The natural cleaning product landscape has expanded widely in recent years, and for good reason. Most of the cleaning products that have lined our cabinets (and our parents’ and our grandparents’ cabinets) for years are filled with nasty toxins that are equally as bad for the environment as they are for our health.
According to environmental experts, the average household contains approximately sixty-two toxic chemicals. Look more closely at the products you have, and you will find many warning labels that read, “Hazardous to humans and domestic animals.”
Ingredients like phthalates found in synthetic fragrances are perhaps the most common, but there is a laundry list of toxins that would give any consumer pause. These ingredients have been linked to cancer, asthma, neurotoxicity, reproductive disorders, and hormone disruption.
Fortunately, many companies have stepped up to the plate and created cleaning products that are natural and effective. They do not contain any harsh or suspect ingredients. Here is a round-up of our favorite natural cleaning products for the home!
Seventh Generation
Company profile
Renewable plant-based ingredients, recycled packaging materials, certified B Corporation, no animal testing or animal ingredients, USDA-Certified biobased products, septic-safe products
Our pick
All Purpose Cleaner—Free and Clear
Best uses
This cleaner is a go-to favorite for many people since it can be used for so many things in a variety of rooms. From cutting grease in the kitchen to cleaning sliding glass doors, it’s a great option if you’re looking to start with one natural cleaning product.
What makes them great
Seventh Generation products are 98% USDA Certified biobased products. They are made with essential oils and natural botanicals instead of synthetic fragrances and dyes.
Shop Seventh Generation Products.
Puracy
Company profile
Proprietary natural plant- and mineral-based products, non-toxic, safe for pets and children, made in the USA, donations made with every sale
Our pick
Natural Carpet and Upholstery Shampoo
Best uses
Use this non-toxic shampoo in any room in your home with carpet stains. You can use it with a carpet cleaning machine or by hand, and it is the only natural carpet and upholstery shampoo on the market today.
What makes them great
Puracy products are made in the USA, and the artwork you see on their products helps to support local artists. Additionally, for each product that is purchased, a donation is made to charities, such as the Ronald McDonald House, Austin’s Children’s Shelter, and more.
Common Good
Company profile
Refillable bottles help reduce plastic, plant- and mineral-based ingredients, sustainably sourced materials, cruelty free
Our pick
Common Good Dish Soap
Best uses
This is an outstanding all-natural, biodegradable dish soap that cuts through grease when you’re doing the dishes. It gets the job done and will leave your hands soft and supple in the process.
What makes them great
Their mission to reduce plastic consumption is truly amazing. With refill stations around the country that you can find on their website, they are an excellent choice to incorporate natural cleaning products in the home.
JR Watkins
Company profile:
Natural ingredients, no animal testing, paraben-free, made in the USA
Our pick
Room Freshener Sprays
Best uses
These handy sprays work amazingly well around your home. Tuck them into your bathrooms, or use them to quickly freshen the air when unexpected guests drop by. They come in seven different scents, including coconut, aloe & green tea, and lemon.
What makes them great
JR Watkins has been making natural cleaning products for the home for more than 150 years, making them a pioneer in this space. Their line of products is free of harmful ingredients like dyes, phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde.
Blueland
Company profile
100% reusable acrylic bottles, tablet-based products bloom in water, BPA-free bottles, non-toxic
Our pick
The Clean-Up Kit
Best uses
The Clean-Up Kit is a great way to get started with Blueland, as you will receive three forever bottles with multi-surface, glass + mirror, and bathroom tablets. The multi-surface cleaner can be used on tile, stone, counters, and wood. The bathroom cleaner is great for tubs, tile, and showers. The glass + mirror is pretty self-explanatory. You can complete a deep-cleaning with these three bottles alone!
What makes them great
With so much plastic making its way into our oceans, Blueland has made it their mission to get rid of single-use plastic bottles. Customers will only pay $2.00 for refills for life, so you can feel good about helping to make an environmental difference.