The Best Natural & Eco-friendly Cleaning Products Recommended by a Self-confessed ‘Clean Queen’
Kate Hall
Yesterday my husband completed a deep clean of the kitchen sink; I don’t think I’ve ever been so turned on in my entire life.
When I was younger, my friend’s mum would contact my mum and ask if I could come over for a play date, because their lounge needed cleaning. Most teenagers require a full-blown screaming match before cleaning their bedroom. But MY parents had to remind me that it’s okay to go to sleep if there’s one thing on my bedroom floor.
I love cleaning. I’m just as obsessed as Monica from Friends. But unlike Monica, my obsession lies only with natural and sustainable cleaners that don’t kill my hands, compromise my health, or harm the environment.
As a royal ‘Clean Queen’ (or clean freak, whatever you want to call me), I’m here to impart my natural cleaning product knowledge for those who aren’t up for a DIY session. When you next find yourself with your head deep in the toilet, wondering why the heck that chick called Kate loves cleaning so much, at least you’ll be using natural cleaners that won’t scathe the planet.
Second Nature Botanicals
Second Nature Botanicals have been my go-to for surface and floor cleaner since August 2018. Made in Tauranga, New Zealand, these cleaners are totally what they say they are: simple, safe and sustainable. Founder and maker, Kirsty, makes the cleaners with ingredients such as essential oils, coconut oil, organic New Zealand avocado oil, and water. The cleaning solutions come in gorgeous amber glass bottles, with refills available to fill these spray bottles twice over. This is the moment I wish ‘Smell-stagram’ existed because Second Nature Botanicals cleaners smell close to what I expect heaven smells like.
For the New Zealand store, shop here.
Nourished Life
Nourished Life is the holy grail when it comes to natural cleaning. They stock a huge range of brands and products from compostable dish brushes, to hand soaps, toilet cleaners, and dishcloths. At Nourished Life you’ll find the very popular range of Dr. Bronner’s; a traditional castile soap company known worldwide for their environmental focus and worker ethics. This range is ideal for tight budgets, as a little goes a long way. One of my favourite things about Nourished Life is their clear guide to product certifications, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
Biome
Another place to fill your cart in one easy spot, Biome provide plastic-free cleaning products in all shapes and sizes. The Biome search engine means you can shop for brands, or shop for your values. Their groovy patterned dishcloths make for a fun kitchen, and a wide range of natural surface cleaners means chances are high you’ll find something that suits your home and personal preferences. Biome is passionate about only selling cleaners that truly work, without having to add more effort or elbow grease. Hey eco mothers; walk briskly, don’t run.
Figgy & Co.
I know I said this guide is for those avoiding DIY cleaners, but Figgy & Co. are the perfect combination of DIY and premade. Take it from someone who’s fallen in love with their DIY cleaning paste; Figgy & Co. DIY is easier than your average. Founded on the basis that we should be keeping our homes clean, but avoid paying skyrocketing prices for eco cleaners, Figgy & Co., are an affordable solution to natural cleaners. Choose from their range of premade products, or order their Do-It-Yourself kits and whip up your own with the help of their easy instruction booklet. I’m talking soaps, dishwashing powder, bench sprays, glass cleaners, laundry soakers… the works! Unfortunately, Figgy & Co. currently only ship to New Zealand, and they have refill stations popping up around the country too.
ecostore
ecostore was one of the original natural cleaning companies over on this side of the world. To this day, they are proudly New Zealand owned and operated. ecostore continue to provide thousands of people with natural cleaners for their kitchens, bathrooms, lounges, and everything in between. Their bottles are made from sugarcane plastic, and their ingredients are, sustainable, vegan, child labour free, and most importantly; they get the job done.
The Botanical Life Co.
Sometimes I read books because the cover is cool: I’d totally use The Botanical Life Co. because their packaging is drop-dead gorgeous. Packaging aside, these guys have made it their mission to enable people to live healthy lives. Enjoy no palm oil, animal products, fragrance, parabens, or synthetic dyes. The Botanical Life Co. also give back by providing groups, such as Liberation Larder, with multipurpose face, body, and hair bars that assist those needing support through homelessness or emergency situations in the Bryon Bay area.
