Discover the best green cleaning products that really work for every type of cleaning job in your home – from laundry to dishes to floors and everything in between. And of course are non-toxic and eco-friendly for people and the environment!
Shout. Lysol. Windex. Clorox. Tide. Pledge. Unless you’ve grown up living an extremely green lifestyle, you’re probably pretty familiar with those names and the types of products they represent.
And I’m guessing that like 97% of the population, you’ve got one or two of them under your sink right now.
Why Green Cleaning Matters
Conventional cleaning products are well known for their ability to get the dirty jobs done, but there is a price to pay for their version of “clean”. While they may be good at scrubbing off grime and busting germs, they are not healthy housemates.
The ingredients in those secret cleaning formulas are often toxic to breathe, bad for the environment and some are even dangerous to touch with your bare hands. According to an investigation by the Environmental Working Group of over 2000 cleaning products on the American market, cleaning substances have been linked to:
asthma and other respiratory problems
release of cancer causing formaldehyde
elevated risk of birth defects
chemical burns and allergic reactions
poisonings
hormone disruption
Surprisingly, federal laws do not mandate health testing for the chemicals used in most cleaning products and to make matters worse, manufacturers are not required to list ingredients on cleaning product labels (although California’s Cleaning Product Right to Know Act does require ingredient listings for the State of California starting in 2021.). If we don’t know what’s in our cleaning products, how can we make an educated decision about whether or not they are safe to use?
On top of the health concerns, layer in the environmental issues caused by cleaning product ingredients, like algae buildup, drinking water degradation and harm to aquatic life, and these products are not looking very “clean” at all.
The market for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products has exploded in the past few years but still it can be hard to separate the greenwashing from the truly green. I’ve been adding to my green cleaning arsenal for years and I’ve found that the best green cleaning brands meet these criteria:
Disclose ingredients (even though they are not required to)
Are biodegradable (preferably USDA Certified Biobased Product)
Do not contain artificial colors or fragrances*
An A or B rating in the EWG’s cleaning product database (a C rating can also be acceptable – see fragrance note)
Bonus: Are ultraconcentrated or refillable
And of course they need to work. That goes without saying. Eco-friendly cleaning products have come a long way and I would argue that many of them work just as well or better than conventional cleaning products. Sure, I’ve tried a few that were duds, but over the years I’ve found the specific products that work best for me from a bunch of different green cleaning brands.
*A note about fragrance: Artificial or synthetic fragrance had become an evil buzz word in the natural product industry – and for good reason. HOWEVER, fragrance is complicated (as my friend Lindsay explains in this helpful post). Essential oils are a great natural fragrance option but they do not have the lasting scent that many people prefer. Other natural fragrances (from plant stems, tree bark resins etc…) add more scent options. Safer synthetic fragrances (phthalate-free for starters) are also available. The good news is that companies are becoming more transparent about fragrance ingredients and I expect the world of fragrance to become easier to navigate in the future.
My personal preference is for lightly scented cleaning products that smell like something you would find in nature (lavender, pine, lemon) as opposed to strongly scented “tropical breeze” or “floral mist” fragrances.
Best Green Cleaning Products & Brands
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure
So are you ready to swap out some of your old standbys for non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products? I’ve tried a lot of cleaning product brands over the years, so I’m here to help!
My recommendation is to start with the three products you use the most and then continue on from there. Maybe that’s dishwashing soap, laundry detergent and an all-purpose cleaning spray. Or maybe it’s the toilet cleaner that’s got to go. It’s really up to you!
BONUS: If you sign up for my mailing list, you’ll get a printable shopping guide of my top green cleaning products in 10 different cleaning categories. I have cherry-picked the best ones just for you!
Here’s a list of the best green cleaning brands I recommend and rely on for my household cleaning routine:
Earth Friendly Products (ECOS)
Brand mission: To make safe cleaning products available and affordable to everyone.
Known for: A whole range of cleaning products, from household to laundry to dishwashing.
Primary ingredients: Biodegradable formulas based on plant-derived ingredients. They have a never-ever list of over 500 ingredients.
Sustainability points: Climate positive throughout every step of business from manufacturing to shipping.
Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny
EWG ratings: Mostly As and Bs and a couple Cs
Favorite ECOS Products: All Purpose Cleaner (Parsley Plus and Orange Plus) and Furniture Polish
Brand mission: To inspire families to live healthier, more sustainable lives, with high-quality personal care and household products that are better for the body and our planet.
Known for: A variety of household cleaners, laundry and dishwashing products.
Primary ingredients: Natural, plant and mineral based ingredients
Sustainability points: Bulk refills available for many of their cleaning, dishwashing and laundry products.
Certifications: ECOLOGOĀ®, PETA Certified
EWG ratings: Mostly As and some Bs
Favorite ATTITUDE Products: Dishwasher Tablets
BUY ATTITUDE Get $10 off your first order with code WELCOME10
Branch Basics
Brand mission: To help people create healthy homes
Known for: Their multi-purpose cleaning concentrate.
Primary ingredients: Plant and mineral based ingredients
Sustainability points: All bottles are refillable using the cleaning concentrate.
Certifications: MADE SAFE
EWG ratings: B
Favorite Branch Basics Products: The Concentrate
BUY Branch Basics Use code MINDFULMOMMA for 15% off all Starter Kits (except trial)
Better Life
Brand mission: To create plant-based, environmentally friendly cleaners that defy expectations for safety and performance.
Known for: Specialty cleaning products, laundry detergent and dishwashing products.
Primary ingredients: Plant-powered cleaning agents – like soap bark, corn, coconut and essential oils.
Sustainability points: Biodegradable formulas
Certifications: Leaping Bunny
EWG ratings: A, B, C, D
Favorite Better Life Products: Liquid Laundry Detergent
Brand mission: To formulate products without carcinogens or known human toxins. To strive to be good stewards of the Earth and give back to our community and those in need.
Known for: Laundry, household cleaning and dishwashing products.
Primary ingredients: Earth and plant-based ingredients derived from corn, coconut, or sustainable sourced palm oil, as well as natural fragrances.
Sustainability points: Some products are packaged in glass and others in recyclable plastic.
Certifications: EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny
EWG ratings: A
Favorite Molly’s Suds Products: Sink Scrub in Citrus and Stain Remover Spray
Brand mission: To bring wellness to the home through nature-inspired cleaning products
Known for: Floor cleaners and other household cleaning products
Primary ingredients: Products are vinegar based and have less than 10 natural ingredients each.
Sustainability points: Floor cleaner is a concentrate. Post-consumer recycled (PCR) plastic is used in packaging whenever possible. Net zero plastic footprint.
Not everyone has the time or the interest in making homemade cleaning products – but if you are one of those who likes to DIY everything possible, take a look at the DIY cleaning products I’ve got up on the blog (more to come!)
Want even more info about non-toxic cleaning so you can be CONFIDENT that your cleaning routine is safe? Check out my Green Cleaning Kickstart mini-course!
Micaela Preston is natural living educator and safe and sustainable product activist. She has spoken at conferences and events, has lobbied for safer chemical laws, and has consulted with many brands and businesses. Her book, Practically Green: Your Guide to Eco Friendly Decision Making was published in 2009.
this is timely! I like using green products but admittedly haven’t done the research on it – thank you for compiling this list. I’m surprised I’ve only heard of ONE of the brands on here (Seventh Generation) which I guess makes sense because it’s at Target. Think that making DIY options is worth it??
Hi Jessica – glad I was able to help you discover some new brands! As for DIY – yes I think it’s totally worth it – but not everyone is into it. Buying something you can trust from a store is so easy!
Thank you for sharing this comprehensive list! I enjoy making my own DIY cleaning supplies, but I also like to have a few natural cleaning products. I’m a huge fan of Dr Bronner’s, Seventh Generation, and Better Life! It’s always good to have a list of non-toxic cleaning products on hand.
I’m in a similar situation – I’ve made plenty of DIY cleaning supplies but don’t always have the time or need a specialty product. These are all brands I’ve used and recommend!
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Erika says
This is so thorough – thanks for your advice! I’ve been meaning to switch to better cleaning products. Will remember you recommendations.
Micaela says
Happy to help! I’d love to know which brands/products you end up with!
Jessica says
this is timely! I like using green products but admittedly haven’t done the research on it – thank you for compiling this list. I’m surprised I’ve only heard of ONE of the brands on here (Seventh Generation) which I guess makes sense because it’s at Target. Think that making DIY options is worth it??
Micaela says
Hi Jessica – glad I was able to help you discover some new brands! As for DIY – yes I think it’s totally worth it – but not everyone is into it. Buying something you can trust from a store is so easy!
Alisha says
Thank you for sharing this comprehensive list! I enjoy making my own DIY cleaning supplies, but I also like to have a few natural cleaning products. I’m a huge fan of Dr Bronner’s, Seventh Generation, and Better Life! It’s always good to have a list of non-toxic cleaning products on hand.
Micaela says
I’m in a similar situation – I’ve made plenty of DIY cleaning supplies but don’t always have the time or need a specialty product. These are all brands I’ve used and recommend!
Michelle Miller says
This is an amazing resource! I will definitely be doing my research.
Micaela says
Glad you find it helpful!