We’ve all been there: you’re deep in cleaning mode, scrubbing surfaces like you’re auditioning for a cleaning commercial, and suddenly, the harsh smell of chemicals hits you. Before you know it, your eyes are watering, your throat’s a bit scratchy, and you’re feeling like you just inhaled something from a lab experiment gone wrong. The culprit? Those high-tox, chemical-heavy cleaning products.
The good news? You don’t have to choose between a sparkling clean home and your health. Enter: low-tox household cleaning products. These are the heroes we all need, keeping your house spotless while also keeping harmful chemicals out of your air and off your surfaces. Let’s dive into why it’s important to switch to low-tox cleaners and highlight 5 amazing brands that are leading the way in healthy, green cleaning.
Why Use Low-Tox Household Cleaners?
Before we jump into the brands, let’s take a second to understand why switching to low-tox household cleaning products is more than just a trend. It’s a step toward healthier living for you, your family, and even your pets.
- Better Air Quality
Traditional cleaning products often release harmful chemicals, known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), into the air. VOCs can contribute to poor indoor air quality and even lead to headaches, dizziness, or respiratory issues. Low-tox cleaners are designed with natural, non-toxic ingredients that don’t leave you feeling like you just cleaned with a chemical cocktail. - Safer for Your Skin and Body
Harsh chemicals can wreak havoc on your skin, causing irritation or allergic reactions. Over time, exposure to these chemicals may also contribute to more serious health concerns, such as hormone disruption or long-term respiratory issues. Low-tox cleaning products reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals, keeping your skin (and the rest of your body) safe. - Pet and Kid-Friendly
If you have kids or pets at home, you’re probably already hyper-aware of what products you use around them. Low-tox cleaners provide peace of mind because they’re made with safe, plant-based ingredients, which means less worrying about what your toddler or puppy is exposed to. - Environmentally Friendly
Many traditional household cleaning products contain ingredients that aren’t just harmful to your home—they can also harm the planet. Low-tox products often use biodegradable ingredients, eco-friendly packaging, and sustainable practices, making them a win for both your household and Mother Earth. - Less Exposure to Allergens
If you or someone in your household suffers from allergies or asthma, using low-tox products can be a game-changer. Many low-tox brands steer clear of harsh fragrances and chemicals, reducing the risk of triggering an allergic reaction.
Now that we’ve established why going low-tox is a no-brainer, let’s check out five of the best brands of low-tox household cleaning products that will have your home sparkling without the side effects.
1. Branch Basics
Why we love them:
Branch Basics has a simple but powerful mission: to create a multipurpose cleaner that’s non-toxic and effective. Their products are made with plant and mineral-based ingredients that are free from synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and dyes. One of the coolest things about Branch Basics is that their concentrate can be diluted with water to create different strengths of cleaner for various surfaces, from windows to countertops to floors.
Why it’s great for fat loss: Oops, I mean cleaning… because these products are so simple, they reduce clutter and waste. You don’t need 10 different bottles when one concentrate does the job of all of them!
Best product: The Branch Basics Concentrate is their hero product, and it can be used to create everything from an all-purpose cleaner to a laundry detergent. It’s also safe for use on any surface you can think of.
2. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day
Why we love them:
Mrs. Meyer’s is probably one of the best-known brands in the low-tox cleaning world, and for good reason. They combine garden-inspired scents (think lavender, lemon verbena, and basil) with plant-derived ingredients to create cleaning products that are effective, smell amazing, and don’t contain harmful chemicals like ammonia or chlorine.
Extra bonus: Mrs. Meyer’s products are cruelty-free, biodegradable, and packaged in recyclable materials. So, while you’re cleaning up your home, you’re also giving a little love to the environment.
Best product: Their Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner is a fan favorite. It works on all types of surfaces and smells incredible, without being overpowering or chemically.
3. Seventh Generation
Why we love them:
Seventh Generation has been a leader in eco-friendly, low-tox household cleaning products for years. Their entire product line is plant-based, free from synthetic fragrances, and made with biodegradable ingredients. Plus, they’re committed to reducing their environmental impact by using recycled materials in their packaging.
Why it’s great for peace of mind: Seventh Generation is transparent about what goes into their products, so you never have to worry about sneaky toxic ingredients hiding in the fine print.
Best product: Their Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner is a heavy-duty cleaner that kills 99.99% of household germs—without using bleach or synthetic chemicals.
4. Blueland
Why we love them:
Blueland is shaking up the cleaning industry with their unique refill system. Instead of buying a new plastic bottle every time you run out of cleaner, you buy one reusable bottle and simply order tablets that dissolve in water to create the cleaning solution. The result? Less plastic waste and a cleaner that’s just as effective as the ones you’re used to (without all the toxic junk).
Eco-friendly highlight: Blueland is all about cutting down on single-use plastic, which makes them a great option for the eco-conscious cleaner.
Best product: Blueland’s Clean Essentials Kit comes with everything you need to start cleaning your house without the waste. It includes refillable bottles and a variety of cleaning tablets that cover all your basic household needs.
5. Puracy
Why we love them:
Puracy offers a wide range of plant-based, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable cleaning products. They’re known for creating cleaners that are tough on grime but gentle on your home’s surfaces (and the environment). Puracy’s formulas are free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic dyes, making them a great choice for sensitive households.
Great for sensitive skin: If you or anyone in your household has skin sensitivities, Puracy is an excellent option since their products are formulated to be hypoallergenic.
Best product: Their Natural Surface Cleaner is super versatile, and like the other brands, it works on all surfaces without the need for harsh chemicals.
How to Transition to Low-Tox Cleaning Products
Switching to low-tox household cleaning products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by replacing one or two of your most-used cleaners—like your multi-surface spray or floor cleaner—and work your way through the rest. You’ll be amazed at how much healthier your home feels with fewer chemicals hanging around.
Another tip? Check out DIY options. Many low-tox cleaning products can be made at home with ingredients you already have, like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Going low-tox can also save you a few bucks in the long run!
Final Thoughts: Clean Smarter, Not Harder
There’s no denying that the switch to low-tox household cleaning products can improve your home’s air quality, protect your health, and reduce your environmental footprint. With brands like Branch Basics, Mrs. Meyer’s, Seventh Generation, Blueland, and Puracy leading the charge, it’s never been easier to make the switch. Your body (and the planet) will thank you for it.
Over to You!
Have you tried any of these low-tox cleaning brands? What’s your go-to brand for keeping your home clean and healthy? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Sources:
- Singer, BC et al. “Cleaning Products and Indoor Air Quality: A Review of Field, Laboratory, and Modeling Studies.” Indoor Air. 2006.
- Gilbert SG, Weiss B. “A Rationale for Lowering the Blood Lead Action Level from 10 to 2 µg/dL.” NeuroToxicology. 2006.
- Norn S, Permin H, Kruse E, Kruse PR. “Historical Perspectives on Use of Household Chemicals for Indoor Cleaning.” Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol. 2012.
