Cleaning might not be at the top of your weekend wishlist, but done the eco way, it can be surprisingly satisfying (yes, really). Part of that satisfaction? Knowing exactly what’s in your cleaning products—and that they’re not loaded with questionable chemicals.
Eco-friendly cleaning in Australia is gaining momentum, and for good reason: it’s good for you, your home, and our environment. And the best bit? It doesn’t have to be complicated.
In this blog, we’re breaking down what eco-friendly cleaningreally means, how to spot natural cleaning products, and simple swaps that can tidy up your routine minus the plastic and all the nasties.
What Does Eco-Friendly Cleaning Really Mean?
Some cleaning products wear a green label but don’t quite walk the talk. A leafy logo or earthy-sounding name doesn’t always mean what’s inside the bottle is good for you or the planet. So how do you know what’s genuinely eco-friendly?
Let’s keep it simple. Eco-friendly cleaning is all about:
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Non-toxic ingredients – Skip the ammonia, phthalates, chlorine bleach, and mystery chemicals with names that sound like they belong in a science experiment. Eco-friendly products keep things simple and safe—no nose-wrinkling fumes or questionable ingredients.
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Low waste – Refillable, reusable, or recyclable packaging where you can. Less single-use plastic, more long-term thinking. A refillable cleaning tablet or concentrate means one bottle can go the distance.
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Sustainable production – Products made with care, ideally right here in Australia. That means fewer shipping emissions, better quality control, and supporting local makers who care about sustainability.
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Gentler on people and planet – Your home should feel clean and fresh, not like a freshly fumigated lab. Eco cleaning avoids harsh chemical residues—because no one wants to wash the benchtop and feel like they need to open every window.
It’s also about being mindful. Choosing products that do more with less, and don’t rely on harsh chemicals or mountains of packaging. Swapping sprays full of synthetics for ingredients you can pronounce and maybe even find in your pantry. Fewer fumes, more peace of mind, and a home that sparkles without the side of stress.
Want to keep your cleaning kit genuinely green? Look out for short ingredient lists, plastic-free packaging, and transparent brands that tell you exactly what’s inside—and why.
Why Make the Switch to Natural Cleaning Products?
Still unsure if it’s worth swapping your usual sprays for natural cleaning products? Here’s why so many Aussies are making the switch:
1. It’s healthier for your home
Many conventional cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that linger in the air long after you’ve wiped down the counter. According to research, long-term exposure to VOCs indoors can increase health risks—especially for children, pets, and people with asthma.
2. It’s kinder to the environment
Chemical runoff doesn’t disappear down the drain—it can end up in rivers, oceans, and soil, harming aquatic life and ecosystems. Eco-friendly alternatives help reduce that impact.
3. It smells way better (naturally)
Plant-based ingredients and essential oils offer gentle, uplifting scents—without the fake citrus fog.
Sustainable Cleaning Tips for Every Aussie Home
From red dirt to beach sand, Aussie homes face their fair share of mess. Here’s how to keep things clean while staying kind to the planet:
1. Start with multi-taskers
Choose products that can do it all, like Keeper Clean—a refillable, non-toxic all-purpose cleaner made without the harmful ingredients and free of phthalates. One bottle, many uses.
2. Refill, don’t replace
Instead of tossing yet another empty plastic spray bottle, try refill tablets or bulk solutions that work with containers you already have.
3. Say no to plastic scrubbers
Opt for compostable sponges, wooden dish brushes, or silicone scrubbers that don’t shed microplastics every time you wash up.
4. DIY with pantry staples
White vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are powerhouse ingredients. Combine them for an easy homemade solution that’s great for stovetops, tiles, and even windows.
5. Choose phthalate-free storage
When organising your cleaning kit (or under-sink chaos), skip the plastic baskets. Use stackable glass containers, bamboo caddies, or stainless steel tins to keep everything tidy and toxin-free.
6. Repurpose with purpose
Who said lunch bags are just for lunch? If your kids got a lunch bag they have outgrown, don’t toss it away! Our reusable, insulated lunch bags can double as storage for your eco cleaning bits—great for keeping things tidy under the sink.
7. Don’t forget the bottle brush
Reusable drink bottles and smoothie cups are great, until you try cleaning inside them with a regular sponge. A cleaning brush set like the one from b.box includes all the skinny sizes for bottles, lids, and even reusable straws—perfect for all those hard-to-reach spots.
Easy Cleaning Ideas That Actually Work
Want to try your hand at making your own cleaners? These easy combos are all budget- and eco-friendly:
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Greasy stovetop - Mix 2 tbsp bicarb soda with a splash of natural liquid or dish soap and warm water
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Smelly bins - Sprinkle baking soda in the base and add a few drops of tea tree oil
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Streaky windows - Equal parts white vinegar and water + a microfibre cloth
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Mouldy grout - Make a paste with baking soda and vinegar, scrub with an old toothbrush
Pro tip: Pop your homemade cleaners into glass or eco-friendly refillable spray bottles and label them with a chalk pen. It’s a small step that makes your cleaning stash feel neat and purposeful.
Clean Home, Clean Conscience
Switching to eco-friendly cleaning isn’t about doing it all at once—it’s about making thoughtful changes that feel good and do good. And with the right products (like our Keeper Clean range), natural ingredients, and a little curiosity, your home can be sparkling and sustainable.
At Hello Green, we believe that every scrub, wipe, and spritz should leave your home cleaner without costing the Earth. From refillable spray bottles to phthalate-free homewares, we’ve got planet-friendly picks for every cupboard and to help you green your clean—one reusable swap at a time.
Ready to make the switch? Start small, clean smart, and check out our product range for more ideas. And if you want to learn more about the hidden nasties in your cleaning cupboard, you’ll love our blog on how to spot sustainable packaging.
