The Best Non-Toxic Cleaners for Every Household
If you're looking for the best non-toxic cleaning products for your home, you've come to the right place. Finding household cleaners that are effective and free from harsh chemicals, synthetic fragrances, and other ingredients you may prefer to avoid can be surprisingly difficult.
I've spent years researching and testing non-toxic cleaning products, and I've found that you don't need a separate cleaner for every surface in your home. I look for cleaners that are either fragrance-free or scented with essential oils, and have simple ingredient lists containing natural ingredients. You won’t find any cleaners on my list with synthetic fragrances, dyes, harmful preservatives, ammonia, VOCs, phthalates, quats or alcohol ethoxylates. Most of them are actually Made Safe Certified or EWG Verified for safety.
From non-toxic disinfectants and all-purpose cleaners to laundry detergent, dish soap, floor cleaner, stain removers, and more, these are the products I actually recommend for creating a cleaner, healthier home.
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Note that this blog post contains affiliate links, so if you decide to buy any of the products below, I will get a small commission, which keeps this blog free for all. :)
Best Non-Toxic Multi-Purpose Disinfectant
Force of Nature Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Best for: Disinfecting and cleaning high-touch surfaces, kitchen counters, bathrooms, and other areas where you want one versatile product that can tackle both cleaning and disinfecting.
The Force of Nature appliance “converts salt, water, and vinegar into an all-in-one cleaner, deodorizer and EPA-registered disinfectant.” Upon the initial investment, this will be the cheapest disinfectant for your entire home. Finding a truly non-toxic disinfectant (and disinfecting your home is essential, IMO), is sooooo hard, but thankfully Force of Nature makes it easy. When you first purchase the Starter Set (I have the Basics Bundle), you’ll get an Electrolyzer Appliance with power cord, reusable spray bottle (choose glass or plastic), and 15 recyclable Activator Capsules. Once you have these, all you’ll need to repurchase are the Activator Capsules, once you run out.
Force of Nature uses an electrical current to transform salt, water, and vinegar into two powerful ingredients: hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hydroxide. You’ll use distilled water to pour into the Electrolyzer Appliance, and pour in the contents of one Activator Capsule. Then you just plug in the appliance, press the on button and you’ll have a disinfectant in just a couple of minutes!
The Force of Nature cleaner contains NO fragrances, dyes, preservatives, ammonia, VOCs, phthalates, quats or alcohol ethoxylates. It also has the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, which is truly incredible.
Get 15% off Force of Nature Bundles anytime with my code GREENBOOTLIFE here.
Best Non-Toxic Everyday All-Purpose Cleaner
Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner
Best for: Everyday cleaning throughout your home, especially when you want one versatile cleaner that can be used for different cleaning jobs.
This is my most used home cleaner by far.
Branch Basics uses a “high-performing plant & mineral-based formula that’s safe for sensitive skin and yet tough on dirt and grime.” It’s fragrance free, which is what I prefer in a cleaner, and it’s truly multi-purpose, you can use it on avariety of surfaces, dishes, appliances, even produce, and more. I am blown away at how well it cleans and wipes away grease and grime, and yet it’s so gentle and human safe that I don’t need any gloves when I clean with it!
This All-Purpose Cleaner is refillable, and once you’re out, all you’ll need is the Branch Basics Concentrate and Distilled Water to make a brand new one. Every Branch Basics product is actually quite affordable to remake once you have the Concentrate.
If you’ve been wanting to try Branch Basics for a while, but didn’t want to commit to getting their full set, you can now shop this cleaner individually at Target!
All Branch Basics products are Made Safe Certified, EWG Verified and Leaping Bunny Certified.
Shop and save 15% off your first Branch Basics order and subscriptions with code GREENBOOTLIFE here. Or, you can buy the Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner individually at Target here.
Best Non-Toxic Abrasive Cleaner
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
Best for: Tackling stubborn grime and buildup on sinks, tubs, showers, and other surfaces that need a little extra scrubbing power.
When I say this stuff works on everything, it works on EVERYTHING. It’s a non-toxic powder you can sprinkle on your kitchen sink, bathroom sink, bathtub, shower, countertops… without ever causing damage. It’s a fragrance-free cleaner that’s super affordable and will get surfaces sparkly clean! 10/10.
Shop the Bon Ami Powder Cleaner here!
Best Non-Toxic Liquid Dish Detergent
Attitude Dishwashing Liquid (unscented)
Best for: Washing everyday dishes, cookware, and glassware while effectively cutting through grease and food residue.
This is one of the cleanest dish washing liquids I’ve found that also actually works. That’s it. That’s the review. But seriously, this dish soap is EWG verified, vegan, cruelty free, made with plant based ingredients and of 98.1% natural origin.
One thing to remember is to get the unscented one, as others they make contain fragrance.
Shop Attitude Unscented Dishwashing Liquid here!
Best Non-Toxic Powder Laundry Detergent
Branch Basics Laundry Detergent
Best for: Deep-cleaning everyday laundry when you prefer a concentrated powder formula and want an effective alternative to conventional detergents.
Having a Human Safe laundry detergent that doesn’t fill our clothes with lingering toxins is super important. The Branch Basics Laundry Detergent is not only Human Safe, but works INCREDIBLY well. Like, I’m still blown away at how this laundry detergent fights stains and gets my clothes so fresh and so clean.
Branch Basics claims “the potent all-in-one formula combines stain-fighting, odor elimination, and fabric preservation” and they deliver on all of those claims, truly. You only need one scoop directly in the drum of your washing machine, or two scoops for large loads. I only wash my clothes in cold water, and the Branch Basics Laundry Detergent still works magically in cold water as well!
All Branch Basics products are Made Safe Certified, EWG Verified and Leaping Bunny Certified.
Shop and save 15% off your first Branch Basics order and subscriptions with code GREENBOOTLIFE here. Or, you can buy the Branch Basics Laundry Detergent at Target here.
Best Non-Toxic Liquid Laundry Detergent
Truly Free Laundry Detergent
Best for: Everyday loads of laundry when you prefer the convenience of a liquid detergent that's easy to measure and use.
This is a great non-toxic laundry detergent, if you prefer a liquid option! Both the unscented and scented versions are non-toxic, which is rare.
You first get an empty laundry detergent jug and a sachet with laundry detergent powder in it. Then you just need to pour some warm (preferably distilled) water into the jug and combine in with the contents of the sachet. Shake it up and your non-toxic liquid laundry detergent is ready to go! From this point on, you’ll only need to buy the refills, which is both eco-friendly and wallet-friendly!
My favorite part is that this is also an acne-safe laundry detergent, so if you suffer from body acne, switching your detergent to this one could show major improvement! It’s also safe for babies, pets and people with sensitive skin. No harsh, toxic chemicals, it’s plant based, cruelty free, dye free and WORKS.
Shop the Truly Free Laundry Detergent Unscented here and Signature Scent here.
Best Non-Toxic Liquid Fabric Softener
Truly Free Fabric Softener
Best for: Softening clothes and adding a little extra freshness to your laundry routine without relying on conventional fabric softeners.
It took me SO long to find an effective and non-toxic fabric softener, until I tried the Truly Free Softening Rinse.
Just like with Truly Free’s laundry detergent,you first get an empty plastic jug and a sachet with the fabric softener powder in it. Then you just need to pour some warm (preferably distilled) water into the jug and combine in with the contents of the sachet. Shake it up and your non-toxic liquid fabric softener is ready to go! From this point on, you’ll only need to buy the refills, which is both eco-friendly and wallet-friendly!
I noticed a huge difference in the softness of my clothes after using this Truly Free Softening Rinse, and so many of my clothes that used to come out very wrinkled from the wash now don’t even need to be steamed or ironed!
Shop Truly Free Fabric Softener Unscented here and Signature Scent here (both versions are non-toxic).
Best Non-Toxic Floor Cleaner
Koala Eco Floor Cleaner
Best for: Keeping hard floors clean and fresh without needing a separate cleaner for every type of floor in your home.
If you haven’t been able to ditch your scented wet Swiffer pads, this floor cleaner will finally change your mind!
Floor cleaning that’s effective and doesn’t leave your floors smelling like vinegar seemed impossible to achieve. Finally, a friend of mine recommended the Koala Eco Floor Cleaner, and I gave it a go since it was pretty affordable.
I’m so glad I did! It smells fresh, like the perfect blend of mandarin and peppermint (without being overpowering at all), and cleaned my wood floors effectively and easily.
Add to warm water approximately 1-2 capfuls for a standard size bucket. It can also be used directly on a wet cloth to clean floors (including wood floors) or other surfaces. This Floor Cleaner bottle will last you a while!
Shop the Koala Eco Floor Cleaner here!
Best Non-Toxic Disinfecting Wipes
Biom Disinfecting Wipes
Best for: Quick, convenient disinfecting when you need to clean high-touch surfaces or tackle messes without reaching for a spray bottle and cloth.
I completely gave up on disinfecting wipes since I couldn’t find any truly non-toxic ones. If you miss using multi-purpose wipes to clean up messes quickly and efficiently without compromising your health, Biom’s Disinfecting Wipes are for you.
Biom states their disinfecting wipes “kill 99.9% of germs (including Covid-19) without bleach, quats, or harsh fumes. Powered by plant-derived citric acid, Biom Disinfecting Wipes deliver an effective disinfecting clean with just water + 10 simple ingredients.”
These wipes are made out of plant-based material (BPA free), and contain plant based ingredients, the main one being citric acid. You can currently choose from two scents: Fresh Citrus and Alpine Mint,the latter being my favorite. I find these incredibly effective after just one wipe and it makes quick cleanups easy. I also love their chic wipe dispensers, as it makes me want it displayed on the counter.
Shop the Biom Disinfecting Wipes here and Wipe Dispenser here!
Best Non-Toxic Stain Remover
Branch Basics Stain Remover
Best for: Treating everyday clothing and fabric stains before washing, especially when you want a targeted alternative to conventional stain removers.
I never thought I’d actually find a totally non-toxic stain remover that works. Until I tried the Branch Basics Stain Remover!
This stain remover is safe on clothing, upholstery, carpets, linens and most importantly, it’s HUMAN SAFE, like all Branch Basics products. This works great in conjunction with the Branch Basics Laundry Detergent, however it’s very effective on its own, too. Just spray it generously on the stain and leave it for 10 minutes before washing. I’m telling you, I even got BLUEBERRY stains out of white linens with this Stain Remover!
Just like with all liquid Branch Basics products, this Stain Remover is refillable, and all you’ll need is distilled water and their Concentrate to make a brand new one. Super budget-friendly!
All Branch Basics products are Made Safe Certified, EWG Verified and Leaping Bunny Certified.
Shop and save 15% off your first Branch Basics order and subscriptions with code GREENBOOTLIFE here. Or, you can buy the Branch Basics Stain Remover individually at Target here.
Best Non-Toxic All-Purpose Cleaning Concentrate
Branch Basics Cleaning Concentrate
Best for: Simplifying your entire cleaning routine with one concentrated formula that can be diluted for multiple household cleaning applications.
If you want a truly non-toxic clean home, you’ll do yourself a favor and get this Branch Basics Concentrate. You’ll be able to use it to make all of Branch Basics liquid cleaners including: All-Purpose Cleaner, Stain Remover, Bathroom Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Dish Soap and even hand soap!
This powerful, yet gentle concentrate has only the following ingredients (plant and mineral-based formula):
Water, Decyl Glucoside, Coco-Glucoside, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Gluconate
Pictured is the smaller, 8 ounce concentrate bottle you can get at Target, which will make you 6 All-Purpose Cleaners, or 3 Bathroom Cleaners, or 5 Stain Removers. Just add (distilled) water to Branch Basics bottles (sold separately) for safe cleaning made simple.
If you have a bigger home and more cleaning needs, I recommend you order their 33.8 fl oz concentrate here, that will last you a long, long time.
All Branch Basics products are Made Safe Certified, EWG Verified and Leaping Bunny Certified.
Shop and save 15% off your first Branch Basics order and subscriptions with code GREENBOOTLIFE here. Or, you can buy the 8oz Branch Basics Concentrate (pictured) individually at Target here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
What makes a cleaning product non-toxic?
There isn't one universal definition of "non-toxic" when it comes to household cleaning products. When I evaluate cleaners, I look beyond marketing claims and consider the ingredients, fragrance, preservatives, transparency from the brand, and how the product is used in the home. I also look for products that avoid ingredients I personally prefer to minimize, such as synthetic fragrances and certain harsh cleaning chemicals.
Are non-toxic cleaning products actually effective?
Yes! Choosing a non-toxic cleaning product doesn't mean sacrificing performance. Many of the products on this list are ones I've personally tested and continue to use because they clean, wash, disinfect, or remove stains effectively. The key is finding products that combine a thoughtful ingredient list with formulas that actually work for the job they're intended to do.
What ingredients should I avoid in household cleaning products?
The ingredients you choose to avoid will depend on your personal preferences and household needs, but some people choose to minimize synthetic fragrances, certain preservatives, chlorine bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds (quats), and other harsh cleaning chemicals. I recommend looking at the complete ingredient list rather than relying solely on terms like "natural," "green," or "non-toxic" on the front of a package.
What is the best non-toxic all-purpose cleaner?
For an everyday all-purpose cleaner, I recommend the Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner because it’s the cleanest, most effective one I’ve found. It's the type of cleaner I find most useful to keep on hand for everyday messes throughout the kitchen, bathroom, and other areas of the home.
What is the best non-toxic laundry detergent?
My top pick for non-toxic laundry detergent is the Branch Basics Laundry Detergent. When choosing a laundry detergent, I pay particular attention to fragrance, ingredients, cleaning performance, and how well the formula rinses from clothing.
What is the best non-toxic dish soap?
My favorite non-toxic dish soap is the Unscented Attitude Dish Soap. A good dish soap should effectively cut through grease and food residue without relying on ingredients or fragrances that you would prefer to avoid in a product you use every day.
Are non-toxic cleaning products safe for pets?
Many people choose non-toxic cleaning products because they want to minimize their household's exposure to certain ingredients, but "non-toxic" does not automatically mean that a product is safe to ingest or that every ingredient is harmless to pets. Always follow the manufacturer's directions, keep cleaning products out of reach of animals and children, and allow surfaces to dry as directed before allowing pets to access them.
Do I need a different non-toxic cleaner for every room?
Not necessarily! One of my favorite things about switching to non-toxic cleaning products is that you can often simplify your cleaning routine. A good all-purpose cleaner can handle many everyday surfaces, while specialty products such as a disinfectant, abrasive cleaner, laundry detergent, or stain remover can be reserved for jobs that require something more specific.
I want to try Branch Basics, but don’t know where to start?
I suggest you try the Surface Cleaning Kit. Think of this one as the perfect start-here kit for an everyday cleaner home. This kit includes: All-Purpose Cleaner, Bathroom Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Concentrate. Shop the Surface Cleaning Kit for under $25 with my code GREENBOOTLIFE here.