There are many cleaning products on the market. If you’re looking for something more natural, the following could be good affordable alternatives you may want to consider using. Natural cleaners tend to use biodegradable ingredients, plant-based surfactants, essential oils, and mild acids or bases (vinegar, baking soda, etc.). EWG
Top Natural Cleaning Products
Here are some well-reviewed, more eco-friendly cleaning products.
Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit – $75.00
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner – $16.49
Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar‑Wash Floor Cleaner – $13.99
Method All Purpose Cleaner Lime + Sea Salt – $4.19
Mrs. Meyer’s Apple Cider Multi‑Surface Cleaner – $4.99
Scrub Daddy Tangerine Clean Paste – $7.99
Branch Basics Fragrance‑Free Concentrate Cleaner – $9.99
Koala Eco Bathroom Cleaner – $10.99
Here are some of the highlights:
- Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit : Very versatile. Comes with a concentrated formula and refillable bottles. Can dilute to make cleaners for windows, kitchen, laundry, bathroom. Great if you want fewer bottles but many uses.
- Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner : Strong cleaning power even when diluted. Plant-based surfactants; good for hard surfaces, dishes, even laundry. If you like multipurpose options.
- Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar‑Wash Floor Cleaner : Designed for floors. Uses vinegar plus essential oils. Good on many sealed floors (hardwood, tile, vinyl) when used properly.
- Method All Purpose Cleaner Lime + Sea Salt : Nice scent plus plant-based/bio-derived ingredients. Daily surface cleaner.
- Mrs. Meyer’s Apple Cider Multi‑Surface Cleaner : Pleasant “homemade” scent, plant-derived, handy for kitchen, bathroom, walls, etc.
- Scrub Daddy Tangerine Clean Paste : Good for tougher messes. More abrasive, so test surfaces first. Often helps with baked-on grime and spots.
- Branch Basics Fragrance‑Free Concentrate Cleaner : Same brand as the Starter Kit; this is the unscented concentrate. Great for sensitive skin or if you want to control scent.
- Koala Eco Bathroom Cleaner : Bathroom-safe, targeting mold/grime etc. Natural formula designed for wet, humid areas.
DIY / Ingredients to Know
If you like making your own cleaners, here are ingredients that often work well (and why): Clean and Green Homemade Cleaners
| Ingredient | What it does | Tips / cautions |
|---|---|---|
| Vinegar (white/distilled) | Mild acid. Cuts grease, breaks down mineral deposits (hard water, soap scum), deodorizes. | Avoid on natural stone like marble/granite (can etch). |
| Baking soda | Mild abrasive. Good for scrubbing, deodorizing, scourers. Helps lift baked-on stuff. | Can be gritty; rinse well. |
| Castile soap | Gentle surfactant from plant oils. Good for general cleaning, hand soap, etc. | Dilute properly; can leave film if too concentrated. |
| Washing soda / Borax | Stronger alkali. Great for laundry, tough grime. | Use gloves; strong on skin. Keep out of reach of kids/pets. |
| Essential oils (tea tree, lemon, lavender, etc.) | Provide scent, some have antimicrobial properties. | Some people are sensitive to oils. Do patch tests; use sparingly. |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Mild disinfectant/whitener. Good for stains, mold. | Store in opaque bottle; degrade with light. |
What To Look For in Natural Products
- Plant-based or naturally derived surfactants.
- Biodegradable ingredients.
- No chlorine bleach, no strong synthetic perfumes / phthalates.
- Not over-packaged; refill options or minimal plastic.
- Verified by third-party certifiers (EWG Verified, USDA Organic etc.). EWG
Quick Natural Cleaning Hacks
- Mix vinegar and water (1:1) for everyday all-purpose spray.
- Baking soda + water makes a paste good for scrubbing ovens/sinks.
- Vinegar + a few drops of essential oil can freshen drains or act as air freshener.
- Use lemon juice on cutting boards for light bleaching and deodorizing.