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A few years back, I was mainly using conventional cleaning products — the ones with the bright colors and strong scents that promised a germ-free home. I gravitated toward ones that said “natural” and “plant-based,” but many of those labels turned out to be misleading. I started to question what was really in those bottles, and most importantly, how they were affecting my family’s health.
What prompted me to look more closely into the ingredients in conventional cleaners was watching my daughter help me clean the kitchen one day. She really wanted to have a turn spraying the cleaner on the countertop. Upon taking a quick glance at the ingredient list, I grew concerned at what was in the cleaner as she sprayed it liberally across the countertop, right in front of her face.
I started doing my research, reading up on the EWG database about the toxicity of various cleaning and beauty products. I soon realized that many of the cleaners I thought were “all-natural” and “plant-derived” were actually chock full of unnecessary chemicals, like phthalates and parabens.
That’s when I decided to throw out my conventional cleaning supplies and and dive deep into the world of non-toxic cleaning solutions so that I could figure out what to buy (or make myself) that would be both safe and effective.
Read on for the best non-toxic cleaning sprays I now swear by, including some DIY options you can make yourself.
Why Non-Toxic Cleaning Sprays?
The best non-toxic cleaning sprays are both good at cleaning up messes and made of safer ingredients than conventional cleaners. They’re also more environmentally friendly because they don’t pollute waterways or groundwater once they make their way into the environment.
However, navigating the world of cleaning products can feel like wading through a chemical soup. Many conventional cleaning sprays contain a cocktail of substances that, while effective at disinfecting and degreasing, can pose risks to our health and the environment.
Ingredients to Avoid in Cleaning Sprays
Here are some common culprits that are best to avoid in your cleaning products:
Ammonia
Found in many glass and stainless steel cleaners, ammonia has a strong, pungent odor. While it’s effective at leaving surfaces streak-free, it can be very irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Avoiding ammonia is especially important if you have young children or anyone with lung issues like asthma in your household.
Chlorine Bleach
Chlorine bleach is a common ingredient in disinfectants and mold removers. While it’s a powerful germ-killer, its fumes can be harsh and harmful if inhaled, leading to respiratory issues and skin irritation. It’s also a concern for water ecosystems, since it can form toxic compounds when combined with other substances.
Phthalates
Often found in fragranced products, phthalates are used to prolong the lifespan of scents. However, they’re endocrine disruptors and have been linked to a range of health issues, including hormonal imbalances and reproductive problems. Products labeled as having “fragrance” or “parfum” often contain phthalates.
Triclosan
Commonly added to products labeled as “antibacterial,” triclosan can contribute to antibiotic resistance and may disrupt hormone function. The FDA has banned its use in hand soaps, but it’s still found in some cleaners.
2-Butoxyethanol
Found in some kitchen, window, multi-purpose, and floor cleaners, this solvent helps to break down dirt. However, it can contribute to throat irritation and be harmful if inhaled in large quantities. Prolonged exposure to 2-butoxyethanol can also lead to liver and kidney damage.
Sodium Hydroxide
Often used in oven cleaners and drain openers, sodium hydroxide is highly corrosive in concentrated amounts. It can cause severe burns on contact with skin or eyes and can be harmful if inhaled.
Formaldehyde
Used as a preservative in some cleaners, formaldehyde is a known carcinogen. It can also trigger allergic reactions.
Parabens
Commonly used as preservatives, parabens can disrupt hormone function and have been linked to breast cancer and reproductive issues.
When selecting cleaning products, look for items that are labeled as non-toxic, free from synthetic fragrances, and biodegradable. Reading labels carefully, choosing products with fewer and simpler ingredients, and considering natural alternatives (like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils) can be safer for your home and the environment.
9 Top Picks for Non-Toxic Cleaning Sprays
I’ve tried various brands and types over the years, and here are a few that have earned a permanent spot in my cleaning arsenal.
1. Aunt Fannie’s All Purpose Cleaning Vinegar
- Ingredients: Distilled White Vinegar, Sugar Surfactant (Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside), Triethyl Citrate, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Oil, Juniperus Mexicana (Cedar) Oil, Lavandula Hybrida (Lavandin) Oil
In my quest for non-toxic cleaning products that align with my commitment to a healthier home, I stumbled upon Aunt Fannie’s All Purpose Vinegar Cleaning Spray. Harnessing the power of vinegar and plant-based cleaners, this solution tackles greasy and grimy messes on various household surfaces.
What sets Aunt Fannie’s apart is its commitment to natural ingredients. Instead of harsh chemicals, it’s made from a blend of vinegar, plant-based cleaner, and essential oils. The result is not only an effective cleaning agent but also a fragrance that leaves my home smelling clean without the artificial undertones often found in conventional cleaners.
Aunt Fannie’s cleaning vinegar spray takes on germs and spills effectively. Dermatologist tested, hypoallergenic, and deemed people and pet-friendly, it has also earned an EWG rating of “A” for safety and low toxicity.
This cleaning solution works on different materials including food surfaces, plastic, grout, porcelain, metal, stainless steel, painted or sealed wood, sealed stone, baseboards, and ceramic. Since this is a vinegar-based cleaner, you should avoid its use on porous stones (like marble and limestone).
2. Branch Basics
- Ingredients: Purified Water, Decyl Glucoside, Organic Chamomile Flower Extract, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Phytate
I’ve incorporated Branch Basics into my daily cleaning routine as a versatile multi-purpose spray that effectively cleans the countertops in my kitchen, as well as my windows, mirrors, and bathroom. While the initial investment might raise some eyebrows — the concentrate is priced at $55 a bottle ($50 with a subscription discount) — it lasts for a seriously long time. I have been using my current concentrate for six months already, and I’ve still got plenty left.
A single bottle of concentrate translates into 12 bottles of cleaning solutions that are intended for various purpose (e.g. multi-purpose, bathroom, and glass/mirrors). The sustainability of this concentrate is a nice plus — by reusing the cleaning bottles, I’m reducing the number of plastic containers that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Branch Basics’ Concentrate simplifies your cleaning routine and works effectively to remove grease and grime from surfaces. And it’s great that it can double as a laundry detergent, which is nice to know in case I ever run out of my Earth Breeze laundry sheets! This concentrate can also be used to clean 64 loads of laundry.
3. Dr Bronner’s All Purpose Castile Soap
- Ingredients: Water, Saponified Coconut-Hemp-Olive Oils (with retained Glycerin), Olive Fatty Acids, Lavandin & Lavender Oils, Rosemary Extract.
Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap is a budget-friendly and simple way to fill practically all of your household cleaning needs. It’s crazy versatile, working as everything from a body wash to a laundry detergent to dish soap to general household cleaner.
To use Dr. Bronner’s to clean the surfaces in your home, fill a spray bottle with one part Dr. Bronner’s Castile soap and two parts water. You can also add a quarter cup of white vinegar for extra cleaning power.
I like that you can buy Dr. Bronner’s in bulk in large recyclable containers, so you aren’t throwing out tons of smaller plastic containers every time you need more cleaner. The amount of things you can use it for is almost mind boggling, and it’s a great non-toxic and environmentally friendly cleaner to boot. It also comes in all kinds of scents derived from essential oils.
4. Blueland
- Ingredients: Citric Acid, Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Monosodium Citrate, Hydrated Dextrates, Fragrance, Hydrated Silica, Sorbitan Caprylate, Yellow Colorant
Before switching to Branch Basics’ concentrate, I gave Blueland’s multi-purpose cleaner a spin, and it definitely earned its spot in my cleaning routine. Blueland takes a unique approach that you don’t really see elsewhere, with water-soluble tabs that dissolve in their spray bottles. What really won me over was the significant reduction in plastic waste that this approach allows for. The recyclable paper packages contains the powdered tabs that you mix with water to make cleaner in just one bottle.
Each tab from Blueland transforms into a full bottle of multi-surface cleaner, which is similar to Branch Basics and Dr. Bronner’s. It’s a versatile cleaning solution for floors, stovetops, countertops, and sealed stone surfaces. Blueland’s cleaning solution is formulated without parabens, phosphates, ammonia, VOCs, chlorine bleach, or phthalates.
5. ECOS Multi-Surface Non-Toxic Cleaner
- Ingredients: Water, Caprylyl/ Myristyl Glucoside (plant-derived surfactant), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Citric Acid (plant-derived pH adjuster), Alcohol Denat. (plant-derived solvent), Limonene (plant-derived solvent).
ECOS is committed to plant-powered cleaning. Its formula is made up of just six ingredients, with no ammonia, parabens, phosphates, chlorine, glycol, glycol ether, or petroleum products.
This non-toxic cleaning spray works well to battle dirt, grime, oil, and grease. From sealed stone and hardwood floors to painted surfaces, linoleum, vinyl, porcelain, chrome, marble, stainless steel, and glass, it’s an all-purpose powerhouse. It can even remove the stickier things my kids leave behind, like glue, waxy crayon and ink marks on my kitchen table!
Another nice characteristic of this company is that these non-toxic spray cleaners are produced in a carbon-neutral, water-neutral, zero waste factory that runs on 100% renewable energy.
6. 9 Elements All Purpose Non-Toxic Household Cleaner
7. Attitude All Purpose Cleaner (EWG Verified)
- Ingredients: <5% agents de surface non ioniques (caprylyl glucoside, myristyl glucoside). Also contains: Water, Propanediol, Sodium Carbonate, Citric Acid, Sodium Hydroxide, Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit Extract.
Attitude makes several EWG verified (aka non-toxic) products, including air fresheners and floor cleaners. It’s a great product that cleans really well, in my experience. Attitude’s all-purpose cleaner is made from 94% naturally sourced ingredients. Its bottle is also made from recyclable #2 plastic.
This vegan, cruelty-free spray cleaner works well at cutting through dirt and grime in multiple surfaces in your home.
8. AspenClean
- Ingredients: Water, Decyl Glucoside (sustainable Coconut, Palm Kernel Oil derived), Coco Glucoside (sustainable Coconut, Palm, Palm Kernel Oil derived, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, Propanediol (Corn derived, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Organic Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil
AspenClean is another great option for a non-toxic cleaning spray. You can use this all-purpose cleaner to wipe up stains and dirt, which they recommend you do with a micro-cloth.
This cleaner’s formula is infused with grapefruit and lavender essential oils, and it’s definitely one of the best smelling cleaners on this list. It’s made of biodegradable and plant-derived ingredients and is septic system safe.
AspenClean’s surface cleaner is made in Canada and comes in recycled bottles.
9. EcoMe
- Ingredients: Water, Acetic Acid (Vinegar), Caprylyl Capryl Glucoside (plant-derived solubilizer), Natural Plant Essential Oils
This versatile non-toxic cleaner from EcoMe is made from very few ingredients. It works well on countertops, stovetops, cabinets, and even toys. It uses a base of vinegar and coconut-derived soap to effectively clean up and deodorize dirt, grease, and grime.
This natural cleaning spray avoids harsh chemicals, perfumes, artificial fragrances, dyes, bleach, ammonia, and harsh preservatives. It’s made in the USA and has earned the Leaping Bunny certification as cruelty free.
This is a great, super simple cleaner that works well if you want what’s essentially a diluted vinegar solution but don’t want to have to make it yourself (if you do want to try your hand at a DIY cleaner, see below!).
*Some users note that this non-toxic cleaner has a strong vinegar smell that goes away as it dries, but which overpowers the citrus berry scent that’s infused into the formula.
5 DIY Non-Toxic Cleaning Sprays You Can Make Yourself
Creating DIY cleaning sprays with common household items like vinegar, water, and baking soda is another cost-effective and eco-friendly approach. The natural ingredients below can be just as effective as commercial cleaners for many household tasks.
Here’s a guide to making your own cleaning sprays. I’ve made my own surface and floor cleaners from these recipes in the past, and they work really well!
1. Vinegar and Water Spray
- Ingredients:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- Instructions:
- Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Shake well before each use.
- Use this spray for cleaning windows, mirrors, countertops, and even floors.
- Notes:
- The acidic nature of vinegar makes it effective at cutting through grease and grime. However, avoid using it on natural stone surfaces as the acidity can damage them.
2. Baking Soda Scrub
- Ingredients:
- ½ cup baking soda
- Enough water to form a paste
- Instructions:
- Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a paste.
- Apply this paste to surfaces needing a good scrub or stained surfaces, such as bathroom tiles, grout, or kitchen sinks.
- Scrub with a sponge or brush and rinse with water.
- Notes:
- Baking soda is mildly abrasive and excellent for tackling tough stains and buildup without scratching surfaces.
3. Lemon Fresh All-Purpose Cleaner
- Ingredients:
- 1 part water
- 1 part white vinegar
- Lemon rinds
- Instructions:
- Fill a jar with equal parts of water and vinegar.
- Add the lemon rinds and let the mixture infuse for a week.
- Strain and transfer to a spray bottle for use.
- Notes:
- This cleaner combines the cleaning power of vinegar with the fresh scent of lemon, making it ideal for general household cleaning.
4. Essential Oil Disinfectant Spray
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 10 – 15 drops of essential oil (like tea tree, lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus)
- Instructions:
- Mix water, vinegar, and essential oils in a spray bottle.
- Shake well and use as a disinfectant on surfaces.
- Notes:
- Essential oils can add antibacterial properties to the spray, along with a pleasant scent.
5. Castile Soap Multi-Surface Cleaner
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups of water
- 2 tablespoons liquid Castile soap
- 10 drops of essential oil (optional)
- Instructions:
- Combine water and Castile soap in a spray bottle.
- Add essential oils for added fragrance and antibacterial properties.
- Shake well before use.
- Notes:
- This gentle yet effective formula works well on most surfaces, but as always, do a spot test first.
Tips for DIY Cleaning Sprays
- Label your cleaning sprays: Always label your DIY cleaners with their ingredients and date of creation.
- Spot test: Before using your cleaner on a new surface, do a small spot test to ensure it doesn’t cause damage.
- Shake well: Natural ingredients can separate, so shake your spray bottle before each use.
By using these simple recipes, you can create effective, non-toxic cleaning solutions that keep your home sparkling clean without the need for harsh chemicals.
Final Thoughts on Non-Toxic Cleaning
Embracing non-toxic cleaning is a simple yet powerful step towards a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. By looking for products with more natural ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and essential oils (or making your own with one of the DIY recipes above), you can find a range of effective, eco-friendly cleaning solutions that clean your home while protecting both your family’s health and the environment. Non-toxic cleaning sprays prove that cleaning doesn’t have to require harsh chemicals to be effective.
For more clean household products, check out my top picks for the best natural dish soaps and detergents.
