Zero Waste Cleaning Products: Keep Your Home Clean and Green
Zero waste cleaning products are becoming more and more popular as people become more aware of the impact their purchases have on the environment.
If you're looking to switch to eco-friendly cleaning products but don't know where to start, we've got you covered!
We've compiled a list of zero-waste cleaning brands and products that will help reduce your impact on the planet while making your home clean and green.
- This article contains affiliate links. We may receive a commission (at no cost to you) if you make a purchase through a brand link below. Learn more here.
The Problem With Traditional Cleaning Products
Most conventional cleaning products contain harsh and sometimes toxic chemicals that are bad for the environment and are not great for our health either.
They are packaged in plastic spray bottles and plastic boxes and are shipped in plastic packaging.
Around 80 billion plastic bottles are discarded each year worldwide, and conventional cleaning supplies make up a large part of that number.
A better and healthier alternative is to use natural cleaning products that are biodegradable and come in compostable packaging. They are much better for the environment or your health.
These products are just as effective as traditional ones so you can have a clean home with a zero-waste cleaning routine.
But What Makes a Cleaning Product Zero-Waste?
Ingredients
Zero-waste cleaning products contain biodegradable and natural ingredients like sodium carbonate (washing soda), sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), citric acid, anionic and non-ionic surfactants, natural fragrances and are free of harmful chemicals. This means that they will break down quickly and won't pollute the environment.
The products should be made from sustainable resources which means that they come from renewable sources and can be used without damaging the environment.
Finally, a lot of zero-waste cleaning products come in tablets or concentrates that are compact and light which reduces emissions, and pollution and also saves storage space.
Packaging
It is not enough for a product to have non-toxic ingredients — it must also be packaged in a way that doesn't damage the environment.
The packaging should be at least recyclable but, ideally, it would be compostable, for a truly zero-waste cleaning.
Zero Waste Cleaning supplies
It is not just the cleaning products.
If you are using any cleaning aids like sponges or cloths they are most likely made from plastic derivatives and they usually come packaged in a plastic bag.
They will release microplastics when washed and, of course, will have to be discarded at the end of their useful life.
The good news is there are lots of natural and biodegradable cloths and sponges that you could use for a zero-waste cleaning.
Sustainable cleaning products are becoming more popular as people become more aware of their impact on the environment.
If you're looking to switch to eco-friendly cleaning products but don't know where to start, we've got you covered with our list of the best sustainable and green cleaning products.
Blueland Clean Home Kit
Why we love it
Blueland Clean Home Kit comes with everything you need to make your own powerful cleaning solutions and foaming hand soap, using just water and Blueland innovative tablets.
The tablets are made from natural ingredients and are proven to be just as effective as traditional cleaning products.
Plus, they're super easy to use - just drop a tablet in a bottle of water and watch it dissolve into a powerful cleaner or foaming hand soap!
And because you're only using water, you'll save money and help the environment by reducing your reliance on plastic spray bottles.
The Clean Home Kit includes two shatterproof refillable bottles, one glass hand soap bottle, one bathroom cleaning tablet, one multi-surface cleaner tablet, and one hand soap tablet. That's enough to make two bottles of cleaner and one bottle of hand soap.
When you run out of your cleaning solutions, you can just purchase the tablet refills and reuse your bottles for years to come!
Ethique Multi-Purpose Kitchen Spray Concentrate Bar
Why we love it
Ethique Multi-Purpose Kitchen Spray Concentrate Bar is made with naturally derived and ethically sourced ingredients.
This concentrate makes 11.83 fl oz of spray cleaner - perfect for cleaning countertops, appliances, and more. You can use any clean refillable spray bottles you already have for a zero-waste clean.
Here is a short video on how to make the spray cleaning solution out of an Ethique concentrate bar.
The bar comes in 100% compostable packaging, so you can feel good knowing that you're not contributing to landfills.
And the sweet orange scent is sure to leave your kitchen smelling fresh and clean.
Ethique Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaning Spray Concentrate Bar
Why we love it
For a sparkling bathroom use Ethique Multi-Purpose Bathroom Cleaning Spray Concentrate Bar.
This unique product is made with naturally derived and ethically sourced ingredients, such as eucalyptus oil, and is packaged in certified compostable cardboard packaging.
Simply break the concentrate into a few pieces, add boiling water, and wait a few minutes to make your own household cleaner. The same process as in the video above!
The eucalyptus oil provides a refreshing scent while the concentrated formula ensures that your bathroom will be sparkling clean.
Plus, you can feel good knowing that you're using a product that's gentle on the environment.
Tirtyl Multi-Surface All Purpose Cleaning Tablet
Why we love it
Tirtyl concentrated tablets dissolve in water to create a highly effective cleaning solution that can be used on a variety of surfaces throughout your home.
Tirtyl is non-toxic and safe for use around your family and contains no ammonia, sodium hydroxide, or chlorine.
One Tirtyl cleaning tablet makes 16 fl oz of cleaning solution.
You can use clean refillable spray bottles that you already have or buy Tirtyl 16oz Spray Bottle Dispensers that come with cute silicone sleeves and a handy funnel.
BLUELAND Toilet Cleaner Starter Set
Why we love it
Blueland Toilet Cleaner Starter Set is a natural, plastic-free way to clean your toilet.
These easy-to-use tablets are tough on grime but gentle on the planet, leaving your bathroom smelling fresh and clean. Just drop one tablet in, brush and flush!
Developed by scientists and tested alongside leading competitors, Blueland toilet cleaner is proven effective against a range of tough stains.
Made without any nasties like chlorine bleach, hydrochloric acid, and artificial dyes, Blueland toilet cleaner is Leaping Bunny Cruelty-Free, Vegan, and Climate Neutral.
Nature Clean Plastic Free Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Strips
Why we love it
Nature Clean Plastic Free Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner Strips are made without any harsh chemicals, bleach, or chlorine, these strips are safe to use and won't leave any corrosive residue or marks behind.
They are cruelty-free, biodegradable and septic-friendly.
Plus, they're super easy to use - simply drop one in the toilet bowl, let it dissolve, brush thoroughly, and flush.
You'll have a clean, fresh toilet in no time!
No Tox Life Dish Washing Block Soap
Why we love it
No Tox Life ultra-concentrated vegan dish soap bar lathers up and cuts through stubborn food, grime, and grease on dishes, pots, and pans.
It's also foam-tastic. It has the most rich and sudsy lather for sparling clean dishes.
A little goes a long way with this effective and easy-to-use dish soap, which cleans in all water types, including hard water and cold water.
Plus, it's septic safe and leaves no residue behind.
It's time to ditch those plastic dish soap bottles for a solid Dish Block!
Ethique Dishwashing Liquid Concentrate Bar- Sweet Orange
Why we love it
If you are looking for an earth-friendly dishwashing liquid, look no further than Ethique's Sweet Orange Dishwashing Liquid Concentrate Bar!
Made with natural ingredients, this powerful concentrate is perfect for those who want to ditch plastic bottles and packaging.
One box of the Sweet Orange Dishwashing Liquid Concentrate Bar makes one 500g (17.65oz) bottle of dishwashing liquid.
The method is the same as with other Ethique concentrates - break, add boiling water, wait to disolve and pour into a bottle of your choice.
The refreshing orange scent will leave your dishes smelling amazing.
And the best part? The natural sweet orange oil helps dissolve excess grease and oil, leaving your dishes sparkling clean.
Ethique Concentrates are paraben-free, vegan, and safe for all skin types.
Natissy Reusable Paper Towels Roll
Why we love it
Looking for a more sustainable option for paper towels?
Natissy reusable paper towels are made of 100% certified cotton dense flannel and can absorb up to 10 times more than traditional paper towels.
Plus, they're machine washable which makes them super easy to clean.
The more they're used, the better they absorb - so you can use them over and over again!
Quick drying and lint-free, Natissy reusable paper towels are the perfect eco-friendly alternative to disposable paper towels.
MioEco Reusable Paper Towels
Why we love it
MioEco 10 Pack Reusable Paper Towels are made from 100% organic highest quality super-soft unbleached cotton.
They are super absorbent and can be washed and reused again and again.
These cotton towels are 100% biodegradable and can be used as paper towels, dish cloths, cleaning cloths, or even napkins!
Composty® 'Pop-Up' Eco Sponges
Why we love it
Composty sturdy and non-scratch sponges are made from natural cellulose and are fully compostable - meaning they won't end up in landfill like regular sponges.
They can be used for everything you use a regular sponge for - cleaning, wiping, or washing dishes.
You can even pop them in the washing machine or dishwasher to freshen them up.
Many customers report that these cellulose sponges work better than traditional plastic ones!
Composty is a small UK family business and they plant a tree for every pack sold.
Greenzla Natural Sponges
Why we love it
Greenzla sponges are made from a natural hemp/sisal blend, which is more durable and effective than traditional plastic sponges.
One side is made of coconut husk fibers for any non-scratch scrubbing needs.
These plastic-free zero-waste sponges can be used in the kitchen, bathroom, or for any other cleaning.
They're 100% biodegradable, so you can compost them when you're done!
Swedish Dish Cloths
Why we love it
These dishcloths from Swedish Wholesale are super absorbent and can be used over and over again - just throw them in the wash after use. They are 100% compostable at the end of their useful life.
The dishcloths are made from a cellulose and cotton blend and are hard and gritty when dry but become super soft when wet.
They are safe for all kinds of surfaces, including marble, stainless steel, tile, and wood.
Plus, they come in a value pack of 10, so you'll always have one on hand when you need it.
What about a zero-waste laundry detergent? Don't worry we've got you covered!
Check out this article on Zero-Waste Laundry Detergents That Actually Work for a comprehensive list of laundry detergents to keep your laundry clean and fresh in an eco-friendly way.
If you’re looking for a way to reduce your impact on the environment,zero-waste cleaning products could be a great starting point.
Not only do these products help reduce waste, but they also often work just as well (or even better) than their traditional counterparts.
So why not make the switch today? Check out our roundup of some of the best zero-waste cleaners available and get started on making your home more sustainable.