Are You Looking to Make Your Home Germ-Free Using Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products?

Is Your Clean Home Jeopardising the Environment? Find Out How Using Eco-Friendly Household Cleaning Products Can Kill Germs, & How To Identify Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products. Read On For More…

20 Best Eco-Friendly Household Cleaning Products

Is Your Clean Home Jeopardising the Environment? Find Out How Using Eco-Friendly Household Cleaning Products Can Kill Germs, & How To Identify Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products. Read On For More…
This article contains tops tips from our experts, backed by in-depth research.
Last Updated: 18 Apr 2025
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Eco Friendly Household Cleaning Products

When it comes to keeping your home clean, you more than likely want to ensure that it’s the safest space for your loved ones, right?

Eco-friendly household cleaning products not only keep surfaces clean and germ-free but also ensure that your family’s health is put first.

As experts in our field, we discuss the following in this article:

    To ensure that you know which eco-friendly household cleaning products are best, my expert team at ByPurify has created this handy list…

    How Do Cleaning Products Impact the Environment?

    Cleaning products, much like anything else that I use daily, impact my environment in so many ways.

    If you've shopped for cleaning products lately, you've probably seen a variety of "organic" and household cleaning products that claim to be better for the environment in one way or another. 

    Due to the variety of cleaning products available, it’s difficult for consumers to understand which products are "environmentally friendly" and which aren't.

    So what's the problem?

    The root of the problem is in terminology; "eco-friendly" doesn't tell you much about what kind of product is consistently harmful to the environment, or why that particular product is better. 

    What Makes Some Cleaning Products Harmful?

    The factors that make some cleaning products harmful are toxic chemicals, greenhouse gases, fuel costs, and packaging.

    Let's look at each of these: 

    Toxic Chemicals

    Many cleaners rely on toxic chemicals that are harmful for consumption by humans, animals, other plants, and the environment. 

    The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies many of these chemicals as "volatile organic compounds", which can be harmful in various ways1.

    But wait, there's more…

    These chemicals include phosphorus (which makes up about 30-40% of dish soap), nitrogen, and ammonia. 

    When you use these chemicals in your toilet, sink, dishwasher, or other appliances, the chemicals end up leaching into the water. 

    Greenhouse Gases

    Old-school aerosols used chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as their main constituents, and these chemicals have contributed significantly to ozone depletion and climate change2.

    Fortunately, these dangerous chemicals are now illegal in the United States, and almost all of the cans you use are CFC-free. 

    However, the volatile organic compounds (VOC) mentioned in the previous section can also hurt the level of ozone in the soil, which means that in large quantities, they can contribute to global climate change. 

    Fuel Costs

    If you buy a bulk cleaning product from a manufacturer, it’s likely that the product was manufactured many miles away from where you are and has gone through many transport processes to get to your home. 

    All this transportation has an environmental cost, although you may not know it. 

    Cars, boats, and other means of transportation use fossil fuels to transport their goods, which means that every commercial product you buy has a negative impact on the environment. 

    Packaging

    Many cleaning products are packaged to be disposable. 

    Although the plastics used in many products are recycled using technology, many people throw the products away when they are empty.

    Since plastic is non-biodegradable, it stays in the soil forever and builds up over the years.

    Certifications That Make a Cleaning Product Eco-Friendly

    Certifications that make a product eco-friendly are set out by the EPA and include ECOLOGO and Jumping Bunny. 

    These certifications have been created to offer consumers peace of mind3.

    A product is viewed as eco-friendly when the manufacturing process and chemicals used aren’t hazardous to the environment.

    Green cleaning products are usually better for the environment and people's health than their non-green counterparts.

    Take note:

    Anyone interested in green cleaning and other household products should look for those who label all their products as non-toxic, dye-free, and fragrance-free. 

    It’s also important to remember that "green" doesn't mean completely safe, so people should be careful when using or storing these products.

    Let’s take a look at some of the certifications:

    Carbon Neutral Certification

    The Carbon Neutral Certification defines what the carbon footprint of the product covers.

    It also measures and proposes targets to reduce the footprint and demonstrate climate action. 

    ECOLOGO

    The ECOLOGO  indicates that the product has undergone rigorous scientific testing and comprehensive research.

    This data then demonstrates that a manufacturer is following eco-friendly business practices.

    Jumping Bunny

    The Jumping Bunny label indicates that no new animal testing was used in the development of the product.

    Safety Choice

    Before a product can have the Safety Choice label, each ingredient is checked to make sure it is safe for human health and the environment.

    The program also monitors product performance, pH, packaging, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

    SmartLabel

    The QR code SmartLabel on the package leads to a site with more information about the product's application. 

    Biodiversity products are obtained from resources such as trees and other renewable resources in agriculture, water, and forests, and generally provide alternatives to petroleum products.

    5 Tips to Buy Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

    When it comes to buying eco-friendly cleaning products, my expert team has compiled 5 handy tips.

    Given the domino effect that humans have fallen into, I now know more about how my future will take care of the environment. 

    Here are 5 tips to help you choose the most environmentally friendly products:

    Don’t Use Cleaners Containing Ammonia Or Bleach

    One of the most important benefits of using environmentally friendly cleaning products is that they are good for us too.

    Many cleaning products I use in my homes are hazardous to people if they are exposed to them for an extended period of time. 

    If you have pets and children at home, using them is even worse.

    Remember

    Knowing which cleaning products and chemicals to avoid is, therefore, important.

    When it comes to cleaning products that should be avoided, 2 of the most dangerous ones that come to mind are bleach and ammonia. 

    These 2 products can produce toxic gases that can create respiratory problems and other physical problems that I don’t want.

    This is why, as much as possible, you should avoid using ammonia or bleach for your cleaning needs. 

    Make Sure The Product is Non-Toxic

    When using a surface cleaner that you use regularly, you need to make sure that it’s non-toxic.

    If you don't think about how toxic a product is, you could be exposed to chemicals and other things that are bad for your health.

    Besides

    When they breathe in the air, you can even breathe. 

    There are many ways to clean like this. 

    Make Sure It Works Even In Cold Water

    Using hot water for cleaning takes its toll on the environment - and your electric bill.

    Energy efficiency is another aspect of sustainable living that people struggle with when they care about the environment.

    But how?

    An example is my need to clean with hot or lukewarm water. 

    Sometimes you don't need hot water to use cleaning products effectively. 

    This is why you should check if the green cleaning solution you choose works even in cold water.

    Since you don't need to heat the water you use for cleaning, you use less energy. 

    Look For Non-Aerosol Cleansers

    Another type of cleaner to avoid is one that comes in a spray bottle. 

    Aerosol cans, to work the way they do, use gases, usually CFCs or chlorofluorocarbons, to propel the solution. 

    CFCs aren’t toxic to humans, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t harmful to the environment. 

    The CFCs in your cleaning solution seriously damage the ozone layer. Several studies confirm this.

    Pay Attention To The Packaging

    I briefly mentioned the importance of packaging when it comes to eco-friendly cleaning products. 

    Some environmental companies have products without any packaging, while others use biodegradable packaging.

    6 Natural Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Already in Your Home

    The 6 natural eco-friendly cleaning products that are already in your home include lemon, vinegar, and olive oil.

    Are you looking to cut costs and make your home as sustainable as possible? 

    Get back to basics with these 6 natural cleaners:

    Lemon

    When life gives you lemons, you can do a lot more than make lemonade. 

    A natural cleaner in its own right, lemons, and pure lemon juice can be used for cleaning any room in your home. 

    A mixture of lemon juice, baking soda, and water is an effective solution for cleaning stove and oven stains. It’s also good at getting rid of unpleasant odors.

    Vinegar

    Your grandparents probably used this pantry staple to clean everything. 

    If you don't have this natural cleaner in your home, or if you do but it doesn't leave your kitchen, it's time to make some changes in your cleaning routine. 

    White vinegar can be used to clean countertops and tile floors, carpets, stained clothes, faucets, and windows, just like any other natural cleaner. 

    It’s also a good all-around air freshener. 

    Baking Soda

    If the world of natural hygiene had a holy trinity, it would almost certainly be lemon, vinegar, and soda. 

    Usually, one or both of these 3 are used, so baking soda is something you should always keep in your home. 

    From keeping your fridge fresh to cleaning toys, there are a few applications of baking soda that work wonders.

    Hydrogen Peroxide

    Hydrogen peroxide is another natural cleaner that should be on the shelf of any eco-friendly household cleaning product. 

    The oxidative effects of this natural chemical compound are great for healing more than just open wounds. 

    Did you know?

    Hydrogen peroxide is great as a toilet bowl cleaner, stain remover, food cleaner, and stain remover. 

    This natural cleaner can also be used as a fungicide for houseplants. 

    Use a solution of one part hydrogen peroxide to 16 parts water once a month, or when the seeds are growing.

    Olive Oil

    In recent years, olive oil has become more popular as a cooking oil as more people have learned about how good it is for your health. 

    However, it’s still used as a natural cleaner. 

    Olive oil can be used to clean a lot of things, but the most important thing it can be used to clean is metal cookware, wooden utensils, and hardwood floors. 

    It can also be used in place of WD-40 as a solution for squeaky doors.

    Cornstarch

    While this pantry staple is often used for thickening sauces, it has another surprising use.

    Cornstarch works well when it comes to removing stains, particularly grease or blood.

    Simply make a thick paste and apply it to the soiled area. 

    Allow to dry completely before wiping away.

    Top 4 Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaning Products

    The top 4 eco-friendly all-purpose cleaning products include the Supernatural Starter Set and the Blueland Cleaning Kit. 

    Keep reading to find out what should be on your shopping list: 

    Supernatural Starter Set 

    The glass bottles are heavy (in a good way), and the silicone bottom keeps the bottles in place. 

    Nozzles will not cover or jam, but the bottle may leak if the lid isn’t properly closed. 

    Essential oil blends made for windows and mirrors, countertops and granite, baths and tiles, or wood and floors come in concentrated glass bottles. 

    The products smell amazing, like fresh wood, and aren’t harsh or chemical-based like most cleaning solutions. 

    Blueland Cleaning Kit 

    The starter kit includes hand soap, bathroom cleaner, glass and mirror cleaner, and all cleaning supplies. 

    Blueland also offers laundry detergent, dishwashing products, and a variety of accessories. 

    Branch Cleaning Kit 

    The starter kit gives you a 34-ounce bottle of long-lasting cleaning solution, spray bottles with a refill line for easy dilution, and a jar of Oxygen Boost powder. 

    You'll get enough product for three bottles of all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and foam detergent, plus a laundry bottle. 

    Grove Cleaning Kit 

    In this pack, you'll get all the cleaning supplies you need for glass, bathrooms, and tile. 

    Simply put the empty contents into a 16-ounce bottle, and you're good to go.

    Top 7 Eco-Friendly Kitchen Cleaning Products 

    The top 7 eco-friendly kitchen cleaning products include the Juniperseed Mercantile Laundry Bar and Three Bluebirds Dishcloths. 

    Here are all 7 worth mentioning:

    Seventh Generation Liquid Dish Soap 

    It’s made of wood-based materials, and biodegradable materials are used in the process. 

    It won’t dry out your hands like some other products.

    Juniperseed Mercantile Laundry Bar

    This bar doubles as dish soap and makes laundry day a breeze.

    Three Bluebirds Dishcloths

    These quick-drying, biodegradable fabrics are made from cellulose and cotton. 

    Unlike regular towels, these won’t smell or mold. 

    You can wash them up to 200 times in your washing machine or dishwasher. 

    Scrub Mommy

    The shape and texture of this sponge make it effective in both cleaning and drying. 

    It also lasts longer than similar-priced sponges. 

    Although the sponge itself isn’t sustainable, Scrub Daddy products are recyclable, making them a better choice than disposable sponges.

    Marley's Monsters Unpaper Towels

    These bright cotton flannel towels are long-lasting and absorbent, and they get better with use. 

    Bamboo Paper Towels From Cloud Paper

    These are made of bamboo, not wood. The towels aren’t the softest, but they are absorbent and durable. 

    Juniper Mercantile Sweeper Pads

    These pads are a stronger and cheaper alternative to disposable pads. 

    They work with Swiffer mops and similar systems and can be used wet or dry.

    Top 3 Eco-Friendly Laundry Cleaning Products 

    The top 3 eco-friendly laundry cleaning products include Dropps Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Pods and Branch Foundation Oxygen Boost Bleach Free Solution. 

    Here are all 3 products that make cleaning dirty laundry a whole lot easier:

    Dropps Biodegradable Laundry Detergent Pods

    These pods smell good, clean your clothes well, and are made with plant-based materials. 

    There are no dyes used, the shipping is free, and the product is carbon neutral. 

    Defunkify Stain Remover Spray 

    This works on blood, coffee, red sauce, and makeup. 

    Even though it doesn't have chlorine, dyes, or other irritants like most other stain removers, it was still able to get rid of all stains.

    Branch Foundation Oxygen Boost Bleach Free Solution 

    This booster is made using baking soda and is free of bleach, ammonia, eggs, and fragrances. 

    It’s also suitable for septic tanks.

    Vacs are another great cleaning tool, and our detailed reviews will tell you why.

    Common Questions

    Can You Make Your Own Cleaning Products At Home?

    Are Biodegradable Cleaning Products Eco-Friendly?

    How Can I Clean My Home Without Chemicals?

    What’s the Best Way to Keep My Home Germ-Free?

    In Conclusion

    Knowing how to use eco-friendly household cleaning products is important.

    It starts by slowly replacing the current cleaning products you use to bring about a seamless transition into a world of eco-friendly cleaning.

    Although it’s very simple, it has a significant impact on the environment, and it’s good for your family too!

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