Real-world examples of examples of plant-based cleaning products that actually work

Everyday examples of plant-based cleaning products for your home

Let’s start where it matters most: the products you actually grab when something spills, smells, or starts to look grimy. Here are real examples of plant-based cleaning products you can find in mainstream stores and online, organized by how you’d use them in daily life.

In the kitchen, a great example of a plant-based all-purpose cleaner is Seventh Generation Free & Clear All-Purpose Cleaner. Its cleaning power comes from plant-derived surfactants made from corn and coconut, not petroleum. Another strong contender is Method All-Purpose Cleaner, which uses corn- and coconut-based cleaning agents plus plant-derived fragrances. Both are widely available in big-box stores across the U.S., so you don’t have to hunt them down in niche shops.

For dishes, Ecover Zero Dish Soap and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Dish Soap are two of the best examples of plant-based cleaning products that cut grease without the heavy synthetic scent. Their surfactants are typically derived from coconut, palm kernel (ideally from certified sustainable sources), or corn. When you’re washing by hand, that matters because your skin is in constant contact with the soap.

In the bathroom, look for Attitude Bathroom Cleaner or Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner (which uses thyme oil as its active ingredient). These are real examples of plant-based bathroom cleaners that tackle soap scum and mildew stains while avoiding chlorine bleach and ammonia. They might smell more like herbs and citrus than a swimming pool, but they still get the job done.

For glass and mirrors, ECOS Window Cleaner is a solid example of a plant-based cleaning product. It relies on plant-derived alcohol and vinegar to cut through streaks, instead of petroleum-based solvents. If you’ve ever felt dizzy after using a traditional glass cleaner, a plant-based version like this can feel like a breath of fresh air—literally.

Ingredient-based examples of examples of plant-based cleaning products

Beyond brand names, it helps to understand the plant-based ingredients that actually do the cleaning. Once you recognize these, you can flip a bottle around and quickly decide if it fits your standards.

One common example of a plant-based cleaning ingredient is coco-glucoside, a mild surfactant made from coconut oil and sugar. You’ll find it in many eco-friendly dish soaps and all-purpose sprays. Another is lauryl glucoside, also derived from plant oils and sugar, used in both household cleaners and personal care products.

Citric acid, often derived from fermented corn or sugar beets, is a powerful limescale and mineral deposit remover. Many plant-based bathroom cleaners and dishwasher detergents use citric acid to break down hard water stains and soap scum. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) even lists citric acid on its Safer Chemical Ingredients List as a safer choice for certain cleaning functions.

You’ll also see ethanol or plant-derived alcohol on labels. When sourced from corn, sugarcane, or other plants, it acts as a solvent and helps cleaners evaporate quickly, which is especially useful in glass cleaners and disinfecting sprays. The CDC notes that alcohol-based products can help with disinfection when used correctly, which is why some plant-based disinfectants rely on ethanol as their active ingredient.

Another ingredient example of a plant-based cleaner is d-limonene, a solvent derived from citrus peels. It’s fantastic at cutting through grease and sticky residues—think label glue, greasy stovetops, and oily fingerprints. Many orange- or citrus-scented degreasers use d-limonene as their main cleaning agent.

When you see these ingredients—coco-glucoside, lauryl glucoside, citric acid, plant-based ethanol, d-limonene—you’re looking at real examples of plant-based cleaning products in action, even if the front label just says “natural” or “green.”

Kitchen-focused examples include sprays, soaps, and degreasers

The kitchen is usually the first place people swap to greener cleaners, and for good reason: you’re dealing with food, kids, pets, and a lot of surfaces that get touched constantly.

For counters and stovetops, Better Life All-Purpose Cleaner is a strong example of a plant-based cleaning product that can handle everyday messes. Its formula uses plant-derived surfactants and solvents, and it’s free of synthetic dyes and harsh preservatives. Another example of a kitchen-friendly plant-based cleaner is Puracy Multi-Surface Cleaner, developed with input from chemists and doctors and powered by coconut-based surfactants and natural preservatives.

For cutting boards and food-contact surfaces, many people prefer unscented or lightly scented options. Seventh Generation Free & Clear or ECOS All-Purpose Cleaner (fragrance-free versions) are good examples of plant-based cleaning products that avoid heavy fragrances while still lifting grease and crumbs.

Stubborn oven grime and baked-on grease are tougher, but there are still plant-based options. Aunt Fannie’s Cleaning Vinegar is a vinegar-based cleaner that can help loosen grease and stuck-on food when used regularly. For really caked-on messes, you may need a bit of patience and scrubbing, but using plant-based degreasers with citrus solvents and vinegar can reduce your reliance on heavy-duty oven sprays.

Even your dishwasher detergent can be plant-based. Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent Packs and Ecover Automatic Dishwasher Tablets are examples of plant-based cleaning products that rely on plant-derived enzymes, surfactants, and oxygen-based bleach instead of chlorine bleach and phosphates. That’s better for waterways, as phosphates can contribute to algal blooms and water pollution, an issue highlighted by the U.S. Geological Survey.

Laundry and fabric care: some of the best examples of plant-based cleaners

Laundry is another area where plant-based products shine, especially if you have sensitive skin or allergies.

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent is one of the best examples of a plant-based cleaning product for clothes. It uses plant-derived surfactants and enzymes to break down stains without synthetic fragrances or dyes. For many families, switching to a detergent like this reduces skin irritation, especially for babies and people with eczema.

ECOS Laundry Detergent is another example of a plant-based laundry product that has been around for decades. It’s made with plant-powered surfactants, often from coconut, and is concentrated so you use less product per load. Concentrated formulas reduce packaging and shipping weight, which lowers the overall environmental footprint.

For stain removal, Puracy Stain Remover and Biokleen Bac-Out Stain+Odor Remover are real examples of plant-based cleaning products that use enzymes derived from plants and microbes to break down proteins, starches, and fats. Enzyme cleaners are especially helpful on food stains, sweat, and pet accidents.

Even fabric softeners have plant-based alternatives. Molly’s Suds Fabric Softener and Attitude Fabric Softener use plant-based conditioning agents instead of quaternary ammonium compounds (often called “quats”), which can be irritating for some people and persist in the environment. If you prefer to skip liquid softeners entirely, wool dryer balls (often used with a few drops of plant-based essential oils) offer a simple, low-waste alternative.

Bathroom and hard-surface examples of plant-based cleaning products

Bathrooms test any cleaner’s strength: soap scum, hard water stains, mildew stains, and all the mystery splatters.

Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner uses thymol (from thyme oil) as its active ingredient instead of chlorine bleach or quats. This is a clear example of a plant-based cleaning product designed to kill germs while reducing harsh fumes. It’s registered with the EPA as a disinfectant, which you can verify on the EPA’s List N of disinfectants that meet criteria for use against certain pathogens.

For tubs, tiles, and sinks, Method Bathroom Cleaner and Attitude Bathroom Cleaner are good examples of plant-based products that rely on plant-derived acids and surfactants to break down mineral buildup and soap residue. They often use citric acid and lactic acid (which can be produced via fermentation of plant sugars) to gently dissolve deposits.

Toilets are trickier, but not impossible. Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Better Life Natural Toilet Bowl Cleaner use plant-based surfactants and thickening agents to cling to the bowl and help lift stains. They may not bleach everything to a bright white in one pass like a heavy chlorine cleaner, but with regular use, they keep things clean and fresh without the harsh smell.

For daily wipe-downs, reusable microfiber cloths paired with a plant-based spray are smart, low-waste examples of plant-based cleaning products in practice. The cloths themselves aren’t plant-based (they’re usually synthetic), but combining them with plant-based cleaners reduces the overall chemical load in your home.

DIY examples of plant-based cleaning products you can mix at home

If you like a hands-on approach—or want to save money—there are plenty of examples of plant-based cleaning products you can mix in your own kitchen.

A simple all-purpose spray can be made with water, white vinegar, and a small amount of plant-based dish soap. The vinegar (often derived from fermented grain or fruit) helps cut mineral deposits and mild grease, while the plant-based soap lifts dirt. This works well on counters, floors, and stovetops, though you’ll want to avoid natural stone like marble or granite, as vinegar can etch those surfaces.

For a gentle scrub cleaner, many people mix baking soda with a splash of plant-based dish soap and a bit of water to form a paste. While baking soda is mineral-based, the cleaning power comes from the combination of mild abrasion and the plant-based surfactants in the soap. This paste is excellent for sinks, tubs, and inside the oven.

If you want a DIY glass cleaner, mix water with a bit of plant-derived alcohol (like vodka) and a tablespoon of vinegar. The alcohol and vinegar help the mixture evaporate quickly and reduce streaks. Use a lint-free cloth or newspaper for best results.

You can even make a simple floor cleaner by adding a small squirt of plant-based dish soap to a bucket of warm water. For wood floors, use a very small amount of soap and wring your mop out well to avoid soaking the wood.

These homemade recipes are practical examples of plant-based cleaning products that use everyday pantry ingredients. They’re not perfect for every situation, but they’re affordable, low-tox, and easy to customize.

How to spot the best examples of plant-based cleaning products on a label

With so many green leaves and eco-badges on packaging, it can be hard to tell which products are genuinely plant-based and which are just marketing.

When you’re hunting for the best examples of plant-based cleaning products, start with the ingredient list. Look for:

• Words like “coconut-derived,” “plant-derived surfactants,” “corn-based ethanol,” or specific names like coco-glucoside, lauryl glucoside, decyl glucoside, citric acid, lactic acid, and d-limonene.
• Clear avoidance of chlorine bleach, ammonia, phthalates, and synthetic dyes.
• Fragrance disclosure, or at least mention of “100% essential oils” instead of “fragrance” with no further detail.

Next, check for third-party certifications. Two helpful ones are:

• EPA Safer Choice, which identifies products that meet the EPA’s criteria for safer ingredients. You can learn more on the EPA Safer Choice page.
• Leaping Bunny or Certified Cruelty-Free, if animal testing is a concern for you.

Remember that “plant-based” doesn’t automatically mean “non-toxic” or “safe for everyone.” Some people are sensitive to essential oils, for example. Sites like NIH and CDC offer general guidance on cleaning and indoor air quality, which can help you decide what’s right for your household.

When you combine label-reading with the real examples of examples of plant-based cleaning products listed above, you’ll start to recognize patterns—and shopping gets much easier.

FAQ: examples of plant-based cleaning products people ask about most

What are some examples of plant-based cleaning products that are easy to find at big stores?
Examples include Seventh Generation All-Purpose Cleaner, Method All-Purpose Cleaner, Mrs. Meyer’s Dish Soap, ECOS Laundry Detergent, and Ecover Toilet Bowl Cleaner. These brands are widely sold in major U.S. retailers and online, making them simple swaps for conventional products.

Can you give an example of a plant-based disinfectant that actually kills germs?
Yes. Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner and Disinfecting Multi-Surface Cleaner use thymol (from thyme oil) as the active ingredient and are registered with the EPA as disinfectants. Some alcohol-based plant-derived sprays that use ethanol can also disinfect when used according to label directions.

Are DIY vinegar sprays good examples of plant-based cleaning products?
They’re a helpful example of a low-cost, plant-based option for everyday cleaning of many hard surfaces. Vinegar is often made from fermented grains or fruits, and when combined with plant-based dish soap, it can handle light grease and general dirt. Just remember it’s not a registered disinfectant and shouldn’t be used on natural stone.

Do plant-based cleaning products really work as well as traditional ones?
For everyday tasks—wiping counters, washing dishes, cleaning floors, routine bathroom cleaning—many plant-based cleaners work just as well as traditional formulas. For extremely heavy buildup or industrial-level messes, you may need stronger products, but most households can rely on the best examples of plant-based cleaning products for 90% of daily cleaning.

How can I tell if a “green” cleaner is really plant-based or just marketing?
Read the ingredient list and look for specific plant-derived surfactants and acids, not just vague words like “natural.” Check for certifications like EPA Safer Choice, and compare the label to known examples of plant-based cleaning products such as Seventh Generation, Method, ECOS, and Ecover. If a brand is transparent about its ingredients and sourcing, that’s usually a good sign.