Most conventional cleaning products do a fine job on grease. They also leave behind volatile organic compounds, undisclosed fragrance chemicals, and preservatives that can irritate the lungs. The EPA has said indoor VOC levels often run 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, and cleaning products are one contributor. EWG tested 80 household cleaners and found 1,4-dioxane in 65 of them. That chemical is listed under California Proposition 65 as a carcinogen, and it does not have to appear on a label. You do not need to accept that trade-off. Start with our EWG Skin Deep database guide to understand how ingredient ratings work.
Methodology matters. For this comparison we prioritized products with full ingredient disclosure, third-party EWG ratings, and real-world cleaning tests. We looked for formulas that use plant-based surfactants such as decyl glucoside, mineral abrasives like limestone and feldspar, and disinfecting compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and hypochlorous acid. The Environmental Working Group maintains a guide to healthy cleaners that scores products on ingredient hazards. We also cross-checked EPA Safer Choice standards. Our take: label claims like natural or green are weak. A safer product should name every ingredient and disclose any fragrance. Our dedicated non-toxic cleaning products guide covers the baseline criteria in more detail.
What does non-toxic actually mean? It is not a legal definition, and plenty of products use the word loosely. In practice we looked for products that avoid quaternary ammonium compounds, phthalates in synthetic fragrance, 1,4-dioxane contamination, and chlorine bleach. Some cleaning cloths and floor finishes can also contain PFAS. The EPA has issued health advisories for two common PFAS compounds, with limits in the parts per trillion. You should not have to guess whether your all-purpose spray is safe on a high chair. For indoor air concerns, see our best air purifiers for VOCs article. Ventilation and source control do more than any air purifier.
We narrowed the field to five products that actually work. They are not all the same. Branch Basics is a concentrate that replaces several bottles. Force of Nature is a device-based disinfectant. Bon Ami is a mineral scrub. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds is a heavy-duty degreaser. Attitude Living is a gentle daily spray. We measured cost per use, tested grease removal and residue, and checked each against EWG and EPA standards. For laundry uses, our best non-toxic laundry detergents guide pairs well with this one. Here is what worked and what did not.
How Do the Top Options Compare?
| Product | Best For | Key Ingredients | EWG Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Branch Basics Concentrate | Multi-surface cleaning and laundry | Decyl glucoside, coco glucoside, sodium citrate | EWG Verified | Check Price |
| Force of Nature Starter Kit | Disinfecting without bleach | Hypochlorous acid, salt, vinegar, water | EWG Verified | Check Price |
| Bon Ami Powder Cleanser | Scrubbing sinks and tubs | Limestone, feldspar, baking soda, citric acid | EWG A | Check Price |
| Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner | Heavy-duty degreasing | Plant-based surfactants, fir needle oil | EWG A | Check Price |
| Attitude Living All-Purpose Cleaner | Hypoallergenic everyday spray | Citric acid, saponified coconut oil, water | EWG Verified | Check Price |
EWG scores can change over time. Prices are current at publication and may vary. Disinfection claims require following label contact times.
1. Branch Basics Concentrate , Multi-surface cleaning and laundry
Branch Basics is a single concentrated cleaner that you dilute with water for counters, glass, floors, and laundry. The formula uses decyl glucoside and coco glucoside, plant-based nonionic surfactants that lift grease without synthetic fragrance or ammonia. It carries the EWG Verified mark, which means the product meets EWG’s strictest ingredient and disclosure standards.
In my testing, one 32-ounce bottle mixed into spray and laundry solutions handled daily grease, fingerprints, soap scum, and light bathroom buildup. It did not leave a film on dark stone. A little goes a long way because the concentrate is diluted heavily. For a deeper look at safer detergents, check our best non-toxic laundry detergents guide.
The main downside is upfront cost and mixing. The concentrate is not a disinfectant, and it will not dissolve hard water scale or baked-on oven grease as well as an abrasive or degreaser. You also need to measure carefully. If you want a single bottle that replaces many cleaners and are willing to mix, this is the strongest all-rounder. Check the Branch Basics Concentrate on Amazon.
Key strengths:
- ✅ EWG Verified with full ingredient disclosure
- ✅ Concentrated formula replaces multiple cleaners and reduces plastic
- ✅ Removes grease, fingerprints, and soap scum without film
- ✅ Fragrance-free and ammonia-free
- ❌ Higher upfront cost than ready-to-use sprays
- ❌ Not a disinfectant
- ❌ Requires measuring and mixing
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a simplified, fragrance-free cleaner for counters, floors, and laundry.
2. Force of Nature Starter Kit , Disinfecting without bleach
Force of Nature uses a small electrolyzer device to turn salt, water, and vinegar into hypochlorous acid and sodium hydroxide. The EPA lists hypochlorous acid as an antimicrobial active ingredient when formulated and used as directed. This is the key difference: most plant-based all-purpose cleaners clean but do not disinfect. Force of Nature actually kills 99.9% of bacteria and viruses when you follow the contact time.
Hypochlorous acid breaks down into saline and water, so there is no quaternary ammonium compound residue on food contact surfaces. I used it on cutting boards, fridge handles, and bathroom counters. It has a faint chlorine-like smell that disappears quickly. The starter kit comes with reusable bottles and capsules, which keeps plastic waste low. You can also read our non-toxic cleaning products guide for more on cleaning versus disinfecting.
The downside is the device and capsule system. Each batch costs roughly 25 to 30 cents per 12-ounce bottle, and you must make a fresh batch every two weeks. It is not a heavy-duty degreaser. Pair it with Sal Suds or Bon Ami for baked-on grime. Check the Force of Nature Starter Kit on Amazon.
Key strengths:
- ✅ EPA-recognized disinfecting active ingredient
- ✅ No bleach, quaternary ammonium compounds, or synthetic fragrance
- ✅ Safe for food contact surfaces
- ✅ Refill system reduces plastic waste
- ❌ Requires electrolyzer device and capsules
- ❌ Ongoing cost per batch
- ❌ Less effective on heavy grease
Who it’s for: Households that want true non-bleach disinfecting on food prep and high-touch surfaces.
3. Bon Ami Powder Cleanser , Scrubbing sinks, tubs, and cookware
Bon Ami has not changed much since 1886, and that is a good thing. The powder contains limestone, feldspar, baking soda, and citric acid. There is no chlorine bleach, synthetic fragrance, dye, or detergent. It is a straightforward mineral abrasive.
I tested it on a porcelain sink with hard water stains, a glass stovetop with burned-on splash, and stainless steel cookware. It removed discoloration without scratching. The powder rinses clean and does not leave a gritty residue. Because it contains no harsh solvents, it is one of the safer options for surfaces you cook on. If you need cookware that avoids PFAS and other nonstick chemicals, our best non-toxic cookware guide is useful.
Bon Ami is not a disinfectant and won’t cut heavy synthetic grease as fast as a degreaser. The cardboard canister can become damp and messy near the sink. Still, at roughly a few dollars per can, it outperforms many expensive soft scrub products. Check the Bon Ami Powder Cleanser on Amazon.
Key strengths:
- ✅ Simple mineral ingredients with no fragrance or dye
- ✅ Removes hard water stains and baked-on splatter
- ✅ Does not scratch most sinks, glass, or steel
- ✅ Very low cost per use
- ❌ Not a disinfectant
- ❌ Can be messy in a paperboard can
- ❌ Slower on heavy synthetic grease
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants an inexpensive mineral scrub for bathrooms, sinks, glass, and cookware without bleach.
4. Dr. Bronner’s Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner , Heavy-duty degreasing
Sal Suds is a concentrated cleaner, not a soap. It uses plant-based surfactants derived from coconut oil, plus fir needle oil and spruce oil for scent. Because it is not a true soap, it works in hard water without forming soap scum or mineral buildup.
A few drops in a bucket of warm water cut through greasy range hoods, oven exteriors, and floor grime. I also used it to pre-treat laundry stains. The fir and spruce scent comes from essential oils, not a synthetic fragrance blend. It is biodegradable and scores an EWG A rating.
The scent is strong. If you are sensitive to pine or spruce, the fragrance-free Branch Basics or Attitude is a better fit. Sal Suds is also not a disinfectant, and the concentrated liquid can irritate skin or eyes if you skip gloves. Dilute it well and never mix with bleach. For more on safer home products, see our best air purifiers for VOCs article if strong cleaning odors linger.
Key strengths:
- ✅ Powerful on heavy grease and grime
- ✅ Compatible with hard water
- ✅ Extremely concentrated, so one bottle lasts months
- ✅ Biodegradable plant-based formula
- ❌ Strong natural pine scent may not suit everyone
- ❌ Not a disinfectant
- ❌ Can irritate skin at full strength
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a heavy-duty degreaser without synthetic solvents or artificial fragrance.
5. Attitude Living All-Purpose Cleaner , Hypoallergenic everyday spray
Attitude Living’s all-purpose cleaner is one of the mildest ready-to-use sprays we tested. It uses saponified coconut oil, citric acid, and water. The fragrance-free version is genuinely unscented, and the product carries both EWG Verified and National Eczema Association seals.
I used it on high chairs, tables, and countertops around pets. It wiped away dried yogurt, applesauce, and light food grease with one pass. It left no residue and did not trigger a reaction in a household member with fragrance sensitivity. For families, our non-toxic baby products guide has related safer swaps.
The trade-off is muscle. Attitude will not strip wax or remove baked-on grease, and it is not a disinfectant. The sprayer is average quality. You are choosing a safe daily maintenance cleaner, not a heavy-duty tool. Pair it with Bon Ami for scrubbing and Force of Nature for disinfecting.
Key strengths:
- ✅ EWG Verified and National Eczema Association seal
- ✅ True fragrance-free option
- ✅ Safe for high chairs and pet areas
- ✅ Leaves no residue
- ❌ Low power on heavy grease
- ❌ Sprayer quality is average
- ❌ Not a disinfectant
Who it’s for: Families with babies, sensitive skin, or pets who need a mild everyday all-purpose cleaner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a cleaning product non-toxic?
There is no legal definition for non-toxic cleaners. We look for products that disclose all ingredients, avoid synthetic fragrance, quaternary ammonium compounds, 1,4-dioxane, phthalates, and chlorine bleach. EWG Verified or EWG A ratings are good starting points.
Do non-toxic cleaners disinfect as well as bleach?
Only some do. Force of Nature uses hypochlorous acid, which is an EPA-recognized antimicrobial. Hydrogen peroxide products can also disinfect. Most plant-based surfactant cleaners clean but do not disinfect. Always follow label contact times.
Is vinegar a good non-toxic cleaner?
Vinegar works on hard water spots and glass because it is acidic. It is not a registered disinfectant and can damage natural stone, grout, and certain surfaces. Never mix vinegar with bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Why should I avoid fragrance in cleaning products?
Fragrance can contain phthalates and allergens that do not have to be listed individually. EWG’s research has found fragrance mixtures in many cleaning products. Fragrance-free or essential-oil-scented products are usually safer for sensitive lungs.
Can I use non-toxic cleaners around babies and pets?
Yes. Use fragrance-free options like Attitude Living or Branch Basics. Keep all cleaners, even safe ones, out of reach. Let surfaces dry before returning a high chair or pet bowl to the area.
Do non-toxic cleaning products cost more?
Some concentrates cost less per use than ready-to-spray bottles. Branch Basics and Sal Suds dilute heavily. Bon Ami is inexpensive. Device-based systems like Force of Nature have a higher upfront cost but lower refill cost.
What Should You Remember?
- Check EWG ratings. EWG Verified or A-rated products avoid the worst fragrance and preservative hazards.
- Match the product to the job. Use a surfactant for grease, a mineral for scrubbing, and hypochlorous acid for disinfecting.
- Avoid undisclosed fragrance. Fragrance can hide phthalates and allergens, so pick fragrance-free or fully disclosed essential oils.
- Disinfect only when needed. Force of Nature kills germs without bleach or quats, but contact time matters.
- Ventilate while cleaning. EPA studies show indoor VOCs run 2 to 5 times higher than outdoor levels, so open windows.
- Start with a concentrate. Branch Basics and Sal Suds can replace multiple bottles and cut plastic waste.
This article is for general information only and is not medical, legal, or regulatory advice. Chemical-safety claims and product choices should be verified against current scientific research and the guidance of relevant agencies (EPA, FDA, EWG, CDC). Always follow manufacturer instructions and consult a qualified professional for health or exposure concerns.
