Healthier Spring Cleaning Swaps: A Guide to a Safer, Cleaner Home
The Fresh Start of Spring Cleaning
Spring is the perfect time to refresh and reset our homes. As the weather warms up and we open our windows to let in the fresh air, many of us embark on a deep cleaning spree to shake off the stagnation of winter. However, what we may not realize is that conventional cleaning products often contain harsh chemicals that can negatively impact our health and the environment. If you’re looking to make the switch to safer, non-toxic alternatives, we’ve got you covered with some of the best brands for healthier household cleaning swaps!
The Hidden Dangers of Conventional Cleaning Products
Traditional household cleaning products often contain a mixture of synthetic chemicals that can contribute to poor indoor air quality, skin irritations, and even long-term health effects. Ingredients like ammonia, chlorine bleach, phthalates, and artificial fragrances are commonly found in mainstream cleaners. These substances can cause respiratory issues, disrupt hormones, and contribute to environmental pollution. When washed down the drain, many of these chemicals end up in waterways, harming aquatic life and contaminating our water supply. By choosing safer alternatives, you’re not only protecting your home but also making a positive impact on the planet.
Our Top Brand Picks for Healthier Cleaning Swaps
The good news is that there are plenty of brands committed to providing non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Here are some of our top picks here at Fern & Co.:
1. MamaSuds
MamaSuds is our top choice here at Fern & Co. when it comes to healthier household cleaning swaps. This Midwest-based brand is dedicated to creating minimal-ingredient, non-toxic cleaning products that prioritize both effectiveness and safety. With a commitment to transparency and clean living, MamaSuds formulates its products to be free from harsh chemicals, making them a go-to option for families who want to maintain a toxin-free home.
Their all-purpose cleaner and toilet bombs stand out for their use of safe, biodegradable ingredients that break down naturally without leaving behind harmful residues. MamaSuds avoids synthetic fragrances, sulfates, and other harsh additives, ensuring that every product is as gentle on your home as it is on the environment.
Why We Love MamaSuds: We love that MamaSuds is a small, Midwest-based company that stays true to its mission of providing truly clean cleaning products. Their commitment to using simple, effective ingredients aligns perfectly with our values at Fern & Co.
Shop MamaSuds (get 10% off your first order +$50)
2. Branch Basics
Branch Basics is another standout choice at Fern & Co. for those looking to simplify their cleaning routine with a truly clean, non-toxic solution. This brand is built on the philosophy that removing harmful chemicals from our homes is key to better health. Their versatile, plant-based concentrate is a game-changer, offering a one-product solution that can be diluted for multiple cleaning purposes—from laundry and dishes to countertops and bathrooms.
What sets Branch Basics apart is its commitment to purity. Their formula is completely free from synthetic preservatives, artificial fragrances, and harmful surfactants, making it a safe and effective alternative to conventional cleaners.
Why We Love Branch Basics: We love how Branch Basics makes cleaning effortless with one powerful concentrate that does it all! Plus, we appreciate that it’s completely fragrance-free yet still incredibly effective. Many conventional cleaners rely on artificial scents to mask odors, but Branch Basics proves that you don’t need synthetic fragrances to achieve a fresh, clean home. Their formula gets the job done without any unnecessary additives, making it perfect for those who are sensitive to scents.
Shop Branch Basics (get $10 off your first order)
3. Meliora
Meliora takes clean living to another level with its simple, effective, and fully transparent ingredient list. This brand believes that if you don’t need it, it shouldn’t be in your products. Their all-purpose cleaner and gentle home cleaning scrub contain just a handful of ingredients—baking soda, washing soda, and coconut soap—all of which are biodegradable and safe for people and the planet.
Why We Love Meliora: Their commitment to sustainability and plastic-free packaging makes Meliora a standout. We love that they are passionate about reducing waste while still offering powerful, safe cleaning products. Our go-to is the dish soap, which comes in a solid bar form—eliminating the need for plastic bottles while still cutting through grease effortlessly. It’s a simple yet effective swap that aligns with our clean living values!
4. Truly Free
Truly Free offers a line of refillable, plant-based cleaning products designed to minimize waste while maximizing effectiveness. Their Everyday Cleaner is free from sulfates, parabens, and synthetic dyes, making it a reliable choice for those looking to ditch toxic household chemicals.
Why We Love Truly Free: We love their focus on sustainability with refillable cleaning products. Their mission to eliminate single-use plastic while keeping homes toxin-free is one we fully support. We've used their dishwasher powder in the past and loved it! It cleans effectively without the harsh chemicals found in conventional dishwasher detergents, leaving dishes spotless without any toxic residue. Plus, the refillable system makes it an easy, waste-free swap for a more sustainable home.
5. Aunt Fannie’s
Aunt Fannie’s specializes in probiotic-powered and vinegar-based cleaning solutions that work naturally to break down grime and odors. Their cleaning vinegar is a simple yet effective way to sanitize surfaces without introducing harmful fumes or residues into your home.
Why We Love Aunt Fannie’s: We love their use of probiotics and natural vinegar for cleaning, making their products a unique and effective option for a naturally clean home. We frequently use Aunt Fannie’s—particularly their glass cleaner, which works great without streaks, and their bathroom cleaner, which does a great job at tackling some of that nasty bathroom grime without the harsh fumes of traditional cleaners. Their formulas are simple, effective, and a perfect fit for a toxin-free home!
6. Squeak
Squeak is a brand committed to offering non-toxic, biodegradable cleaners that are tough on messes but gentle on the environment. Their all-purpose cleaner is made with natural surfactants and essential oils, providing a fresh, effective clean without synthetic chemicals.
Why We Love Squeak: Their fun, no-fuss approach to clean living makes them a great addition to our lineup. We love that their products are tough on messes but still completely safe for your home and family.
7. Dr. Bronner’s
A well-loved staple in natural cleaning, Dr. Bronner’s Pure-Castile Soap is an incredibly versatile product that can be used for (literally) everything from mopping floors to scrubbing dishes. Made with organic oils and essential oils, this soap is free from synthetic detergents and preservatives, making it one of the cleanest cleaning options available.
Why We Love Dr. Bronner’s: This iconic brand has been setting the standard for natural cleaning for years, and we love its versatility. One bottle can replace multiple household cleaning products, making it an easy and effective swap. We use Dr. Bronner’s for everything—our hand soap, our homemade dishwasher detergent, and even our shaving oil! Its pure, simple ingredients make it a staple in our home for countless everyday uses.
8. Rowe Casa
Rowe Casa offers non-toxic, essential oil-based cleaning products that prioritize safety and effectiveness. Their multi-surface cleaner and floor cleaner are made with plant-based ingredients, ensuring that your home stays fresh and free from synthetic toxins.
Why We Love Rowe Casa: We admire their dedication to clean ingredients and their use of essential oils for added benefits. Their products not only clean effectively but also leave your home smelling fresh without synthetic fragrances. We also love the look of the packaging—it's elegant and minimalist, meaning we can leave it out on the counter, and it still looks cute! Functional, effective, and aesthetically pleasing—what’s not to love?
Making the Switch to Safer Cleaning
Transitioning to non-toxic cleaning products doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start by swapping out one product at a time, focusing on the items you use most frequently. By choosing brands that prioritize clean ingredients and sustainable practices, you’re creating a healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones while reducing your ecological footprint.
At Fern & Co., we believe that small changes can lead to a big impact. By making the switch to healthier cleaning swaps, you’re taking an important step toward a cleaner, greener home!
At Fern & Co., we’re committed to sharing products we truly love—ones that align with our values of clean ingredients, transparency, and whole-body wellness. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you but helps support our mission of bringing you the best in holistic health and wellness. We only recommend products we personally trust and believe in, so you can shop with confidence knowing these picks meet our high standards for quality and integrity.