10 Sustainable Multi-Surface Cleaners

This week, I learned about the environmental impact of household cleaners and learned that conventional cleaners not only come in plastic packaging, but typically contain an array of ingredients that can pollute our air and waterways. So, here are ten environmentally-friendly alternatives to consider when it's time to replace your all-purpose cleaner.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Meliora All-Purpose Cleaning Tablets

Meliora's All-Purpose Cleaner comes in tablet form that mixes with hot water to become an excellent cleaning solution. All packaging is plastic-free and all products are cruelty-free. Meliora is my personal favorite cleaner on this list, as I've found it a very effective cleaner for the best price.

Price: You can purchase one glass spray bottle with two cleaning tablets for $13.99 or a set of three cleaning tablet refills for $4.99.

Use code TINYWASTE at checkout for 10% off your purchase.

Blueland Multi-Surface Tablets

Blueland cleaning tablets offer an innovative solution to our waste problem by eliminating the need for a new bottle with every refill. Simply add a tablet to 24 oz of water to make an effective spray cleaner. The tablets come in compostable paper wrappers and can be purchased on their website. Blueland cleaners are cruelty-free and made of natural ingredients.

Price: You can purchase a glass spray bottle with three tablets for $16. Refill tablets are 3 for $6, 6 for $11, or 9 for $14.

Ethique Mulit-Purpose Concentrate

Ethique's Spray Concentrate is made of 100% naturally derived ingredients and comes in compostable paper packaging. The concentrate comes in bar form and can be mixed with boiling water to make 12 oz of sprayable cleaning solution.

Grove Co. Multi-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate

Grove Co. multi-purpose concentrate is cruelty-free, made of plant-based ingredients and comes in recyclable glass bottles. You can find Grove Co. products online or at Target.

Price: $6.95 for two bottles of concentrate.

Earthy Edith's All-Purpose Cleaner Concentrate

Earthy Edith's all-purpose cleaner is a natural concentrate that, when mixed with water, becomes a green cleaning solution. The concentrate comes in a recyclable glass bottle. All Earthy Edith's products are cruelty-free.

Price: $13 for an 8 oz bottle of spray cleaner or $24 for a bottle of refill concentrate.

Branch Basics Concentrate

Branch Basics offers one biodegradable concentrate for an array of cleaning needs. You simply alter the amount of concentrate depending on what you plan on cleaning. All Branch Basics products are cruelty-free.

Price: You can purchase a 32 oz bottle for $49 or a 2 oz trial bottle for $10 on their website.

Fillaree Multi-Purpose Cleaner

Fillaree's Multi-Surface Cleaner is made from naturally-derived ingredients and comes in refillable Nalgene bottles. You can either ship your bottles back to be refilled, or bring it to a local refill station.

Price: The starter kit costs $32 and includes a 16 oz spray bottle as well as a 32 oz bottle of cleaning solution. Or you can purchase just the 32 oz bottle of cleaning solution for $20.

Formulary 55 Cleaning Concentrate

Formulary 55's cleaning concentrate is a 100% natural cleaning solution that you mix with water for a multi-surface cleaning solution. The concentrate comes in three scents: ginger blossom, french lavender, and bergamot & cedar. All products in the Formulary 55 home cleaning line are vegan and cruelty-free.

Price: $26 for a 16 oz bottle.

Castile Soap

Castile Soap is a natural, vegetable oil based soap that makes for the mother of all multi-purpose cleaners. It can be used as body wash, pet shampoo, garden pesticide, and of course, bathroom cleaner. You can find castile soap online and in many grocery stores, but Bulk Apothecary has the lowest prices I've seen.

Price: $3.95 for a 16 oz bottle, $19.95 for one gallon, $74.95 for four gallons.

Distilled White Vinegar

White Vinegar, which you probably already have at home, is a very cheap and very effective cleaner for almost every surface in your home. It cuts through mildew, bacteria, and grime for a natural, environmentally friendly clean. If your pantry isn't already stocked with white vinegar, pick some up the next time you're out grocery shopping.

Note: vinegar should be mixed with equal parts water and should never be used on granite, marble, hardwood, or ceramic/stone tiles.

Price: $3-4 for a gallon jug.