11 Best Eco Friendly Cleaning Products: Tried & Tested

Got a mess? No stress! Welcome to the world of all-purpose cleaners, your home's best buddy that's game for tackling nearly any surface. But let's be honest, with a sea of options, picking the right one can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, right?

But fear not. We've got your back! We've delved into multi-purpose cleaners, scrutinized the top contenders, and emerged with a curated list of store-bought winners. At the bottom of this post, we have a guide on why switching to non-toxic cleaners is a good idea and how we choose these awesome brands.

Best Natural Cleaning Products

1. For EVERYTHING - Elva's 1 Cleaner

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We highly recommend Elva's 1 CLEANER, an effective biodegradable plant-derived cleaning product. It eliminates the need for multiple specialized cleaners by serving as an all-purpose solution.

The first application proved effective, leaving kitchen surfaces spotless without any chemical smell. The product, which is plant-based, biodegradable, and eco-friendly, ensures surfaces are thoroughly cleaned and shiny.

Its range of use includes glass, kitchen surfaces, wood, floors, and bathrooms. The cleaner is pH-balanced, making it safe for delicate items such as antique pieces and custom wood flooring.
The product is easy to use: spray and wipe for a clean surface. It successfully transformed dull mirrors into clear reflectors, made granite countertops look new, and had hard surfaces gleaming.

The eco-friendly packaging, a refillable "Bag in a Box" 3L home refill format, and an amber glass bottle reduce plastic waste.

We tested the cleaner and found it safe for almost all wipeable surfaces, including mirrors, glass, wood, composites, laminate, all types of flooring, granite, marble, stone, metals, stainless steel, plastic, kids' toys, leather, vinyl, car interiors, electronics, and more. We also found it paired well with these Swiffer alternatives and eco-friendly mops.

Due to their high performance and eco-friendly properties, we have featured Elva's 1 CLEANER in our Natural Laundry Detergents, Zero Waste Handsoap, Zero Waste Dish Soap, and Zero Waste Laundry Detergent guides.

2. Best Fragrance-Free - The Unscented Co.

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Buckle up, folks, because we're about to share our newest cleaning obsession: The Unscented Co.'s All-Purpose Cleaner. Consider this our secret weapon for a clean, fresh start every day. Kitchen spills? Bathroom grime? Random messes anywhere in the house? This cleaner has us covered.

From our first use, we quickly realized this all-purpose cleaner is the perfect sidekick to tackle all our chores. We must shout out here for being fragrance, dye, and phosphate-free - no unnecessary chemicals or sickly sweet odors, just pure, adequate cleaning power. This was an absolute game-changer for our team members with a keen sensitivity towards fragrances.

And can we take a moment to appreciate the packaging? The trigger sprayer boasts no metal parts; all its plastic components are 100% recyclable. Sustainability for the win! The sturdy, refillable bottle is also a big hit with us. Easy to refill, great to hold - that's an innovative design.

But don't just take our word for it. We've put this cleaner to work in the kitchen, the actual battlefield, and it has outperformed the "other guys" every single time. And all this without any overpowering, artificial smells. It's just clean, pure, and simple.

So, in a nutshell, The Unscented Co.'s All-Purpose Cleaner gets a big thumbs up from us. We'll continue to use this, and we're already excited to try out their other products. It's improved our daily clean-up; you might love it as much as we do! We've discussed them in Refillable Cleaning Products and Natural Laundry Detergent.

3. Best Kitchen Cleaner - Ethique's Kitchen Spray Concentrates

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For those of us searching for an effective kitchen spray sans the plastic bottle, this is the answer we've been waiting for! So here's the scoop: one plastic-free box yields a 350g bottle of multi-purpose kitchen spray.

The delightful aroma from sweet orange oil isn't just for show; it helps dissolve excess oil and grease to leave your kitchen looking and smelling clean.

We were especially impressed by its performance on glass surfaces - streak-free and gleaming. And it's more than just a pretty face; Ethique's kitchen spray is made with 100% naturally derived, ethically sourced, sustainable ingredients making it one of the best non-toxic biodegradable cleaning products. The packaging gets a gold star, too, being certified compostable cardboard.

The process of making the spray is just as easy as pie. First, break the bar into pieces, pop it into a heat-proof container, and pour over boiling water. Then, a quick whisk until it's melted, a brief cooling period, and then it's ready to be decanted into a reusable bottle. We had it prepared in less than 5 minutes!

This concentrate has been a revelation for our team. Its compact size means it takes up far less storage space than traditional cleaning products, making it a win-win-win in our books. Plus, the satisfaction of knowing we're reducing single-use plastic is unbeatable.

Ethique's Kitchen Spray Concentrate has been our first foray into concentrated cleaning products, and trust us when we say it's been a complete game-changer. If you're looking for an easy, efficient, and eco-friendly cleaning solution, we recommend giving this a shot!

And find Ethique in our Zero Waste Laundry Detergent and Zero Waste Hand Soap guides.

4. Best Glass Cleaner - Natura Solutions

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Natura Solutions is redefining the cleaning game with its exemplary range of products. At the forefront is their phenomenal window and glass cleaner, which not only promises but delivers an unmatched, streak-free shine on various surfaces, including those finicky cooktops and elegant marble counters.

Harnessing the robust power of nature-derived cleaning agents coupled with a dynamic multi-enzyme formula, this cleaner makes dirt, grease, and grime a thing of the past. And if you're tired of that unpleasant chemical aftertaste most cleaners leave behind, Natura has you covered.

Their glass cleaner ensures a squeaky-clean surface with zero chemical residues, thanks to the enzymatic magic that accelerates the cleaning process.

Safety concerns? Put them to rest! This gem of a cleaner is non-toxic and family-friendly, making it a trustworthy companion in homes with kids and pets. And for those conscious about the pH levels of their cleaning agents, this cleaner maintains neutrality, ensuring it's a friend to your surfaces, plants, and fabrics.

Here's some good news for the vegan brigade: Natura Solutions is all about plant-based goodness. From the window cleaner to their entire range, everything is vegan, free from synthetic additives, and screams purity.

Eco-warriors, Natura has a special treat for you. Their commitment to Mother Earth is evident in every facet, from sustainable ingredient sourcing to recyclable packaging. They've even garnered a 100% product rating from the USDA, reinforcing their dedication to eco-friendly practices.

Once you get your hands on this cleaner, you'll wonder how you ever did without it. It's crafted to perfection, spraying finely, ensuring no drips, and transforming cleaning from a mundane task to a delightful experience.

And the cherry on top? The absence of soaps, foams, dyes, or artificial scents. So, if you're searching for a cleaner that champions eco-friendliness without skimping on efficiency, Natura Solutions' window and glass cleaner is your go-to.

But wait, the magic doesn't stop there. Natura Solutions' repertoire boasts an All-In-One Cleaner, Disinfectant & Deodorizer, a splendid blend of plant-based enzymes, and hydrogen peroxide's disinfecting might. It's a joy for both your surfaces and senses, leaving behind a crisp eucalyptus scent while ensuring your home remains germ-free.

And for those plagued by obstinate stains, their Stain Remover is a life-saver. Speaking from personal experience, it waved a magic wand over a pesky yellow deodorant stain that had marred my favorite shirt, completely erasing any trace of it.

So, if you've got garments held hostage by stubborn stains, this stain remover from Natura Solutions might be the hero you've been searching for.

Where to find in-store:

Health Food Stores in Ontario: Natures Emporium, Goodness Me, Organic Garage, Healthy Planet, Terra 20 and Well.ca

National Retail: Loblaws (in their Natural Value Section), Real Canadian SuperStores, Zehrs, Your Independent Grocer, Provigo and Maxi, Federated Co-op and, IGA and, coming soon to Whole Foods.

5. Best Bathroom Cleaner - Earthy Edith's

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Our quest for the most effective eco-friendly cleaners led us to the doorstep of Earthy Edith's Natural Bathroom Cleaner, and boy, we were in for a treat. This cleaner embodies everything we're passionate about supporting small businesses, zero waste, and impeccable cleaning.

First things first, the packaging. These aren't just glass bottles - they're brilliant, sturdy, and reusable, with a spray nozzle that feels like it could last a lifetime. You can even order refills, keeping waste to an absolute minimum.

Getting down to the nitty-gritty of cleaning, we found this cleaner takes on grime like a champion. It effortlessly cared for everything from bath bomb residue to rings left over from dog baths without much scrubbing. A word of advice: shake it well before use for the best results.

The secret? Earthy Edith's employs distilled white vinegar of high acidity that destroys the cell structures of germs, ensuring your bathroom is a bacteria-free haven. And despite the vinegar, it leaves behind a refreshing, minty aroma, thanks to the organic essential oils.

But the clean bathroom is only the tip of the iceberg. This bathroom cleaner is formulated with non-toxic ingredients, making it safe, effective, and chemical-free.

Even more impressive? Earthy Edith's operates a zero-waste factory, championing reusable and recyclable materials at nearly every step of production. So, not only does our bathroom sparkle, but we're also supporting an eco friendly cleaning brand that shares our earth-friendly ethos. All in all, we are thoroughly impressed and excited to keep Earthy Edith in our cleaning rotation.

Pair this with our picks for reusable paper towel alternatives; you've got a winning duo.

6. Best Toilet Bowl Cleaner - Blueland Toilet Tabs

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Look no further if you're searching for a greener way to keep your porcelain throne gleaming. The Blueland toilet bowl cleaner tablet is here to save the day, and what an excellent sidekick it is!

This little tablet is a green-cleaning powerhouse made with earth-friendly, plant-based ingredients. It has the uncanny ability to eradicate stains without all those nasty chemicals typically found in toilet cleaners. So, it's tough on grime but gentle on Mother Earth - how's that for a superhero cleaner?

But, oh no, we're not stopping there. Each tablet is also housed in a tin-coated steel container. So, you might be thinking, "What's the big deal?" Well, let me tell you! This means the packaging is fully reusable - no unnecessary plastic waste here; thank you very much.

And the fun doesn't stop there! You know how every superhero needs a sidekick, right? Well, the Blueland tablet's trusty partner is a zesty Lemon-Cedar scent. It leaves your bathroom smelling fresher than a lemon grove on a warm summer's day.

We had a little rendezvous with these tablets; boy, they impressed. We had a toilet needing some serious TLC, and the Blueland tablet had it sparkling clean with minimal scrubbing. Who knew cleaning the bathroom could be this easy (and eco-friendly)?

And we're not the only ones singing praises. We heard from a neighbor, turned fellow Blueland toilet cleaner convert, who said they're just as obsessed with these tiny cleaning titans. So there you have it, folks - an eco-friendly, effective, and easy way to clean your toilet. So please give it a whirl, and let's keep our bathrooms and planet clean!

7. Best Dish Soap- Grove Collaborative's Ultimate Dish Soap

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Picture this: you've just hosted a big meal, and now you're faced with many dishes. Fear not; Grove Collaborative's Ultimate Dish Soap is here to make your dish-cleaning woes a breeze. This high-performance liquid dish soap has been proven to combat 48-hour stuck-on food.

This dish soap is not only a warrior against grime and grease, it's also a friend to the environment. Boasting a formula that's 98% plant-based, there's no trace of triclosan, parabens, phthalates, phosphates, or dyes. Instead, it's pure, clean, and as Mother Nature intended.

One aspect that the review team particularly adores about this dish soap is its 100% natural fragrance. The choice of scent ranges from Apple & Pear Blossom, Lavender Blossom & Thyme, Lemon & Eucalyptus to Orange & Rosemary.

For those who prefer a neutral vibe, there's also the Free & Clear formula that's unscented. As a result, each aroma transforms the dishwashing task into a delightful sensory experience.

What further sets this dish soap apart is its packaging. Housed in infinitely recyclable aluminum, it champions zero plastic waste—a perfect companion for any eco-friendly household striving for sustainability.

We discovered a dish soap that truly sets the bar high. The formula is impressively gentle on the hands, proving you don't have to sacrifice comfort for cleanliness. It's a standout feature for us, as many soaps often leave hands feeling dry and stripped of moisture.

Additionally, the concentration of this dish soap is noteworthy. A little goes a long way!

8. Best Scouring Powder - Aspen Clean's SuperScrub

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Hey there, fellow clean freaks and sustainability buffs! Let's dive into AspenClean's All-Natural SuperScrub Scouring Powder. This little marvel is infused with organic tea trees and lavender essential oils.

This scouring powder is our new best friend for tackling those stubborn spots around the house. Think sinks that have seen better days, pots and pans that have cooked one too many sticky sauces, stoves splattered from last night's stir fry and even those notorious toilet bowls.

EcoCert® certified, this SuperScrub powder is as kind to the planet as it is tough on grime. Let me share with you our favorite ways to use it.

For general tough cleaning: Wet the surface, sprinkle on the powder, and scrub it well. Voila, the stains be gone!

For stove tops and ovens, we've discovered the magic combo:

• Wet the surface.
• Mix the powder with AspenClean Kitchen Cleaner to make a paste.
• Scrub with a sponge.
• Wipe clean with a Kitchen Microfiber Cloth.

But don't stop there! This eco friendly cleaning alternative is a hero all over the house when used with the All-Purpose Cleaner. Mix up a paste, clean with the All-Purpose Cloth, and you're all set to tackle dirt in every nook and cranny.

I was initially a little skeptical. I've been loyal to a famous scrub brand for years. But I'm thrilled to report that this powder exceeded expectations. When I sprinkled it into a damp pan with some stubborn stains, it formed a thick paste that restored the pan to its shiny glory with just a smidge of elbow grease.

But the real game-changer? This powder lifted years of baked-on stains from my toaster oven's interior window. I can now watch my toast browning to perfection without opening the door! Safe to say, my old cleansers are gathering dust in the basement.

A quick word on AspenClean's packaging: they recently rolled out a few products in cardboard cubes, but most come in recyclable plastic. So make sure to do that. The bottles are well-made and easily reused for DIY cleaning recipes.

9. Best Zero Waste Cleaner - 0 Waste Cleaning

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0 Waste Cleaning Starter Kit is excellent for those transitioning to sustainable cleaning habits. This kit includes everything needed to keep a home clean and eco-friendly.

The kit contains:

• Refill tablets for an all-purpose cleaner.
• A bathroom cleaner.
• A glass cleaner.
• A foaming hand soap.

Each refill tablet dissolves in water, creating a potent, effective cleaning solution. Crafted from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients, these cleaners are environmentally friendly, safe for pets, and vegan-friendly.

The glass cleaner refill excels on windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces. It effectively combats dirt, grime, and grease, leaving the glass surfaces streak-free and crystal clear. The bathroom cleaner refill is specially designed to tackle stubborn bathroom dirt and grime, ensuring a sparkling clean and fresh bathroom. 

The all-purpose cleaner refill is perfect for everyday cleaning tasks in the kitchen, living room, or home. Finally, the foaming hand soap refill is gentle on the skin yet tough on dirt and bacteria.

Users can significantly reduce their plastic waste using the 0 Waste Cleaning Starter Kit. Plus, the compact size of the tablets takes up less space in the cleaning cupboard, making them an excellent choice for those with limited storage.

This cleaning kit comes in plastic-free packaging, made from paper and plant-based cellulose (corn), reflecting its commitment to sustainability. 

Plus, these refills are just as affordable as regular cleaning products and come in a pack of four. Each tablet makes a whole bottle of cleaner.

One of the unique aspects of this product is that it is a Canadian and woman-owned brand based in Montreal. The refills are as affordable as regular cleaning products and come in a pack of four. Each tablet makes a whole bottle of cleaner.

If you want to learn how to clean your home with zero waste, check out our comprehensive guide. And if you are trying to build a plastic-free cleaning kit, we've got that covered too.

Discount Code: THEECOHUB15

10. Best Carpet Cleaner - Biokleen

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Biokleen's Concentrated Carpet & Rug Shampoo is a powerful tool for maintaining the freshness and cleanliness of your carpets, rugs, and fabrics. This product employs robust plant-derived cleaning agents, which disintegrate stains and neutralize odors, giving your fabrics a rejuvenated look and pleasant aroma.

Designed for use in homes, rentals, or professional carpet cleaners, this formula is void of harsh chemicals, ensuring the safety and longevity of your carpets and rugs. Furthermore, it's safe to use around pets and effectively eliminates pet-related stains and stubborn odors like urine.

Biokleen's Carpet & Rug Shampoo is safe on all washable fibers and does not contain phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, brighteners, artificial colors, or fragrances. This demonstrates Biokleen's commitment to offering natural, eco-friendly solutions to your cleaning needs.

Manufactured in the U.S., Biokleen's formula uses biodegradable ingredients and firmly stands against animal testing. This product combines effective cleaning with a commitment to ethical and environmentally-friendly practices.

The user experience with this shampoo has been overwhelmingly positive. Even when used at full strength to clean high-traffic and heavily stained areas, it shows remarkable performance, eradicating dirt and stains while leaving carpets looking fantastic.

The product also works effectively when diluted, offering flexibility in its usage. While delightful and non-overbearing, the initial citrus scent quickly fades after application, ensuring it doesn't linger excessively in your home.

11. Best Floor Cleaner - DIY

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Eco-friendly cleaning isn't just a buzzword; it's an easy, effective, and responsible way of keeping our homes spotless and our planet healthier. One of the best ways to take control of your cleaning routine is to make solutions. Today, discuss a simple, eco-friendly floor cleaner recipe that works wonders.

So why does this eco-friendly floor cleaner cut? Firstly, the ingredients are straightforward and free of harsh chemicals. The star player Castile soap is a natural, biodegradable soap made of vegetable oils, making it safe for your family, pets, and the environment. Pair that with your choice of essential oils, leaving you with a clean floor that smells fantastic.

Now, why not use vinegar? Vinegar is a fantastic natural cleaner and can work wonders on certain types of flooring. However, it's acidic and can damage natural stone, hardwood, and certain types of tile over time. In contrast, our eco cleaner is gentle yet effective and suitable for all kinds of floors.

What you need:

• 2 gallons of heated water
• 2 tablespoons of Castile soap or 4 drops of Sal Suds
• 5 droplets of your chosen essential oil, such as pine or tea tree oil, or any scent you prefer

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Into a bucket, pour the hot water, then introduce the castile soap and the essential oil you choose.
2. Combine the ingredients gently, ensuring not to create too much froth or foam.

Directions for Use:

Submerge a mop into the prepared mixture and mop the floor, being cautious not to oversaturate it. After thoroughly cleaning the floor, discard the used water, refill the bucket with 2 more gallons of hot water (soap-free this time), and go over the floor again with the mop and the clean water.

Why make the switch to eco friendly cleaning products?

The daily cleaning ritual—be it our homes, clothes, or dishes—might inadvertently pollute our environment. Surprisingly, the tools we frequently employ to rid our spaces of dirt often contribute to a bigger mess on our planet and in our homes.

These cleaning products are typically housed in single-use plastic containers, many of which end up in landfills, despite our best recycling efforts. But the packaging is only the tip of the iceberg. These bottles often contain harmful ingredients and many complex chemical compounds that are difficult to pronounce and understand.

Reports from organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) suggest that many cleaning supplies release harmful fumes that could potentially trigger health problems, including chemical burns, poisonings, and even carcinogenic effects.

For example, chlorine bleach irritates the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It can have fatal consequences if accidentally mixed with ammonia, another common cleaning agent.

Speaking of ammonia, it carries its own set of risks, including potential blindness and severe skin burns. Other harmful compounds like Triclosan and Triclocarban, commonly found in dish soaps, have been associated with hormonal imbalances and breast cancer.

In addition to these human health concerns, these ingredients pose a significant threat to our environment. They often release volatile organic compounds that contribute to smog and lead to a phenomenon known as eutrophication—excessive nutrient saturation in water bodies that can harm aquatic species and trigger algal blooms.

Considering these potential repercussions, a sparkling clean toilet bowl or a spotless kitchen counter isn't worth the associated environmental harm or health risks.

Using toxic chemicals to clean contradicts the very essence of cleanliness. When dusting corners or tackling stubborn stains, employing products that lessen the impact on our health, homes, and the broader environment is a far wiser choice. With eco-friendly products, we can ensure our spaces are clean while preserving the health of our shared home—our planet.

Our criteria for choosing eco friendly cleaners

In a world increasingly aware of our environmental footprint, making conscientious choices about the products we use daily is more crucial than ever. This is particularly true for cleaning products we regularly introduce into our homes and, eventually, our planet's ecosystems.

Selecting eco-friendly cleaners is about more than just getting rid of dirt and grime—it's about taking responsibility for our health, the well-being of other creatures, and preserving the world we all share.

Therefore, when shopping for cleaners, it's essential to consider factors such as the quality of ingredients, vegan and cruelty-free standards, palm oil usage, sustainable sourcing practices, packaging, and septic safety.

1. Good Ingredients: This involves choosing products made with safe, natural, and non-toxic ingredients. Not only should they be effective at cleaning, but they should also pose no harm to your health or the environment.

2. Vegan: Vegan cleaning products are free of any animal-derived ingredients. Choosing vegan products means avoiding ingredients often sourced through methods that harm animals or their habitats.

3. Cruelty-free: Cruelty-free products have not been tested on animals. Selecting these products helps reduce animal suffering and promotes the ethical treatment of all living beings.

4. Palm-oil Free: Palm oil production often contributes to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Selecting palm-oil-free products means you're taking a stand against these harmful practices and supporting the preservation of crucial ecosystems.

5. Sustainable sourcing: This refers to obtaining ingredients and materials in a way that respects the environment and local communities. Sustainable sourcing ensures that your product isn't depleting resources or causing undue environmental harm.

6. Better packaging: Look for products that use minimal, recyclable, or compostable packaging. This can significantly reduce waste and the amount of plastic that ends up in landfills or our oceans.

7. Septic Safe: Septic-safe cleaners won't harm the beneficial bacteria in your septic system or cause clogs or backups. This ensures that your waste management system remains effective and reduces the likelihood of costly repairs.

A final word on eco-friendly and biodegradable cleaners

Keeping a clean house isn't just a labor of love – it's also about choosing the right sidekicks. And by sidekicks, we mean the best natural and eco friendly cleaning products.

Now, you might be a dedicated fan of old-time favorites like white vinegar and baking soda, and who could blame you? But let's admit it. Not all messes are made equal, are they?

That annoying water stain around your bathroom faucet? It's different from the stubborn wine splotch on your prized marble countertop. And they're not going to surrender to the same cleaning agent.

While a gazillion gadgets promise to turn cleaning into a cakewalk, we're here to tell you a secret – you only need a handful of tried-and-true items to conquer even the messiest.

Sustainability is the name of the game, and we're all for green cleaning products that pack a punch without harming our planet.

Having tested everything from scrub brushes to hand soaps (we love clean spaces), we're excited to share our top picks of eco-friendly cleaning warriors. With these nine versatile and practical products, housekeeping will feel less like a chore and more like a walk in the park.

So, as we wrap this up, let's reevaluate why we started in the first place. Our spring cleaning rituals, or everyday tidy-ups, are about more than just maintaining a spotless home. It's also about creating a healthy, sustainable living space and doing our bit for Mother Nature.

Sure, we all want to finish the cleaning quickly, but not at the expense of a job half-done.

That's where your choice of cleaning products comes in. Choosing eco-friendly cleaners isn't just about being kind to the planet—it's also about getting a kick-butt clean without all the nasty chemicals.

So, remember to go green, whether you're gearing up for your annual deep clean or need to deal with everyday mess. You'll not only get a sparkling clean house, but you'll also be doing your part to keep our world that bit cleaner too.

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