Roundup of the best non-toxic cleaning sprays – including store-bought brands and a homemade cleaning spray.
Take a look under my kitchen sink and you’ll find a jumble of bottles and jars with colorful graphics, along with a bunch of random sponges and reusable cleaning cloths – just like most people.
Unlike most people, instead of the traditional cleaning products that were always under the sink when I was growing up, I’ve filled mine with newer brands (+ a homemade version), made with safe, non-toxic ingredients.
Switching out my cleaning products was one of first steps I took to detox my home by switching to natural, non-toxic products many years ago, but believe me, it did not happen overnight. It’s been a process, and sometimesa challenge to find cleaning products that work well and are not simply greenwashing disguised as natural.
Today we’re talking about the most basic of cleaning products – but probably the one you use most often: the all-purpose cleaning spray. Over the years, I’ve had many different all-purpose cleaning sprays under my sink, but only a handful that make it back time after time. Find out which ones made the cut (+ a few that didn’t ) and why below!
Why It Matters
Aside from your garage or basement storage room, the worst chemicals in your home are probably underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. The chemicals in those products may be good for scrubbing but they are not healthy housemates.
Most traditional cleaning products contain active ingredients and fragrances that are linked to asthma, allergies, hormone disruption and even cancer. In fact, many popular cleaning sprays – like Lysol and Formula 409 rate an F (the worst rating) on EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Trust me, you do not want to be spraying those things around for your family to breathe!
Conventional cleaning products aren’t good for the environment either – the ingredients cause harm to marine life and drinking water, and continue our reliance on petroleum.
Think reading the label will help you identify safer products? Sadly that’s not the case for most cleaning products. Unlike food or beauty products, manufacturers of household cleaning products are not required to list ingredients on the label. And from what we’ve learned here, those “patented” cleaning formulas are secret for a reason.
Criteria for Non-Toxic Cleaning Sprays
So now that we know why we should avoid traditional cleaning sprays, let’s figure out how to find safer ones! These are the things I look for in an all-purpose cleaning spray:
Transparency – all ingredients listed on packaging
Plant derived – ingredients from plants instead of petroleum
Biodegradable – all ingredients will biodegrade completely
Cruelty free – no animal testing
Light natural scent or unscented – some “natural” brands like Mrs. Meyers and Method have scents that are too overpowering for my liking
Favorite Non-Toxic Cleaning Sprays
(There are affiliate links in this post. If you make a purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting Mindful Momma if you do!)
Like I said, finding non-toxic cleaning sprays that actually work well has been a process. So to keep you from having to go through those same trials, I’m only sharing the all-purpose cleaning sprays that I have liked enough to repurchase over and over again. I love these brands! And if you’re a DIY’er you’ll be happy to see my homemade cleaning spray on the list!
Buying tip: I’ve found that some of the best prices for non-toxic cleaning sprays are online – target.com, Vitacost, Amazon and Thrive Market are good sources.
20 drops essential oil (tea tree, grapefruit seed and lemon are natural disinfectants)
Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle (I prefer glass spray bottles). Shake well to mix before using.
Pros: Super inexpensive!
Price: Minimal
Ready to clean up that jumble underneath your kitchen sink? Let’s do this!
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.
I think this is a great way to dip your toe into ridding your house/life of bad chemicals. I’m going to have to check my all purpose cleaner at home and see if it passes the test!
Micaela, Awesome article! I appreciate the thorough review of all natural cleaning products and what to watch out for when shopping for greener cleaners. I’ve done some research in this area of toxic cleaners, lack of regulation, and steps towards healthier cleaning. I’d be happy to share more information with you if you’re interested!
Thank you for this list! I have been interested in trying some of the Better Life products. I haven’t used many natural spray cleaners, but I do like the Seventh Generation wipes for cleaning the bathroom.
Hi where do you buy non toxic furniture? I’m looking to buy nightstands and office chairs but everything non toxic is extremely expensive. Also plz link which mattress you use. Thank you!
Hey Shaz – Unfortunately, I don’t know of any super inexpensive sources of non toxic furniture, other than possibly some things at Ikea. Some of the companies known for eco-friendly/non-toxic furniture are Room & Board, Crate & Barrel and Ashley Furniture. You’ll need to ask a lot of questions about the materials and adhesives they use. For my recommended mattress brands, check out this post: https://mindfulmomma.com/non-toxic-mattress-brands/ Hope that helps!
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Jessica says
Hi, thank you for this post! I am wondering why the Seventh Generation spray is crossed off. Is this still a product that you would recommend?
Micaela says
Sorry about that – there was a problem with the link. Yes, I do recommend Seventh Generation! Thanks for the head’s up about the problem.
Erin says
I think this is a great way to dip your toe into ridding your house/life of bad chemicals. I’m going to have to check my all purpose cleaner at home and see if it passes the test!
Micaela says
Yes I agree – it’s a pretty easy and inexpensive change to make but with a big impact on your health!
Kala says
Micaela, Awesome article! I appreciate the thorough review of all natural cleaning products and what to watch out for when shopping for greener cleaners. I’ve done some research in this area of toxic cleaners, lack of regulation, and steps towards healthier cleaning. I’d be happy to share more information with you if you’re interested!
Best,
Kala
Kristie says
Thank you for this list! I have been interested in trying some of the Better Life products. I haven’t used many natural spray cleaners, but I do like the Seventh Generation wipes for cleaning the bathroom.
Micaela says
Better Life is a great brand!
Julia says
What are your thoughts on the Force of Nature cleaner?
Micaela says
I haven’t tried that one yet! Has anyone else? I’d love to hear more about it!
Shaz says
Hi where do you buy non toxic furniture? I’m looking to buy nightstands and office chairs but everything non toxic is extremely expensive.
Also plz link which mattress you use. Thank you!
Micaela says
Hey Shaz – Unfortunately, I don’t know of any super inexpensive sources of non toxic furniture, other than possibly some things at Ikea. Some of the companies known for eco-friendly/non-toxic furniture are Room & Board, Crate & Barrel and Ashley Furniture. You’ll need to ask a lot of questions about the materials and adhesives they use. For my recommended mattress brands, check out this post: https://mindfulmomma.com/non-toxic-mattress-brands/ Hope that helps!
Maureen Hankerson says
Hi,
Do you have recommendation for hand soap that does not dry out your hands
Mindful Momma says
I personally love the Everything Soap from Follain. You can buy it at Credo Beauty: http://shrsl.com/9oih-1ai5-lc6k5l_1-1