Goodbye Toxins: A Guide to Natural Cleaning Products
You want your space to feel clean, not like you’ve just hotboxed it with bleach. The good news is that you don’t need toxic sprays or mystery-labelled bottles to get that fresh, spotless feeling. You just need a few natural cleaning products that actually work (and don’t ruin your lungs in the process).
There’s a myth floating around that plant-based or eco-friendly cleaning means lower standards. That they smell nice but don’t actually do much, like scented water in a pretty bottle. Not true. At EarthWize, we use natural cleaning products every day — in commercial offices, warehouses, and messy office kitchens alike — and trust us, they’re more than up to the task.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to look for, what to ditch, a few DIY recipes you can whip up without turning your kitchen into a science lab, and our favourite go-to brands for the good stuff.
Why Make the Switch?
What to Look For in Natural Products
Traditional cleaning products rely on heavy-duty chemicals that may remove grime fast, but they also trash your air quality, irritate your skin, and can sneak into waterways. Natural cleaning products made from plant-based, biodegradable ingredients do the same job, minus the side effects.
Here’s why the switch makes sense:
They promote better air quality, often made with essential oil blends that don’t burn your nostrils.
They’re safer for your body, which means no ammonia, no weird rashes, and no mid-meeting sneezing fits.
They’re kinder to waterways, and don’t wreck reefs in the process.
They produce less waste, as most eco-friendly cleaning products come in refillable or concentrated formats.
The cleaning aisle is a jungle. With words like ‘green,’ ‘natural,’ and ‘non-toxic’ being thrown around with very little regulation, how do you know what’s actually a good option to buy?
The trick is in the label. Real natural cleaning products are proud of what’s inside them and will display ingredients clearly on their label.
Good ingredients to keep an eye out for are:
Essential oils – Think lemon, eucalyptus, tea tree. They smell amazing, and work amazing-er.
White vinegar – There’s almost nothing white vinegar can’t do. Use it for floors, mirrors, and basically everything.
Citric acid – Excellent for soap scum and any grime that refuses to move on.
Baking soda – Perfect for spot cleaning, deodorising and gentle scrubbing.
Castile soap – It’s a great all-rounder for DIY mixes or as a base for dish soap.
Stuff to avoid like that one co-worker’s tuna lunch:
Ammonia & bleach – Harsh, irritating, and not great for your lungs.
Phosphates – A nightmare for marine life.
Synthetic fragrances & dyes – Usually labelled as “parfum” or “fragrance,” which basically means a mystery mix that can trigger headaches and allergic reactions.
This everyday hero can be used on desks, shelves, bathrooms and benches, or any other surfaces that need wiping.
What you’ll need:
1 cup water
1 cup white vinegar
10 drops of your favourite essential oil (lemon, eucalyptus, or lavender)
How to make it:
Combine in a spray bottle, shake before each use, and spray directly onto surfaces before wiping down. It’s perfect for daily touch-ups and quick cleans.
All-Purpose Spray
Our Go-To Natural Cleaning Products
Not keen on turning your kitchen into a chemistry lab? No problem. There are plenty of excellent pre-made Australian-made options that we use and recommend.
Tersano specialises in completely chemical-free cleaning technology, and offers the iClean Mini for home cleaning that turns tap water into a cleaning agent. At EarthWize, we install Tersano’s SAO dispensers for most of our commercial cleaning clients.
Pleasant State’s bathroom, kitchen, and multipurpose cleaners are plant-based with refill options (and they come in beautiful reusable bottles!).
This versatile product uses lemon myrtle and eucalyptus oil to clean surfaces and kill bacteria, without harsh chemicals.
Ecostore dishwashing liquid is powerful on grease, kind on hands, and available in a bulk refill format.
Safe for hardwood, tiles and whatever your dog’s been dragging across the floor.
A glass cleaner that doesn’t leave streaks or chemical fog. Great for mirrors, stainless steel, and windows that haven’t been cleaned since 2021 (no judgement here).
Easy DIY Cleaning Product Recipes
You don’t need to be a chemist to make your own DIY natural cleaning products. Just grab a spray bottle, some pantry basics, and get mixing.
The high traffic spots where quick chats and Friday arvo snacks happen.
Vacuum under and behind couches and armchairs
Spot clean soft furnishings or wash cushion covers and throw blankets
Dust and clean light fixtures, lamp bases, and shelves
Wipe skirting boards and baseboards
Tidy bookcases and disinfect remote controls (if you’ve got a TV)
Mop floors or vacuum carpets using the right attachment
Homemade Dishwasher Tabs
The Case for Natural Non-Toxic Cleaning
Making the switch to natural cleaning products doesn’t mean compromising on hygiene or shine. It just means cleaning without the chemical hangover. It also means better air, healthier people, and a lighter footprint.
At EarthWize, we live and breathe this stuff. Literally. We use chemical-free cleaning solutions across Melbourne for workplaces that give a damn.
Want your workspace to smell fresh, feel clean, and actually be safe for humans and the planet? Get in touch for a free quote.