Choosing an eco-option is something small we can do to make a difference. Whether this is cycling to work instead of driving, recycling or opting for a vegan meal, there are things we can do to contribute to a cleaner, greener environment. Even from our homes, there are plenty of ways to get stuck in. So, we’ve rounded up our favourite eco-friendly cleaning products for your home.
Unfortunately, regular household cleaning products mostly use single-use plastics, which are not so friendly to the environment. Thankfully, companies like Faith in Nature are championing refills.
Not to mention, the chemicals used in these regular products can be harsh on us and harmful to our children and furry friends – as well as our planet. This is all the more reason to choose something natural and plastic-free, without comprising quality. We’re all looking to clean our homes effectively, quickly and safely.
We’ve put together a list of our favourite eco-friendly cleaning products for your humble abode, whether helping your trusty dishwasher or keeping your washing machine strong.
We especially love this new partnership: Ecover has collaborated with the Mr Men series to create a new character for the series, Little Miss Waste Less. You can read Little Miss Waste Less's story on the Ecover website.
The Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Toilet Cleaner
Toilet cleaners can be tough. You've probably battled the toilet a few times with a brush and the intense cleaner burning your eyes - which isn't ideal. With our suggestions, cleaning the toilet will be naturally fragrant and your eyes won't water from a strong cleaner. It's perfect. We've picked cleaners from Ecover and Greenscents.
Best eco-friendly toilet cleaner
You can't go wrong with Ecover. Ecover's toilet cleaner freshens and cleans without chemicals with its plant-based and mineral ingredients. Suitable for sensitive skin and never tested on animals, their factories are ecological too by being energy efficient, sustainably built and clean running. The bottle is made from recycled and plant plastic so you know with this product, nature is on your side.
Customer Review: "I love the Ecover range of products, in fact, I've got a shelving unit in the garage full of their 5l refill containers for various cleaning products. This toilet cleaner smells fantastic, in fact, when you apply it to the toilet bowl the scent makes the whole bathroom smell lovely and fresh. This scent lasts a good length of time too, even after several hours and multiple flushes. The only downside is that it doesn't clean quite as effectively as bleach. It's also more expensive but I think it's worth it, flushing bleach down the loo all the time is not very environmentally friendly!"
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- No nasty chemicals
Cons
- Not as effective as bleach
Recommended
greenscents.co.uk
Leave your loo looking spotless and smelling fresh, with Greenscents’ anti-bacterial, organic Minty Toilet Cleaner. What a lovely choice for your bathroom. Greenscent's earth-friendly formula uses plant-based, organic ingredients, and is delicately scented with peppermint oil, to leave your toilet fresh and sparkling clean. Plus, it comes in an easily-recycled glass bottle.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer, Piper Huxley: "Greenscents uses a powerful combination of cider vinegar and neem oil to leave your bowl spotless. I recommend the Minty Loo Cleaner as it makes the bathroom smell fresh - with its mixture of neroli and mint. I've found it to be a very effective cleaner. The fact that it's animal and environmentally friendly seals the deal for me. What a fab product."
Available at: Greenscents | Ocado | Abel & Cole
Pros
- Smells great
- No plastic packaging
- Good value for money
Cons
- Minty smell isn't for everyone
Descaler
Descaling is a process which breaks down the mineral scale on kitchen and bathroom appliances. If your area has hard water, a water descaler will offer some relief when cleaning the house and keep you on top of your appliances. A Modern Kitchen's top picks come from the Bower Collective and Ecozone.
Best eco-friendly descaler
bowercollective.com
Grab a squeezy bottle and get ready to tackle some limescale! Bower Collective's eco-friendly Limescale Remover is proven to be over twice as effective as removing limescale as Vikal. That's very impressive. This refillable cleaning product is tough on surfaces, taps, tiles, shower screens, sinks and more. And it's made using 100% naturally-derived ingredients, which are safe, toxin-free and vegan-friendly, too. We couldn't recommend this product more.
Customer Review: "I used this on my tiles and around my taps/shower to get rid of black limescale. Limescale wiped off instantly. My bathroom is shining."
Pros
- Refill pouch
- 100% naturally derived ingredients
- Suitable for septic tanks
Cons
- You will need to get a spray bottle
Recommended
Ecozone is a cruelty-free, vegan and Allergy UK-approved brand and has made this descaler from 100% citric acid to tackle tough limescale as well as a chemical counterpart. Simply follow the directions for a beautifully clean kettle that's kind to your and the environment.
Customer Review: "I used just one sachet and it cleared my kettle in 30min just like it claims. Great product to have."
Available at: Ecozone | Holland & Barrett | Ocado
Pros
- Helps your appliances last longer
- Cruelty-free and vegan descaler
- Quick and easy to use
Cons
- May need to use more sachets than recommended
- Some customers say it's overpriced
Multipurpose Cleaners
Generally, a multipurpose cleaner is a 'jack-of-all-trades'. Often, it can contain degreaser and disinfectant. It is formulated to soften and remove grease, oil, and accumulated dirt from surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom - and more. It's great for keeping the kitchen sparkling or the bathroom bacteria-free. We've picked Ecover, Method and Ocean Saver as our three top picks.
www.biggreensmile.com
We love this multi-action concentrate from Ecover. Re-use your Ecover spray bottle over & over & over again with this concentrated refill, which is strong and smells great. Refill any cleaning 500ml bottle 3 times or 750ml 2 times and save Saves 87% plastic. Isn't that so cool?
Customer Review: "Have only recently bought this for the first time. Haven’t used extensively yet but love the fragrance and seems to be an effective cleaner so far."
Available at: Ecover | Big Green Smile | Ocado
Pros
- Easy to store - small bottle
- Multi-action formula
- Good value, high concentrate
Cons
- None.
Best eco-friendly multipurpose cleaner
Method use plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are cruelty-free in their 100% recycled plastic bottles. This particular naturally derived multi-surface cleaner smells amazing with wild rhubarb that leaves your home natural and fresh. It cleans grease and grime well; plus, it does not come with an overpowering smell.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "I've been using this all-purpose cleaner from Method for a few years now - and it smells amazing. Not only does it come in a bottle - made from recycled plastic - with an easy-to-use squeeze trigger, but it also cleans very well. I look forward to wiping the kitchen sides and units clean because of the sweet, tangy smell that brightens up the room."
Pros
- Refills available
- The bottle is made from recycled plastic
- Vegan and cruelty-free
- Smells amazing - other scents available
Cons
- Pricey
Recommended
Ocean Saver by name, ocean saver by nature! This starter set of their new Pink Grapefruit Disinfectant Surface Cleaner EcoDrops is designed for all your essential home cleaning needs. Simply drop any EcoDrop into an empty spray bottle, fill it with warm water and shake to create a powerful and effective surface spray. The product is eco-friendly and plant-based, a perfect replacement for your existing non-recyclable cleaning sprays. Plastic-free and pet-friendly too, join their mission to save one million plastic bottles from reaching the ocean.
Why not grab a bundle of their Starter Kits here?
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "I've been lucky enough to try Ocean Saver's newest addition: the Pink Grapefruit spray, which I am thoroughly impressed with. This starter kit is good value for money, gifting you three refills and a sturdy Ocean Saver spray bottle.
"The instructions were relatively simple and straightforward to use. The refills said to use 750ml water, but I filled up the litre bottle - and everything seems fine. The bottle is hard, sturdy and not flimsy in the slightest. It's definitely made for years and years of continual use. It seemed pretty daunting to drop the EcoDrop into the water - with the "plastic". The premise is so fantastic: it all dissolves into the water and we're none the wiser.
"As for use, the spray is a little fiddly to adjust from on/off - but, I imagine, in the future, this may come in handy to prevent any accidents or leaking. The trigger is not stiff and easy to use. The product sprays in medium-sized amounts, which is perfect. I honestly can't fault how the all-purpose disinfectant cleans, as it proved tough on grease, grime and more. Overall, we're very impressed by the quality of this company, as well as its fantastic and forward-thinking ethos."
Available at: Ocean Saver | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Smells great - many scents available
- Cleans and removes grime well
- Plastic-free, plant-based and animal friendly
Cons
- Powerful scent for some
- Fiddly on/off for spray bottle
Laundry Detergent
Next, we have some eco, laundry detergents for you. Generally, the detergent's job is to help pull away the dirt and grime from the clothing and rinse it out with water. An eco-friendly laundry detergent is far better for the environment. Typically, these will be free from harsh ingredients that can pollute our waterways, poison aquatic life and potentially irritate our skin and lungs. We've picked our washing machine favourites from Greenscents, Bio-D and Smol.
Best eco-friendly laundry detergent
greenscents.co.uk
Up first, we have organic Laundry Liquid from Greenscents, which has been specially formulated to wash your clothes with no harm to the environment. That's exactly what we want to hear. Not only does it care for the most sensitive of skin, but the Nonscents range is perfect for young families with babies who have some tricky skin allergies. This new formula from Greenscents is fantastic and best paired with their laundry conditioner.
Tried & Tested by Commerical Content Writer for A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "Greenscents Laundry liquid makes a great addition to my housework, giving my clothes a new lease of life and a fresh smell with every cycle. Not only does a small amount go a long way, but it's also easy to use. Particularly, I love the Lavender scent because it seems to work with clothing so well. But, I'd be open to trying the Citrus detergent. Plus - I love the amber-glass bottles. Though they're not shatterproof, the bottles lightweight, look great and are recyclable."
Available at: Greenscents | Ocado | Abel & Cole
Pros
- Smells great
- No plastic packaging
- Good value for money
Cons
- Bottles are not shatterproof
Recommended
Hot or cold washes, this biodegradable washing powder is non-bio and suitable for vegans. Bio-D's laundry range is ethically-sound, safe to use and has a minimal environmental impact. The ingredients used in this washing powder are naturally derived and safe for all of us. Perfect for an eco-friendly home looking to reduce its footprint.
Customer Review: "This washing powder is great, clothes are really clean and fresh. I put it straight in the drum with soda crystals and use white vinegar as a conditioner. Will definitely buy again."
Available at: Bio-D | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- No plastic packaging
- Hypoallergenic free from perfumes
- Completely biodegradable
Cons
- Make sure to not put too much in the machine
Recommended
smolproducts.com
Smol has created an effective, concentrated laundry capsule, perfect for all homes looking to go eco. In fact, they're so small that they're compact enough to fit through your letterbox. That saves faffing about with answering the door and signing deliveries. High performance, eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free cleaning at a fair price, we couldn't recommend Smol more. They offer a free trial for their easy-to-navigate subscription service, which is easily modified and calculated based on the information you give the website about your laundry usage. Call that a laundry revolution!
Customer Review: "Absolutely amazing at cleaning our laundry! They smell fresh and are easy to use. It’s great to know that they are an affordable solution to a more sustainable wash. They work perfectly on a cooler wash too! Great for sportswear, delicates, coats and dog items. The child lock is a bit tricky but otherwise, they are great!"
Available at: Smol | Sainsbury's
Pros
- Subscription plan available with free trial
- Choice of bio and non-bio
- No plastic or harmful chemicals
- Letterbox-friendly packaging
Cons
- Fragrance-free detergent needs scented conditioner
- Child-lock is tricky
Fabric Softener And Conditioner
Looking to improve your laundry? Fabric softeners may be your answer. They contain lubricating ingredients that help coat and soften fibres in your fabrics when added to your laundry. Well, we recommend looking for an eco alternative to laundry conditioner or softener to use in your washing machine. After all, general laundry softeners can be quite harmful to the environment. We've hand-picked our favourites from Ecover, Bio-D and Smol.
Best eco-friendly fabric softener
Within Ecover's fabulous laundry range, there is this beautifully-scented fabric softener. A sensitive formula, this conditioner features a palm-oil-free softening active, derived from European-sourced rapeseed oil. This softens and cares for your clothes. If the Apple Blossom and Almond scent isn't your thing, don't worry! It's available in Gardenia & Vanilla or Rose & Bergamot. With clean, plant-based ingredients and suitability for all uses - as well as a recyclable bottle and cap, you can't go wrong with this sensitive addition to our selection of fabric conditioners.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "I've been using Ecover's scent-free laundry detergent and fabric softener for a few weeks now. Not only are the bottles great value for money, but they're gentle, efficient and clean exceptionally well. My clothes are very soft, clean and smell fresh. Though it's a little weird to have a scent-free detergent and oftener, it's not too much of an issue. My family and I have sensitive skin and allergies - so, Ecover's laundry products are perfect for us."
Pros
- Never tested on animals
- The bottle is made from recycled and plant plastic
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- The scent doesn't linger for a long time
- Make sure to follow directions for larger loads
Recommended
www.ocado.com
From Bio-D, we have an amazing companion to their eco-friendly washing powder. This sweet-smelling Lavender Fabric Conditioner is fragranced with fresh Lavender essential oil. Not only that but it's derived from plant-based ingredients, so perfect to look after your precious clothes. It leaves clothes feeling soft, static-free and easy to iron. The new formula is so concentrated that you pay less for more! We couldn't recommend this product enough.
Tried & Tested by Commerical Content Writer, for A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "I've been using Bio-D's fabric conditioner for a few years now - and I just love it. The bottle is lightweight, easy to carry and the product is easy to measure. I pop it in the laundry egg (or ball) with the detergent - it's easy as that. The Lavender scent is so lush and pairs perfectly with laundry. It's good for my sensitive skin, too. I'm always excited to take my laundry out of the washing machine - because I get to smell how fresh and feel how soft my clothes have become."
Pros
- 100% naturally derived
- Plant-based gentle formula
- Naturally scented with essential oils
- Made from recycled material
Cons
- One reviewer found it worked best on cotton
Recommended
smolproducts.com
Pair this with your Smol capsules subscription and voila - you have an eco-friendly laundry system. An exclusive to Smol, this laundry conditioner is cruelty-free and made with no animal fat derivatives. Not only is the bottle made from 100 per cent post-consumer waste, but it is also eligible for Smol's return and refill scheme. It's eco-friendly and guarantees soft, fragrant laundry. The Twin Starter Pack includes an amazing 128 doses - almost six months worth.
Customer Review: "Really great product! Sustainable and eco-friendly!"
Pros
- Cruelty-free with no animal fat derivatives
- Made from 100% post-consumer waste
- Return and refill scheme
Cons
- Convenient once you work out your schedule
Washing Up Liquid
Get your pots and pans sparkling with some eco-friendly washing-up liquid. Much like liquid laundry detergents, some washing-up liquids can contain nasty chemicals that aren't always great for us or the environment. So, some brands have been tackling this problem with eco-friendly washing-up liquids that don't cost the environment at a good price. For the best eco-friendly washing-up liquids, we've picked detergents from Ocean Saver, Greenscents and Bio-D.
Best eco-friendly washing up soap
www.ocean-saver.com
You've heard of a shampoo bar... well, what about this washing-up bar? Up first, we have a fantastic pick from Ocean Saver. It's a plastic-free, eco-friendly alternative to a traditional washing-up liquid. It's gently lemon-scented and made from plant-based, non-toxic ingredients. Though this product is tough on grime and grease, it's gentle on the skin. Not only that but the soap bar is biodegradable, plastic-free and contains no palm oil. This is a great alternative.
Customer Review: "I have just bought my first bar and am a total convert. Never going back to liquid ever again! Just lovely to use, light natural scent, dishes come up sparkling and it’s gentle on skin, too."
Why not grab the Ocean Saver soap bar with a plastic-free soap dish?
Available at: Ocean Saver | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Light, natural scent
- Gentle on skin
- Lathers well
Cons
- May not suit all households
Best eco-friendly washing up liquid
greenscents.co.uk
Coming in a 500ml glass bottle, this Greenscents liquid can last up to 160 bowls, which is very impressive. Best-selling, this super-concentrated, extremely tough - but kind to our skin - the formula is organic and unique. Coming in Citrus, Minty, Lavender and Non-Scents - you're spoiled for choice. This washing-up liquid is a top pick.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "Greenscents Citrus Washing-Up Liquid is by far my favourite. It's so concentrated, that you only require a tiny amount for an entire wash. The scent is subtle and not overpowering. The bottle sat by my sink, looking lovely. Greenscents have recently changed its packaging - and the glass bottles look lovely. When I'm washing up some pans, my hands aren't becoming irritated - so, that's a bonus. My crockery was always clean and shining with this product."
Available at: Greenscents | Abel & Cole
Pros
- A little liquid goes a long way
- The scent is not overpowering
- No plastic
Cons
- Not shatterproof
Recommended
Lastly, we have this liquid from Bio-D, which is Pink Grapefruit scented. Zingy, Bio-D describes this product as "sunshine in a bottle." When you're tackling the tricky washing-up with grease, grime and food bits, you need a trusty washing-up liquid that'll see you right through it. Incredibly tough on burnt-on stains, this washing-up liquid is gentle on the skin. Made from 100% naturally derived, plant-based ingredients, this is another great option for an eco home.
Customer Review: "I am very confident about using Bio-D products and particularly this pink grapefruit washing-up liquid. I could never find ‘pink grapefruit’ elements. I don’t even wear gloves when using it as it doesn’t affect my hands at all."
Available at: Bio-D | Robert Dyas | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Refreshing smell
- The bottle lasts a while
Cons
- Cap could be better designed
Dishwasher Tablets
Tackling your various dirty dishes and crockery can be a mean feat, especially when you're partial to a dinner party and cook up a storm in the kitchen. To keep your dishwasher ticking over and your plates clean, you need to invest in strong, punchy and reliable dishwasher tablets that battle grease, grime and the problems that arise with hard water. Not to worry Ecover, Smol and EcoZone have some fabulous eco-friendly dishwasher tablets that'll suit.
Best eco-friendly dishwasher tablet
Ecover's Lemon & Mandarin are bursting with a beautiful, citrus scent to bless your dishwasher. These dishwasher tablets are made of biodegradable plant-based ingredients to leave your dishes squeaky clean. Ecover claims already contain rinse aid and salt action so you just have to pop the tablet in and run the machine - which is probably true for softer water areas. In areas of harder water, we recommend using dishwasher salt and rinse aid. More on that below.
Customer Review: "Work great, the dishes came out of the dishwasher looking shiny. Great quality."
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin and septic tanks
- Vegan-friendly, plant-based ingredients
Cons
- Not entirely plastic free
- Not suited for harder water
Recommended
smolproducts.com
Concentrated enough to fit through your letterbox, these Smol dishwasher tablets boast big performance. Smol delivers high-performance, eco-friendly, vegan and cruelty-free cleaning at a fair price. Grab a free trial to see if Smol works for you - and then organise regular delivery to stay on top of your dishwashing. With stellar reviews, you can't go wrong with Smol.
Customer Review: "Excellent company in every way! Dishwasher tablets are as good as a top brand I was using. Bio-washing tablets are even better. My daughter has sensitive skin and also a very acute sense of smell, so hates strong-smelling perfumed products which can bring on her migraines. She preferred the clean, fresh, delicate smell of these to a top brand I was using! A heads-up email of when things are due: it's really easy to change subscriptions on the account. They've never let me down on delivery. I feel like I'm doing my tiny bit by changing to these more eco-friendly products. Can't praise this company highly enough."
Pros
- Subscription plan available with a free trial
- No plastic or harmful chemicals
- Letterbox-friendly packaging
Cons
- Not entirely plastic free
Recommended
Or, you could opt for EcoZone's Classic All-In-One Dishwasher Tablets, which offer powerful cleaning of plates, cups, cutlery, pans and glasses. Plastic-free, they cut through tough grease, oil, grime and food without any residue left behind. Tabs are in soluble wrapping, too. They're plant-based, biodegradable and arrived with no fuss or hassle.
Customer Review: "Use this in combination with the rinse aid and salt - and my frying pans come out clean.
Not a very strong smell when I open the door which is a positive for me. I used to use Finish but I found the chemical odour remained in plastics; the drinking glasses took on the smell of cleaning products. These just clean and don’t leave a smell which suits me more."
Available at: EcoZone | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Cruelty-free, gentle and vegan-friendly
- Plastic-free tablets
- Safe for home septic tanks and aquatic life
Cons
- Only use the recommended amount
- May not suit all machines
Rinse Aid
If you're in a hard water area, your dishwasher may benefit from some Rinse Aid, which prevents water spots and helps with faster drying. Make sure to keep it stocked up. Most dishwasher appliances will let you know if there’s a shortage. For our favourites, we've handpicked eco-friendly rinse aids from Bio-D and Ecover.
Best eco-friendly rinse aid
Bio-D's Rinse Aid is perfect for all dishwashing machines - it's cost-effective and ensures great results. Made from 100% naturally-derived, plant-based ingredients, this rinse aid is pure eco-power in a recycled bottle.
Customer Review: "Much better than most…comes out into machine nicely…I like that!"
Available at: Bio-D | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Naturally-derived, plant-based
- Recyclable bottle
Cons
- None
Recommended
Pair this with Ecover's Dishwasher Tablets - and your pots, pan and more will be gleaming and clean. Plant-based, biodegradable and recyclable, this rinse aid would make a great eco-friendly alternative to your kitchen.
Customer Review: "Not the cheapest rinse aid available, but certainly not the most expensive, either. Certainly worth the extra pennies. This product substitutes some of the chemicals found in other rinse aids for plant extracts, so it is genuinely better for the environment. Performance isn’t compromised though – we’ve been using it for six months now, and it does a perfectly good job. The bottle has a decent cap, too."
Pros
- Plant-based, biodegradable
- Recyclable plastic bottle
Cons
- Pricey
Bicarbonate Of Soda
Aside from its many personal and culinary uses, bicarbonate of soda can help with cleaning. We've listed this bicarbonate of soda from Dri-Pak as our top, eco-friendly pick:
Best bicarbonate of soda
www.robertdyas.co.uk
Bicarbonate of soda has so many uses and this version from the natural brand Dri-Pak is sure to help. The gentle, non-irritable, deodorising multi-action cleaner can help shift tough stains and comes in a recyclable box.
Customer Review: "Great, safe cleaning; good value, minimal packaging (straight in the cardboard box). Glad to have a cheaper option than using my baking grade bicarb for cleaning."
Available at: Amazon | Robert Dyas | Ocado
Pros
- No plastic packaging
- Helps with limescale build-up
- Traditional, non-toxic and versatile
Cons
- None
Floor Cleaner
Need to clean your floor? We recommend this pick from Method to get your floors sparkling clean.
Best eco-friendly floor cleaner
Method says it "smells so good, you practically want to eat off the floor." However, we don't recommend it. That being said, their Wild Rhubarb Floor Cleaner is safe for all floors and safe for the planet. This non-toxic formula gets floors shiny and clean. Plus, it's biodegradable and formulated for hard floors, like stone, tile or laminate. This is a winner.
Customer Review: "The smell is amazing and it really easy to use. The entire method line I used so far is really good, the only thing that puts me off is the price as it can be really high sometimes."
Pros
- Easy to use
- Lovely, long-lasting scent
- Suitable for all floors
Cons
- Pricey
Drain Cleaning
Sometimes, we're faced with clogged-up drains if we've let food go down the plughole. Or, in the shower, our plugholes can be clogged up with all sorts. For this, we recommend Drain Cleaning Sticks from EcoZone to help.
Best eco-friendly drain cleaner
Using powerful natural bacteria and enzymes, these sticks break down almost anything that gets stuck in plugholes and pipes, causing blockages. They're ideal for the kitchen, shower, taps and utility, too. They remove bad smells and break down grease, fat and food. Approved by PETA, these sticks are vegan, cruelty-free and gentle. Plus, they're safe for home septic tanks and aquatic life. A smart, green choice.
Customer Review: "Our kitchen drain stays odour free when I put one stick down the plughole every month. They are SO EASY to use and brilliant! Each pack has 12 sticks (enough for a whole year) so it's good value for space-saving, cost, and the environment."
Available at: EcoZone | Amazon | Robert Dyas
Pros
- Easy to use
- Pack of 12 - one per month supply
- Effective use
Cons
- Mixed reviews with shower
Window Cleaner
If your windows are looking a little worse for wear, you can grab some window and glass cleaner to get rid of dirty fingerprints and streaks. We've selected the best eco-friendly window and glass cleaners from Alkimi and Ecover.
Best eco-friendly window cleaner
Ecover's Window and Glass Cleaner unleashes the power of plant-based, biodegradable ingredients to encourage a shiny, gleaming finish. Coming in a variety of scents, this cleaner is refreshing. We've picked Green Tea and Grapefruit as our top pick, which sounds lush. Plus, the new bottles are made from less plastic.
Customer Review: "Probably my favourite Ecover product. I wish that they supplied it in the 5-litre refill bottle. My windows, patio doors, mirrors etc are easily cleaned. I gave my 20+-year-old son my bottle when he was vacating a flat. He recleaned the windows after another flatmate "had done them"."
Pros
- Suitable for septic tanks
- Plant-based, cruelty-free ingredients
- Made from recycled plastic; recyclable
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Not available in 5L refill bottle
Recommended
Naturally fast-acting, this non-toxic, plant-based formula is sustainably made without parabens and more. 100% recyclable, this Glass and Window Cleaner is cruelty-free, effective and targets dirt and grime.
Customer Review: "Bought a few different products from this range, it's magical… leaves everything clean, like new and very easy to use."
Pros
- Naturally fast-acting
- Natural, non-toxic ingredients
- Packaging is 100% recyclable
Cons
- No refills
- Aniseed and mint may be too strong for some
Stain Remover
Got some tricky stains on your clothes? No need to worry! There are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives on the market that don't contain any nasties - and are just as good. You can tackle these with our top picks from Ecover and EcoZone.
Best eco-friendly stain remover
Tough on protein-based stains, this Ecover Stain Remover uses a built-in applicator to target issues at its core. Containing grime-fighting enzymes, this stain remover tackles grease, oil, blood, makeup and more. Not only is the bottle recyclable, but the ingredients are vegan-friendly, biodegradable and all plant-based.
Customer Review: "Having tried many stain removers in the past that were somewhat disappointing, I found this product while searching Amazon. I needed to remove a significant area of dried blood from a cotton garment and was sceptical that anything would work. However, this product is amazing! Followed instructions and after only one application and machine wash the stain had completely gone! Even better than this product can do that while being eco-friendly. Very impressed and would highly recommend."
Available at: Ecover | Amazon | Robert Dyas
Pros
- Vegan-friendly, plant-based, biodegradable ingredients
- Bottle plastic is widely recycled
- Perfect for grease and protein stains
Cons
- Not recommended for wool, silk and other delicate fabrics
- Only available in 200ml size
Recommended
Next, we have EcoZone's solution for stains. It's a new liquid formula, equipped with a brush applicator nozzle. It's fast-acting, working on tough stains such as chocolate, blood and more. Not only is it suitable for most fabrics, but the process is also easy as pie. Simply, add the formula directly to the stain, wait 10 minutes and then add to a wash cycle.
Customer Review: "This product really surprised me! I dropped hot chocolate down my top and since I was going on holiday, I didn’t have access to a washing machine for the entire weekend so this product needed to remove a 3-day-old stain from my white bodysuit. After rubbing in the product, I could already start to see it work and after a 60 min wash, it was as good as new!"
Available at: EcoZone | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Fast & effective liquid with brush application
- Removes a variety of tough & stubborn stains like blood
- Suitable for most fabrics including white & coloured material
Cons
- Suitable for use at 30 degrees and above.
Carpet Cleaner
Bring your carpet back to its former glory with our top pick from EcoZone.
Best eco-friendly carpet cleaner
If you're looking for a carpet cleaner that doesn't cost the planet, EcoZone's powerful formula is your best bet. Though this cleaner is made with vegan, gentle ingredients, it's tough on stains - even for large areas. Plus, it's suitable for manual and machine use. It's formulated for a fresh, sterile finish. Bring your carpet back to its former glory!
Customer Review: "The detergent worked well on our carpets with a vax carpet cleaner. The scent could have been a bit stronger but we value the fact it is eco and pet friendly."
Available at: EcoZone | Amazon | Robert Dyas
Pros
- No harsh ingredients
- Suitable for manual & machine use
Cons
- Weak scent
- May need an extra application
Toilet Paper
Every day, over one million trees are cut down to make traditional toilet paper. We think this is such a waste. Luckily, Who Gives a Crap is producing a fabulous, recycled and eco-friendly alternative.
Best eco-friendly toilet paper
uk.whogivesacrap.org
Made from 100% recycled fibres, keep your bathroom eco-friendly with these competitively priced 3-ply rolls that are plastic-free and good for you with no inks, dyes or scents. With carbon-neutral shipping and a B Corp Certificate for environmental impact, you can buy as a one-time purchase or subscribe to make sure to never run low. They donate 50% of their profits to charity partners who work in water, hygiene and sanitation to help build clean working toilets for millions of people.
Customer Review: "Firstly, this is a great product - as well as being eco-friendly, the toilet paper really does last twice as long as a normal roll (if not longer), and it's really soft as well. Secondly, I'm really impressed with the customer service - when my parcel delivery was delayed by the delivery company, Who Gives A Crap dealt with my query really quickly. Highly recommended all round."
Available at: Who Gives a Crap | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Great value with 400 sheets at a good price
- Biodegradable and plays well with most septic tanks
- Carbon neutral shipping
Cons
- Pricey
The best eco-friendly cleaning accessories
If you're looking for some plastic-free accessories to assist in cleaning your home, we've got some picks:
Best eco-friendly duster
liveinthelight.co.uk
We recommend ditching your disposable duster! From Marley's Monsters, this reusable duster has multiple layers of flannel and fleece, which will fray within a few washes. The fraying will really help pick up dust. To wash, simply, take off the duster from the handle and slide it back on once dry. Plus, it has a cotton cord for hanging. It's a no-brainer.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer for A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "Personally, I suffer from a bad allergy to dust, so I have to keep on top of it in my home. And, I must say, I love using this duster. It's lightweight and perfect for anyone who wants to stop using disposable dusters and clean their home with an eco-friendly mindset. Plus, it machine washes well and always picks up an impressive amount of dust. Not only that, but I love unique this duster is, with its pretty fabrics which are all jumbled up. It makes easy work of a job I hate."
Available at: Marley's Monsters | Live in the Light | Plastic Freedom
Pros
- Machine wash warm, dry in the dryer
- Comes with cotton cord for hanging
Cons
- Pricey
Best eco-friendly dish brush set
A favourite, this brush and cloth set is completely natural and comes in low-impact packaging. As for the brushes, the bristles are made out of plant fibres and the handles are from Germany-grown beechwood. When your brush heads wear out, do the right things and get some replacement heads; choose between and soft and firm. Each brush head should last four to eight weeks depending on use. As for the cloth, it's made from the loofah plant and is biodegradable.
Customer Review: "I am trying hard to ease out plastic as far as possible and these brushes are perfect! I love the fact that they are totally environmentally friendly and ethically sourced, together with their value for money. I use the loofah sponge in the shower rather than as a cleaning sponge. We should support our small businesses and this product ticks all boxes. Highly recommend."
Available at: Agile Home & Garden | Amazon | eBay
Pros
- Reduces plastic waste
- Replaceable head
- 100% natural bristles
Cons
- Do not leave submerged
- Some customers have had issues with the brush handle
Best eco-friendly dishcloths
www.ocean-saver.com
Coming in a pack of five, we recommend these plastic-free, biodegradable cleaning cloths from Ocean Saver. Made from cellulose and cotton, these fantastic dishcloths are not only biodegradable and home-compostable, they are machine washable and super effective at cleaning, too. In fact, Ocean Saver says on their website that: each cloth can hold more than twenty times its weight in water. They would work brilliantly with their EcoDrops range, too.
Tried & Tested by Commercial Content Writer from A Modern Kitchen, Piper Huxley: "Ocean Saver's sponge cloths are my favourite dishcloths to use. They're super absorbent and work a treat. I absolutely adore the fact that they're biodegradable and home compostable, too. They're just a fantastic alternative to a wasteful product. Switch to these Ocean Saver cloths and you won't regret it. They're essential for an eco-friendly kitchen."
Available at: Ocean Saver | Amazon | Ocado
Pros
- 100% biodegradable and plastic-free
- Home compostable and machine-washable
- Absorbent and effective
Cons
- Pricey
Best eco-friendly washing-up pads
Effortlessly keeping your kitchen in check, this microfibre sponge/scourer cloth just requires water. Made to last, this dishcloth is tough on stubborn, burnt-on leftovers - all without scratching. This is an eco-friendly and reusable solution to keep your kitchen looking lovely, whilst keeping plastic waste out of our oceans.
Customer Review: "These double-sided sponges remove all types of grime and dirt efficiently from all surfaces without causing damage. Especially useful in the kitchen for non-stick pots and pans and stainless steel items."
Available at: E-Cloth | Amazon | John Lewis
Pros
- Non-scratch scourer alternative
- Reliable with a 100-wash promise
- 2-in-1 sponge with two sides
- Toss in the laundry to refresh
Cons
- The sponge part lasts longer than the scourer side
- Generally needs water to work
Best eco-friendly spray bottles
If you're looking at making your own cleaning products or getting into refills, why not grab these affordable spray bottles? Perfect for cleaning, the spray nozzle is heavy-duty and easy to use. Plus, they are ergonomic. For home, garden and beyond, these amber spray bottles are fashionable, user-friendly and save all that plastic waste.
Customer Review: "I ordered these as I've decided to stop using as many chemical-based cleaning products as I can. I'm sick of choking as I clean the shower etc from the fumes. I decided to make my own. I wanted glass bottles as plastic ones can leach chemicals. So far they seem to work well. The trigger sprays are good and can be easily locked. They also come with screwtops. Briefly, I've used two of them as spray cleaners, one for the bathroom and one for the kitchen. My home smells fresh and hopefully, my chest and lungs might be a bit healthier!"
Available at: Amazon | eBay | Nomara Organics
Pros
- User-friendly and highly practical design
- Made with premium quality, durable non-BPA amber glass
- Versatile uses around the house
Cons
- Not shatterproof
Best eco-friendly kitchen roll
From ecoegg, we bring these fantastic reusable kitchen towels. Made from 100% sustainable sources and an OKEO-TEX-certified material, these kitchen towels are reusable for up to 1700 uses. Just wash at 40 degrees Celsius. These kitchen towels h are soft, absorbent and long-lasting. This is an innovative replacement for the kitchen roll.
Customer Review: "I literally couldn’t live without kitchen roll but my conscience was always nagging me about it not being great for the environment. I’ve been making small changes to help contribute so decided to try this. I only wish I’d done it sooner! I’ve used them now for around a month and they are still going strong. I think that they are good value for money given how long they will last. I find kitchen rolls expensive anyway and you need to use lots of them."
Available at: ecoegg | Amazon | Ethical Superstore
Pros
- Washable and reusable
- Stronger than paper towels
- Innovative and super absorbent
- Kinder to the environment and bank
Cons
- Some found them to be not quite as absorbent as traditional kitchen roll
FAQs
What Is Greenwashing?
While a lot of the cleaning companies are taking inspiration from the vegan environmental movement, some are marketing their products as eco-friendly and sustainable when they're not. This is known as 'greenwashing'. Sometimes, it's difficult to distinguish the difference and you may choose products from brands that might not be truly environmentally conscious.
However, our list contains the best eco-friendly products from:
• Brands that are cruelty-free and against animal testing
• Sustainable brands that strive to change the world for the better with recycled materials and natural ingredients
• Brands that give back to the community
• Brands that are transparent with their ingredients and authentically deliver their eco-messaging
• Brands that authentically deliver their eco-messaging and act on eco-initiatives
How Do I Make My Own Eco-Friendly Cleaning Product?
Want to save your pennies and make your own natural cleaner using ingredients from around the home? Try making some of the cleaners in these videos to keep your home spick-and-span and toxic-free!