’Tis the season for spring cleaning. Whether you plan to get super-organized or just want to do some extra dusting and scrubbing, you’ll want to reach for products that are, well, clean.
You’re likely familiar with “organic” and “natural” products from the grocery store. However, these labels apply to cleaning products as well. Unfortunately, as is also the case with food, these terms are often marketing lingo and don’t always mean “non-toxic.” So where can you find effective cleaning ingredients that won’t irritate you or the environment?
You can make your own cleaning supplies from vinegar and baking soda, but not everyone has time for that. Allow us to help you find the safest, most natural cleaning products.
Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner
- Fragrance-free
- Cruelty-free
- No added dyes, alcohol, or parabens
New York Magazine recommends this plant-based all-purpose cleaner, saying it works just as well as its competitors that are full of chemicals. Users agree, too — Better Life All-Purpose cleaner boasts 4.6 stars based on 8,155 ratings on Amazon. It’s ideal for people who want to go green, have sensitive skin, or get headaches from sulfate-filled chemicals. The spray also does not contain any added dyes, synthetic fragrances, alcohol, or parabens, so it’s safe for sensitive skin and noses. It’s also cruelty-free — Better Life does not test its products on animals. The natural cleaner manages to cut through hard-to-scrub grease stains and other messes in your kitchen, bathroom, or bedroom and leave your home smelling fresh, despite being fragrance-free.
Aunt Fannie’s Microcosmic Probiotic Power Dish Soap, Soft Mint Dish Detergent
- Has an A rating from the Environment Working Group
- Hypoallergenic
- Contains 100% plant essential oil scents
You eat off your plates, so the last thing you want is to have chemical residue on them. Aunt Fannie’s Microcosmic Probiotic Power Dish Soap in soft mint boasts an A rating from the Environment Working Group. This activist group researches and advocates for cleaner drinking water and against toxic chemical usage. EWG says this soap has a low concern for cancer and harm to your reproductive system. The soap works like a charm on grease and food stains, leaving them smelling and looking fresh and clean. It also uses a hypoallergenic formula that ensures hands don’t dry out, making dish duty a little more bearable.
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap, Lavender
- Has an A rating from the Environment Working Group
- Vegan
- Packaged in recycled plastic bottles
Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castille Soap in Lavender scored an A rating from the EWG and has garnered 4.8-stars on Amazon. The EWG says there’s a low risk of reproductive toxicity, cancer, and harm to the environment. It’s vegan, made with organic oils, and extremely versatile, so you can use it on your face, dishes, and laundry without having to worry about your health. The environmentally-friendly brand packages this product in recycled plastic bottles to keep Mother Nature clean, too.
ECOS Non-Toxic Shower Cleaner
- Has an A rating from the Environment Working Group
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified for safety and effectiveness
- Doesn’t contain dyes, parabens, phosphates, or phthalates
When you take a shower, you expect to get clean, so make sure your bathroom cleaning products are too. ECOS’s non-toxic shower cleaner is one of only three shower cleaners to earn the coveted A rating from EWG. There’s a low concern for harm to your reproductive system and the environment, as well as a low risk for developing cancer from its ingredients. The spray tackles pesky shower issues, such as soap scum, water stains, mold, and mildew. It also does its job without needing any dyes, parabens, phosphates, or phthalates, and it’s U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified for safety and effectiveness.
Krud Kutter Cleaner/Degreaser
- Biodegradable
- Can be used on carpet, concrete, fabric, laminate, and more
- U.S. EPA Safer Choice-certified
Home-cooked meals are often healthier than takeout. However, being your own personal chef can do a number on your stove, resulting in grease stains and other burnt-on messes. New York Magazine raved that Krud Kutter’s water-based, non-toxic formula is healthy for you, your pets, and the environment. The de-greaser, which is also safe for use on carpeting, concrete, and laminate, fights through tough-to-remove stains. Lipstick, olive oil, melted butter residue, mold, and permanent markers are no match for this spray, and you don’t need to use much elbow grease to get the job done. It’s also biodegradable, making it the perfect product for eco-conscious shoppers.
Spring cleaning can already be overwhelming, so why make it worse with cleaning products full of harsh chemicals that may irritate your skin and nose, dry out your hands, and even make you sick after extended exposure. This list just skims the surface of all the natural cleaning products on the market. We encourage you to do your own research as well, using the EWG database to find any number of other products. Happy cleaning!
BlissMark provides information regarding health, wellness, and beauty. The information within this article is not intended to be medical advice. Before starting any diet or exercise routine, consult your physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, the United States Health & Human Services department has a free online tool that can help you locate a clinic in your area. We are not medical professionals, have not verified or vetted any programs, and in no way intend our content to be anything more than informative and inspiring.
