While there is still no accepted definition of “natural” when it comes to cleaning, recent initiatives such as the Natural Products Association’s Natural Standard for Home Care Products can help retailers make smart buying decisions. 

Eco-Me Bill All-Purpose Cleaner

Part of the Eco-Me “family” of cleaning products, which also includes Kate, Suzy and Emma,
Bill contains just three ingredients: water, vinegar and essential oils. Vinegar reduces up to
98 percent of bacteria and odors, according to the company, and the essential oils have naturalantibacterial properties. 

Earth Friendly Products Orange Plus

All Earth Friendly products are biodegradable, nontoxic, pH neutral, and phosphate and petroleum free. The company has long been an environmental leader in the green category, with two solar-powered manufacturing facilities. The Orange Plus all-purpose cleaner uses orange oil and coconut-based surfactants rather than the chemical sodium lauryl sulfate.

Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day All Purpose Cleaner

All Mrs. Meyer’s products are free of ammonia, chlorine, phosphates, phthalates and petroleum. This all-purpose cleaner is available in basil, lavender, geranium and lemon verbena scents. Mrs. Meyer’s products are specifically not antibacterial, because the company states the chlorine commonly used for killing microbes in such products is hard on the environment and can lead to the development of resistant super bacteria.

J.R. Watkins Naturals All Purpose Cleaner

J.R. Watkins has been producing natural home and personal care products since 1868.  Available in four scents—lavender, lemon, orange, and aloe & green tea—the all-purpose cleaner uses plant-derived surfactants and is appropriate for tile, appliances, fixtures and many other household surfaces.

Biokleen Super Concentrated All Purpose Cleaner and Degreaser

With only five ingredients, including vegetable-based surfactants, orange-peel extract and grapefruit-seed extract, Biokleen’s concentrated all-purpose offering should be mixed with water to clean most surfaces, including floors, counters, kitchens and bathrooms.