Top Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies for the Kitchen: Safe, Effective, and Eco-Friendly Choices
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When it comes to cleaning, the kitchen is one area of the home that deserves special attention. After all, it’s where we prepare our food, gather with family, and spend time every day. But conventional cleaning supplies often utilize harsh chemicals that can leave behind residues, irritate our skin, or even harm our respiratory system. If you’re looking to switch to a low-tox kitchen, you’re not alone—and the good news is, non-toxic cleaners can be just as effective (if not more so!) than conventional products.
Not only are non-toxic cleaners better for you, but they’re a great way to allow little ones who want to “help” a way to do so safely. Personally, my kids love to clean windows if it means they get to use a spray bottle!
Whether you’re new to low-tox living or already living a more holistic lifestyle, these products and homemade recipes will help you keep your kitchen sparkling clean and safe for your family.
Why Switch to Non-Toxic Kitchen Cleaners?
The traditional cleaners that line supermarket shelves often contain ammonia, chlorine bleach, and synthetic fragrances. These chemicals can be irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. Not only that, but many of them contribute to indoor air pollution—which can impact everyone in the household, especially children and pets.
Top Non-Toxic Cleaning Supplies for the Kitchen
Let’s dive into some of the best non-toxic cleaners for your kitchen. These brands are known for their effectiveness, safety, and environmental consciousness.
1. Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner
Best for Versatility
If you’re looking for an all-in-one cleaner that’s safe and effective, Branch Basics is an excellent choice. This plant-based cleaner is perfect for countertops, stovetops, sinks, and even your appliances. Its non-toxic, fragrance-free formula makes it ideal for households with sensitive skin or allergies. The beauty of Branch Basics is that it comes as a concentrate, so you can dilute it to suit your needs, whether you’re cleaning up after a big meal or wiping down everyday messes.
Why It’s Great: It’s versatile, powerful, and free from synthetic fragrances, making it a great go-to for all your kitchen (and overall household) cleaning needs.
- Price: Approximately $55 for 33.8 oz (concentrate)
- Where to Buy: Branch Basics
2. Attitude Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Best for Daily Use with a Refreshing Scent
Attitude is a brand that puts safety and sustainability at the forefront. Their Multi-Purpose Cleaner is an excellent option for everyday kitchen cleaning. It’s made with plant- and mineral-based ingredients, and it’s free from harmful chemicals like parabens, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Attitude’s formula is tough on grease and grime but gentle enough to use on kitchen countertops, tables, and even food prep areas.
One of the highlights of this product is the refreshing scent from its natural essential oils, such as green tea and citrus, which leaves your kitchen smelling fresh without overpowering fragrances.
Why It’s Great: It’s effective, affordable, and comes in a pleasant natural fragrance that makes cleaning a little more enjoyable.
- Price: Approximately $7 for 27 oz
- Where to Buy: Attitude
3. Puracy All-Purpose Cleaner
Best for Tough Messes and Grease
If you’re dealing with stubborn grease and tough kitchen messes, Puracy All-Purpose Cleaner is an excellent non-toxic solution. This cleaner is powered by natural ingredients and formulated to break down grease and grime effectively while being gentle enough for a variety of kitchen surfaces, from countertops to appliances.
Why It’s Great: Puracy is powerful enough for heavy-duty kitchen messes yet still gentle on your surfaces and the planet.
- Price: Approximately $20 for 14.4oz
- Where to Buy: Puracy
4. Force of Nature All-Purpose Cleaner
Best for Disinfection
Force of Nature is a standout option for those who want a cleaner that not only removes dirt and grime but also disinfects. Using an innovative process that turns salt, water, and vinegar into a powerful disinfectant, Force of Nature effectively eliminates germs, viruses, and bacteria without relying on harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia. It’s great for disinfecting high-touch kitchen areas like counters, handles, and sinks and has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a medical-grade disinfectant.
What makes Force of Nature unique is that it’s non-toxic, so it’s safe to use in food preparation areas and even places little hands get to like high chairs—without worrying about harmful chemical residues.
Why It’s Great: It’s a powerful, natural disinfectant that works on bacteria and viruses without toxic ingredients.
- Price: Approximately $70 for the starter kit
- Where to Buy: Force of Nature
DIY Non-Toxic Kitchen Cleaner Recipes
While store-bought non-toxic cleaners are wonderful, you can also create your own cleaners with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen! Here are two simple recipes to get you started:
1. All-Purpose Cleaner with Vinegar and Essential Oils
This versatile cleaner can be used on countertops, sinks, and even your stovetop. The vinegar works as a natural disinfectant, while the essential oils provide a fresh scent.
Note: vinegar is not ideal for cleaning stone such as granite or for being left on stainless steel.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10-20 drops essential oils (e.g., lemon, lavender, or tea tree oil)
Instructions:
- Mix the vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Add 10-20 drops of your favorite essential oils.
- Shake gently to combine.
- Spray on surfaces and wipe clean with a cloth.
2. Grease-Busting Kitchen Cleaner
This cleaner is great for cutting through kitchen grease, especially on stovetops and range hoods.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup liquid castile soap
- 5-10 drops of essential oil (optional, for scent)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix baking soda and liquid castile soap to form a paste.
- Add a few drops of essential oil for a pleasant scent.
- Apply the paste to surfaces like tubs, tiles, and sinks.
- Wipe clean with a cloth.
- Rinse thoroughly
Quick Tips for Avoiding Greenwashing
As you venture into non-toxic cleaning, it’s important to avoid greenwashing—the practice of making misleading claims about a product being “natural” or “eco-friendly.” Here are a few tips to ensure you’re buying legitimate non-toxic products:
- Check for Certifications: Look for trusted certifications like USDA Organic, Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free), or EPA Safer Choice.
- Read the Ingredients: Always review the full ingredient list. Words like phthalates, parabens, fragrance or SLS are red flags.
- Be Skeptical of Buzzwords: Words like “green,” “natural,” or “eco-friendly” aren’t regulated, so check for transparency and actual ingredient disclosure.
Final Thoughts
Making the switch to non-toxic kitchen cleaners is an important step in creating a healthier home. By choosing products with simple ingredients that are both effective and safe, you’re taking a proactive step toward reducing exposure to harmful chemicals. Whether you opt for top-rated brands like Branch Basics, Attitude, and Puracy, or decide to DIY with natural ingredients, your kitchen can be both clean and safe.
Making these changes doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with whatever product you’re running out of and experiment with homemade recipes, and before you know it, your kitchen will be a safer, cleaner place for your family.
Happy cleaning!
