Two years ago, when I was still posting my sustainability challenges (I know I know I need to bring them back!) I shared a bunch of our swaps for cleaner cleaning products. A lot of what we use is still the same today but we’ve made a few swaps here and there so I thought I’d share an updated list.
It’s really funny but one of the most frequently asked questions I get in my DMs on Instagram is this… almost always worded the same ways: “I know this is super random but what is the carpet cleaner you use again?”
It’s this one and also listed below in the floor section.
Kitchen:
Honest Disinfecting Spray– We spray this on the counters and use it to clean Luca’s high chair.
Seventh Generation Dish Soap– I only use unscented dish soap. We used Mrs. Meyers for a long time but with the kids’ plastic stuff, any smell made me crazy.
Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods (Unscented)- These are the best, nothing is better! Again, I recommend unscented for the pods. They clean so well and leave your glasses streak-free.
OXO Scrub Brush– For scrubbing dishes, pots, and pans. I like that you can add detergent directly to it to eliminate a step.
Reusable Bamboo Cloths– These are multi-use but mostly are used to wipe down counters and dry dishes in my house.
Bathroom:
Honest Disinfecting Spray– I use it for the toilet, sinks, and countertops.
Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner– Nothing special to report here.
Method Glass Cleaner– For mirrors and shower glass. This is hands down the best “clean” glass cleaner and I’ve tried them all. I love the minty fresh scent too.
Method Foaming Bathroom Cleaner– Once in a while when things get dicey I do use bleach but that is once every few months. For the most part, this foaming cleaner works wonders on shower and bath tiles.
Laundry:
Dropps Laundry Detergent Pods (Clean Scent)- These pods work really well and smell good too. But a warning that some of the other scents are not great IMO. Clean or unscented are the only two I like.
The Laundress Signature Baby Detergent– Someone gave this to us in a gift when Luca was born and I fell in love with the scent. It smells so clean and fresh and beautiful!
Branch Basics Oxygen Boost Powder– If we have something that’s stained or a load of white sheets and towels, I throw in a scoop of this to brighten everything up.
Floors/Rugs:
Dyson Ball Upright Animal Vacuum– There is no better vacuum, full stop. Although it is quite heavy to lug up and down the stairs.
Bissell Pet Pro Carpet Cleaner– This piece of machinery is incredible. We use it to clean our carpets every month or two and are always horrified by how dirty the water is after the cleaning. With a big doggo, it feels very necessary.
Roomba– This robot vacuum runs on a schedule every day and if for some reason I don’t run it, I can easily see the difference. It empties itself and finds its way home to the charger when it needs battery.
Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner– I’ve tried all the natural options. Bona cleans our floors the best by far. I use it with this mop.
Other:
Method Glass Cleaner– For mirrors and glass around the house.
Magic Erasers– For literally everything?
ChomChom Pet Hair Remover– We roll this over our couches every few days. Boots isn’t allowed on the furniture but his hair gets everywhere no matter what we do.
Nature’s Miracle Odor/Stain Remover– If your pet has an accident, this stuff is magical.
Photo by Julia Dags.
