18 Sustainable, Low-Waste, & Non-Toxic Household Cleaning Products
As we prepare to embody our springtime grandma eras, some of us may be looking forward to a bit of spring cleaning. Cleaning our spaces and being present in the moment can help reduce our anxiety and develop a sense of control over our environment. But have you ever been dancing and scrubbing your shower walls to suddenly realize you’re about to pass out from all the fumes?
According to the American Lung Association, many of the ingredients in mainstream cleaning supplies or household products can irritate the eyes or throat, cause headaches, and even “release dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds” which can contribute to chronic respiratory problems and/or allergic reactions.
Thankfully, sustainable baddies everywhere have worked to make non-toxic and sustainable cleaning supplies so you can safely stay home, put on that album your mom used to play on Saturday morning cleaning days, and have some fun while cleaning up your space.
Bathroom
This plant-based and nature-derived cleaner is packaged as a concentrate in a glass vial and comes with a refillable glass spray bottle. It allows you to effectively remove dirt, grime, and soap scum from your tub, tiles, shower, and sink.
2. Reel Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
Reel is a Black-owned recycled paper products brand that uses sustainable materials to make paper goods like toilet paper and paper towels. Their products are packaged and shipped in eco-friendly materials and come wrapped in 100% biodegradable, and plastic-free packaging.
3. Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablet
Blueland is an Asian American woman-owned brand that specializes in affordable, safe, and convenient everyday cleaning products. Their plastic-free plant-based toilet bowl cleaner tablet is tough on stains without using harsh chemicals, harmful ingredients, or plastic packaging.
Papaya’s reusable paper towels can replace approximately 17 rolls of mainstream brand paper towels. They’re made from 70% cellulose and 30% cotton and are 100% compostable. One sheet can last anywhere from 6 to 9 months!
Kitchen
Grove Co. trash bags are sustainably crafted from reclaimed plastic. These trash bags are durable and made entirely from single-use plastic waste that would’ve otherwise gone to the landfill.
6. Olive Branch Wellness - Disinfectant
Olive Branch Wellness’ disinfectant is a non-toxic formula that is light and effective against a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses when used on hard non-porous surfaces. The spray comes in a reusable amber glass bottle and doesn’t need to be wiped off surfaces.
7. The Bare Home Solid Dish Soap + Scrubber
The Bare Home’s solid dish soap and scrubber set uses plant-powered suds that are tough enough to cut stubborn grease and baked-on food. Made from bamboo and union fiber, their scrubber’s tough bristles get in there and remove even the hardest stuck-on food. The scrubber is also 100% compostable!
These durable, absorbent, and compostable sponges work great on bathroom surfaces and kitchen countertops, as well as dishes. They’re fully biodegradable and plastic-free, as they’re made from cellulose, which is a natural wood fibre.
9. Meema Upcycled Kitchen Towel
Meema upcycles pairs of jeans into these versatile kitchen towels. If you end up parting ways with your used towel, you can send it back through Goldune’s circularity program!
Sqwishful’s sustainably made dishwashing set is crafted from plant-based materials like bamboo, hemp, and natural loofah. The brushes can be replaced so that the handles can be used forever.
The Full Circle Compost Bin is made from recycled plastic and steel. Full Circle is a Certified B Corp, meaning they voluntarily pass rigorous standards showing their commitment to the environment.
Full Circle’s compost bags work with any standard sized countertop compost collector. The bags are certified compostable and certified by the Biodegradable Products Institute.
Laundry
Dropps believes household cleaning products can and should be both effective and eco-responsible. They’re transparent about the ingredients they use and their packaging does not use plastic jugs, added fillers, or harmful chemicals.
14. Eco Roots Zero-Waste Detergent Sheets
This Eco-Strips Zero Waste Laundry Detergent is ultra-concentrated, lightweight, and hypoallergenic. The smart formulation effectively seeks out and dislodges dirt molecules and stains.
Loohoo’s dryer balls are made from 100% natural wool and are a susty alternative to dryer sheets and fabric softener. They're reusable for up to 1000 loads, reduce drying time by up to 25%, help to soften clothes naturally, and are hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin.
Ethique’s Flash! is a solid laundry and stain remover bar. The bar is great for use on silk, wool, and delicates and is made with biodegradable ingredients, pure essential oils, and white kaolin clay to draw out oils and dirt.
All-Purpose
17. Marley’s Monsters Washable Duster
This duster is made from multiple layers of flannel and fleece and natural wood. Flannel layers fray after washing, which will further help the thorough collection of dust!
Derx was founded in 2020 to create cleaning products that are kid-safe. Derx uses limited ingredients and takes a holistic approach to fragrance with essential oils to make everyday cleaning safe for adults and children.
DIY Sprays
We will always advocate for ways to make your own DIY cleaning supplies and to reuse the supplies you might already have! Many of our elders have probably been known to clean with ingredients like vinegar or baking soda. Here are a few DIY cleaning sprays for the next time you need a refill:
Baking Soda, Vinegar, Water, Essential Oil Spray: A baking soda, water, vinegar, and essential oil cleaning spray can be effective at removing dirt and grime from surfaces like countertops, sinks, and appliances. The baking soda helps to gently scrub away stains, while the vinegar and essential oils provide a natural disinfectant and fresh scent.
Castile Soap, Water, Essential Oil Spray: If you’re not a big fan of vinegar, you can make your own spray using castile soap. Castile soap can be used for a variety of tasks like cleaning dishes, washing clothes, and cleaning surfaces, or it can be used as a shampoo, body wash, and shaving cream.
Alcohol: Isopropryl alcohol is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used to disinfect surfaces. Remember, it is flammable, so make sure only to use it in well-ventilated areas away from any heat sources.
What are your go to cleaning products?