sustainable home

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tools

Earth friendly cleaning tools are an integral part of a sustainable cleaning routine.

When transitioning to greener cleaning practices, most people start with non-toxic cleaning products–a great first step. However, the tools used alongside those products are often overlooked. But this is an important step to reduce waste and improve the healthiness of your home. Many traditional cleaning tools are single-use or made of plastic, which isn’t recyclable or biodegradable.

In addition, plastic items–including cleaning tools–shed microplastics over time. In fact, 33% of the dust in your home is comprised of microplastics originating from synthetic fabrics such as polyester. Ironically, some of the most popular cleaning cloths and dusters for cleaning are made from microfiber, another synthetic material.

Choosing plastic-free, reusable cleaning tools is a crucial but often forgotten step in reducing waste and creating a healthier home environment. On this page, you will learn what to look for in cleaning tools and find product recommendations to help you clean greener.

Understand how to identify non-toxic and eco-friendly cleaning products and get recommendations here.

Eco-friendly cleaning tools
  1. Surface & dusting tools
  2. Plastic-free floor care
  3. Everyday sustainable utility tools
  4. Bathroom cleaning tools
  5. Waste & disposal
  6. Final thoughts on eco-friendly cleaning tools

Surface & dusting tools

When it comes to cleaning surfaces and dusting, eco-friendly tools made from natural fibers are a smart choice. Materials like organic cotton and linen not only offer excellent dust pickup and absorbency, but also reduce reliance on synthetic, petroleum-based alternatives. By choosing reusable, sustainable cloths, you can keep your home clean while minimizing waste.

Sustainable paper towels

Despite being one of the most recycled materials in the U.S., paper products are the third most common type of material in landfills, largely due to tissue products. Americans make up just over 4% of the Earth’s population, yet consume 20% of the world’s tissue.

Most tissue products are made from Canadian boreal forests—home to 25% of the planet’s last intact forests and the most carbon-dense ecosystem on Earth. These forests absorb carbon equal to the yearly emissions of 24 million cars. But with 1 million acres destroyed annually, carbon stores are shrinking, wildlife is declining, and the lives of 600 nearby Indigenous communities are being harmed.

The best practice is to skip paper towels altogether and clean with reusable cleaning cloths or rags. However, there are some messes that you may not want to sully your rags with (i.e., pet messes). In this case, paper towels made from recycled paper are the best choice for single-use paper towels, followed by those made from bamboo.

If you’d like to take it a step further, choose one of the two brands I have found that are not packaged in plastic. Both are from great, reputable brands with a strong commitment to sustainability.

  • Who Gives A Crap 100% Recycled Paper Towels are FSC-certified and sent to you with carbon neutral shipping. The company is a Certified B Corp that donates an astounding 50% of its profits to clean water and sanitation non-profit worldwide. And as a side note, their IG posts are hilarious, so give them a follow.
  • Reel, also a Certified B Corp, offers Recycled Paper Towels that are made from a minimum of 80% post-consumer FSC-certified material that is sourced only from North America and made in the USA.

Learn more about how to choose sustainable paper towels and other paper products.

Reusable paper towels

Some reusable paper towels are designed to mimic the look of traditional paper towels—white cloths rolled up on a tube. I haven’t been particularly impressed with the ones I’ve tried in that style. However, I do appreciate the quality and functionality of brands like Marley’s Monsters. Their UNpaper towels come wrapped around a sturdy roll, making them easy to use and store. That said, they’re quite expensive—arguably overpriced at $38 for 12 towels—, considering they’re essentially uniform fabric squares with serged edges, a technique that doesn’t require advanced sewing skills. Still, they’re a solid option if you prefer the paper towel format but don’t have the time or interest to sew your own.

CozySimpleLiving on Etsy offers similar styles at a more affordable price point, and I’ve liked those just as much. ZeroWasteStore Reusable Paper Towels are another great option, made with GOTS certified organic cotton.

Natural cleaning cloths

An even simpler and no-cost alternative to paper towels is repurposing fabric scraps from old t-shirts, towels, or sheets. Microfiber cloths are very popular for cleaning and dusting, but unfortunately, microfiber is one of those fossil fuel-based synthetic materials that shed microplastics and is not biodegradable. If you choose to purchase cleaning cloths, be sure to select those made from a natural, biodegradable fiber such as cotton. Some examples include:

Natural fiber lint-free cloths

Again, microfiber is the traditional gold standard for lint-free cleaning, but natural fabrics can perform just as well. Choose a fine weave, such as birdseye cotton, which is very tightly woven. The diaper recommendations above will work just fine, but if you really want to minimize lint, try:

Pre-wash cloths and always use a clean one for minimal lint. When cleaning cloths wear out and get grubby, cut them into small pieces and add them to the compost.

Most cleaning sponges and scouring pads are made of plastic. Instead, purchase biodegradable sponges made from 100% plant-based materials such as cellulose, walnut, or coconut coir. Sponges made of these natural materials can be composted once they start wearing out.

  • The Blueland Scrub Sponge is made from 100% FSC-certified cellulose and loofah. These sponges are very durable and long-lasting and packaged without plastic. Also available on Amazon.
  • Full Circle’s Plain Jane sponge is made from 100% cellulose, packaged in compostable material. Also available on Amazon
  • Casabella Kind Loofah Sponge is made from cellulose and loofah, packaged in compostable film. Available at Whole Foods
  • 4Ocean Biodegradable Sponges are thin and flat until you put them under water and watch them expand in a satisfying way. The website says to use one per day to prevent bacteria buildup, but I’ve used them until they start breaking down, which can be weeks. In the meantime, I clean them as I do any other kitchen sponge: in the microwave for one minute.

Sponge reuse ideas

I cringe when I think of repurposing a gamey old sponge, but here are some ideas on what to do with old sponges for the brave souls. There are a couple of interesting ones worth trying.

Are sponges recyclable?

No, whether made from synthetic or natural materials, sponges are not recyclable. If made with 100% cellulose or other natural fibers, throw in the compost, otherwise discard regular synthetic sponges in the trash.

Swedish dishcloths

I have become a big fan of Swedish dishcloths, which are essentially a large, thin version of a sponge that can be found in infinite cute prints. A versatile cleaning tool, they can serve as a dish sponge, a cleaning sponge, a paper towel, or a dishrag. They are very absorbent and can be laundered in the washing machine or dishwasher. Swedish dishcloths are generally composed of a blend of 70% cellulose and 30% cotton, which can be composted when they reach the end of their life.

  • Grove Swedish Dishcloths – Comes in FSC certified packaging and is certified cruelty-free.
  • If You Care Sponge Cloths are certified compostable by BPI and TUV Austria and packaged in a recyclable/compostable envelope. NYT Wirecutter selected these as their top Swedish discloth pick of 2024.dishcloth
  • Papaya Reusables – Besides having tons of super cute design options, their cloths have a little hole in one corner so they can be hung from a hook, which is also available for purchase.

Natural scrubbers & brushes

For eco-friendly cleaning tools with a little more scrubbing power, try one of these biodegradable scrubber and brush options.

Eco-friendly dusters

Most popular dusters are made from–you guessed it–microfiber. For plastic-free dusting, try one of the following products.

  • Marley’s Monsters sells a 100% organic cotton duster with a wooden handle, or one with 70% bamboo and 30% organic cotton. This is the best vegan, non-plastic duster option.
  • Redecker is a family-owned German company that sells high-end brushes and dusters handcrafted from renewable materials such as horsehair, lambswool, and boar’s hair, complete with wooden handles. Animal hair is a byproduct of animal husbandry and food production. Shop Redecker on Amazon

Wool Shop is a family-owned business that sells all kinds of dusters, including lambswool dusters with wood handles. They can also be found in various retailers, including Williams Sonoma. However, there is no information on their website concerning animal welfare. I am waiting for a reply from customer service.

As far as feather dusters go, I have yet to find any that I trust are gathered humanely (except for Redecker); the other companies I have researched don’t provide sourcing information on their websites.

cleaning tools hanging on wall

Plastic-free floor care

Plastic-free floor care tools offer durable, effective alternatives to conventional mops, brooms, and brushes. With the right materials, it’s easy to keep floors clean without relying on synthetic components.

Eco-friendly brooms

Corn brooms and others made with natural bristles and wood or metal handles are the best choices for sweeping.

Dustpans

Eco-friendly mops

  • Fuller Brush Co. Wet Mop – Cotton mop head and steel handle. Also available on Amazon
  • The Quick Loop Mop contains a mop head constructed from coiled steel with an oak fabric holder. You supply your own cloth and broom handle for this unique sweeper/mop. Also available on Amazon

Swiffer duster alternatives

Swiffer pad refills are not biodegradable as they are made from polyester. Many reusable Swiffer pads can be found online, but most of these are microfiber. Eliminate the waste from disposable Swiffer pads by using your cleaning rags/cloths in their place. Try Saged Home’s 100% cotton Washable Mop Covers, or find a variety of reusable cotton Swiffer pad alternatives on Etsy.

If you’re using up your disposable Swiffer pads before switching to reusable, recycle them with Terracycle’s free mail-in program.

What to do with old mops and brooms

If your mop or broom has a removable handle, it can be used to replace broken ones on other tools or as garden stakes. A broom with a broken handle can be used stored in the car and used as a snow brush.

Unusable mops and brooms can be composted if made from all natural fibers. The dust you sweep up (and vacuum) is mostly organic material and can be dumped in your green waste bin.

Everyday sustainable utility tools

Spray Bottles

Purchase reusable glass spray bottles such as Grove’s Refillable Spray Bottle or Everspring’s Glass Reusable Spray Bottle and fill with water, adding desired cleaning concentrates or tablets, or make your own cleaner with the plethora of recipes online.

Recycling spray bottles

Cleaning product spray bottles can be tricky to recycle because while the bottle is usually acceptable, the spray head/trigger is not because of the combination of plastic and metal spring mechanism inside. Check for local recycling options, otherwise send to Terracycle through their free mail-in recycling program.

Eco-friendly cleaning gloves

Most household rubber gloves are not actually made from rubber but from PVC, or vinyl, which is the most dangerous type of plastic for our health. These gloves are not recyclable or biodegradable. Instead, choose cleaning gloves that are made from natural rubber latex, which comes from trees and is fully compostable.

If You Care Household Gloves are *hands-down* the best option. These gloves are made with 100% rubber latex, which is ethically harvested and produced. They are fully compostable at the end of their life; the company recommends cutting them up into small pieces to speed decomposition. The gloves are sturdy, comfortable, and don’t make my hands sweat.

Other latex glove options include nylon lining inside, which makes them not fully compostable, but these are still a better choice than PVC gloves.

If you have a latex allergy, go with nitrile gloves. While these are still a synthetic material, and therefore not biodegradable, they are non-toxic and a more eco-friendly alternative to vinyl gloves. I had a hard time finding 100% nitrile gloves meant for household cleaning and not single-use. The only option I have found is the HDX Green 11mil Reusable Nitrile Glove at Home Depot.

Buckets

You can reuse any size of bucket or tub. There are probably millions of uses for 5 gallon buckets. Mine mostly are used for storing things like gravel or mulch, and I carry one when I’m working in the yard to collect my weeds. It makes a pretty good compress tool to stuff the green waste bin as full as possible. I don’t think you need to spend money on new ones…I bet if you could find some restaurants with extras they don’t need, or if you know anyone with a saltwater aquarium, they will probably have ton of buckets that their salt came in.

If you need a new bucket, try one made from recycled materials, such as these EcoSolutions 5 gallon buckets.

Even better, go plastic-free with a galvanized steel bucket. Behrens makes many sizes, which are widely available. Shop on Amazon

Recycling buckets

Metal buckets are recyclable; plastic buckets are recyclable depending on type of plastic and local recycling guidelines.

Bathroom cleaning tools

Eco-friendly plunger

The inexpensive traditional plunger with a wooden handle and rubber cup is an acceptably sustainable choice. However in my experience, they don’t last as long as others and get pretty gamey fast.

Unfortunately, you’re going to have to fork out $30-40 for the best sustainable plungers.

  • The aptly-named Royal Plunge Plunger by Full Circle has a handle is made from recycled aluminum and bamboo, and the plunger sits in a ceramic holder with a base that absorbs water. Also available at Amazon
  • Grove’s Eco Plunger is essentially the exact same thing as the Full Circle plunger, but has a removable head that can be replaced as needed.

I debated whether to include OXO Toilet Plunger & Canister since it is made from plastic, but ultimately decided to because it has lasted much longer than the traditional plungers I’ve had in the past, and I really like the holder that contains the water and germs, keeping the plunger cup out of sight. Also available on Amazon.

Eco-friendly toilet brush

Go Green: Biodegradable toilet brush

  • Zefiro’s wooden toilet brush is made with FSC certified beechwood and sisal bristles without any glues. It is vegan and fully compostable.
  • The ZeroWasteStore Plastic-Free Toilet brush is composed of compostable, sustainably-sourced beech wood and tampico agave fibers and comes with a beechwood stand. Also available at EarthHero
  • The JoyfulHomeSL shop on Etsy sells a handmade toilet brush with a wooden handle and coconut coir bristles that is also completely compostable.

Other options:

  • The Grove Toilet Brush with Replaceable Head is made from recycled aluminum and recycled plastic.
  • Oxo Good Grips. This one isn’t exactly made from eco-friendly materials, but since the brush heads are replaceable and you keep the handle, it’s a start. It comes with an amazing little holder, so as long as you keep replacing the brush heads as needed, this should keep your toilets clean for a long time.

Waste & disposal

Eco-friendly trash bags

Go Green: Biodegradable garbage bags vs recycled trash bags

This is one of the classic there-is-not-a-clear-cut-answer-here issues. By now, you know plastic should be avoided as much as possible, and biodegradable or compostable materials are what we should aim for. So it should be a simple win for biodegradable trash bags here, right? If only it were that simple.

Take a moment to consider where your trash is ultimately headed, which is most likely the landfill. Here your refuse gets dumped and buried by layers of more waste. In that environment, your trash quickly loses access to oxygen. In this anaerobic environment, stuff takes forever to break down. Even organic material. If you’ve read anything about food waste, you’ll know that a simple head of lettuce can take up to 25 years to fully decompose in a landfill! Normally this breakdown process creates carbon dioxide, but with the lack of oxygen, methane is created instead, which is much worse at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Under these conditions, neither type of bag is going to break down readily. I’ve given this too much thought, and if you’re over it and just want me to tell which type of bags to get, I understand. Either choice has pros and cons so take your pick. If you want to know more, read on.

Biodegradable garbage bags

Recycled garbage bags

Biodegradable garbage bag details

Instead of being made from fossil fuels like other plastic, bioplastics are made from plant material, such as sugar cane or corn/potato starch. These include PLA (polylactic acid) and PHA (polyhydroxyalkanoate).

While bioplastics are technically compostable, most of the time this process must be done in a commercial composting facility that achieves higher temperatures than simple backyard composting (or in a landfill). These types of facilities are rare.

While the idea of bioplastics seems promising, their production is expensive and not a clear cut solution. They do result in less greenhouse gases than conventional plastic, but the tradeoff is increased pollutants from fertilizers and pesticides needed to grow the crops, as well as extensive water and land use. In addition, despite being made with plant material, chemicals are still added during production. A 2020 study found that bioplastics are just as toxic as conventional plastics.

Having said all that, the fact that compostable trash bags will eventually fully break down, unlike plastic, is a big upside. In addition, they don’t contain the harmful chemicals that plastics leach into the soild and groundwater as they break down into smaller pieces.

Recycled trash bags

Although I normally want to say all plastic is bad, some has its place. We have an excess of plastic in the world, and it is notoriously difficult to recycle, so I think giving some of that plastic another life before ending up in the landfill has its value. Especially when compared with trash bags made from new materials. Reusing plastic grocery bags to line trash cans is a great way to repurpose existing bags.

Should you just go bagless?

Although neither type of trash bag is clearly better than the other, I don’t think skipping a bag altogether is a great option either. Some municipalities require bagging. In addition, I think that loose trash is likely to spread outside of the garbage truck, especially on a windy day. What would work, though, is to use other trash to hold your garbage, like say an empty dog food bag.

Are trash bags recyclable?

If composed of #2 HDPE or #4 LDPE plastic, then yes empty trash bags could be recycled with other plastic films. But of course this would entail you dumping your trash out of the bag and into the can, which may be less than desirable as mentioned above. In addition, plastic films need to be clean and dry. So most likely, recycling trash bags is not a feasible option.

And while we’re on the subject, recycling bags in curbside recycling is a big no-no. Do NOT bag your recycling. This is among the biggest errors seen, and may result in your recycling being thrown away. In most cases, bagged recycling cannot be sorted. And plastic bags can cause clogs in facility machinery.

Final thoughts on eco-friendly cleaning tools

Just about any tool you need to scrub, sweep, wipe, or scour is available in high-quality, non-plastic options made from natural, biodegradable materials. Pair them with non-toxic cleaning products, and you’ll have the cleanest house on the block—in more ways than one.

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