My Favorite Zero Waste Cleaning Brands for a Tidy Home

I used to think my cleaning routine was already efficient. But once I discovered zero waste cleaning brands, I realized I could keep my home spotless without relying on plastic bottles, chemical-laden sprays, and disposable paper towels. Now, my entire cleaning arsenal is built around eco-friendly solutions that help me minimize waste, avoid toxins, and keep my budget in check. If you’ve been curious about adopting more sustainable methods in your home, I’d love to share my process. In this tutorial, I’ll walk you through how I set up my zero waste cleaning approach, pick out my favorite brands, and keep everything organized. By the end, you’ll have a tried-and-tested plan to tackle dirt, dust, and grime in a greener way.

I remember when my storage closet overflowed with plastic bottles—dish soap, countertop spray, bathroom cleaner, bleach. It all felt endless, but I also felt conflicted about so much plastic packaging. The day I decided to switch to plastic-free cleaning solutions, I started noticing how many convenient swaps exist. Refillable glass containers, biodegradable sponges, plant-based detergents—turns out I could still fight stubborn stains but without the piles of empty bottles. Trust me, once you see how efficient these zero waste cleaning methods are, you’ll never want to go back to conventional products.

Below, I’ll share my favorite zero waste cleaning brands and the step-by-step routine I use to keep my home tidy. I’ll also talk about how to store supplies, pick the right packaging, and organize a zero waste cleaning kit that will make your routine smooth and stress-free. Let’s jump in.

Embrace a zero waste mindset

Before diving into product recommendations, I like to take a moment and focus on the bigger picture. Transitioning to zero waste cleaning doesn’t happen overnight. For me, it began when I realized how many single-use plastic bottles I tossed out every month. I felt uneasy about sending those to a landfill, so I set a goal to reduce my household waste—and that’s exactly where adopting zero waste cleaning brands came in.

• Understand the impact: Reducing waste means fewer bottles and less plastic packaging. You’re not just helping the planet but also creating a healthier living space.
• Think long term: Investing in sturdy, refillable containers might cost a bit more upfront, but you’ll save money in the long run. Zero waste isn’t about spending more, it’s about smarter, more durable options.
• Consider your lifestyle: If you’re juggling a busy schedule, opt for brands that make daily life simpler. Look for dissolvable tablets or concentrated refills that simplify the process.

Once I started to see cleaning as an extension of my overall sustainability goals, it got a lot easier to stick with zero waste products. It’s not just about buying new items, though. Sometimes it’s about reusing what you already have, repurposing old T-shirts into cleaning rags, or mixing your own DIY solutions. The mindset shift is the foundation for everything else.

Gather all essential tools

When I first began my zero waste journey, I quickly realized it’s all about having the right tools. An effective setup can transform your routine and help you avoid wasteful last-minute buys. Here’s my basic list of essentials:

1. Glass spray bottles: Ideal for homemade solutions or concentrated refills. They look great on the counter and eliminate the need for single-use plastic spray bottles.
2. Reusable cleaning cloths: Instead of disposable paper towels, I rely on cloth wipes, microfiber cloths, or repurposed cotton to handle spills, dusting, and general wiping.
3. Natural brushes: A good dish brush with replaceable heads is a must. Look for bamboo or other sustainably sourced materials.
4. Compostable sponges: Some sponges are made from cellulose and can be composted at the end of their life cycle.
5. Concentrates or tablets: Many zero waste cleaning products come in small tablets or concentrated refills that dissolve in water. This is one of the best ways to reduce packaging waste.

You might already have some of these around. For instance, if you own an empty spray bottle from before, simply keep reusing it. I also recommend checking your pantry for items you can upcycle. Old jars often become amazing containers for homemade cleaning mixes. Whenever possible, shop your own home before purchasing new items.

Identify your top brands

The real turning point in my cleaning routine was discovering zero waste cleaning brands that align with my values. Here, I’ll highlight a few staples that have worked wonders for me. As with any purchase, do your own research, but these are my personal picks and why I love them.

Blueland

Blueland is known for its dissolvable cleaning tablets and refillable bottles that come in a sturdy, minimalist design. I love that I can order a small pack of tablets, drop one into a glass bottle, fill it with water, and have a fresh batch of cleaner ready in seconds. Their packaging is mostly paper-based, so I rarely worry about plastic. Blueland typically offers products like hand soap, multi-surface cleaner, bathroom cleaner, and dish soap—all in tablet form.

• Packaging style: Reusable bottles, compostable wrappers for tablets
• Refill system: Tablets that dissolve in water
• Notable benefit: Compact shipping and storage, so you save space

Elva’s Home

Elva’s Home specializes in gentle-yet-effective cleaning sprays and dish solutions that cater to sensitive skin. If you’re like me and want fewer artificial scents, this brand’s mild fragrance line is a huge plus. They also focus on glass packaging and refill pouches that cut down a significant amount of waste. Elva’s Home invests in plant-based ingredients, so I feel reassured about what I’m spraying around my living spaces.

• Packaging style: Glass bottles, minimal plastic
• Refill system: Concentrated refills in pouches
• Notable benefit: Gentle formulas, family-friendly scents

Dropps

Dishwashing and laundry pods are Dropps’ specialties. I switched to their pods for laundry first, and I was so impressed that I tried their dish pods too. Each pod comes in a water-soluble film that’s free of unnecessary dyes or fillers. Their cardboard packaging is fully recyclable. For me, the big draw was being able to ditch bulky plastic jugs of detergent once and for all.

• Packaging style: Cardboard boxes, no plastic jugs
• Refill system: Subscription or one-time purchases
• Notable benefit: Water-soluble pods, free from harsh chemicals

Public Goods

Public Goods offers a wide portfolio of products—everything from hand soap to kitchen staples—emphasizing simple labels and minimal packaging. With their cleaning range, I personally appreciate the neutral scents and the fact that I can reorder refills easily. They ship in recyclable boxes, and their refill packaging also uses less plastic. While their membership model might make sense for some, you can also make one-off purchases. They often bundle items, so you can get an entire zero waste cleaning setup in one go.

• Packaging style: Slim plastic or glass with minimal design
• Refill system: Orderable refill packs
• Notable benefit: Wide product range, potential for bundling

EcoRoots

EcoRoots stands out for its solid dish soaps, which eliminate plastic bottles altogether. I was skeptical at first, but after watching how easily a damp brush can lather up on a solid soap bar, I was sold. They also offer reusable tins, compostable brush heads, and other plastic-free household items. I use their dish soap bar and kitchen sponge daily.

• Packaging style: Paper or compostable materials for soaps
• Refill system: Bars that can be reordered
• Notable benefit: Plastic-free soap bars, minimal shipping materials

These are just a few zero waste cleaning brands on the market, and each has its unique strengths. What’s important is choosing products that fit your daily habits. You can absolutely mix and match—maybe you love Blueland for your bathroom but prefer EcoRoots for washing dishes. The goal is to find a combination that keeps you excited about sustainable cleaning and helps cut back on waste.

Below is a quick table that compares a few features I personally look for:

Brand	Packaging	Fragrance Options	Refill/Concentrate	Specialty
Blueland	Glass / Paper	Light to unscented	Yes, dissolvable	Tablet-based solutions
Elva’s Home	Glass / Minimal	Mild scents	Concentrated pouches	Great for sensitive skin
Dropps	Cardboard boxes	Unscented + scented	Pod refills	Laundry + dish pods
Public Goods	Recyclable or glass	Neutral or light scents	Resealable pouches	Offers broad product range
EcoRoots	Paper / Compostable	Mostly natural or unscented	Solid bars	Plastic-free soap bars, eco brush heads

Set up your cleaning station

Once I’ve settled on which brands to try, I structure my home “cleaning station” so I can easily grab what I need. I’m a big fan of using a zero waste cleaning kit—essentially a caddy or small bin that houses all my day-to-day essentials. This kit simplifies everything. If I need to sanitize my countertops or do a quick bathroom wipe-down, I just take my kit and go.

Here’s how I set it up:

1. Pick a caddy or box: Look for something sturdy and compact. My kit is a medium-size wooden crate with handles, but a plastic-free metal caddy also works perfectly.
2. Organize your products: I keep my go-to multi-surface spray, a glass cleaner (or tablet solution), a few reusable cloths, a dish brush, and spare concentrate tablets.
3. Label sections: If your caddy has compartments, label each one for “Surfaces,” “Bathroom,” “Glass,” etc. This step reduces confusion when you’re in a hurry.
4. Keep a small cloth bag: Use it to collect dirty cloths after cleaning. Once the bag is full, I machine-wash everything and put the cloths back in the kit.

I find that having a designated station not only saves time but also keeps me from misplacing bottles and cloths around the house. Plus, it’s easier to see when I’m running low on certain supplies. On weekends, I restock my caddy, wash the cloths, and check if I need more concentrate pods or bars.

Master a daily routine

When it comes to zero waste cleaning, consistency is key. Switching to plastic-free or low-waste solutions is a big step, but sticking to a routine is what prevents impulse buys. Let me share my typical daily routine:

Morning countertop tidy

• I start my day by wiping down the kitchen counters with a Blueland multi-surface tablet solution. One quick spritz, a few swipes with a reusable cloth, and the surface is fresh.
• I rinse the cloth in hot water, then hang it up to dry near the sink.

Quick living area dusting

• If I see dust piling up on shelves or the coffee table, I use a slightly damp microfiber cloth. No need for chemical sprays—just a little moisture picks up dust and debris easily.
• About once a week, I might add a drop of essential oil to the cloth if I want a light, natural scent.

Bathroom refresh

• Bathrooms can get grimy fast. In the evenings, I give the sink area a quick clean with either Elva’s Home concentrate in a spray bottle or Dropps pods dissolved in water if I’m out of the other product.
• I also keep a dedicated cloth for the bathroom, so I’m not spreading germs from the sink to other areas.

End-of-day dish duty

• Dishes are my biggest daily chore. With EcoRoots solid soap bars, I simply run a damp dish brush across the soap, scrub my dishes, and rinse.
• I let my dish brush and soap bar dry on a small wooden rack so water doesn’t pool and cause bacterial growth.

This routine might seem basic, but it covers most of my everyday cleaning tasks. Whenever I spot a spill or a bigger mess, I handle it immediately, so I don’t end up with a huge weekend backlog. By pairing a structured routine with the right zero waste brands, you’ll tackle dirt before it becomes overwhelming.

Customize and track progress

One thing I love about zero waste cleaning is how flexible it can be. Once you’re comfortable with the basics, there are plenty of ways to customize:

Mix in homemade solutions

• Vinegar and water for windows: I reuse an old glass spray bottle, fill it with a 50/50 mix of vinegar and water, and let it sit for a few minutes before I wipe with a microfiber cloth.
• Baking soda scrubs: A simple paste of baking soda and water works wonders on stovetops, ovens, and bathroom tiles.

Rotate brands and test new things

• Ran out of your usual concentrate? This is a great chance to test a new brand. Keep track of what you like (and don’t like) in a small notebook, or use your phone’s notes app.
• Explore zero waste cleaning swaps such as switching plastic brushes for wooden ones, or paper towels for cotton rags. The possibilities are endless.

Track your wins

• I like to write down small victories, like how many fewer plastic bottles I’ve thrown out in a month or how quickly I can clean up using a zero waste cleaning routine.
• A simple checkmark system on the fridge can keep you motivated. Every time you refill a spray bottle or use a compostable sponge, give yourself a small mental high five.

Ultimately, your zero waste journey might look a little different from mine, and that’s perfectly fine. The important thing is to remain open to learning and improving. Whether you experiment with different scents, try new brands, or incorporate more homemade cleaners, each tweak you make will bring you closer to a fully sustainable lifestyle.

Celebrate a greener home

The best part of my shift to zero waste cleaning has been seeing how much I’ve reduced my household trash bin. It feels amazing to glance in the kitchen trash can at the end of the week and find next to nothing in there—just a few food scraps headed to compost, some odds and ends. The combination of reusables and low-waste product packaging truly does make a visible difference.

Here are a few final tips I’ve learned along the way:

• Keep a backup plan: Sometimes, your favorite brand might temporarily sell out. Don’t panic—try a new brand or whip up a homemade solution.
• Share your experiences: If you follow a zero waste community on social media or if you have friends who are also eco-curious, compare notes. We all learn faster by exchanging tips and success stories.
• Stay patient and positive: Going zero waste is a journey. You’ll learn from missteps—nobody’s perfect. Over time, the small shifts you make will add up to a big eco-friendly impact.

I still remember that initial feeling of skepticism: Can I really get the same cleaning power without the usual chemical sprays and plastic packaging? The answer turned out to be a resounding yes. By focusing on the right brands, staying consistent with my routine, and incorporating practical zero waste cleaning hacks, I’ve been able to keep my home clean while dramatically cutting down on single-use items.

If you’re standing on the brink of trying zero waste cleaning brands, I encourage you to start with one product. Maybe it’s a solid dish soap bar, or a pack of dissolvable multi-surface tablets, or a single bottle of concentrate. Once you see how easy and effective it is, expanding to more cleaners will come naturally.

Thanks for diving into my process. I hope my experience and recommendations help you create a tidier, healthier space that aligns with your eco-friendly goals. Let me know what you think when you try these brands or if you come across new ones worth exploring. Here’s to a cleaner home, less trash, and the ongoing adventure of sustainable living!