8 Green Cleaning Products for a More Sustainable Scrub

homedepot.com

Green cleaning products may seem weaker or less potent than their non-green contemporaries, but these eco-friendly cleaners (just like a good homemade weed killer) pack a powerful punch. Modern green cleaning products are just as strong as traditional cleaners, and they tend to smell better: Imagine replacing all those strong chemical scents with hints of essential oils, herbs, and fruits.

There’s more to it than just natural ingredients, though: Most green cleaning products also come in refillable containers, which mean less plastic use. Using them often means keeping waste out of landfills. (Anyone embarking on a zero waste lifestyle will want to invest in some glass cleaning containers.) Other eco-friendly cleaning products come in recyclable containers, so recycling them is possible and relatively easy.

Transitioning to a green clean may sound challenging, but it’s really not. This list highlights eight great places to start: cleaning products that can make everything from dishes to floors and tiles sparkle. Next time a go-to glass cleaner or everyday disinfecting spray is used up, look for a green alternative that accomplishes the same task. By working piece-by-piece through your cleaning supplies, you can make your to-do list a little better for the environment without wasting a drop of the cleaning products you already have. At the end of the process—and there’s a chance it might take a while, especially if you just stocked up on your older cleaning supplies—you’ll have a whole new cleaning repertoire that you can really feel good about.

Once you’ve started using green cleaning products, you’ll never go back. These cleaning supplies are healthier for everyone in your home and the environment, and they can still get the job done. A freshly cleaned home feels cleaner—and smells more natural—when it’s free of harsh chemicals, and the right green cleaning products can get you that feeling every time you use them. Stock up with these essentials, then keep an eye out for green versions of your favorite cleaning supplies: You may be surprised by how many green cleaning products are already on shelves.

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The Laundress Surface Cleaner

store.laundress.com

Wish you could get that clean sparkle without storing dozens of supplies? This softly-scented, biodegradable cleaner is made to clean just about every hard surface in your home.

To buy: $12, store.laundress.com.

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Branch Basics Concentrate

Branch Basics

Your laundry cycle just got greener. This concentrated plant and mineral based cleaning agent fights stains and odors without the harsh chemicals or dyes.

To buy: $49; branchbasics.com .

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The Ode to Clean Kit

Ode To Clean

Made with just purified water and plant starch, these pre-moistened wipes are completely chemical free. Use on sticky hands, hard surfaces or even your face for a quick refresh.

To buy: $20; odetoclean.com.

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Lysol Daily Cleanser

Target

Get the same powerful clean without the harsh chemicals. This unscented spray kills 99.9 percent of germs and is safe enough to use on toys, counters, and food surfaces—and there's no wipe down necessary after you spray.

To buy: $3; target.com.

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Grove Collaborative Cleaning Concentrate Kit

grove.co

If you prefer to make your own cleaning products, this DIY kit is just for you. Simply pour the concentrate into one of the 16 oz. reusable bottles, and you've instantly created your own solution at home.

To buy: $24; grove.co.

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ECOS Stain + Odor Remover

Earth Friendly Products Everyday Stain & Odor Remover

homedepot.com

Keep clothes and carpets looking and smelling like new with this natural formula of enzymes and plants that works to break down and remove organic stains.

To buy: $4; homedepot.com.

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Mrs. Meyer’s Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner

mrsmeyers.com

From porcelain to bathroom fixtures, this multi-surface spray is safe to use on a variety of areas in your home. Available in 9 scents.

To buy: $4; mrsmeyers.com.

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Seventh Generation Fragrance Free Dishwasher Detergent Packs

Seventh Generation Automatic Dishwashing Pacs

amazon.com

Cleaning dishes just got a whole lot easier. Simply pop a concentrated detergent pac into your dishwasher and say sayonara to dinner’s grease and grime without any phosphates, chlorine, or synthetic fragrances.

To buy: $14; amazon.com.

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8 Green Cleaning Products for a More Sustainable Scrub