The Best Chemical-Free Cleaning Products (That Actually Work)
- Stefani Stein
- Sep 26
- 10 min read
Updated: 7 days ago
It seems I’m often fielding questions from clients and friends about which cleaning products I actually use at home. After years of repeating the same recommendations in emails and conversations, I decided it was time to gather them in one place and share them here.
There’s no shortage of products that claim to be clean, natural, or non-toxic. But if you’ve ever flipped over a bottle and read the fine print, you know how often the ingredient list tells a different story. Over the years, I’ve learned to look beyond the marketing language and pay attention to what’s actually inside. That shift started with skin sensitivities and a long list of things I didn’t want to smell or touch every day. I can personally vouch for the effectiveness and safety of these chemical-free cleaning products, as I have used them in my own home for years.
Over the years, it has evolved into something more thoughtful. These days, I look for products that are not only safe and effective, but also transparent about their ingredients and formulated with both health and the environment in mind. I look for formulas that are biodegradable and plant-based, that avoid synthetic fragrance when possible, and that hold meaningful certifications like EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, or EU Ecolabel. For my family, I select products that align with my commitment to minimizing the chemicals in our home environment and foster personal sense of well-being.
These are the products that made the cut. They’re what I use in my own home, and what I recommend to friends and clients alike. Clean formulas (mostly), considered packaging, and performance that doesn’t disappoint.
The Products That Made the Cut
Over time, I’ve edited down the products I use to a short list of essentials. These are the chemical-free (or mostly chemical-free) selections that have earned a place in my routine — not just because they meet a clean standard, but also because they work. Doing thorough research is essential when selecting chemical-free cleaning products to ensure they are truly safe and effective. I’ve tried plenty that didn’t.
What remains are cleaning product formulas that feel considered in both performance and composition. Avoiding toxic chemicals is a key criterion in my selection process. Some are beautifully minimal, others could use a rebrand, but all of them meet a level of ingredient integrity and functionality that I trust. I value choosing brands and products that prioritize safety, transparency, and sustainable practices whenever possible.
Chemical-Free Glass Cleaner
A clean window has a kind of quiet satisfaction to it. This glass cleaner is one of the most effective sprays for glass surfaces, delivering a powerful clean without harsh chemicals. I keep this cleaner on hand because it does the job simply and beautifully, without the telltale streaks or strong chemical smell.
ECOS Window Cleaner – Vinegar Glass Cleaner
This is the only glass cleaner I continue to restock. The formula is pared back to the essentials — just water, vinegar, and a biodegradable surfactant — and it performs beautifully on glass, chrome, and mirrored surfaces. I use it on windows, bathroom fixtures, and the glass tops of side tables. The vinegar scent is noticeable at first, but fades quickly and leaves behind no trace.
It is also one of the few glass cleaners to be both EWG A Rated and Leaping Bunny Certified, making it an environmentally friendly choice thanks to its safe ingredients and trusted certifications. This is reassuring when you are spraying it near sinks, kitchen prep areas, or places little hands frequently touch. There is no synthetic fragrance, no dyes, and no ammonia.
EWG Rating: A
Certifications: EWG A-Rated, Leaping Bunny
Key ingredients: Water, vinegar, plant-based surfactants
Free from: Ammonia, dyes, synthetic fragrance
Best for: Windows, mirrors, glass surfaces, chrome
Plastic-Free Dishwasher Detergent
Finding a clean dishwasher detergent that actually works can feel like a bit of a search. Choosing natural cleaning products for the kitchen is important for both health considerations and eco-friendliness. Many of the truly natural options do not rinse well and leave film or grit behind. This detergent is an essential home product for maintaining a chemical-free kitchen, and using refillable packaging plays a key role in eliminating single use plastic.
Blueland Dishwasher Tablets
Finding a truly clean dishwasher detergent that performs consistently can be a challenge. Many of the gentler formulas leave behind a powdery residue or fail to cut through grease. On the other hand, most mainstream options rely on artificial fragrance, optical brighteners, or phosphates that I prefer not to have lingering on glassware or plates.
SHOP
BLUELAND Starter Kit | BLUELAND Refills
Blueland’s tablets are dry-pressed, low-sudsing, and come in a plastic-free refill system. They’re housed in a reusable metal tin, which feels both minimal and functional. The ingredients are plant-based and fully disclosed. The refillable tin and use of plant-based ingredients support sustainable cleaning by reducing plastic waste and relying on biodegradable, eco-friendly materials. They are free from synthetic fragrance, phosphates, dyes, and petroleum-derived fillers, and they’re among the few dishwasher products that are officially EWG Verified—the highest rating possible. They’re also Leaping Bunny Certified and Cradle to Cradle Certified, which adds to my confidence in both their safety and sustainability.
EWG Rating: Verified
Certifications: EWG Verified, Leaping Bunny, Cradle to Cradle
Free from: Phosphates, dyes, synthetic fragrance, petroleum solvents
Packaging: Refillable tin with paper-based refills
Best for: Dishes, glassware, cookware, and flatware
I’ve found Blueland’s tablets clean thoroughly without the need for a rinse aid. That said, I do have a Thermador Star Sapphire Dishwasher with Zeolite Drying, which helps prevent spots and likely improves the finish on glassware. If your dishwasher does not have similar drying technology, you may want to test a few settings before eliminating your rinse-aid.
Pro Tip
If you can’t entirely eliminate rinse aid, try using cleaning vinegar instead. Important: It must be diluted or it will break down the rubber seal in your dishwasher over time. Use 1 part vinegar and 4 parts water to make the solution.
Dish Soap that Cuts through the Grease
Dish soap is something we all use throughout the day and keep close to the sink. I prefer that it feels like part of the kitchen, not a leftover from the cleaning aisle. As for the actual products, I look for formulas that are gentle on hands, free from synthetic fragrance, safe to use around everything from baby bottles to delicate porcelain and ceramics, and suitable for use around kids.
I also decant my dish soap into a glass bottle, which means I want something that works with that setup. These two are the ones I return to, and the main differences are scent and packaging style. I try to select products with minimal or recyclable packaging whenever possible.
ECOS Earth Friendly Products Dishwashing Liquid – Grapefruit
This has been my go-to for years. The scent is soft, not overly sweet, and the formula rinses clean without drying out skin. For example, it features coconut-derived surfactants that are gentle yet effective, making it a standout in its category of dish soaps. It is free from sulfates, synthetic fragrance, dyes, and parabens, and it's EWG A-Rated. The only downside is that it comes in a standard squeeze bottle, rather than low-waste packaging.
EWG Rating: A
Scent: Grapefruit (naturally derived)
Free from: SLS, SLES, synthetic fragrance, parabens, dyes
Packaging: Traditional squeeze bottle
Best for: Everyday hand-washing, baby bottles, sensitive skin
Puracy Dish Soap – Green Tea & Lime
This is my other favorite dish soap. It’s ideal if you are refilling a countertop glass dispenser. It has a subtle herbal-citrus scent that feels elevated without being overpowering. This dish soap is part of a broader line of eco-friendly cleaning products from Puracy, reflecting the brand's commitment to safe personal care and cleaning solutions. Like the ECOS version, it is sulfate-free, biodegradable, and EWG A-Rated. What makes it especially appealing is the refill pouch, which reduces plastic waste and pairs easily with an amber glass bottle for a more considered countertop look.
EWG Rating: A
Scent: Green tea and lime (essential oil-based)
Free from: Sulfates, synthetic fragrance, dyes, harsh preservatives
Packaging: Refill pouch
Best for: Refill setups, scent-sensitive homes, minimal countertop aesthetics
Pro Tip
If you’re decanting this into a countertop dispenser, I love using these brand-free amber glass bottles with matte black metal pumps.
They’re minimal, refill-friendly, and look elevated next to the sink without drawing attention to themselves. I pair them with my eco-friendly dish soap recommendations. A small shift that instantly makes everyday items feel more intentional.
The Chemical-Free Cleaners I Use for Sinks and Scuff Marks
For everyday cleaning of fireclay sinks, cookware, or the occasional stubborn stain, I like to keep something on hand with mild abrasiveness, effective enough to lift residue without risking damage to the surface. They provide a powerful clean without harsh chemicals promoting a healthy household environment.
These are two options I consistently reach for:
Bon Ami Powder Cleanser
Bon Ami has been around since 1886 and is still one of the best options available for a simple, non-toxic abrasive. The ingredient list is short and familiar. There is no bleach, no synthetic fragrance, no dyes, and no added preservatives. It is EWG A-Rated and suitable for a wide range of surfaces, including fireclay, porcelain, enamel, stainless steel, and glass.
I use it most often for my kitchen sink, especially when dealing with scuff marks or light staining. It also works well on cookware with stuck-on residue and occasionally on ceramic tile. Because it is a dry powder, it should always be used with a damp cloth or sponge and never left sitting on delicate surfaces like marble or natural stone.
How I use it: Sprinkle onto a damp sponge or cloth, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly. After cleaning, I make sure all surfaces are thoroughly washed to remove any remaining residue.
It’s safe on enamel, stainless steel, porcelain, and glass, and it works particularly well on fireclay sinks, where it gently removes metal marks or soap buildup without scratching. I typically apply it with a damp sponge and rinse clean.
Texture: Fine powder
Scent: None
EWG Rating: A
Free from: Fragrance, bleach, dyes, preservatives
Best for: Fireclay, enamel, stainless steel, and cookware
ECOS Surface Scrub Cleaner Polish – Lemon
This soft scrub gives you the creamy texture of a traditional cleaner without the synthetic fragrance or harsh preservatives. It is made with baking soda and citrus-derived cleaning agents and is EWG A-Rated, which is one of the highest ratings possible. The lemon scent comes from natural citrus extracts and essential oils, and it rinses easily without leaving any film.
How I use it: Apply with a non-scratch sponge or cloth, work in a circular motion, rinse clean
I like it for flat surfaces like cooktops or the base of a sink, where I want something that spreads evenly and cleans without scratching. It's an excellent alternative to more conventional cream cleaners and offers a clean formula that remains easy to use.
Note: Always test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility with your surface. Avoid using on natural stone or unsealed surfaces.
EWG Rating: A
Scent: Citrus
Free from: Synthetic fragrance, ammonia, bleach, harsh preservatives
Best for: Cooktops, sinks, tile, stainless steel
What I Reach For, and When
When I want something completely free of fragrance, I use Bon Ami. But for a cream cleanser with a smoother application — especially on curved surfaces — I find the ECOS option works well.
Pro Tip: Consider using Non-Scratch Cellulose Sponges to avoid scratching delicate surfaces. For tougher scouring tasks, I recommend Natural Loofah Sponges or Bamboo Dish Brushes.
Laundry Detergent
My relationship with detergent changed the day I found this one. I had cycled through every version of “free and clear” on the shelf, but most still left me with irritated and itchy skin. Not to mention leaving my clothes with a smell that was more chemical than clean. A thorough wash with this formula helps remove residues, reducing exposure to harsh chemicals that can linger on fabrics. This is the only formula that truly made a difference, not just in how my laundry looked and felt, but in how my skin reacted, offering real benefits for human health by being chemical-free.
Puracy Natural Laundry Detergent – Free & Clear
What sets this detergent apart is its truly minimal ingredient list and the fact that it is 10x concentrated, meaning you only need two pumps per load. That smaller dose still delivers a full clean without relying on harsh surfactants, optical brighteners, or masking fragrances. The plant-based enzymes break down stains and odors without stripping fibers or leaving residue behind. Clothes feel softer, colors stay true, and my skin no longer has to battle hidden irritants. Puracy also offers carbon-neutral shipping, supporting climate-neutral initiatives for a more sustainable laundry routine.
Unlike many “free and clear” options, which can still include synthetic preservatives or heavy-duty cleaning agents. Puracy’s formula is EWG A-Rated and is designed to be hypoallergenic, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and free from fragrance, sulfates, chlorine, brighteners, and phosphates. It fights stains and odors using these four hard-working enzymes: Protease, Amylase, Lipase, and Mannanase. For me, that combination means fewer flare-ups, less environmental impact, and laundry that smells simply clean, rather than not scented.
SHOP
EWG Rating: A
Scent: None
Formula: 10x concentrated, 2 pumps per load.
Free from: Fragrance, sulfates, chlorine, SLS brighteners, phosphates, Dioxane, paraben, phosphate, phthalate, artificial fragrances, allergen, and dyes.
Certifications: Certified Cruelty-Free by PETA, and Leaping Bunny
Pros: No synthetic fragrance, biodegradable formula, and hypoallergenic
It’s not just a product I keep in the laundry room, it’s one I actively recommend to clients who want to create a healthier home environment without sacrificing performance.
Pro Tip
For bedding, pairing Puracy with your machine’s Allergen or Steam cycle leaves sheets extra soft and supple, with a smooth, lived-in feel that makes climbing into bed even more inviting. It is an easy upgrade to your laundry routine, especially when paired with my favorite sheets for every season. And, for plastic-free storage, try pairing it with these Amber Glass bottles.
A More Intentional Kind of Clean
There is something comforting about knowing precisely what you’re bringing into your home. For me, cleaning is not just about tidying up, but about caring for the materials, the spaces, and most importantly, my family and pets. I want the surfaces in my home to feel clean without a chemical film, and I want the air to smell like something subtle and fresh, not masked by migraine-inducing synthetic fragrances. As consumers, we have the power to choose safer, more environmentally friendly cleaning products that support our health and the planet.
These products let me keep a clean home without the harsh tradeoffs. They’re (mostly) free from the ingredients I actively avoid, yet they still perform in a way that feels satisfying and effective. Many of them have earned third-party certifications for safety and sustainability, supporting the broader green cleaning movement. Some are refillable or low-waste. Others do the job quietly and beautifully, which is enough.
Whether you’re just beginning to transition to safer products or refining a well-edited routine, I hope this list offers a starting point. Clean should feel good in every sense: for your surfaces, your skin, and your peace of mind.
Whether you’re just beginning to transition to safer products or refining a well-edited routine, I hope this list offers a starting point. Clean should feel good in every sense: for your surfaces, your skin, and your peace of mind, while also helping you save money in the long run.
If you’re looking for a great option to purchase chemical-free cleaning products online, Amazon and Thrive Market both offer convenience and selection.
