Best Non Toxic All Purpose Cleaner for a Safe & Sparkling Home
Discover the best non toxic all purpose cleaner sprays made with safe, plant-based ingredients, including store-bought cleaning sprays from trusted brands and a homemade cleaning spray that you can make yourself.
Take a look under my kitchen sink and you’ll find a jumble of bottles and jars with colorful graphics, along with a bunch of random sponges and reusable cleaning cloths – just like most people.
But unlike most people, instead of conventional cleaning products, I’ve filled mine with eco-friendly cleaning brands made with safe, non-toxic ingredients.
Switching out my cleaning products was one of first steps I took to detox my home by switching to natural, non-toxic products many years ago, but believe me, it did not happen overnight. It’s been a process, and sometimes a challenge to find safe cleaning products that work well and are not simply greenwashing disguised as natural.
Today we’re talking about the most basic of cleaning products – but probably the one you use most often: the all-purpose cleaning spray. Over the years, I’ve had many different all-purpose cleaners under my sink, but only a handful that make it back time after time. Find out which ones made the cut (+ a few that didn’t ) and why below!
I may receive commissions from purchases made through links in this article including Amazon Affiliates. Full Disclosure
Why Switch to a Non Toxic All Purpose Cleaner
Aside from your garage or basement storage room, the worst chemicals in your home are probably underneath your kitchen and bathroom sinks. The chemicals in those toxic cleaning products may be good for scrubbing but they are not healthy housemates.
Most traditional cleaning products contain active ingredients and fragrances that are linked to asthma, allergies, hormone disruption and even cancer. In fact, many popular cleaning sprays – like Lysol and Formula 409 rate an F (the worst rating) on EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Trust me, you do not want to be spraying those things around for your family to breathe!
Learn more about the health risks of cleaning ingredients.
Conventional cleaning products aren’t good for the environment either – the ingredients can cause harm to marine life and drinking water, and continue our reliance on petroleum.
Think reading the label will help you identify safer products? Sadly that’s not the case for most cleaning products. Unlike food or beauty products, manufacturers of household cleaning products are not required to list ingredients on the label. And from what we’ve learned here, those “patented” cleaning formulas are secret for a reason.
What to Look for in a Non Toxic Cleaning Spray
So now that we know why we should avoid traditional cleaning sprays, let’s figure out how to find safer ones! These are the things I look for in an all-purpose cleaning spray:
- Transparency – all ingredients are listed on the packaging
- Plant and mineral derived – ingredients come from plants and natural minerals instead of petroleum products
- Free from – parabens, phthalates, triclosan, 1,4 dioxane, formaldehyde, chlorine bleach, SLS (sodium lauryl sulfates), or SLES, phosphates, synthetic dyes, synthetic fragrances, harsh solvents, VOCs
- Biodegradable – all ingredients will biodegrade completely
- Cruelty free – no animal testing allowed
- Light natural scent or unscented – some “natural” brands like Mrs. Meyers and Method have scents that are too overpowering for my liking
9 Best Non Toxic All Purpose Cleaner Brands
Like I said, finding non-toxic cleaning sprays that actually work well has been a process. So to keep you from having to go through those same trials, I’m only sharing the all purpose cleaning sprays that I have liked enough to repurchase over and over again. I love these brands! And if you’re a DIY’er you’ll be happy to see my homemade cleaning spray on the list as well!
Buying tip: I’ve found that some of the best prices for non toxic cleaning sprays are online at places like Vitacost, Amazon and Thrive Market.
Note: Prices listed in this post may have changed since publishing date. Check for current prices by clicking links.
1.) Branch Basics Concentrate
Branch Basics Concentrate is a multi-purpose, eco-friendly cleaning solution that is made into an all-purpose cleaning spray when diluted with water.
- Key Ingredients: Purified Water, Decyl Glucoside, Organic Chamomile Flower Extract, Coco-Glucoside, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Sodium Phytate
- Certifications: MADE SAFE® Certified, Leaping Bunny Certified
- Pros:
- Concentrate can be used for all your cleaning jobs including laundry
- Choice of plastic or glass/silicone bottles
- Bottles are refillable over and over again
- Scents: Branch Basics concentrate is fragrance free
- Price: $67 – $89 for Cleaning Essentials Kit, $55 for refill bottle (just over $2 per refill for all purpose cleaner)
- My take: I’ve used Branch Basics for years – love it!
- Take 15% off starter kits with code MINDFULMOMMA
2.) ATTITUDE All Purpose Cleaner
ATTITUDE cleaners contain ingredients of plant and mineral origin and are scented with natural essential oils.
- Key Ingredients: <5% non-ionic surfactants (Myristyl Glucoside – cleansing ; Caprylyl Glucoside – cleansing, surfactant), Aqua / Water / Eau (solvent), Sodium Bicarbonate (buffering), Propanediol (solvent, viscosity controlling), Sodium Hydroxide (buffering), Citric Acid (buffering), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil (perfuming), Limonene* (perfuming), Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil (perfuming), Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil (perfuming), Pogostemon Cablin (Patchouli) Leaf Oil (perfuming)
- Certifications: EWG Verified, PETA Certified
- Pros:
- Packaged in an aluminum bottle
- Refill containers save money and packaging
- Scents: Lavender & Rosemary, Sage & Orange, Geranium & Lemongrass
- Price: $11.95 for 16-oz bottle, $23.95 for 67.6-oz refill package
- My take: Love that this is refillable
- Take 15% off with code MINDFULMOMMA15 at checkout
3.) ECOS All Purpose Cleaner
ECOS cleaners are made with science-backed, plant-powered ingredients and readily biodegradable formulas that are perfect for eco-conscious households.
- Key Ingredients: Water, Caprylyl/ Myristyl Glucoside (plant-derived surfactant), Potassium Sorbate (preservative), Citric Acid (plant-derived pH adjuster), Alcohol Denat. (plant-derived solvent), Limonene/Orange Oil (plant-derived solvent)
- Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, Safer Choice Certified
- Pros:
- Uses the power or orange oil to tackle grease and grime
- Concentrated refill packs available
- Scents: Orange or Parsley
- Price: $10.29 for set of two 22-oz bottles on Amazon
- My take: Works well, has been a standard in my home for years.
4.) AspenClean All Purpose Cleaner
AspenClean All Purpose Cleaner is made with natural and organic ingredients and is safe for all areas of the home.
- Key Ingredients: Water / Eau, Decyl Glucoside (sustainable Coconut, Palm Kernel Oil derived / Dérivé de noix de coco et d’huile de palmiste durable), Coco Glucoside (sustainable Coconut, Palm, Palm Kernel Oil derived / Dérivé de noix de coco, de palmier et d’huile de palmiste durable), Sodium Citrate, Sodium Carbonate, Propanediol (Corn derived / Dérivé de maïs), Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Citrate, Potassium Hydroxide, Citric Acid, Organic Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Organic Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil (d-Limonene+).
- Certifications: EWG Verified, EcoCert® Certified
- Pros:
- Contains lavender and grapefruit essential oils for effective cleaning powers
- Works well with their all purpose microfiber cloth
- Scents: Lavender & grapefruit
- Price: $9.99 for 22-oz bottle
- My take: Nice scent
5.) Molly’s Suds All Purpose Natural Cleaner
Molly’s Suds may be best known for their laundry detergent, but they make a really good all purpose cleaning spray too.
- Key Ingredients: Deionized Water, Coco Glucoside, Alcohol, Isopropylidene Glycerol, Sodium Citrate, Gluconolactone, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid, Polysorbate 20, Natural Fragrance* (derived from natural plant essences and oils)
- Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified, Safer Choice Certified
- Pros:
- Cuts through grease, oil, and soap scum and strong enough to clean dirty oven doors
- Easy to order when stocking up on Molly’s Suds amazing laundry detergent!
- Scents: Peppermint, Lemon Burst, Lavender
- Price: $8.99 for a 16 -oz bottle
- My take: The peppermint scent is very refreshing
- Use code MINDFULMOMMA for 10% off your first order.
6.) Better Life All Purpose Cleaner
Better Life makes a powerful surface cleaner spray that works to remove scuff marks, spills, streaks, grease and more.
- Key Ingredients: Purified water, decyl glucoside (plant derived), lauryl glucoside (plant derived), disodium cocoyl glutamate (plant derived), quillaja saponaria bark (soap bark) extract, citrus limon (lemon) peel extract, salvia sclarea (clary sage) extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel extract, methylisothiazolinone (preservative, less than 0.01%)
- Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified
- Pros:
- Available at many food co-ops and local grocery stores
- Available online on Amazon and Walmart.com
- An affordable non toxic cleaner option
- Scents: Clary Sage, Pomegranate
- Price: $13.99 for two 32 -oz bottles
- My take: I’ve seen this at Target and other local stores
7.) Rosey All Purpose Cleaner (by Thrive Market)
Rosey All Purpose Cleaner is a biodegradable formula made with trusted, plant and mineral based ingredients.
- Key Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Laureth-7 (Plant-Derived Cleaning Agent), Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside (Plant-Derived Cleaning Agent), Dimethyl 9-Decenamide (Plant-Derived Cleaning Agent), Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Sodium Citrate (Plant-Derived Water Softener), Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate (Plant-Derived Chelating Agent), Citric Acid (Plant-Derived pH Adjuster), Citral (Fragrance).
- Certifications: Leaping Bunny Certified
- Pros:
- Comes in the mail with everything else you order from Thrive Market
- Very affordable pricing
- You can sign up for auto-ship to save even more
- Scents: Fresh Lemon
- Price: $3.99 for a 32 -oz bottle
- My take: So easy to add to my Thrive Market order!
8.) Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
Rosey All Purpose Cleaner is a biodegradable formula made with trusted, plant and mineral based ingredients.
- Key Ingredients: Water, lactic acid (plant-derived pH adjuster), octyl/decyl glucoside (plant-derived cleaning agent), xanthan gum (plant-derived thickener), sodium benzoate (sythetic preservatve), plant-derived/fragrances: citrus aurantium dulcis (orange) peel oil, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, mentha arvensis/(mint) leaf oil, mentha vindis (spearmint) leaf oil, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf oil, d-Limonene is a fragrance allergen.
- Certifications: USDA Certified Biobased Product 95%, Leaping Bunny Certified
- Pros:
- Easy to find at many local stores
- Unscented option available
- Company is a certified B Corp
- Scents: Lemon Chamomile, Fresh Morning Meadow, Yuzu Basil, Free & Clear
- Price: $5.00 for 23-oz
- My take: Easy to buy on fly
9.) Homemade Everyday Spray
A simple, homemade all purpose cleaning spray made from just a few natural ingredients.
- Ingredients:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 teaspoon liquid castile soap
- 1 teaspoon washing soda or borax
- 20 drops essential oil (tea tree, grapefruit seed and lemon are natural disinfectants)
- Mix all ingredients together in a spray bottle (I prefer glass spray bottles). Shake well to mix before using.
- Pros:
- Very inexpensive
- Easy to make
- Scents: Use the combination of essential oils that you prefer
- Price: minimal
- My take: You can’t beat the price!
“Natural” Cleaning Sprays that I Do Not Recommend
There are a few cleaning brands that are marketed as “natural” that I don’t personally love or recommend because they contain artificial fragrances and some other ingredients of concern. Those brands include Method (especially their ANTIBAC line of cleaners), Mrs. Meyers Clean Day and Simple Green.
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- 360 Stainless Steel
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Ready to clean up that jumble underneath your kitchen sink? Let’s do this!
Want even more info about non-toxic cleaning so you can be CONFIDENT that your cleaning routine is safe? Check out my Green Cleaning Kickstart mini-course!
Hi, thank you for this post! I am wondering why the Seventh Generation spray is crossed off. Is this still a product that you would recommend?
Sorry about that – there was a problem with the link. Yes, I do recommend Seventh Generation! Thanks for the head’s up about the problem.
I think this is a great way to dip your toe into ridding your house/life of bad chemicals. I’m going to have to check my all purpose cleaner at home and see if it passes the test!
Yes I agree – it’s a pretty easy and inexpensive change to make but with a big impact on your health!
Micaela, Awesome article! I appreciate the thorough review of all natural cleaning products and what to watch out for when shopping for greener cleaners. I’ve done some research in this area of toxic cleaners, lack of regulation, and steps towards healthier cleaning. I’d be happy to share more information with you if you’re interested!
Best,
Kala
Thank you for this list! I have been interested in trying some of the Better Life products. I haven’t used many natural spray cleaners, but I do like the Seventh Generation wipes for cleaning the bathroom.
Better Life is a great brand!
What are your thoughts on the Force of Nature cleaner?
I haven’t tried that one yet! Has anyone else? I’d love to hear more about it!
Hi where do you buy non toxic furniture? I’m looking to buy nightstands and office chairs but everything non toxic is extremely expensive.
Also plz link which mattress you use. Thank you!
Hey Shaz – Unfortunately, I don’t know of any super inexpensive sources of non toxic furniture, other than possibly some things at Ikea. Some of the companies known for eco-friendly/non-toxic furniture are Room & Board, Crate & Barrel and Ashley Furniture. You’ll need to ask a lot of questions about the materials and adhesives they use. For my recommended mattress brands, check out this post: https://mindfulmomma.com/non-toxic-mattress-brands/ Hope that helps!
Hi,
Do you have recommendation for hand soap that does not dry out your hands
I personally love the Everything Soap from Follain. You can buy it at Credo Beauty: http://shrsl.com/9oih-1ai5-lc6k5l_1-1
What would you suggest to clean quartz with?
I think a regular all-purpose cleaning spray should be fine for quartz.