Non-Toxic Living

The Best Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaner

Why do most people clean? Well, they want the area to be clean and get rid of any debris and bacteria! So if you are wanting your bathroom to be as clean as possible why would you use toxic chemicals? 

Somewhere along the way, we learned that the only way a solution can leave an area clean is if it smells clean. Long ago, nothing was cleaner than the smell of bleach and Pinesol. 

There are still so many misconceptions today about non-toxic cleaning supplies.  

In this article, we’re going to go over all of the benefits of using a non toxic bathroom cleaner and what you should be on the lookout for! Be sure to read until the end because we are spilling the beans on the best non toxic bathroom cleaners we can find! 

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I could be compensated if you decide to make a purchase. You can read my full disclosure here.

Skip right to our list of the best non-toxic bathroom cleaners.


Why You Should Choose A Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaner

Where do you think the most common place cleaning products are stored? If you say under the kitchen sink you are correct! This is odd because if you have small children that is the last place you would want to keep any kind of chemical. When you swap to non-toxic cleaners, you really don’t have to worry. I mean we aren’t serving up a cleaning solution in a sippy cup, but you get the idea.  

You know the smell most people get right after they clean their bathroom? Unfortunately, it’s toxic. As a matter of fact, you can actually create deadly gases when combining multiple bathroom cleaners. 

Most people use a toilet cleaner, a shower cleaner, and something totally different to wipe the counters. In the mix of things, all of those toxic chemicals are releasing fumes that you and your family are breathing. So when we mention chemicals being mixed, they don’t actually have to be combined together. Just the fumes can make you sick. 

(Let’s not forget how small bathrooms usually are, and even ventilation fans aren’t enough to clear the room.)

If the reasons above aren’t enough to swap to a non-toxic bathroom cleaner, maybe you just want to help the planet. 

Any chemicals that we use in our homes end up somewhere else, whether it’s in the ground at the landfill, or in our water supply. While there are systems in place to help eliminate toxins, it would be nice if we didn’t have to worry about that at all! 

bottles of non labeled bathroom cleaner next to a yellow wall

Ingredients to Avoid

Artificial fragrances and dyes

As we’ve mentioned in the past, the FDA does not require that brands disclose the ingredients in their fragrances. Unfortunately, they’re often loaded with phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors.

Butoxyethanol

This can be found in many different cleaners and is used as a solvent in paint thinners and strippers. The EPA warns that at high levels it can cause horrible health issues. While you may think cleaning your bathroom is harmless, you could be exposed to higher levels due to the lack of ventilation in smaller areas. 

Quarternary Ammonium Compounds – QUATS

Another well-known antibacterial ingredient, which poses the same health risk as triclosan. In addition, it is a known skin irritant and could be a culprit in respiratory discourse after chronic exposure.

Triclosan 

Typically bathroom products that are labeled “antibacterial” constrain triclosan. Not only do antibacterial products help microbes and bacteria build resistance, but triclosan is a controversial ingredient that is under speculation on whether it’s an endocrine disruptor but known as a possible carcinogen.

Chlorine

Because chlorine is in so many products in our environment, adding it to our cleaning products only increases the risk of developing health issues from it. Even our drinking water is treated with chlorine. We just don’t want to be exposed if we don’t have to. 

Ammonia 

If you have ever smelled ammonia, you know immediately that it can be harmful or at least irritating for your nose and throat. While most people won’t be severely affected, if you have a history of respiratory illnesses, such as asthma, you should definitely avoid it. It also turns to a toxic gas when combined with bleach. SO DON’T EVER MIX AMMONIA WITH OTHER PRODUCTS.

Sulfates 

Beware that some non-toxic products still contain harmful sulfates, like sodium laurel sulfate. There are better alternatives! 

cleaning a bathroom sink with gloves on using a sponge

What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaner

If you are on the hunt for an antibacterial non toxic bathroom cleaner, most of the time you will find tea tree oil as an ingredient. It is considered broad-spectrum so it fights a wide range of microbes and bugs. 

Because non toxic cleaners do not contain harmful solvents, you will want to see some type of surfactant which could be coconut or palm oil. Decyl Glucoside is a common ingredient that is safe to use.

Other ingredients that can be found in non toxic cleaners are typically plant and vegetable-based and use extracts. 


The Best Non-Toxic Bathroom Cleaners 

Method Antibacterial Toilet Cleaner

They consider this product their germ buster filled with a natural spearmint scent. Their bottles are made from recycled plastic and they are cruelty-free! It disinfects and removes grime with citric acid. If you love it, they have a whole line of non toxic cleaning products. One downside is that if you have hard water toilet stains that have been there a long time, you may need to use more or scrub harder. It works best if you use it on a weekly basis. Consumers said that it does seem thinner than conventional toilet cleaners, so it doesn’t “cling” as much to the bowl. 

Better Life Natural Tub and Tile Cleaner

This non-toxic bathroom cleaner was actually created by two dads who wanted to show that natural products really do work! It dissolves soap scum, hard water stains, and rust. This also makes a great grout cleaner and is safe to use on fixtures, shower doors, toilet seats, and shower curtains. If you love eucalyptus, you will love the scent of Better Life! One thing consumers didn’t like was the way it comes out in a stream versus a mist, but overall everyone loves it. 

Honest Disinfecting Spray

If you are wanting a multipurpose cleaner or one that disinfects, Honest’s 3 in 1 formula is amazing! Free of harsh chemicals but can fight germs and flu viruses. It works best on nonporous surfaces and should be let on for 10 minutes after spraying for best results. The major complaints about this cleaner is related to the nozzle. Most say that it doesn’t spray very far and sometimes comes out in one area. 

Force of Nature Starter Kit 

This is our personal favorite and what I use anytime I clean. It’s a great multi-purpose cleaner, non-toxic, and is budget-friendly, coming in at just 7 cents per ounce! The actual cleaning solution comes in an activator capsule and the overall product works differently compared to others, but are very comparable in results with conventional brands. It contains only 3 ingredients and the electrolyzer mixes the solution. I cannot say enough about their products and if you have never used one of these before, you need to check it out, they are so interesting! 

Biokleen Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner

Biokleen recommends using their cleaner regularly and says it’s safe to use on toilets, tubs, tiles, countertops, sinks, and floors. Having a cleaner that can be used on so many surfaces is great to reduce clutter. Also. their products are eco-friendly and free from artificial fragrances, colors, and preservatives. Some say it lacked scent, but for those with sensitivities, that’s a great advantage! 


Once you find your favorite non toxic bathroom cleaner, be sure to let us know in the comments! While you are swapping out cleaning products for non toxic and natural ingredients, think about getting a non toxic shower curtain and bath mat! You may also want to read our honest Norwex review.

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