Maintaining a clean and inviting home doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment. With the growing awareness of the impact of traditional cleaning products on our planet, eco friendly alternatives have gained popularity. In this article, we’ll explore the 7 best eco friendly house cleaning products that promise effective cleaning without harming the environment.
What Are Eco Friendly Cleaning Products?
Eco friendly cleaning products, often referred to as green cleaning products, are designed with the intention of minimizing their impact on the environment while also prioritizing the health of individuals using them. These products aim to do so without the use of harmful chemicals or wasteful packaging. Here are some key characteristics of eco friendly cleaning products:
- No Phosphates: Phosphates, commonly found in many cleaning products, can lead to water pollution and harm aquatic life. eco friendly products avoid using phosphates to reduce this environmental impact.
- No Chlorine: Chlorine-based cleaning agents can release harmful toxins into the air and water. eco friendly alternatives opt for chlorine-free formulations.
- No Artificial Fragrances and Colors: Artificial fragrances and colors in cleaning products can contain chemicals that contribute to indoor air pollution. Green cleaning products use natural scents and avoid artificial colors.
- Biodegradable or Recyclable Packaging: eco friendly products are packaged in materials that can be easily recycled or that biodegrade over time, reducing the strain on landfills.
- Organically Grown Ingredients and Sustainable Farming: Some eco friendly cleaning products use organically grown ingredients that have been cultivated using sustainable farming practices, promoting soil health and biodiversity.
- Fair Trade Certification: Certain eco friendly products carry fair trade certification, indicating that the product meets specific environmental and labor standards set by the producers. This ensures ethical practices throughout the supply chain.
- Low VOC Content: Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) is a must-know term if you want to build an eco friendly home or turn your home into one. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) can contribute to indoor air pollution and have negative health effects. Eco friendly products often have lower VOC content or are labeled as “low VOC” or “no VOC.”
- Contributions to Environmental Causes: Some eco friendly cleaning product companies donate a portion of their profits to environmental causes, furthering their commitment to a greener planet.
It’s important to note that not all products labeled as “green” are created equal. Some labels, like “environmentally friendly” and “non-toxic,” are not regulated and can be misleading. To identify eco friendly products, consumers can read labels for specific certifications. The United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Design for the Environment (DfE) label indicates products that meet the EPA’s criteria for chemicals. Labels like “low VOC” or “no VOC” indicate lower concentrations of volatile organic compounds, which are harmful to indoor air quality.
7 Best Eco Friendly House Cleaning Products
Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner
Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner stands as a testament to the fact that effective cleaning need not come at the cost of the environment. This product is EPA Safer Choice certified and safe for pets and children, making it an excellent choice for households with little ones.
The innovative formula of this floor cleaner consists of white vinegar, essential oils, and plant based ingredients. All these ingredients work in harmony to safely lift grime and dirt from various surfaces such as wood, stone, and tile. This is a crucial factor, especially for houses using eco friendly building materials. Notably, this cleaner has been applauded for its remarkable ability to eliminate even the most stubborn pet odors.
Versatility is a strong suit of Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner. It can be seamlessly integrated into your cleaning routine, whether you’re using floor cleaning machines, buckets, or spray bottles.
Additionally, its natural composition can reduce air odors without resorting to overpowering artificial fragrances. However, it’s worth noting that there is a slight vinegar odor associated with the product, which might be off-putting for some individuals. To mitigate this, it’s recommended to dilute the cleaner before use.
Koala Eco Peppermint Essential Oil Glass Cleaner
Imagine a glass cleaner that not only makes your surfaces shine but also leaves a refreshing aroma in its wake. The Koala Eco Peppermint Essential Oil Glass Cleaner is a true eco warrior in the realm of household cleaning.
Our testing revealed its remarkable prowess on glass dining tables, coffee tables, and windows. With the power to obliterate smudges and fingerprints in mere seconds, this cleaner combines effectiveness with environmental responsibility.
The Koala Eco Peppermint Essential Oil offers a streak-free solution that doesn’t rely on synthetic fragrances. By using the native peppermint in its formulation, the glass cleaner can double as an effective insect deterrent. This makes it a healthier choice for both your home and the environment.
The advantage of this glass cleaner doesn’t stop there. It’s also the commitment to being natural and non-toxic that sets this glass cleaner apart. This eco friendly biodegradable formula not only effortlessly cleans and removes bacteria but also deodorizes, all without resorting to harsh chemicals that harm both your home and the planet.
Safely Universal Cleaner
Among the plethora of eco friendly cleaning products available, the Safely Universal Cleaner stands out not only for its effectiveness but also for its delightful fragrance. A few spritzes of Safely Universal Cleaner can transform your kitchen into a fragrant bouquet, without overwhelming citrus or floral notes.
The key to its versatility lies in its ingenious formulation. The Safely Universal Cleaner includes plant based ingredients such as coconut oil and mineral salt. This combination works in tandem to effortlessly combat stubborn dirt and grease.
Moreover, citric acid, lemongrass leaf oil, and corn-derived alcohol also team up to eliminate harmful bacteria from every nook and cranny of your home. By using the power of nature, Safely Universal Cleaner provides a naturally uplifting scent while avoiding harsh chemicals like ammonia.
With such eco friendly properties, we can say that the Safely Universal Cleaner epitomizes the blend of efficacy, fragrance, and sustainability. This is exactly what modern consumers are seeking in their cleaning products.
Grove Collaborative Total Clean Dishwasher Detergent Packs
The Total Clean Dishwasher Detergent Packs from Grove Collaborative offer a remarkable solution for those seeking earth-friendly alternatives for dishwashing. These dishwasher tablets are designed to handle tough food stains, even those stubbornly stuck-on oatmeal remnants and greasy pots.
Unlike some natural cleaning products that leave a chalky residue on glassware, these detergent packs leave your dishes sparkling clean. The Triple Action formula in these detergent packs is powered by natural cleaning enzymes. This formula ensures that grease is tackled effectively while preventing the formation of water spots.
These detergent packs are not only effective but also environmentally conscious. These packs don’t contain harsh chemicals parabens, phthalates, phosphates, chlorine bleach, or dyes. Instead, they’re made of PVA, a non-toxic polymer that dissolves easily in water, enhancing their cleaning efficiency.
Grove Collaborative takes their commitment to sustainability to the next level by packaging these detergent packs in infinitely recyclable aluminum tins. This innovative approach minimizes plastic waste and aligns with their mission to create products that are healthy for both consumers and the planet.
Arm & Hammer Baking Soda
When it comes to versatile and eco friendly cleaning, it’s hard to beat the power of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. This household staple is not only affordable but also incredibly effective at tackling various cleaning tasks. You can use baking soda to deodorize your fridge, clean kitchen counters, polish silverware, and even whiten your teeth.
Baking soda serves as a gentle abrasive while also being a mild alkaline cleaner. This dual-action property makes it an excellent choice for scrubbing surfaces without causing damage. What’s more, it won’t irritate your skin, making it a safe choice for homes with sensitive skin concerns.
Apart from its cleaning prowess, one of the standout advantages of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is its minimal impact on the environment. It’s readily available in most grocery and convenience stores, reducing the need for excessive packaging and transportation.
Despite its numerous benefits, it’s worth mentioning that baking soda tends to leave a residue, even if you wipe it up promptly. However, there are several eco friendly house cleaning tips that can manage this, such as rinsing the cleaned surface thoroughly after use. Overall, Arm & Hammer Baking Soda is an eco friendly powerhouse that can revolutionize your cleaning routine.
Tru Earth Eco Strips Laundry Detergent
Revolutionizing the way we do laundry, the Eco Strips Laundry Detergent from Tru Earth offers a groundbreaking approach to cleaning clothes sustainably. Each ingredient used in Tru Earth eco Strips is derived from plants and has not been tested on animals, making it a cruelty-free choice. Additionally, its formulation is designed to be gentle on sensitive skin, as it is fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.
The real highlight lies in their plastic-free packaging, a significant step towards reducing plastic waste. These innovative strips come in a compostable cardboard envelope. While they may not produce the suds commonly associated with conventional laundry detergents, they are equally effective in cleaning clothes. Each strip is ultra-concentrated, allowing for a small, space-efficient package that can clean up to 64 loads of laundry.
It’s important to note that this detergent might be pricier than most on the market. However, the environmental benefits and quality make it a worthy investment for those committed to sustainable living.
Common Good Dish Soap
Common Good Dish Soap rises above other conventional dish soaps by providing an eco friendly product that effectively fights germs and grease. This dish soap goes beyond just cleaning dishes – it’s a multi-purpose solution that aligns with a greener lifestyle.
We highly appreciate Common Good Dish Soap’s commitment to sustainability without sacrificing performance. This dish soap only uses biodegradable ingredients and a recyclable bottle. This reduces the product’s impact on the environment, both during its use and after disposal.
The inclusion of essential oils in the formula also enhances its cleaning power while preventing your hands from drying out. This is a common issue that you may encounter with conventional dish soaps.
Additionally, the soap is free from parabens and phosphates, common harmful chemicals found in many conventional cleaning products. Using this dish soap, you’re not only safeguarding the health of your family but also contributing to a healthier planet.
The benefits of Common Good Dish Soap extend beyond the kitchen sink. It’s effective at cleaning and polishing stainless steel, leaving your appliances shining without the use of harsh chemicals. You can also use this dish soap to wash fruits and vegetables, ensuring that the produce you consume is free from harmful residues.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a greener home begins with conscious choices. These 7 best eco friendly house cleaning products – together with many others – represent a shift towards more sustainable and eco conscious cleaning solutions. By embracing these eco friendly products, you’re contributing to a greener future for generations to come with every swipe, scrub, and wash.
So why wait? Switch to these eco friendly house cleaning products now to make a positive impact—one clean surface at a time.
