Get ahead of spring cleaning with natural and certified-safe cleaning products. (Amazon)
Cleaning solutions are supposed to help rid your surfaces of scum, dirt and debris, ideally without leaving any residual toxins lingering throughout your space. You want a formula that's practical, affordable and gets the job done. And wouldn't it be nice if it actually smelled pleasant, or at least didn't leave you coughing and sneezing from inhaling fumes?
"Perhaps the harshest issue with non-natural based products is the effect on air quality," notes Carol Mehas, founder and CEO of the natural cleaning company arbOUR. Mehas notes that the fumes and toxins left behind can be especially problematic for households with asthma or allergy sufferers, infants and pets. Pets and crawling babies, in particular, are vulnerable since they're in direct contact with treated floors — and our furry friends are also exposed through their cleaned crates, pet beds and even food and water bowls.
To the rescue: the best natural cleaners for 2025. These non-toxic picks aren't just powerful and pleasant to use — they're also impressively versatile, with many serving multiple purposes and fitting right into your kitchen cabinet. Perhaps most importantly, they're completely natural and/or certified safe to use around the home — and its people and pet inhabitants.
From multitasking pantry must-haves to do-it-all concentrates, see below for natural formulas that professional cleaners and other experts swear by for keeping germs at bay and surfaces sparkling. If you keep scrolling, you'll find more info on our evaluation process, along with what to look (and look out) for when shopping. (More pro cleaning tips and non-toxic swaps for your kitchen right this way.)
Size: 1 gal. | Form: Liquid | Key ingredient: Vinegar | Scent: N/A
"White vinegar is a natural anti-fungal, antibacterial, whitener and deodorizer, making it one of the most versatile ingredients in eco-friendly cleaning products," explains Ken Doty, COO and cleaning expert at The Maids.
As Doty points out, "vinegar can be mixed with water, baking soda and other safe ingredients to create stain removers, degreasers and more."
For more potent cleaning power, I personally like Aunt Fannie's vinegar-powered solutions. Note: Cleaning vinegar, like Aunt Fannie's, has a higher acidity concentration — 6% instead of 5%. That may seem like a small number, but that little bump in concentration means it should never be consumed. And always wear gloves when using cleaning vinegar.
Size: 12 lb. | Form: Powder | Key ingredient: Baking soda | Scent: N/A
Sure, it's great for plumping up your cookies and cakes, but don't underestimate baking soda as "an excellent whitener, carpet freshener, stain remover and scrubbing compound," says Doty.
He explains that the granulated texture's "mild abrasiveness makes baking soda safe for most surfaces to lift dirt, grease and grime."
If you anticipate a bag being too messy and unweildy, Arm & Hammer Shakers are easier to lift and pour. This is particularly helpful when you're polishing up bathtubs and sinks. (The boxes are also great for stashing in the fridge to help neutralize food odors.)
Size: 13 oz. | Form: Liquid | Key ingredient: Hydrogen peroxide | Scent: N/A
No bleach? No problem. As Doty points out, the hydrogen peroxide in your medicine cabinet "is a natural whitener, cleaner and disinfectant — all the properties you want for cleaning bathrooms and other germ-y spaces.”
Doty likes to tap the "three-percent solution" as a "safer, more eco-friendly alternative to chlorine bleach and similar cleaning products."
This version from Amazon is sold solo, as well as in multi-packs for stocking up or tackling bigger homes and bathrooms (see here for how often to clean and replace your shower curtain).
Size: 1 gal. | Form: Liquid (spray) | Key ingredient: Hypochlorous acid | Scent: N/A
Trish Duarte, franchise owner and cleaning expert of MaidPro Temecula, likes hypochlorous acid for its "powerful yet gentle" formula, ideal for sanitizing all surfaces, from mirrors and backsplashes to showers and sinks.
"It eliminates germs effectively without harsh chemicals, works as a natural deodorizer and is non-corrosive," she explains, "making it safe for your home's surfaces."
The set shown includes a 1-gallon container, plus a spray bottle for easier, targeted application throughout the home.
Size: 25 oz. | Form: Liquid | Key ingredient: Water; plant-derived surfactants | Scent: N/A
When it comes to removing oil stains, Duarte says she looks to free and clear dish soaps, like this one from Ecos.
"It's designed to lift grease and oils from dishes, and it works on many fabrics as well," she explains.
According to the brand, the plant-based, dermatologist-tested formula is hypoallergenic and pH-balanced, making it not only gentle on materials, but skin. We also appreciate that this cleaner has been awarded the EPA's "Safer Choice" certification.
Size: .79 oz. | Form: Powder | Key ingredient: Sodium (per)carbonate; citric acid | Scent: Organic lemon oil
Pozniak likes this brightener from Molly's Suds as a gentler (chlorine-free, color-safe) alternative to traditional laundry bleaching.
"Oxygen bleach attacks the color-causing molecules of stains and corrects them slowly over time," he explains.
According to the brand, it's made with pure lemon essential oils, and without SLS, synthetic dyes or synthetic fragrances.
"For best results, soak your garments in hot water (ideally above 140°F) overnight with some powdered oxygen bleach and rewash after," recommends Pozniak. "Oxygen bleach requires lots of heat and time to work, so patience is key."
Size: 32 oz. | Form: Liquid; spray | Key ingredient: Water; sodium citrate/carbonate | Scent: Herbal sassafras
Paul Maielua, Assistant Director of Rooms and Housekeeping of the Thompson Savannah, says he relies on this hardworking spray from Simple Green for cleaning just about everything.
"From appliances to general cleaning to even laundry, it gets the job done," he explains.
Aside from being effective, Maielua notes Simple Green products are "safer to use around pets and kids, and they offer a variety of products depending on your needs."
The all-purpose cleaner features an herbal scent and, like the Ecos Dish Soap above, is adorned with the EPA's "Safer Choice" label for added peace of mind.
Size: 33.8 oz. | Form: Liquid | Key ingredient: Water; plants and minerals | Scent: N/A
For a do-it-all concentrate, Dr. Cynthia Barrett, PT, DPT, CSCS, CNS, founder and CEO of Wellness Couture, says she uses "Branch Basics as an overall multipurpose cleaner throughout the house for basically everything!"
In addition to being Made Safe certified, Dr. Barrett loves that this concentrate is made from plants and mineral based ingredients, and free from fragrances and dyes, adding that it's safe for her sensitive skin but still "tough on dirt and grime."
As is typical with concentrates, you're looking at a bigger investment up front but you end up saving money in the long run: According to the brand, a single 33.8 oz. bottle — once diluted — can make three bottles each of hand soap, all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner and streak-free cleaner, and you'll still have enough left over for 64 loads of laundry. Wow!
So many products, so little time! Here are a few things to keep in mind...
Ingredients/formulations: "Natural" has become a bit of a catchall term for products that are made entirely of, or with ingredients derived from, natural disinfectants and plant-based materials (such as water, alcohol, vinegar, baking soda, sodium and glycerin). While formulas can certainly differ (hence the reason consumers need to be cautious of "greenwashing"), natural products should be made without the use of parabens, phthalates (chemicals that have been deemed toxic), sulfates and hormone-disrupters as well as any harmful oils or fragrances.
Certifications: Just because an ingredient is natural doesn't necessarily mean it's safe. We suggest you read ingredients and follow instructions carefully when selecting and using cleaning products, and prioritize products that are approved by the FDA (food-grade) or EPA. Look for labels like"Safer Choice" and read into certifications for a better understanding of standards and requirements.
Versatility/value: Multitasking cleaning products work harder and take up less room (as opposed to needing several bottles to do the same job) in your cabinets. Many companies also offer concentrates that can be used in conjunction with water and reusable spray bottles to help consumers stretch their dollars and preserve space.
Carefully! We researched, with a focus on product descriptions, labels and customer reviews. We spoke to professional cleaners — with years of experience testing cleaning products — for their top picks. We also consulted with founders of natural cleaning companies and wellness experts for additional intel and tips for making informed purchase decisions.
As recommended above, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are a good place to start in terms of disinfecting and brightening a bathroom. You can also mix baking soda with water, to your desired paste texture, using a microfiber cloth or sponge for gentle abrasion, particularly helpful for scrubbing dirt and soap scum buildup around the bathtub.
The best natural cleaning solutions for laundry are made without harmful chemicals (see the "what to know" section above for additional guidance) and hormone-disrupters. Look for free and clear formulas that don't contain harsh fragrances that could transfer to your clothes, skin or the environment. The Branch Basics Concentrate that we recommended above is slso recommended for laundry. It's formulated with plant-based cleansers, natural water softeners and flower extracts and is Made Safe certified.
The Molly's Suds Oxygen Brightener recommended above is made with lemon essential oil, as are many cleaning products that prioritize natural ingredients over synthetic fragrances. For a DIY natural cleaning solution, you can combine water and vinegar (disinfectant) or water and baking soda (gentle scrub) and add a few drops of organic essential oil or fresh juice to enhance the fragrance.
Parabens, phthalates and sulfates are among chemicals that have been deemed potentially harmful in studies. "Toxic cleaning products can disrupt the gut microbiome and can cause skin reactions, dizziness, nausea and long term health problems," adds Dr. Barrett. "The general rule when reading labels is that consumers should be able to pronounce the ingredients on the products. Look for naturally occurring ingredients such as essential oils, baking soda and vinegar."
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