Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Which Cleaning Product brands are the most ethical and sustainable? For the answer, see our Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
Why is it important to buy eco-friendly cleaning products?
Household cleaning products are a necessity. But how do you ensure that your clean home does not come with a big environmental cost? Identify the best ethical cleaning products in the UK, so you can do your cleaning sustainably. Here, we explore the ethical issues amongst many cleaning products brands and discuss how you can address them.
Head over to our Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table to see even more information on the best eco-friendly cleaning products from sustainable cleaning brands. Simply look for cleaning products brands within the green section of our table, particularly those that have received our Ethical Accreditation for their positive ethical policies and practices. The GOOD Shopping Guide has been independently researching and rating brands on their ethical and sustainability credentials since 2001. To find out more about how our research works, visit our History of Ethical Shopping page.
Our research: The ethical problems with many cleaning products brands
Firstly, many cleaning products brands use toxic chemicals within their products, which poses a risk to both the environment and your health. For instance, the Health and Safety Executive states that certain chemicals found in cleaning products may cause skin irritation and potentially carry long-term health risks. Under the UK’s REACH regulations, manufacturers are required to assess and communicate the risks of chemical substances used in their products, yet many popular brands still fall short of best practice.
These toxic substances can also pollute rivers and streams when rinsed down the sink, causing harm to our natural ecosystems and marine life. It is therefore important to find non-toxic cleaning products and eco-friendly cleaning products made without the use of toxic chemicals. This will not only help the planet, but also protect your own health!
Plastic pollution is also a big problem amongst many cleaning products brands, as products are typically made with single-use plastic. Although recyclable packaging is becoming more available, WRAP highlights that large volumes of plastic collected for recycling still end up in waste incinerators rather than being processed responsibly. The UK government’s plastic packaging tax places a direct obligation on manufacturers to reduce virgin plastic use, yet many cleaning brands have been slow to respond. The contents of your recycling bin may therefore be contributing to air pollution from the burning of plastic, instead of actually being recycled.
Cleaning products brands and the use of toxic chemicals
Unfortunately, less than half of the cleaning products brands in our ethical comparison ratings table receive a top rating for their Toxic Chemicals Policy, which means over half the brands in our list are using some form of toxic substance in their products. This includes popular cleaning products brands such as Cillit Bang and Dettol, which we recommend avoiding if you want to find natural cleaning products and eco-friendly cleaning products that do not harm yourself or the environment.
Additionally, some cleaning products brands are owned by large unethical companies, which are involved in an array of unethical practices. For instance, Cif is owned by Unilever, which has been criticised for plastic pollution, deforestation, and human rights abuses. Similarly, Flash is a subsidiary of Procter & Gable, which has been implicated in controversial activities such as the use of hazardous chemicals and poor environmental practices.
Not all cleaning products brands have a poor record. The highest-scoring brands in our Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table demonstrate that it is possible to produce effective cleaning products without toxic chemicals, without single-use plastic, and with a clean record on animal welfare and environmental reporting. Choosing from the green section of our table is the simplest way to clean your home responsibly.
Our advice: How to find the best eco-friendly cleaning products
There are many cleaning products brands that aren’t involved in the unethical activities we have discussed. If you are looking for the best biodegradable cleaning products and eco-friendly cleaning products, one of these brands may suit your needs.
For the best eco-friendly cleaning products, we have several brands on our list that have received our Ethical Accreditation, which is our stamp of approval for their ethical status. Xtra, ECO.3 [flag: verify still in table], and GBPro all offer great options for plastic-free cleaning products and eco-friendly cleaning products, with all three brands confirming that they do not use toxic chemicals.
Additionally, to reduce your plastic consumption, you may want to consider purchasing refillable cleaning products or buying in bulk. ECO.3 and GBPro offer options for refillable eco-friendly cleaning products, as well as other brands in the green section of our table. WRAP provides guidance on how to reduce plastic waste at home, including advice on choosing refillable and concentrated cleaning products. If you are also looking for ethical choices across personal care products, our Ethical Toiletries comparison table applies the same independent ratings methodology to toiletries brands.
See our Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table to compare brands’ ethical scores.
The Good Shopping Guide‘s independent research team has investigated every brand that appears on our Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table. As well as researching their certifications and eco-claims, and giving these brands a rating, we’ve also written up articles detailing every brands’ history, and their ethics and sustainability efforts. Click on any brand name to read more.
Bio D, ECOS, Ecozone, Greenscents, Colt & Willow, GBPro, Xtra, Eco-Max, Faith in Nature, Smol, Wilton London, Homethings, Astonish, Fabulosa, Delphis, neat., nimble, Suma, Stardrops, The Pink Stuff, Ecover, Method, Mr Muscle, Cilit Bang, Dettol, Cif, Domestos, Pledge and Flash.
Why is it important to buy eco-friendly cleaning products?
Household cleaning products are a daily necessity, yet many carry a significant environmental cost. Certain products contain toxic chemicals that can cause skin irritation and potential health risks, while also polluting waterways when washed away. Choosing eco-friendly alternatives helps protect both personal wellbeing and natural ecosystems, making it one of the more impactful changes a household can make.
How do toxic chemicals in cleaning products affect the environment?
When toxic substances found in many cleaning products are rinsed down the sink, they can contaminate rivers and streams, causing lasting harm to marine life and natural ecosystems. Research from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has highlighted that chemicals such as formaldehyde, present in some products, may also cause skin irritation and carry potential health risks for consumers.
Is plastic packaging in cleaning products an environmental problem?
Yes, plastic packaging is a considerable issue within the cleaning products industry. Most products rely on single-use plastic, and while recyclable options are becoming more common, large volumes of recycled plastic still end up in waste incinerators rather than being processed responsibly. Choosing refillable products or buying in bulk are practical ways to reduce your household’s plastic footprint.
Are well-known cleaning brands like Cillit Bang and Dettol ethical choices?
Not according to The Good Shopping Guide’s research. Both Cillit Bang and Dettol receive poor ratings for their Toxic Chemicals Policy, meaning neither meets the standard expected of a responsible cleaning products brand. For consumers seeking products that are genuinely safe for both health and the environment, these widely available brands are not among the more ethical options currently available.
Does a brand's parent company affect its ethical standing?
Yes, significantly. Some cleaning products are made by subsidiaries of large corporations with poor ethical records. Cif, for instance, is owned by Unilever — a company that has faced criticism for plastic pollution, deforestation, and human rights issues — while Flash falls under Procter & Gamble, linked to hazardous chemical use. Considering a brand’s ownership is therefore an important step in making responsible purchasing choices.
How can I find the most ethical eco-friendly cleaning products?
The Good Shopping Guide’s Ethical Cleaning Products Ratings Table is a reliable starting point. Look for brands in the green section, particularly those holding Ethical Accreditation — a mark that confirms a brand’s commitment to responsible and sustainable practices. Accredited options include Colt & Willow, GBPro, Greenscents, and Xtra, all of which have been independently assessed and verified as meeting The Good Shopping Guide’s ethical standards.
Is Colt & Willow an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Colt & Willow sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing strongly across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Holding Ethical Accreditation reflects the brand’s clear commitment to responsible and sustainable business practices. Colt & Willow also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its forward-thinking approach within the cleaning products sector.
Is GBPro an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
GBPro sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, achieving top ratings in every assessed area, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Its Ethical Accreditation stands as a formal recognition of the brand’s dedication to ethical and sustainable conduct. GBPro also holds Ethical Innovator Status, highlighting its leadership in responsible cleaning products.
Is Greenscents an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Greenscents sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, earning the highest ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Its Ethical Accreditation demonstrates a genuine and verified commitment to sustainable business practices. Greenscents also holds Ethical Innovator Status, reflecting its proactive role in driving ethical standards within the industry.
Is Xtra an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Xtra sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing exceptionally across all assessed criteria, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. The brand’s Ethical Accreditation confirms its firm commitment to operating ethically and sustainably. Xtra also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its contribution to advancing responsible practices within the cleaning products industry.
Is Bio D an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Bio D sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. While the brand does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could provide a meaningful way to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. Bio D also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is EcoLeaf (Suma) an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
EcoLeaf (Suma) sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, achieving strong ratings across all assessed categories, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As the brand does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, pursuing it would offer a recognised opportunity to validate its dedication to responsible and sustainable business. EcoLeaf (Suma) also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Miniml an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Miniml sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, earning top ratings across all assessed areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, obtaining it would allow Miniml to formally demonstrate its commitment to ethical and sustainable business conduct. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status, acknowledging its responsible approach to cleaning products.
Is Wilton London an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Wilton London sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, receiving excellent ratings across all assessed criteria, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it would provide a recognised way to further demonstrate its ethical and sustainable commitments. Wilton London also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Homethings an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Homethings sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could further strengthen Homethings’ standing as a responsible brand. The company also holds Ethical Innovator Status, recognising its commitment to sustainable practices.
Is Smol an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Smol sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, achieving positive ratings in areas such as its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could serve as formal recognition of Smol’s commitment to sustainable and responsible practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Ecozone an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Ecozone sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well in areas such as its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Animal Welfare. As a brand without Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could allow Ecozone to more formally demonstrate its commitment to responsible practices. The brand also holds Ethical Innovator Status.
Is Astonish an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Astonish sits above the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table, performing well across several areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short in its Environmental Report. As a brand that does not currently hold Ethical Accreditation, applying for it could serve as a meaningful step in formally demonstrating Astonish’s commitment to ethical and sustainable business practices.
Is Fabulosa an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Fabulosa falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Toxic Chemicals Policy and Animal Welfare, though it falls short in its Environmental Report and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Consumers seeking brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can explore The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table to find more responsible alternatives.
Is Delphis an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Delphis falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Shoppers looking for cleaning products brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can consult the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table for more sustainable options.
Is Splosh an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Splosh falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. It performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Those seeking cleaning products brands that reach the ethical benchmark are encouraged to explore the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated and more responsible alternatives.
Is Neat an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Neat falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in areas such as its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. For consumers seeking brands that meet the ethical benchmark, the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table offers a straightforward guide to more responsible choices.
Is Nimble an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Nimble falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, though it falls short across several areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Environmental Report. Consumers wishing to find cleaning products brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can refer to the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table for higher-rated alternatives.
Is Stardrops an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Stardrops falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. While it performs well in its Fossil Fuels credentials, the brand falls short in several key areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Shoppers looking for brands that meet the ethical benchmark are encouraged to consult the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table for more responsible and sustainable options.
Is The Pink Stuff an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
The Pink Stuff falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in several areas, including its Environmental Report, Toxic Chemicals Policy, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials. Consumers seeking brands that do reach the ethical benchmark can use the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table as a guide to more sustainable alternatives.
Is Ecover an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Ecover falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand shows acceptable performance in areas such as its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, though it falls short in Animal Welfare and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers looking for brands that do meet the ethical benchmark can explore the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table for better-rated options.
Is Cillit Bang an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Cillit Bang falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. While the brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, it falls short across several areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table can help consumers identify brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Dettol an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Dettol falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in key areas including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, and Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. Consumers seeking brands that meet the ethical benchmark can find more responsible alternatives on the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table.
Is Method an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Method falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs adequately in its Fossil Fuels credentials and shows acceptable ratings in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, though it falls short in Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table provides guidance toward more ethically rated alternatives.
Is Mr Muscle an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Mr Muscle falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. While performing acceptably in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, the brand falls short in Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, with Public Record Criticisms also noted. Consumers can turn to the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table to identify cleaning products brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
Is Pledge an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Pledge falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. While showing acceptable ratings in its Environmental Report and Toxic Chemicals Policy, the brand falls short in areas including Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted Public Record Criticisms. The Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table can help consumers find brands that do reach the ethical benchmark.
Is Cif an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Cif falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. Although the brand performs well in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, it falls short across several key areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has attracted significant Public Record Criticisms. The Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table can guide consumers toward more ethical and responsible choices.
Is Domestos an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Domestos falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. The brand performs adequately in its Environmental Report and Fossil Fuels credentials, though it falls short in its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, and has received Public Record Criticisms on multiple occasions. Consumers seeking more responsible alternatives can consult the Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table for higher-rated options.
Is Flash an ethical Cleaning Products brand?
Flash falls below the benchmark on The GOOD Shopping Guide’s Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table. While performing well in its Environmental Report, the brand falls short across numerous areas, including its Toxic Chemicals Policy, Fossil Fuels credentials, Animal Welfare, Vegetarian/Vegan credentials, and Political Donations, with Public Record Criticisms also noted. The Cleaning Products Ethical Ratings Table is a helpful resource for consumers seeking brands that do meet the ethical benchmark.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation complement other accreditations?
The GOOD Shopping Guide doesn’t replace existing certifications, it ensures your ethical credentials are clearly recognised so they are trusted by consumers. By appearing in our comparison tables, your brand reaches an audience that is actively seeking genuinely ethical options, while also being referenced by Google and AI search tools to enhance credibility and discoverability.
How is The GOOD Shopping Guide's Ethical Accreditation different from other accreditations?
Unlike many accreditations that focus mainly on compliance or internal audits, The GOOD Shopping Guide provides scored, research-led assessments across environment, people and animals. Our tables are consumer-facing and freely accessible, making it easy for shoppers and AI tools to compare brands based on verified performance, not just promises.
How does The GOOD Shopping Guide choose who is eligible for accreditation?
The GOOD Shopping Guide audits brands for their ethical impact across a variety of criteria in the human, animal and environment categories. We research the records of brands and their parent companies, and rate them across those criteria. If they are found to be above our benchmark, they are eligible to apply for Ethical Accreditation.
How can I apply for Ethical Accreditation?
You can apply for Ethical Accreditation if your brand is assessed as above our benchmark. Click on this link to fill out our online form, and our researchers will assess your brand’s viability for Ethical Accreditation.