Essentials
The 15 Best Natural Cleaning Products for Your Home
Love a fresh, clean home but hate the idea of toxic chemicals? These natural cleaning products are better for your family and the environment.
April 11, 2021
We often think that a clean home is a healthy home. But what if your cleaning habits are doing more harm to your family and the environment than good?
Some traditional household cleaners are full of chemicals that can set off allergic reactions, trigger asthma attacks and leave chemical burns on your skin. Imagine what that can do to the environment when these chemicals are washed down the drain! Plus, you never want to run the risk of your kids or pets getting into toxic cleaners.
Wondering how to clean your house without harmful chemicals but don’t know where to start? A great general rule of thumb is to look for all-natural cleaning products with limited ingredients on their labels. Bonus points if those ingredients are mostly derived from plants. Some of the best natural cleaning products include brands like Seventh Generation, Method and Mrs. Meyer’s.
Take it a step further by creating your own natural cleaning products. The most effective homemade cleaning solutions include super simple ingredients like vinegar, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
Before your next big cleaning day, consider stocking up on some of the following sustainable cleaning products. We’ll even give you some recipes to make DIY cleaning solutions with the ingredients already in your kitchen!
The Best Natural All-Purpose Cleaning Products
All-purpose cleaning products are great for those quick clean ups when you need a little something more than soap and water. From counter tops to floor tiles, tackle quick messes with one of these natural all purpose cleaners.
Method Ginger All-Purpose Cleaner
Method products are a great alternative to some traditional cleaners. They don’t contain the harsh chemicals that other cleaners do—making it safer for your family and the environment. Plus, the ginger scent of this all-purpose cleaner will leave your space smelling fresh!
Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaner
Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Cleaner is a great option for families looking to move away from chemical cleaners by opting for more plant-based solutions. Plus, Mrs. Meyer’s products come in recyclable packaging—making them a super sustainable option!
DIY All-Purpose Cleaner
You can make your own all-purpose cleaner with a few simple ingredients. All you’ll need is:
A spray bottle
Water
Essential oil (optional)
Start by filling half of your spray bottle with water. Next, fill the remaining half with equal parts white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide. Just be sure to leave some space at the top for a teaspoon of baking soda.
If you want, you can add a drop of your favorite essential oil to make your quick clean feel like a total home makeover. Just be careful if you have pets— some essential oils can be toxic to them.
The Best Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaners
Did you know that it’s recommended to clean your toilets once per week to avoid the build up of harmful germs like E. coli? Regular toilet bowl cleaning will also help prevent discoloration that can be difficult to remove over time.
Use one of the following natural cleaners to keep your bathroom pristine and germ-free. Plus, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you’re not flushing harmful chemicals into our ecosystem!
Love Home and Planet Tea Tree & Vetiver Multipurpose Cleaner Spray
Multipurpose cleaners work great as toilet bowl cleaners. This one by Love Home and Planet is an excellent option.
Love Home and Planet products are perfect for those looking to make the switch to natural and sustainable cleaning. Not only are their products dermatologist-tested (so you don’t have to worry about any rashes or itchy skin after cleaning), but they’re also dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint.
Seventh Generation Eucalyptus Spearmint & Thyme Disinfectant Spray
Life can get busy—and let’s be honest, cleaning the toilet probably isn’t at the top of your to-do list. For those times when life feels too busy to fit cleaning into your schedule, take a few seconds to spray down your toilet with a natural disinfectant spray.
Aerosol cleaners can be some of the most toxic and harmful cleaners if you’re not using one that is made of natural ingredients. This disinfectant spray by Seventh Generation will kill those unwanted germs while keeping your family safe from harmful chemicals.
DIY Toilet Bowl Cleaner
The most natural toilet bowl cleaners are the ones you make yourself with ingredients you probably already have on hand. For an effective do-it-yourself toilet cleaner, all you’ll need is:
A spray bottle
Water
Fill half of a spray bottle with water and the remaining half with vinegar. Spray the entire toilet bowl with this mixture and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, sprinkle baking soda all around the inside of the bowl. With the baking soda still inside, scrub the toilet bowl thoroughly and flush. That’s it!
The Best Natural Carpet Cleaners
The best natural carpet cleaner is one that you DIY with a few simple ingredients from your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
A spray bottle
A vacuum cleaner
Dried lavender petals (optional)
Take the baking soda and sprinkle it all over the rug or carpet you’re trying to clean. Don’t be afraid to use more than you think you need! Next, use a spray bottle to dampen the area and let it sit for a few minutes. Doing this will lift up any dirt and dust to the surface, making it easier to vacuum. If you happen to have dried lavender petals on hand, lightly crush them up and sprinkle them around the rug or carpet you are cleaning. This will give your room a fresh scent boost!
Once the baking soda has had a chance to sit for a few minutes, vacuum the area to lift everything out of the carpet. Depending on how good your vacuum cleaner is, you may want to go over the area a few times.
The Best Natural Disinfectants
Disinfectants are great for quickly clearing spaces of unwanted germs and bacteria. For example, you might use disinfectant spray in a hotel room while traveling. It’s also great to use around your home to prevent the spread of germs when a family member is sick with a virus. However, the traditional name brand aerosol disinfectants we’re used to are some of the most toxic cleaning products on the market. This is not just because of their chemical components, but because the aerosol spray mechanism makes these chemicals airborne, putting you at risk for breathing in a lot of nasty stuff.
Consider keeping your spaces free of harmful bacteria and chemicals by opting for a natural disinfectant instead.
Seventh Generation Fresh Citrus & Thyme Disinfectant Spray
This is a great natural alternative to traditional disinfectant sprays. Not only will it tackle tough germs, but the citrus and thyme scent will leave your entire house smelling extra clean!
DIY Disinfectant
We’re so used to heavy-duty disinfectant sprays full of chemicals that creating your own natural disinfectant spray almost seems ineffective. That’s totally not the case! With three simple ingredients, you can make your own natural disinfectant spray that kills just as many germs as the name-brand chemical options.
Here’s what you’ll need:
A spray bottle (glass is best)
Water
A clear, unflavored alcohol like Everclear (the higher the ABV the better)
Fill your spray bottle with equal parts water, white vinegar and alcohol. Shake up your spray bottle and use as you would an aerosol cleaner. The only difference is that you may want to wipe up any leftover residue with a clean, damp washcloth.
The Best Natural Laundry Detergents
Seventh Generation Concentrated Free & Clear Liquid Laundry Detergent
This Seventh Generation liquid laundry detergent is a great option for those looking to switch to natural cleaners. If you or a family member deals with sensitive skin, try to opt for laundry detergents that are labeled “free and clear.” This means they’re free of any fragrances that can irritate the skin.
The packaging of this laundry detergent in particular makes this a natural, eco-friendly and sustainable option.
Mrs. Meyer’s Fabric Softener
We love a plant-based cleaner. With this Mrs. Meyer’s detergent, you don’t have to feel guilty about draining chemicals from your washing machine into our waterways. A whopping 97% of the ingredients in this cleaner are naturally derived, making the contents biodegradable. Plus, who doesn’t love the calming scent of lavender?
Love Home and Planet Lavender & Argan Oil Concentrated Laundry Detergent
Love Home and Planet products are dermatologist-tested—making this another great option for those who suffer from sensitive skin issues. This brand is also proud to be fully vegan and cruelty-free, so you can take pride in choosing a sustainable brand that is actively doing good for the planet!
The Best Natural Dish Soaps and Dishwasher Detergents
Did you know that some commercial dish soaps have toxic chemicals like ammonia, chlorine and even formaldehyde? Frequent use of these chemicals can have long-term implications on your health (and the environment). Keep these chemicals from seeping into your skin and food by opting for one of these more sustainable dish soaps.
Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap Lemon Verbena
Just because it’s plant-based doesn’t mean it isn’t tough on grease! This dish soap is a great option for getting your dirty dishes sparkling clean with a fresh lemon scent.
Love Home and Planet Citrus Yuzu & Vanilla Dishwasher Detergent Packets
As always, Love Home and Planet products are plant-based, vegan, cruelty-free and made without harsh chemicals. These dishwasher detergent packets are tough on grease and grime while also being free of harmful dyes. Not only is this scent incredible, it is also ethically sourced—making it a sustainable option you can be proud of.
Seventh Generation Dish Soap Free & Clear
Mild on scent, tough on grease. This Seventh Generation dish soap is a great free and clear option for those who like to stay away from fragrances that can irritate the skin. It is also EPA-certified, so you know you’re doing your part to take care of our planet!
Before your next cleaning day, take inventory of your current cleaning products and make room for more natural and sustainable options. Need something in a hurry? Order natural cleaning products from Gopuff and get it delivered within minutes.
