleaners – for every room
The number one essential cleaning tool everyone needs is an all-purpose cleaner. These anti-bacterial products will kill germs and pathogens for a sanitary home.
Cleaning pro Hector says, 'Method's all-purpose sprays get rid of grease and grime with plant-based ingredients, and they don't have any harmful chemicals like ammonia or bleach in them. It cleans well and it doesn't leave behind any streaks or strong chemicals. If you like a fresh smell, Method has options made from non-toxic, phthalate-free fragrances like grapefruit, lavender, and others. They also have scent-free versions for people who are sensitive to scents.'
I have tried the TrulyFree cleaning range and loved it. They come in concentrated packets that you mix with water, limiting packaging and the need for harsh chemicals. Maria Mooney, non-toxic cleaning exert and brand director at Truly Free Home explains, 'Its plant-powered formula is not only tough on messes but completely safe to use on the surfaces your fur babies and children touch every day. With its powerful, multi-use formula, Everyday Cleaner will simplify your routine – saving you time, storage space and money. It works great on stainless steel, kitchen countertops, tables, chairs, appliances, toys and so much more.'
Hector continues, 'A well-known plant-based cleaner that can be used on sealed wood, tables, walls, and other surfaces in the home. It is made with natural ingredients and doesn't use synthetic scents. It's made from plant-based chemicals and essential oils, so it's gentle and won't hurt your skin. Also, 30% of Mrs. Meyer's bottles are made from recycled plastic that has already been used. The company is known for making cruelty-free goods that are garden-inspired.'
Cleaning with hydrogen peroxide is a great way to fend off germs, especially on high-touch food points such as kitchen counters and toddler high chairs as it is food safe, limiting the risk of cross-contamination.
Cleaning with baking soda helps break down tough deposits without scratching delicate surfaces such as metal and glass. Mixed into a paste with water or used with vinegar for fizzy cleaning, it's safe for use in most areas of your home. It's also brilliant for deodorizing everything from tennis shoes to carpets, sofas and mattresses.
Cleaning with vinegar is a must for non-toxic households. A 2020 study, for example, proved that vinegar can kill many household germs, including some strains of E. coli, making it the perfect, non-toxic option for homes with pets and children. Just make sure you leave it on at least 30 seconds.
Degreasers
There are several great natural ways to fight grease and grime without using harsh chemicals, including commercially available cleaning products, such as the ones listed below, vinegar and baking soda, or even cleaning with steam.
For example, I use a steam cleaner to deep clean my whole kitchen, relying on Homes & Garden's best steam cleaner (the Black + Decker Steam Mop, available at The Home Depot) to help melt grease without scrubbing. It even helps to clean an oven without chemicals.
If you are looking for something with a smaller upfront cost, these green degreasers are ideal:
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has certified Attitude products as non-toxic, meaning they contain no harsh chemicals or artificial compounds. Samara Geller, senior director of cleaning science and consumer safety science at EWG explains, 'To get your place to sparkle without introducing toxic chemicals into the mix, we suggest looking for the EWG VERIFIED® mark. Products carrying the EWG VERIFIED mark are produced according to the strictest standards and are formulated without chemicals of concern.'
Another product I have tested, the Truly Free degreaser easily cleaned my glass stove top, even when it was coated with a week's worth of grease and oil splatters.
Maria Mooney adds, 'The degreaser solution uses fragrance-free, plant-powered ingredients without the harsh chemicals. Free from dyes, thickeners, formaldehyde, fillers, and other toxins, it’s a safe yet powerful choice for cleaning ovens, stovetops, grease on clothes, garage tools, and more.' Cleaning grimy areas regularly reduces the need to turn to harsh cleaning agents.
Certified sustainable by ECOCERT and EWG, the AspenClean degreaser is made with plant-based ingredients, and scented with essential oils. They also come in 100% recycled bottles to clean your home without harming the planet. Alicia Sokolowski, cleaning expert and owner Co-CEO of AspenClean shares, 'The kitchen cleaner is specially formulated to cut through grease and grime on countertops, stovetops, and appliances.'
Dish cleaning
When used correctly, dishwasher tablets are not toxic, but they still contain harsh chemicals that can be damaging to the environment. Picking eco-friendly cleaning products instead limits the risk of contamination, while being better for waterways and animals.
Maria Mooney explains, 'The dishwasher powder is a healthier and safer alternative to traditional dishwashing products. While many dish soaps can leave behind chemical residues, our formula is free from harmful substances such as fragrances, ammonia, bleach, and dyes. Instead, it’s crafted with naturally derived ingredients and nature-powered enzymes that effortlessly cut through tough grease and burnt-on food.'
These hand dishwasher packs fit right into the detergent drawer of your dishwasher for a satisfying, powerful clean powered by plant-based ingredients and minerals. It also comes in 90% plastic-free packaging, to help reduce plastic use at home.
If you prefer to wash dishes by hand, switching to a non-toxic dish soap can help both your dishes (limiting the risk of food contamination) and your skin, especially if you tend to wash dishes without wearing cleaning gloves.
Bathroom cleaners
Cleaning a bathroom is a tough task, but eco-friendly cleaners can make it easier and less damaging to your health. By cutting out products such as bleach, you are not only protecting the environment but your skin, airways, and eyes, too.
These Seventh Generation bathroom cleaning supplies are EPA Safer Choice certified, making them a healthier choice for your home, but you can also clean with vinegar and baking soda to get rid of black mold on grout and sealant, get rid of hard water stains, and remove odors.
This Sparkling Seaside surface cleaner scent derived from 100% essential oils and botanical ingredients, with 0% VOCs, artificial fragrances, dyes, or harsh fumes, all in a 100% Post consumer recycled plastic bottle.
You should never clean with bleach when you can help it. It is incredibly astringent and often doesn't kill all bacteria. A dedicated, eco-friendly toilet cleaner left to soak for longer is more effective and safer for you and the planet.
Perfect for bathroom surfaces such as cleaning glass shower doors, faucets, basins, and counters, this all-round disinfecting spray keeps everything sanitary without harsh chemicals that damage your airways.
Laundry
Did you know that switching to non-toxic laundry alternatives can help you sleep better?
Using products free from dyes and fragrances reduces product build-up on sheets and clothing, making fabrics feel softer and reducing the risk of allergens and skin irritation.
Detergent is one of the many toxic laundry room items you should replace. The Aspen Clean pods are EWG certified for a healthier home, and come in cardboard packaging to reduce plastic use.
Ecover has become a staple for many of my family members. I use it to keep eczema and acne under control, my mom uses it to help psoriasis, and my grandmother uses it to avoid setting off my grandad's breathing problems. I would never be without it.
Keeping a home clean when you have pets, children, or are a little clumsy, can be hard. To remove stains on furniture, carpets, rugs, and clothing with this eco-friendly formula.
Pools
Pool maintenance is a traditionally chemical-laden process, but there are ways to limit the toxins and your environmental footprint.
Jeremy Yamaguchia, pool expert and CEO at Cabana says, ‘Even in areas of the home that typically do require harsh chemicals for cleaning, there are sometimes decent non-toxic alternatives. With pools, for example, there are some great enzyme-based non-toxic cleaning products, such as Natural Chemistry Pool Perfect.
Meet the experts
FAQs
What is the safest thing to clean your house with?
The safest thing to clean your house with are products that are food or skin-grade and have no additives, such as white vinegar, baking soda, salt, and hydrogen peroxide. The added bonus is these products are usually inexpensive, making them a great alternative for commercial cleaning products.
Knowing how to choose cleaning products in a market oversaturated by greenwashing can be tricky. Luckily, expert cleaners have read all the labels and studied all the packaging for you, putting together their best tips for avoiding greenwashing, greenlighting and greenshifting when shopping.
