Is it time to tidy? Something about spring just makes me want to freshen up. Keep reading for my 2021 Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brand Review!
The sun is finally starting to warm poor old Minnesota. And while nothing is bursting into bloom quite yet, my allergies are still making their presence known. Nothing quite like sneezing into a mask, am I right?
My apartment isn’t the most weather-proof, so I usually end up with some ice on the inside of my windows (courtesy of subarctic weather). On top of that, snow-boots just love to drag in lots of salt and mud. Let’s just say that it is time to roll up my sleeves and get to scrubbing.
Have you ever stopped to think about the number of plastic cleaning bottles you own? You might be surprised – I was! For products that are meant to clean up homes, it’s a bit ironic that once a bottle is empty, it creates a mess for the environment. But never fear, I’m here to offer some cleaning cheer! There are a number of eco-friendly cleaning brands that are bringing environmental awareness to the industry.
Branch Basics 🌳
Branch Basics is all about tossing the toxins and advocates for a cleaning regimen that is harsh on grime but gentle for the family. While sustainability is not their primary talking point, each bottle is refillable. Plus, we’re talking only one concentrate for everything! This is minimalism at its finest.
Let me tell you guys, the story behind Branch Basics is pretty dang cool. It’s crazy how even what we clean with is important for wholistic health. In today’s society, there are so many chemicals, pesticides, and preservatives floating through our everyday life. The three women who started Branch Basics realized that some of the most toxic chemicals we face are in our cleaning supplies. Toss those out the window, and you are well on your way to a better life.
Pros:
- Fragrance-free
- Plant and mineral based
- Not tested on animals
- Biodegradable
- Made safe certified
- Option for glass bottles
- Refillable bottles
- Cleaning & laundry options
Cons:
- Only available online and for shipping in the USA
- Plastic bottles still available (not the most zero-waste option)
- Cost is a bit more expensive for certain elements (bathroom cleaner, hand soap)
I love that one of the founders of this company, Marilee Nelson, is also a board-certified nutritionist (among other things). It is clear that she values the health of the body from inside out. With all the raving reviews out there, I might just need to branch out and give this company a try.
Blueland 💙
If you’re looking for a brand committed to eliminating plastic waste, look no further. Blueland is all about cleaning up the planet while cleaning up the home. I can imagine that becoming a mom brings a whole new perspective (and set of worries) to life. And that’s exactly why founder, Sarah, decided to start Blueland. She learned that all her plastic cleaning bottles were contributing to a giant plastic ocean waste problem. And because of this, her baby was exposed to hundreds of microplastics just by eating and drinking!
Anyone else want to avoid EATING plastic? Yuck!
If eco-friendly cleaning is one step closer to an overall cleaner planet, count me in. Blueland’s solution to this problem is refillable bottles, cleaning concentrate tablets, and no single-use plastics.
Pros:
- Cleaning supplies, dishwashing, and laundry options
- A variety of sets to choose from
- Glass bottles
- Highly affordable (Bottles are optional – you could use what you already have)
- Gluten-free, vegan, and cruelty-free
- Only EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients
- Pet safe and safe during pregnancy
Cons:
- Only available online and for shipping in the USA (Blueland available on Amazon)
- Not antibacterial or disinfecting (please read their reasoning here under the “our products” FAQ)
- Not the best for deep grime
- Bottles can crack, so be careful!
Blueland is what I use for most of my cleaning needs, and I’ve been pleased for the most part. For a deep bathtub cleaning, I would recommend adding some extra baking soda for a deeper soap scum cleanse. I did have an issue with a bottle cracking out of the blue, and Blueland’s customer service was fantastic. I sent my cracked bottle back to be responsibly recycled, and they sent me a new one at no charge.
Dropps💧
You want to know the real reason I love supporting Dropps? It’s their weird and quirky commercials. Yes, I’m a sucker for a good Instagram ad (must be the theatre kid in me). I’ll let you go and find some of their ads for your own enjoyment. Of course, they also have amazing products and high environmental standards, so I guess you could say that’s a piece of it too.
My laundry game is top-notch right now because of Dropps. We’re talking kitchen and laundry products that promise a deep clean with no plastic packaging or weird chemicals. Total mic drop.
Pros:
- Dye-free, phosphate-free, phthalate-free, cruelty-free
- 100% carbon-neutral shipping
- Scented, unscented, and baby options
- Laundry detergent works with all machine types
- Cardboard boxes made from 50% recycled materials
- Oxi-booster, fabric softener, and stain/odor removal options
- Seasonal scents
- Affordable (roughly $0.20 per load with the subscribe and save option)
- Dropps Amazon option for international buyers
Cons:
- Only laundry and dishwashing options (no other cleaners)
- Website ships online and to USA addresses only
- No powder laundry detergent option
I have NO complaints about Dropps. I would love to try some of their specialized options like the oxi-booster to see if it helps my white loads. Nobody loves the underarm stain on a white shirt.
Veles 🌎
Massive points for creativity go to Veles, a cleaning company on a mission to turn food waste into a cleaner. And literally, 97% of their ingredients stem from food waste…crazy! Or is that crazy genius? Veles certainly is revolutionary, boasting reduction of greenhouse gases and natural ingredients all packaged in an aluminum bottle. As of right now, the only product they offer is an all-purpose cleaner.
Pros:
- Small, local company for US residents
- Inventive use of food waste
- Essential oil fragrance
- Cruelty-free and safe for pets
Cons:
- Most expensive option by far on this list ($30 for starter kit)
- Questionably an all-purpose cleaner (hasn’t been tested on marble, wood, or laminate)
- Not vegan (due to food waste use)
Keep your eye on this one, folks. Veles is a brand-new company as of 2020, so they are still working out the kinks. I do love the idea of diverting food waste from landfills by creating it into a cleaning spray, but I’m not sure that the price is sustainable for the average family. I would also be interested in seeing a greater variety of product options from them!
PUR Home 🏡
Within the United States, Black women face the most discrimination due to both racial and gender biases. While there are many ways to stand up against racism and show support, my dollars are one way I can spread love and use my voice. The black-owned company, PUR Home, presents the opportunity to support both the values of eco-friendly and equity.
And I am loving what I see from this brand. They are dedicated to caring for the earth by choosing products that won’t harm our delicate ecosystem. From bathroom to kitchen to laundry products, PUR Home has quite a few options to choose from.
Pros:
- Ingredients are plant-based, sulfate-free, biodegradable, and non-toxic
- Packaging options are compostable or recyclable
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- Appears to ship internationally (shipping may be expensive)
Cons:
- Website is a bit difficult to navigate
- More expensive than conventional options (bathroom spray is currently $6.99)
If you are looking for a liquid laundry detergent that feels more familiar to the standard plastic bottles, PUR Home has you covered. I love the design of their compostable laundry detergent bottles. Such a cool idea!
Maybe you’re almost convinced, but online shopping just isn’t your cup of tea. Hey, I totally understand! My next two recommendations can easily be found in store across most of the United States.
CleanCult 🫧
CleanCult is a thriving eco-friendly cleaning company. While all of their products are available online, they also have a strong in-store presence in most of the United States. This brand is all about refills that are harm-free for the environment. And that’s why they provide their customers with colorful glass bottles that can be refilled time and again. Need a refill? CleanCult’s refill bottles are 100% recyclable without the guilt.
CleanCult wins points for being customizable with their wide array of products and scent options.
Pros:
- Cleancult available on Amazon for all buyers
- More in-store retail options
- Cruelty-free, GMO-free, vegan (except wool dryer balls)
- Leaping Bunny Certified
- Affordable and customizable
Cons:
- Only a few unscented products
- More packaging with the refills than some other options (like Blueland)
CleanCult is a wonderful place to get your feet wet if you are interested in switching to a sustainable lifestyle. It’s an easy-to-find product that is affordable and doesn’t require many extra steps.
Seventh Generation 👨👩👧👦
Let’s talk about a company that is both mainstream and making strides to be more sustainable all the time. Sustainability isn’t just about small businesses. In fact, I really appreciate when bigger businesses push for change because people notice. So, kudos to Seventh Generation for taking a stand and caring about the impact of their products on the environment.
What are they doing to make their products more eco-friendly? Great question! To name a few things: packaging from post-consumer recycled materials, paper products from recycled paper, and recyclable pouches. They know their work isn’t done, but they are transparent about all the ways they are looking to improve.
Pros:
- Well-known and reliable brand
- Leaping Bunny Certified, Certified B Corporation (to name a few!)
- Plant-based ingredients, cruelty-free, no synthetic dyes/fragrances
- Easy to find in-store and online (Find Seventh Generation on Amazon)
- Affordable
Cons:
- Plastic packaging (even though it’s recycled)
- Large company…if you prefer to support small business
Seventh Generation products are widely available from Target to Amazon, so this is a great place to start your eco-friendly cleaning journey. While I personally prefer to support small businesses, you can choose Seventh Generation and still know you are making a difference for the environment.
Eco-Friendly Cleaning Conclusion
Interested in what I’m cleaning with this spring? Right now, my go-to cleaning supplies are from Blueland and Dropps. My sprays and hand-soap are from Blueland, while my dishwashing and laundry detergents are from Dropps. And I’m loving them! With all this research, I might be persuaded to try some of these other brands too (if I haven’t already!).
If you are looking to switch to eco-friendly cleaning, make sure you toss your old plastic bottles correctly. Check out local recycling rules or look into TerraCycle for responsible recycling. Who knows, that detergent bottle might turn into a new playground!
Anyone have plans for a big spring clean or a favorite product? Looking forward to hearing from you!
Be Well. Be Clean. With Love.
*This post contains affiliate links, so a small commission may be earned if you make a purchase through this website (at no additional cost to you!).
merridee benham says
Great info – thanks Maggie!
Maggie says
Thanks for reading! Happy cleaning 🙂
~ Maggie