There’s more to it than just natural ingredients, though: Most green cleaning products also come in refillable containers, which mean less plastic use. Using them often means keeping waste out of landfills. (Anyone embarking on a zero waste lifestyle will want to invest in some glass cleaning containers.) Other eco-friendly cleaning products come in recyclable containers, so recycling them is possible and relatively easy. Transitioning to a green clean may sound challenging, but it’s really not. This list highlights eight great places to start: cleaning products that can make everything from dishes to floors and tiles sparkle. Next time a go-to glass cleaner or everyday disinfecting spray is used up, look for a green alternative that accomplishes the same task. By working piece-by-piece through your cleaning supplies, you can make your to-do list a little better for the environment without wasting a drop of the cleaning products you already have. At the end of the process—and there’s a chance it might take a while, especially if you just stocked up on your older cleaning supplies—you’ll have a whole new cleaning repertoire that you can really feel good about. Once you’ve started using green cleaning products, you’ll never go back. These cleaning supplies are healthier for everyone in your home and the environment, and they can still get the job done. A freshly cleaned home feels cleaner—and smells more natural—when it’s free of harsh chemicals, and the right green cleaning products can get you that feeling every time you use them. Stock up with these essentials, then keep an eye out for green versions of your favorite cleaning supplies: You may be surprised by how many green cleaning products are already on shelves. When you’re cleaning mirrors, cleaning expert Melissa Maker suggests wiping in an S pattern to avoid streaks. To buy: $4; homedepot.com. The vinegar here is electrolyzed (so an electric current changes the composition of the vinegar with the other ingredients), making it safe to use on sealed stone, like granite. To buy: Starter Kit, $90; forceofnatureclean.com. Simply add a few drops of this gentle dish soap to water to clean marble and granite. To buy: $5; target.com. Think beyond your cooktop and use this cleaner to make your pots and pans, sink, and faucet sparkle. To buy: $5; mrsmeyers.com. Use this spray whenever you need to disinfect, but allow it to sit for 10 minutes to help eliminate the bacteria. To buy: $6; target.com. Safe for use on stainless steel too. To buy: $5; target.com. Use it with Kuper’s pick: the Libman Wonder Mop. She loves that the detachable, microfiber head is easy to wring out and throw into the wash. To buy: $9; bedbathandbeyond.com. Skip the hot water—this detergent works well in cold too, which requires less energy. To buy: $8; homedepot.com. If you have stubborn underarm stains on a well-worn shirt, give it a spin with this rinse. To buy: Pack of 2, price pending; nine-elements.com.
