Green cleaning has gone mainstream. More and more people are looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact at home, and one great place to start is with eco-friendly cleaning products. The market for natural, environmentally-safe cleaners has exploded in recent years. Consumers are wising up to the fact that many conventional cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that are not only bad for the planet, but can also be harmful to our health.
The good news is, there are now tons of effective, non-toxic cleaning products readily available to consumers. You no longer need to sacrifice performance to go green with your home cleaning routine. In this blog post, we’ll cover the top 5 eco-friendly cleaning product lines, tips for how to choose the best green cleaners for your home, and answers to frequently asked questions about natural cleaning products. Let’s dive in!
The Top 5 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When it comes to green cleaning, there are a few established brands that dominate the market. Here are my top 5 go-to options for effective, environmentally-friendly cleaning products:
1. Mrs. Meyer’s Cleaning Products
Mrs. Meyer’s is likely one of the most widely recognized eco-friendly cleaner brands on the market. They offer a wide range of plant-based cleaning products, from soaps and detergents to cleaners for the kitchen, bathroom, floors, dishes and more.
Key features:
- Biodegradable ingredients derived from plants
- Cruelty free, never tested on animals
- Free from parabens, phthalates, and artificial colors
- Light but inviting essential oil scents like lavender, lemon, and honeysuckle
Pros: Excellent cleaning power, non-irritating fragrances,availability in many major grocery and home stores
Cons: Prices tend to be a little higher than some brands
Best for: All-purpose cleaning around the home
2. Seventh Generation Cleaning Products
Seventh Generation is another leader in the eco-friendly cleaning space. They offer a large selection of concentrates, ready-to-use cleaners, disinfectants, laundry detergents, dish soaps and more.
Key features:
- Plant-based, biodegradable ingredients
- No dyes, brighteners, or synthetic fragrances
- Reusable packaging on concentrates to reduce waste
- EPA Safer Choice certified
Pros: Very effective on grease, great for deep cleaning, good value for concentrates
Cons: Some fragrances can be strong for sensitive noses
Best for: Heavy duty cleaning and stain removal
3. Ecovia Cleaning Products
Ecovia is a newer green cleaning brand, but their products are impressively effective. Their line includes laundry detergent, dish soap, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner and more.
Key features:
- Powerful plant-based, biodegradable formulas
- Naturally derived, non-toxic ingredients
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance-free options
- Graywater safe
Pros: Unscented options are great for sensitive skin, cleans very effectively
Cons: Limited availability in stores, pricier options
Best for: Sensitive skin and noses that require fragrance-free
4. Babyganics Cleaning Products
As the name implies, Babyganics cleaning products are specifically formulated to be safe for homes with babies and children. But their toxin-free cleaners work well in any home.
Key features:
- Plant-based ingredients like sugar surfactants
- Fragrance, dye and allergen free
- Pediatrician and dermatologist tested
- Certified by EWG, NSF International
Pros: Gentle but effective cleaning for delicate skin, great for allergy prone households
Cons: Very mild scents, limited product range
Best for: Homes with infants and children
5. Better Life Cleaning Products
Better Life products offer powerful eco-friendly cleaners made from plant-derived ingredients. They have a wide range of products for floors, dishes, laundry, bath, autos and more.
Key features:
- Plant-based, biodegradable formulations
- Hypoallergenic, fragrance, dye and gluten free
- Non-toxic, cruelty free
- Carbon neutral manufacturing
Pros: Very effective cleaners, ethical company with sustainable practices
Cons: Not as readily available in stores as some brands
Best for: Powerful green cleaning for the entire home
How to Choose the Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When searching for the right green cleaners for your home, here are some helpful tips for choosing quality non-toxic products that get the job done:
Determine your cleaning needs – Consider which rooms, surfaces, and cleaning tasks you need products for. This will help you select the right types of natural cleaners for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, laundry, etc.
Check ingredients – Read labels and look for plant-derived, biodegradable ingredients like citrus oils, soda ash, plant alcohols and sodium bicarbonate. Avoid cleaners with harsh synthetic chemicals.
Look for reputable certifications – Credible third party certifications like EPA Safer Choice, EWG Verified and USDA Organic assure the safety and eco-friendliness of products.
Consider performance – Make sure any eco-friendly cleaners you choose are effective for their intended uses. With the right formulations, green cleaners can tackle tough jobs.
Compare prices – Natural cleaners were once far pricier than traditional options, but more competition has driven costs down. Calculate cost per use for concentrates.
Read reviews – Check out customer reviews on sites like Amazon or brand websites to learn how green cleaners have performed in real homes.
Buy in bulk – Opt for concentrated cleaners that can be diluted to go further. This saves money and plastic packaging.
Check brand reputation – Established green cleaning brands are more likely to offer reliable quality and transparency. Newer brands may lack a proven track record.
Look for plant-based ingredients – Cleaners made with plants, minerals and other natural ingredients are better for you and the planet than synthetic chemicals.
Seek out “free and clear” options – For sensitive skin, look for products free from dyes, fragrances, and common allergens.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can find eco-friendly cleaners that get your home sparkling while still being gentle on your family and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
If you’re new to green cleaning, chances are you have some questions! Here I’ll address some of the most common FAQs about eco-friendly cleaning products:
Are natural cleaners as effective as conventional cleaners?
Thanks to better “green chemistry” in recent years, most top eco-friendly cleaners are just as effective as conventional options, if not more so. Brands like Seventh Generation, Method and Ecover rival Clorox and Lysol.
Do green cleaners properly disinfect surfaces?
Many natural cleaners contain antimicrobial ingredients that properly sanitize surfaces. But if you’re concerned about more powerful germ killing, look for plant-based disinfectants certified by EPA or Ecolab.
Are eco-friendly cleaners safe for my family?
Reputable natural cleaning brands thoroughly test ingredients for toxicity and safety. Plant-derived ingredients are gentler than harsh chemicals. But always look for established brands and read labels.
How should I store and use green cleaners?
Read labels for proper use instructions. Never mix cleaning products. Safely store out of reach of children. Buy concentrates and dilute in reusable bottles to reduce plastic.
What ingredients should I avoid in cleaners?
Avoid cleaners with ammonia, chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrances, VOCs, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Opt for plant-derived ingredients instead.
Where can I buy green cleaning products?
Major retailers like Target, Walmart and Amazon offer eco-friendly cleaners. Natural grocers will have the widest selection. You can also buy many brands directly from their websites.
Are natural cleaners more expensive than conventional options?
In the past, green cleaners cost notably more but prices have come down. Many are competitively priced, especially concentrates. And using less harsh chemicals means saving money on health issues.
How can I make my own eco-friendly cleaners?
You can DIY safe cleaners from basic ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, Castile soap, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils, etc. But pre-made green cleaners offer convenience and rigorous safety testing.
What certifications should I look for?
Valid third party certifications include EPA Safer Choice, EWG Verified, USDA Organic, EcoLogo, GreenSeal, and more. This ensures products are truly eco-friendly.
How should I dispose of natural cleaners?
Check label instructions. In general, you can safely pour most plant-based cleaners down the drain. Never dispose of cleaning chemicals down outdoor storm drains.
Conclusions
Green cleaning is a simple way to reduce your environmental footprint at home while protecting your family’s health. Fortunately, there are now endless options for effective, non-toxic cleaners to create an eco-friendly home.
The top brands like Mrs. Meyer’s, Seventh Generation, and Ecovia offer reliable eco-friendly cleaning products for all your household needs. Just be sure to check ingredients and certifications to verify safety and performance.
Switching to natural cleaners is a small change that makes a big difference. Your home can be just as clean while you breathe easier knowing your family and the planet are safer. What are you waiting for? Go green and get cleaning today!