I went down the non-toxic cleaning rabbit hole: The13 best products, reviewed

If you’ve spent any time on the “crunchy” side of the internet, you know how quickly you can fall into the rabbit hole of learning about what’s actually in the products we use every day. From skincare and personal care to food, I’ve become much more mindful of the ingredients I bring into my home.

Naturally, that curiosity has extended to my cleaning products.

After all, we spend so much time cleaning our space to make it feel fresh and safe, but have we ever stopped to think about what’s inside the products we’re using?

“Start by swapping out what you use most often, or replace things as you run out with a fragrance-free or fully non-toxic option,” shared Jamie Koll,  founder and CEO of Girls Who Eat, a digital media and commerce platform focused on helping women make more informed choices when it comes to buying products. “It’s an easy first step that can make your home feel cleaner, reduce the toxins in your air and be a safer option for kids and pets.”

There are plenty of options worth exploring, whether you’re looking to switch out your all-purpose cleaner, find a better dish soap or rethink the products you use to clean your floors. In this guide, you’ll find the best non-toxic cleaning products that tackle everyday messes, from the kitchen to the laundry room.

Best Non-Toxic All-Purpose Cleaner: Hypristine Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaner

I like the idea of having one reliable all-purpose cleaner that can handle the everyday messes that come with a busy household. Hypristine Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaner is a good option to consider if I want to simplify my cleaning routine without relying on a different product for every room. I reach for it to tackle routine surface cleaning, kitchen messes and general household grime.

It works on multiple surfaces, including granite, carpet, leather and glass, and uses Hypochlorous acid as its main disinfecting agent.

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Best Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaner: Attitude Bathroom Cleaner Spray

When I clean my bathroom, I want a product that removes everyday soap residue, water marks and grime without leaving the room smelling like a traditional chemical cleaner. Attitude’s Bathroom Cleaner Spray is an option I love. It uses plant-derived non-ionic surfactants, such as myristyl glucoside and caprylyl glucoside, as well as citric acid to remove soap scum.

A spray format is convenient because I can apply it directly to the areas that need attention.

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Best Non-Toxic Stainless Steel Cleaner: Koala Eco Stainless Cleaner

Koala Eco Stainless Cleaner is great for maintaining the appearance of a refrigerator, dishwasher and other compatible stainless steel surfaces. It uses essential peppermint oil as a mild disinfectant and alkyl polyglucoside, a non-ionic surfactant made from fatty alcohols and renewable plant sugars. To avoid streaks, I recommend using a soft cloth and cleaning one section of an appliance at a time. This allows my stainless steel surfaces to have a clean, polished appearance without unnecessary effort.

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Best Non-Toxic Glass Cleaner: Rosey by Thrive Market Unscented Glass & Mirror Cleaner

Rosey by Thrive Market’s Unscented Glass & Mirror Cleaner tackles fingerprints and smudges without added fragrance. Its formula combines plant-derived cleaning agents — caprylyl/myristyl glucoside and cocamidopropyl hydroxysultaine — with sodium citrate to soften water and tetrasodium glutamate diacetate to bind minerals that can leave residue.

I use it on bathroom mirrors, windows, and glass tabletops with a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. By skipping added fragrance and using identifiable cleaning ingredients, it’s a practical alternative to heavily scented conventional glass cleaners for households looking to simplify their cleaning routine.

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Best Non-Toxic Dish Soap: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lemon Verbana Dish Soap

Greasy pans and food-covered plates call for effective surfactants, not just a strong fragrance. Mrs. Meyer’s Lemon Verbena Dish Soap uses sodium lauryl sulfate, lauryl glucoside, caprylyl/capryl glucoside and lauramine oxide to loosen oils and lift food residue so it can rinse away. Glycerin and aloe vera leaf juice are also included in the formula, while lemon peel oil, lemongrass oil and pine leaf oil contribute to its citrus-herbal scent.

I’d put it to the test on oily cookware and plates with dried-on food, using warm water and a dish brush. Compared with choosing a dish soap based on fragrance alone, this formula offers identifiable cleaning ingredients and a clear explanation of how they work. It isn’t fragrance-free, however, and it contains preservatives and declared fragrance allergens, so it isn’t automatically the best option for sensitive skin.

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Best Non-Toxic Hand Soap: Koala Eco Lemon Eucalyptus & Rosemary Hand Wash

I love having Koala Eco Lemon Eucalyptus & Rosemary Hand Wash by the sink. The combination of lemon eucalyptus and rosemary gives it a fresh, herbal scent that feels clean without being overly sweet. The soap uses sodium C14-16 olefin sulfonate to create sulfate-free suds, and essential oils with antibacterial properties. Best of all, it’s packed in a recyclable bottle.

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Best Non-Toxic Stain Remover: Branch Basics Stain Remover

I keep Branch Basics Stain Remover on hand for inevitable spills and marks on clothing, towels, and other washable fabrics. Its formula uses decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside, plant-derived surfactants that help loosen dirt and oily residue. Sodium citrate softens hard water, while sodium gluconate binds minerals that can interfere with cleaning. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) helps neutralize odors.

I tested it on my bright-white Cole Haan running shoes before tossing them in the washing machine, and it completely removed the dirt spots. That real-world result is why I keep a dedicated stain remover on hand instead of relying on laundry detergent alone. Compared with conventional stain treatments that may contain added fragrance or other ingredients some households prefer to avoid, Branch Basics offers an alternative with identifiable cleaning agents.

As with any stain remover, results depend on the type of stain and how long it has been there, so I treat marks as early as possible and check fabric care instructions before applying it.

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Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Pods: Molly’s Suds Laundry Pods

For everyday laundry, Molly’s Suds Ultra Concentrated Laundry Pods use a small group of cleaning ingredients to tackle common soil and odors. Sodium carbonate helps create alkaline conditions that make it easier to remove greasy dirt, while sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) helps neutralize acidic odors and supports the detergent’s pH. Magnesium sulfate and sea salt round out the formula, and the pod’s water-soluble PVOH film dissolves during washing.

The peppermint-scented version also contains organic peppermint oil, so check the package if you prefer to avoid fragrance. I tested the pods on sweaty T-shirts, towels and bedding and checked for lingering odors and residue after a full wash (spoiler alert: there were none!)

Compared with conventional detergents that may contain added dyes and heavy fragrance, this formula offers a simpler ingredient approach. However, a shorter ingredient list doesn’t automatically make a product safer or more effective, and stubborn stains may still need pretreatment.

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Best Non-Toxic Lysol Alternative: Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray

Growing up, my mom’s go-to move whenever someone was sick was to spray Lysol around the house like it was her job. I can still picture myself at seven years old, curled up on the couch watching “Full House” reruns with a cold rag on my forehead while my mom disinfected everything in sight. Apparently, you couldn’t have a cold in our house without the entire place getting a Lysol makeover!

These days, I’m much more mindful about the products I use at home, which is why I wanted an alternative to that familiar disinfectant spray. Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray uses thymol, an active ingredient derived from thyme oil, to kill the germs specified on its label. Unlike disinfectants that rely on other active ingredients, thymol offers a plant-derived alternative, while the formula’s other ingredients help with cleaning and product stability.

I keep it on hand for those times when someone in the house is sick and I want to disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and it gives me a way to tackle household germs while being more intentional about the products I bring into my home. I always follow the label directions and required contact time to ensure it works as intended. For me, it’s a practical alternative to the conventional disinfectant spray I grew up with, without assuming that plant-derived automatically means harmless.

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Best Non-Toxic Laundry Detergent Liquid: Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent uses enzymes to tackle different kinds of everyday stains. Protease breaks down protein-based stains, such as sweat and food; amylase targets starches; pectinase helps break down pectin-rich residues; and mannanase works on certain plant-based gums. The surfactants laureth-7 and sodium lauryl sulfate help lift the loosened soil so it can rinse away.

I used it on everyday laundry, including clothing and kitchen towels, where food marks and grime can be stubborn. This enzyme-based approach gives the formula a practical cleaning purpose, while its concentrated format helps avoid using more detergent than necessary. The Birchwood formula also contains fragrance, lavandin and patchouli oils, and preservatives, so it isn’t fragrance-free. For a more ingredient-conscious laundry routine, the benefit is knowing what the cleaning agents do and which ingredients may not suit sensitive users — not assuming that every ingredient is risk-free.

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Best Non-Toxic Toilet Cleaner: Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets

Blueland’s Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets replace a bulky plastic bottle with dissolvable tablets packaged in industrially compostable paper. The Lemon Cedar formula combines citric acid, which helps break down mineral deposits and hard-water residue, with baking soda, which reacts with the acid to create a fizzing action. Sodium lauryl sulfate, a cleansing surfactant, helps loosen grime so it can be scrubbed away, while lemongrass oil and limonene provide a fresh citrus scent.

I used the tablets as directed to clean the toilet bowl, focusing on the waterline and areas where residue builds up. Blueland says the formula is made without chlorine bleach, hydrochloric acid or cetrimonium chloride, and its toilet cleaner is listed as EPA Safer Choice certified. That offers an ingredient-screening reference beyond the brand’s own claims. I also appreciate the reduced plastic packaging.

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Best Non-Toxic Sponges: Grove Co. Gentle Walnut Scrubber Sponges (2-Pack)

Grove Co.’s Gentle Walnut Scrubber Sponges use ground walnut shells to create a textured scouring surface that helps remove stuck-on food, paired with plant-based cellulose that absorbs water and builds suds with dish soap. Recycled PET fibers provide additional structure. I used the sponges for everyday dishwashing and kitchen cleanup, where the walnut texture helps tackle residue without needing to reach immediately for a more aggressive cleaning product.

Compared with conventional plastic-heavy scouring pads, these sponges incorporate plant-based materials and recycled fibers, and they can be used with a dish soap whose ingredients you already know and trust. The material choice is a useful way to reduce reliance on conventional scrubber materials. Grove describes the design as non-scratch, but delicate finishes should still be spot-tested. Anyone with a walnut allergy should avoid these sponges.

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Best Non-Toxic Dishwasher Pods: Dropps Unscented Dishwasher Pods (120-Count)

Dropps Unscented Dishwasher Pods use a combination of enzymes, mineral-based cleaning ingredients, and oxygen-powered stain removal to tackle the food residue left on dishes. Sodium carbonate helps soften water, while sodium percarbonate releases oxygen during washing to help lift stains. Sodium citrate supports cleaning, and sodium silicate helps prevent mineral deposits.

The formula also contains subtilisin, an enzyme that breaks down protein-based residue, and amylase, which targets starches such as those in oatmeal, rice and pasta. A cleaning surfactant helps loosen grease so it can wash away. I used the pods on everyday mixed loads, including dishes with dried-on food, and checked the results for residue and lingering stains after the cycle.

Compared with conventional dishwasher detergents that may include added dyes, fragrance, chlorine, phosphates or optical brighteners, this unscented formula is made without those ingredients, according to the manufacturer. Dropps also states that its UltraWash line carries EPA Safer Choice certification. Unscented doesn’t mean chemical-free, but the disclosed ingredients make it easier to understand how the product cleans and what it leaves out.

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How I tested

After testing an assortment of non-toxic cleaning brands just shy of a year (some, even longer!), here’s the testing criteria I kept in mind for each one:

• Cleaning performance: I evaluated how well each product tackled everyday messes, including grease, soap scum, hard water stains, dirt and laundry stains.
• Ingredients and transparency: I reviewed ingredient lists, product labels and available certifications to identify formulas that align with my preference for ‘cleaner’ products. Ingredients were also cross-referenced with EWG’s ingredient ratings to assess whether they offer a safer alternative to conventional cleaning products.
• Ease of use: I considered how simple each product was to use, from spray bottles and pre-measured pods to toilet bowl tablets and scrubber sponges.
• Scent and residue: I paid attention to fragrance strength, lingering odors, streaks, and residue left behind on surfaces, dishes and laundry.
• Overall value and everyday practicality: I considered price, packaging, product longevity and how well each cleaner fit into my regular household routine to determine whether it earned a permanent spot in my cleaning cabinet.

It’s important to note that non-toxic cleaning products are healthier alternatives and the most non-toxic option will be a homemade formula. While some of these contain subtle fragrance, those typically come from essential oils, and many contain completely fragrance-free versions.

An FAQ on Non-Toxic Cleaning Products

What is the single highest impact cleaning swap to make?

It’s important to remember that you don’t have to swap out and overhaul your entire cleaning cabinet at once.

“I would start with anything that you are breathing in, so that could include all-purpose sprays, glass cleaner, bathroom cleaner, air fresheners or anything that has synthetic fragrance,” Koll told The Post. “We often think about what’s touching our skin, but what we breathe in and what we’re putting into our air matters a lot, especially since cleaning products are often used in smaller spaces, like kitchens or bathrooms.”

What’s the problem with traditional cleaning products, and how are these alternatives better?

Traditional cleaning products, including all-purpose cleaners, bathroom cleaners, dishwasher cleaners and laundry detergents, often contain a combination of synthetic chemicals, fragrances, dyes, preservatives and other additives designed to improve cleaning performance, scent and shelf life. While these ingredients can be effective at removing dirt, grease, stains and bacteria, some can raise concerns for human health and the environment, depending on their formulation, concentration and frequency of exposure:

• All-purpose cleaners may contain surfactants, solvents, artificial fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Some formulations can irritate the skin, eyes and respiratory system, while certain ingredients may contribute to indoor air pollution or aquatic toxicity when washed down the drain.
• Bathroom cleaners often contain strong acids, alkalis, bleach or other disinfecting agents to tackle soap scum, limescale, mould and germs. Although effective for specific cleaning tasks, these ingredients can be corrosive or irritating if mishandled. Mixing certain products, particularly bleach with acidic cleaners or ammonia, can also release dangerous gases.
• Dishwasher cleaners and dishwasher detergents may contain surfactants, enzymes, builders, bleaching agents, fragrances and other additives to remove food residue, grease and mineral deposits. Depending on the formulation, these ingredients can irritate skin or eyes, and some may have environmental impacts when released into wastewater. Products that leave unnecessary fragrance residues may also be undesirable for consumers seeking a simpler approach to cleaning items used for eating and drinking.
• Laundry cleaners, including conventional detergents and fabric-care products, commonly contain surfactants, enzymes, optical brighteners, fragrances, dyes and preservatives. Some fragrance ingredients and other additives can trigger sensitivities or skin irritation in susceptible individuals. Certain ingredients may also persist in the environment or contribute to aquatic pollution, while non-biodegradable packaging adds to plastic waste.

What are the most common red-flag ingredients to avoid in cleaning products?

Red-flag ingredients are toxic, such as chlorine bleach, that impact air quality or irritate skin.

“We don’t allow chlorine (aka sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in chlorine bleach), boric acid, ammonia, triclosan, phthalates (note: this is more common in personal and body care) and certain preservatives, namely formaldehyde releasers, a common skin allergen,” Erin McCarthy, associate director of owned home, health and beauty brands at Thrive Market, shared. “Synthetic fragrance compounds like galaxolide (as it is a polycyclic musk) are worth skipping too.”

What do “natural,” “plant-derived” and “eco-friendly” actually mean?

Natural, eco-friendly and plant-derived aren’t regulated terms, so a brand can put them on any packaging, regardless of what’s inside — that’s why it’s so important to read the ingredient label and know what is in that product, per Koll.

“Getting familiar with a few key ingredients can help you quickly scan a label so you’re able to see past those marketing terms,” Koll explained. “Additional words I would look out for are ‘clean’ and ‘green,’ because again, they’re not regulated in the way people think they are, so a brand can use them on the front of the bottle or packaging and have ingredients inside of that product that I do not want in my home.”

How do non-toxic cleaners help protect respiratory health, particularly in homes with pets or young children?

“Heavy use of synthetic fragrance can impact indoor air quality and irritate airways, so for our Rosey products, we opt for either fragrance-free or fragrancing our products with essential oils or naturally-derived fragrances,” McCarthy said.

Do non-toxic cleaning products actually work?

According to Koll, you actually don’t need a disinfectant for the majority of everyday cleaning. “Most of the time, a good non-toxic cleaner can do the job and help to remove dirt and grime from surfaces,” she said. “A disinfectant is useful for specific situations, such as after handling raw meat or fish, when someone is sick, or when there might be germs on a surface.”

In those cases, Koll uses a disinfectant she trusts, but for most of the cleaning she does at her home, a regular non-toxic cleaner gets the job done. “One thing to keep in mind is that most non-toxic products don’t smell as heavily as conventional products, and I think that a lot of people will assume something isn’t working because it doesn’t smell as strong or overly fragrant,” Koll pointed out. “However, that smell doesn’t mean something is cleaning better; it just means that there is probably synthetic fragrance or harsh chemicals in that product.”

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