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There have never been more choices when it comes to organic, natural, or eco-friendly cleaning products. Knowing which products are certified organic and which are safer alternatives to traditional cleaners is often confusing. And how do you know which ones really get the job done?
That’s where we come in. To help you choose the safest and most effective nontoxic cleaning products, we’ve put together recommendations of 14 products that fit the bill.
Because the market for U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified organic cleaning products is relatively small and some options can be on the pricier side, we’ve also included a few noncertified safer alternatives worthy of consideration.
- Best multisurface cleaner: Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
- Best organic all-purpose cleaner: Greenerways Organic All-Purpose Cleaner
- Best countertop all-purpose cleaner: Go by Greenshield Organic Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Best concentrated all-purpose cleaner: Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
- Best free and clear cleaner: Seventh Generation Free and Clear All Purpose Cleaner
- Best pet stain and odor remover: FIT Organic Pet Stain & Odor Remover
- Best grease-fighting dish soap: Better Life Naturally Grease-Kicking Dish Soap
- Best plant-based dish soap: Eco-Me Dish Soap
- Best organic glass and window cleaner: Go by Greenshield Organic Glass Cleaner
- Best vinegar-based glass and window cleaner: ECOS Window Cleaner
- Best tub and tile bathroom cleaner: Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner
- Best shower cleaner: Grove Co. Daily Shower Cleaner
- Best floor cleaner: Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- Best laundry detergent: Dropps Stain and Odor Laundry Detergent Pods
To curate our list of top-rated cleaning products, we considered many criteria. Some key elements include:
- The types of ingredients in a product. We took a careful look at the ingredients used in each product to make sure they were safe, nontoxic, and naturally derived. We avoided products with ingredients that have the potential to negatively affect your family’s health or the environment.
- Top choices from reputable environmental organizations. Groups like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) publish annual reports on organic and natural cleaning products with rankings from best to worst. We also considered cleaners certified with the Green Seal, which are greener and healthier products.
- A product’s cleaning ability. The best organic cleaning products don’t only need to be safer and less toxic to use. They also need to do a great job at cleaning. We considered how effectively different products cut through dirt, grease, soap scum, or grime.
- The opinion of cleaning experts. We spoke to cleaning experts who regularly use organic and all-natural products. We asked for their input on what ingredients to look for — and avoid — and which products they recommend.
- Awards, user reviews, and customer feedback. We considered feedback from websites that sell organic products and only considered products that had significantly more raves than complaints.
“There are many cleaning products on the market that claim to be organic, but very few have the USDA certified organic label,” says James Scott, co-founder of Dappir, a commercial and residential cleaning company.
“Usually, you’ll see [labels] like natural, all-natural, or plant-based, but these do not necessarily mean organic,” he explains.
While many of these cleaners are excellent options and are a lot safer than chemical-laden cleaning products, if they don’t carry the USDA organic label, they can’t be considered a certified organic cleaner.
If a product isn’t USDA certified organic, we have called that out in our list.
Most all-natural cleaning products that are labeled clean or plant-based include safe ingredients like white vinegar, baking soda, thymol, castile soap, lemon juice, vegetable glycerin, citric acid, and oils like jojoba seed, coconut, olive, lavender, lemon, orange, peppermint, tea tree, and eucalyptus.
However, it’s important to know that these terms are not regulated. According to the EWG, using the terms “natural” or “plant-based” implies that at least some of the ingredients are natural or plant-based, but it doesn’t mean it applies to all ingredients. So, always read the labels and do your research on what’s listed if this is a priority for you.
Cleaning products took on a new level of importance during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cleaners with bleach, phthalates, alcohol, ammonia, parabens, and other harsh ingredients topped the list of must-have items at grocery stores and online retailers — especially since many claim to kill 99 percent or more of viruses and bacteria, including the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
This left many people wondering what role organic and natural cleaning products play in keeping viruses at bay.
But first, it’s important to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting. Cleaning is the process of removing dirt or soil, whereas disinfecting kills bacteria and germs. So while a natural or organic product may clean a surface, it might not have the right ingredients also to disinfect it.
Natural cleaning products are great for general dirt and soil removal, but they may not be the best at combatting the coronavirus and other bacteria and germs. That’s because many eco-friendly cleaning products are not made for disinfecting.
For maximum protection, stick with the EPA List N, which contains all of the disinfectant products that are effective against COVID-19. You can search this list using keywords for safer disinfectant ingredients that the EPA still considers effective against COVID-19. This includes hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, isopropanol, peroxyacetic acid, citric acid, and L-lactic acid.
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In addition, the WHO says disinfectants should be applied with a cloth or wipe that is soaked in the disinfectant first instead of spraying directly on surfaces, which is not recommended for use against COVID-19.
Organic cleaners often cost more than nonorganic products. In addition, within the organic cleaning category, it’s not uncommon to see a wide range of prices. With that in mind, here’s how we indicate price:
- $ = under $10
- $$ = $10–$20
- $$$ = over $20
Best multisurface cleaner
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
- Price: $
- Highlights: eco-friendly, plant-derived ingredients
Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner is known for garden-inspired scents like basil, lavender, lemon verbena, geranium, and honeysuckle.
It’s also packed full of essential oils and free from formaldehyde, synthetic surfactants, ammonia, parabens, phosphates, and chlorine.
Mrs. Meyers isn’t a certified organic product. It can leave a slight residue on surfaces if not wiped thoroughly. The scent might be too strong for people sensitive to smells.
Best organic all-purpose cleaner
Greenerways Organic All-Purpose Cleaner
- Price: $
- Highlights: organic, natural, eco-friendly, and non-GMO verified
Greenerways Organic All-Purpose Cleaner is an excellent all-around, USDA certified organic cleaner you can use in your kitchen, bathroom, and any other place that needs a good scrub.
It can cut through dirt, soap scum, and grease on many surfaces. It’s quick-drying, doesn’t leave a sticky residue, and is non-genetically modified organism (GMO) verified.
This product has a strong scent, and the spray bottle can be prone to malfunctioning.
Best countertop all-purpose cleaner
Go by Greenshield Organic Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Price: $$
- highlights: organic, natural, eco-friendly, non GMO
Recommended for stainless steel, sealed countertops, tile, as well as painted or plastic surfaces, Go by Greenshield Organic gets the job done at an affordable price.
Fragranced with essential oils, this USDA certified organic cleaning formula is also available in multisurface wipes. (But note that wipes are not environmentally friendly, if that’s a priority for you.)
Some users report a strong, sometimes strange, scent after spraying.
Best concentrated all-purpose cleaner
Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner
- Price: $–$$$
- Highlights: plant-based, eco-friendly
“Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds is a top multi-purpose cleaner pick for customers,” says Diana Rodriguez-Zaba, president of ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba, an Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration certified cleaning company.
Free of synthetic dyes and preservatives, it works especially well as a hard-surface all-purpose cleaner and comes in a concentrated solution so you can dilute it for your needs.
While not certified organic, this product is certified green and has an A rating from the EWG.
Best free and clear cleaner
Seventh Generation Free and Clear All Purpose Cleaner
- Price: $ ($$ if you order the multi-pack)
- Highlights: plant-based, somewhat eco-friendly
This Seventh Generation all-purpose cleaner works on most surfaces to cut grime, grease, and dirt. It contains plant-based biodegradable ingredients, and it’s free of dyes, VOCs, and fragrances, making it a good choice for people with allergies.
Plus, there’s no rinsing required after using on surfaces. Simply spray and wipe clean.
Note that this cleaner isn’t certified organic, and it contains a few synthetic preservatives. It isn’t recommended for killing germs or bacteria.
Best pet stain and odor remover
FIT Organic Pet Stain & Odor Remover
- Price: $$
- Highlights: organic, plant-based, eco-friendly, non GMO
For pet stains and odors, Matt Clayton, founder of PetHairPatrol.com, recommends FIT Organic Pet Stain & Odor Remover. “It’s USDA certified organic and totally safe for your pets,” he says.
The product contains no artificial perfumes, GMOs, enzymes, dyes, or phosphates. Just spray the stain remover on the stained area and blot with a dry paper towel until the stain is lifted.
This product works best on fresh accidents and stains. It’s also a more expensive option than many other pet stain removers.
Best grease-fighting dish soap
Better Life Naturally Grease-Kicking Dish Soap
- Price: $
- Highlights: plant-based, eco-friendly, natural
Better Life Naturally Grease-Kicking Dish Soap has the ability to cut through grease well while still being gentle on your body and the environment.
This affordable product is free of sulfates and contains vitamin E and aloe to help protect your skin.
While not certified organic, this all-natural product has an A rating from the EWG. This means it has few or no known health or environmental hazards, and the company has good ingredient disclosures.
Best plant-based dish soap
Eco-Me Dish Soap
- Price: $
- Highlights: plant-based, eco-friendly, natural
Eco-Me Dish Soap is a plant-based natural dish soap that’s free of sulfates, perfumes, and harsh preservatives. The ingredients are biodegradable.
Gentle on your hands, this soap is safe to use on all dishes, baby bottles, glasses, and silverware.
This product isn’t USDA certified organic, but Green Seal rates it as a greener, healthier dish soap option.
Best organic glass and window cleaner
Go by Greenshield Organic Glass Cleaner
- Price: $$
- Highlights: organic, eco-friendly, no GMO
Unlike other glass cleaners that contain multiple ingredients, Go by Greenshield only has four ingredients: water, acetic acid (organic), ethyl alcohol (organic), and organic fragrance.
The spray has a mild fragrance that comes from organic fresh mint. It’s USDA certified organic and is safe to use around pets and children.
Note that you may need to clean glass a few times to eliminate streaks.
Best vinegar-based glass and window cleaner
ECOS Window Cleaner
- Price: $$
- Highlights: plant-based, natural, eco-friendly
This affordable, vinegar-based window cleaner does a great job on glass as well as on stainless steel, chrome, vinyl, and linoleum.
ECOS Window Cleaner is 100-percent natural, plant-based, and is free of ammonia, phosphates, chlorine, dyes, and petroleum ingredients.
It has a slight vinegar scent and isn’t USDA certified organic.
Best tub and tile bathroom cleaner
Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner
- Price: $
- Highlights: plant-based, eco-friendly, natural
Better Life Tub and Tile Cleaner is an affordable plant-based foaming cleaner and a favorite among those who prefer natural, greener cleaning products.
It effectively dissolves hard water stains, soap scum, and rust on a variety of bathroom surfaces, including tile, grout, porcelain, and fixtures.
This cleaner isn’t USDA certified organic, and some people find the scent a little strong. It can’t be used on marble.
Best shower cleaner
Grove Co. Daily Shower Cleaner
- Price: $
- Highlights: plant-based, eco-friendly, natural
The Grove Concentrated Cleaner Kit is a good choice for reducing buildup and getting rid of soap scum. The formula is free of parabens, phthalates, phosphates, formaldehyde, synthetic dyes, ammonia, and chlorine bleach.
It’s available in multiple scents, including lavender, orange, rosemary, thyme, and free and clear, which is a good option if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
This cleaner isn’t certified organic. Also, note that this product is only the concentrate. You’ll need to supply your own spray bottle. It’s also an oil and liquid-based concentrate, so it may be too greasy for some people.
Best floor cleaner
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner
- Price: $
- Highlights: plant-based, eco-friendly, natural
Better Life Naturally Dirt-Destroying Floor Cleaner is a plant-derived floor cleaner that’s safe to use on hardwood, tile, marble, vinyl, laminate, and bamboo surfaces.
The cleaner comes ready-to-use and has a pleasant minty-citrus scent. This formula is free of sodium lauryl sulfates, petroleum solvents, parabens, synthetic fragrances, and dyes.
It’s not USDA-certified organic and can be sudsy if you use too much of the product on the floor.
Best laundry detergent
Dropps Stain and Odor Laundry Detergent Pods
- Price: $$$
- Highlights: plant-based, eco-friendly
This detergent is available in three fragrances — including lavender eucalyptus, clean and crisp, and orange blossom — and unscented. If you order through the website, you can participate in the subscribe-and-save program to receive automatic deliveries and monthly savings.
Dropps pods are free of dye, phosphate, phthalate, paraben, and optical brighteners.
Dropps isn’t a certified organic product. The three scents may be too strong for people with allergies or sensitivities. Dropps is also more expensive than other natural laundry products.
To choose the right organic cleaner for your needs, you’ll want to consider factors such as ingredients, price, how the products are tested, and consumer reviews.
“You’ll want to choose a reputable brand that contains safe ingredients across the board,” says Rodriguez-Zaba.
Before choosing a natural or organic cleaning product, be sure to carefully review the ingredients label. To find the safest, most natural products, cleaning experts recommend staying clear of the following types of ingredients:
- phthalates
- phosphates
- petroleum solvents
- butyl glycol
- ethylene glycol
- monobutyl
- ammonia
- alkylphenol surfactants
- synthetic fragrances
- synthetic dyes
- VOCs
Also, look for products that are labeled as cruelty-free or not tested on animals.
If you’re not sure where to start, consider cross-referencing the EWG Guide to Healthy Cleaning to see if a particular brand meets the guidelines. The EPA also keeps a list of products that are part of the Safer Choice standard.
Using organic or eco-friendly cleaning products that are safer for your home, children, and pets is just one small step you can take to protect the health of your family.
The key to finding the best organic or all-natural products is to experiment with a few different brands or formulas until you find the ones that work best for your needs.
Carefully read the ingredients label of any cleaning product to be sure they don’t include toxic chemicals or harsh ingredients. When possible, opt for products that are USDA certified organic or that use 100 percent natural or plant-based ingredients.
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