7 Green Cleaners That Really Work
We found safer, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional cleaners—and asked some dirt-averse O staffers to put them to the test.
Photo: Marko Metzinger/ Studio D
Clockwise starting top left:
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, and petroleum distillates. The lightweight packaging uses 87 percent less plastic than traditional rigid plastic containers.
The Clean: "Whatever's in that tablet whisked away remnants of Bolognese sauce, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs. Turns out our 7-year-old Maytag has more oomph left than I thought; I just needed a better detergent." —Jenny Bailly, Executive Beauty Editor
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates and chlorine. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic.
The Clean: "I figured without harsh chemicals, I'd need a lot more elbow grease. But the nastiest surface of all—the toilet—was rendered spotless with just a few lazy swipes of my toilet brush." —Katie Arnold-Ratliff, Associate Editor
The Claim: Skips ammonia (a potentially toxic irritant) in favor of plant-based cleaning agents sourced from sustainable coconut-palm-oil farms. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates.
The Clean: "The nozzle mists, so there's great coverage and I used less. With one pass of a cleaning rag, my windows and mirrors were clear." —Crystal G. Martin, Assistant Editor
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled material.
The Clean: "It easily lifted my terrier's muddy footprints from tile, a maple syrup spill from the kitchen floor, even unidentified drips down my garbage can—no rinsing required." —Catherine Dibenedetto, Articles Editor
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. Plant-based cleaning agents are sourced from certified sustainable palm-oil farms.
The Clean: "At first I found the quaint packaging and citrusy aroma of essential oils suspect. Surely they couldn't peel the charred remains of a veggie burger from my favorite pan. But they did." —Meredith Bryan, Senior Editor
The Claim: Uses only ingredients that are food-grade and plant-sourced, such as vinegar and sugar-based cleaning agents. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates.
The Clean: "With a husband who likes to walk while he eats, I'm constantly wiping down surfaces. A single squirt of Bill cut through everything from the barbecue sauce stains on the stovetop to the filmy residue on the countertops." —Jessica Silvester, Assistant Editor
The Claim: An oxygen-based bleaching agent helps make this cleaner versatile, biodegradable, and nonallergenic.
The Clean: "Having pets made me hesitant to use a heavy-duty shampoo on my dingy mosaic of carpet stains. But 20 minutes after I sprinkled this powder, my cats were sprawled out on a carpet that positively sparkles." —Kate Rockwood, Senior Editor
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Method Smarty Dish Dishwasher Detergent Tabs
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, ammonia, and petroleum distillates. The lightweight packaging uses 87 percent less plastic than traditional rigid plastic containers.
The Clean: "Whatever's in that tablet whisked away remnants of Bolognese sauce, oatmeal, and scrambled eggs. Turns out our 7-year-old Maytag has more oomph left than I thought; I just needed a better detergent." —Jenny Bailly, Executive Beauty Editor
Bon Ami Liquid Cleanser
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates and chlorine. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled plastic.
The Clean: "I figured without harsh chemicals, I'd need a lot more elbow grease. But the nastiest surface of all—the toilet—was rendered spotless with just a few lazy swipes of my toilet brush." —Katie Arnold-Ratliff, Associate Editor
Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Glass Cleaner
The Claim: Skips ammonia (a potentially toxic irritant) in favor of plant-based cleaning agents sourced from sustainable coconut-palm-oil farms. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates.
The Clean: "The nozzle mists, so there's great coverage and I used less. With one pass of a cleaning rag, my windows and mirrors were clear." —Crystal G. Martin, Assistant Editor
Method Floor + Surface Cleaner
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. The packaging is made from 100 percent postconsumer recycled material.
The Clean: "It easily lifted my terrier's muddy footprints from tile, a maple syrup spill from the kitchen floor, even unidentified drips down my garbage can—no rinsing required." —Catherine Dibenedetto, Articles Editor
Caldrea Dish Soap Liquid
The Claim: Biodegradable and free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates. Plant-based cleaning agents are sourced from certified sustainable palm-oil farms.
The Clean: "At first I found the quaint packaging and citrusy aroma of essential oils suspect. Surely they couldn't peel the charred remains of a veggie burger from my favorite pan. But they did." —Meredith Bryan, Senior Editor
Bill by Eco-Me All-Purpose Cleaner
The Claim: Uses only ingredients that are food-grade and plant-sourced, such as vinegar and sugar-based cleaning agents. Free of phosphates, chlorine, and petroleum distillates.
The Clean: "With a husband who likes to walk while he eats, I'm constantly wiping down surfaces. A single squirt of Bill cut through everything from the barbecue sauce stains on the stovetop to the filmy residue on the countertops." —Jessica Silvester, Assistant Editor
Green Works Oxi Stain Remover
The Claim: An oxygen-based bleaching agent helps make this cleaner versatile, biodegradable, and nonallergenic.
The Clean: "Having pets made me hesitant to use a heavy-duty shampoo on my dingy mosaic of carpet stains. But 20 minutes after I sprinkled this powder, my cats were sprawled out on a carpet that positively sparkles." —Kate Rockwood, Senior Editor
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