8 Best Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaners in 2022 (Environmental Scientist-Reviewed)
Luckily, there is an increasing number of eco-friendly, non-toxic cleaners that get the job done just as well. But if you’re new to the world of eco-friendly cleaners, it can be hard to know where to start. In this guide reviewed by an environmental scientist, we’ll talk about the main factors to consider when choosing the best cleaner for you. We’ve also got a list of our 8 favorites to help you begin your search.
Quick List - Top Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaners
Aunt Fannie’s
Vinegar-Based Cleaner to Protect Your Microbiome
Gwen Lynn is an environmental health and safety scientist who provides environmental and safety consulting and monitors air, land and water resources. She is also the founder of In A Green Minute, who creates podcasts and informational videos on environmental progressiveness and green technology.
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How to Choose Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaners
Make Sure Labeling Is Transparent About Ingredients and Cleanable Surfaces
For the Most Natural Cleaners, Look for Familiar Ingredients
You don’t actually need dangerous chemicals to clean things effectively. In fact, some of the best cleaners include ingredients that you might be able to buy yourself. Some ingredients that you might find are baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, and good old-fashioned soap.
Just be aware that vinegar and some essential oils may be unsuitable for certain surfaces, so always check to see the usage instructions before you get to cleaning your whole house. This is especially important for those looking to clean easily damageable surfaces like leather and unfinished wood.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals and Artificial Fragrances and Dyes
Luckily, by checking to see if the cleaner even has an ingredients list, you’re likely cutting out the worst chemicals for you - because the ones that are full of harmful chemicals usually don’t want you to know exactly what’s in them.
But there are still a couple of seemingly benign things to avoid including artificial fragrances and dyes.
Artificial fragrances are full of phthalates, which are known hormone disruptors, as well as volatile organic compounds that can cause headaches and respiratory distress. Dyes, on the other hand, are simply added chemicals without added benefits.
Look for Reputable Stamps and Certifications
Official Seals Guarantee the Product Has Been Rigorously Tested
It’s kind of trendy to be eco-friendly right now – that may even be the reason you’re here. In response to that, a lot of products now claim to be “natural,” “green,” or “organic.” But unlike food items, there’s no regulatory system to define what these terms mean for cleaning products.
A lot of times, these “green” versions of chemical-laden products are simply the same formulation minus one or two ingredients. So in order to really figure out what’s good and what’s not, you’re going to have to look past the appealing organic-looking labels, no matter how enticing they may be.
An easy way to cut past the greenwashing is to look for reputable stamps and certifications. Some examples of stamps to look for are Green Seal, EcoLogo label, or EPA Safer Choice Label. All of these involve high standards and rigorous testing.
Environmental Working Group Ratings: A Simple Guide to Toxicity and Transparency
The Environmental Working Group is an environmental advocacy group that conducts research and oversight on agriculture, toxins, and corporate accountability. To get a quick, simple overview of how green a product is, look towards the EWG’s A through F rating system available on their website.
The EWG considers a number of factors when coming up with a product’s grade including ingredients, transparency, and government toxicity datasets.
While it isn’t perfect—not all products are rated, products can be penalized for listing general ingredients instead of specific ones, and these ratings are based on calculations rather than testing—it’s a decent measure of how “green” you can expect a product’s ingredients to be.
Don’t Choose Antibacterial Unless You’re Immunocompromised
So on top of creating antibacterial-resistant strains of the bad bugs, using too many antibacterial products actually disrupts the good bacteria too. Unless someone in your household has a compromised immune system and requires a squeaky clean environment, you can put the antibacterials away and stop freaking out about germs.
8 Best Eco-Friendly All-Purpose Cleaners Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Green Gobbler Cold Pressed Orange Oil Concentrate | | 2 Ingredients Do Just About Everything | |
2 | ECOS Parsley All Purpose Cleaner | | A Green Cleaner That Leaves the House Smelling Fresh | |
3 | Aunt Fannie’s All Purpose Cleaning Vinegar - Eucalyptus | | Vinegar-Based Cleaner to Protect Your Microbiome | |
4 | Biokleen All Purpose Cleaner, Super Concentrated | | Concentrated Cleaner Makes Up to 32 Gallons | |
5 | Better Life Natural All-Purpose Cleaner, Clary Sage & Citrus (3 pack) | | A Super Tough, Truly All-Purpose Cleaner | |
6 | Method All Purpose Cleaner, French Lavender | | Effective, Non-Toxic Cleaner in Bulk | |
7 | Puracy Natural All Purpose Cleaner (2 pack) | | Plant-Based and Works Well for Everyday Messes | |
8 | CleanSmart Daily Surface Cleaner (2 pack) | | Non-Toxic Disinfectant for Families With Children or Pets |
Green GobblerCold Pressed Orange Oil Concentrate
2 Ingredients Do Just About Everything
However, the orange oil can be irritating to the skin when undiluted and is quite flammable. But as long as you’re careful about storage, this could very well be your Holy Grail cleaner.
Reviewers love the fresh orange scent and that it can be diluted down to last longer. It works well for multiple purposes - including cleaning off mold, killing pests, and making your bathroom sparkling clean.
A Green Cleaner That Leaves the House Smelling Fresh
It cleans counters, floors, and cabinets with ease and even leaves mirrors and windows streak-free. It is made from plant-based ingredients, is not tested on animals, and is pH balanced.
Although the picture on Amazon shows two bottles, note that you're only ordering one when you purchase it. But reviewers like the smell of the cleaner and say it works well.
Aunt Fannie’sAll Purpose Cleaning Vinegar - Eucalyptus
Vinegar-Based Cleaner to Protect Your Microbiome
However, this vinegar-based cleaner should not be used on stone countertops and floors as well as some wood surfaces. Also, note that it does have a mild vinegar scent until it dries - which was a make or break for some reviewers.
Reviewers say it works well on glass, stainless steel, and kitchen counters. It's also great for stains and spills.
BiokleenAll Purpose Cleaner, Super Concentrated
Concentrated Cleaner Makes Up to 32 Gallons
It is fully non-toxic, made in the USA, and produced in a facility that does not share any lines with hazardous materials. The company is also certified Ozone safe and runs on clean energy offsets.
Some reviewers say that it doesn't work well on cutting grease, but many more say it works exceptionally well on cleaning almost everything else. It only has a slight citrus smell to it, so those sensitive to odors can still enjoy using this.
Better LifeNatural All-Purpose Cleaner, Clary Sage & Citrus (3 pack)
A Super Tough, Truly All-Purpose Cleaner
The reason for the C rating from the EWG is that one of the ingredients may be bad for marine life, but if you’re using it on surfaces within your home, that shouldn’t be an issue.
Some reviewers received their package damaged, with some of the cleaner leaking or spilling. They also say you might have to scrub harder than usual to use it effectively. But most say that the cleaner has a nice, subtle scent and doesn't leave any residue. They particularly love how it's safe, though.
MethodAll Purpose Cleaner, French Lavender
Effective, Non-Toxic Cleaner in Bulk
It is highly effective even on tougher messes, doesn’t leave streaks, and has a pleasant scent. However, a few reviewers note that the delivery packaging may cause some bottles to arrive damaged.
The scent isn't too strong, but still clean and refreshing - which was the highlight for most reviewers. It also does clean well - just spray it, let it sit for a bit, then wipe it off. It works best with stainless steel and glass.
PuracyNatural All Purpose Cleaner (2 pack)
Plant-Based and Works Well for Everyday Messes
While this spray is great on everyday messes, it isn’t quite strong enough to handle really caked-on grime. Additionally, some reviewers report streaking when not using a microfiber cloth, so if you’re against microfiber, be prepared for possible residue.
On the other hand, reviewers love that it leaves everything fresh smelling and how it's naturally sourced and nontoxic.
CleanSmartDaily Surface Cleaner (2 pack)
Non-Toxic Disinfectant for Families With Children or Pets
However, this cleaner is best used as a surface cleaner and won’t cut through grease very well. Some reviewers also note issues with the spray nozzle, so you might need to transfer it into another container.
Since it does disinfect surfaces, reviewers really like this product. Many also use it on their CPAP machines or masks - it cleans and makes the products smell fresh - and you don't need to rinse it off.
Are Eco-Friendly Cleaners Effective?
There is a pervasive idea that although eco-friendly cleaners are better for us and the environment, they aren’t very great at cleaning.
While it may be true that some traditional cleaning products are super effective because they’re toxic (the chemicals in oven cleaners, for example, melt fat and protein - the stuff that humans are actually made of!), that doesn’t mean that eco-friendly options aren’t effective.
Many are just as effective as their toxic counterparts right off the bat. Those that are not may require more setting time or an extra layer of product, but they work in the end. And ultimately, isn’t it worth a little extra effort for a cleaner that isn’t going to harm you?
More Ways to Live Sustainably
Thinking about changing your lifestyle to be more eco-friendly all around? It can be hard when getting started - there's a lot of information to sift through - so when you need help on finding clean alternatives, take a look at one of our other buying guides!
Buying Guide Reviewed by Environmental Scientist Gwen Lynn
This expert reviewed the contents of the buying guide for accuracy and provided factual corrections when necessary. They did not participate in the product selection process, nor are they affiliated with any of our choices unless explicitly stated so.
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.