Why should you consider baby-safe cleaning products?
Because, while common cleaners do kill germs, they wreak havoc on our bodies.
The truth is, traditional cleaners contain many unhealthy ingredients that are too strong for young children. These chemicals can cause health complications such as skin allergies, asthma, and more.
Fortunately, there are many child-safe cleaning products made with healthy, all-natural ingredients.
But you need to be careful. Some “natural” cleaners are worse than you think.
So, that begs the question: What are the best baby-safe cleaning products?
You’re in the right place! Below you’ll discover the ten healthiest baby-friendly cleaners available today.
We did many hours of research for you in determining these products, so you can skip the heavy lifting and read/ choose from the options below!
We even went a step further and gave some plastic-free alternatives for several of the picks, too. This way, you’ll have the choice to refuse plastic packaging.
So let’s dive in!
Jump to a Section
How to Choose Baby-Safe Household Cleaning Products
Many chemical ingredients used in traditional cleaning products can be toxic and harmful to children. For new parents, it’s especially important to choose baby-safe household cleaning products.
In other articles, we’ve discussed the effects of toxic chemicals in kids’ dinnerware, adult dinner plates, and even cookware that can harm not only yourself but especially your children.
For the sake of this article, we are focusing solely on the often overlooked cleaners.
Cleaners such as dishwasher detergents, bleach, toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, laundry detergents, floor and furniture polish, paints, and more are all dangerous.
The chemicals to avoid include:
- Ammonia
- Parabens
- Phthalates
- Petroleum Solvents
- VOCs
- Phenol
- Cresol
- Formaldehyde
- Hydrochloric Acid
- Triclosan
- Glycol Ethers
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
- Sodium Hypochlorite
These chemicals include serious health risks that can come from accidental ingestion and even touching or breathing in the fumes of the cleaners.
This can cause, depending on the form of exposure, respiratory problems, diarrhea, headaches, blindness, burns, kidney and liver issues, and even death.
It’s extremely important to read the labels of your cleaning products to check for markings such as:
- Caution
- Danger
- Toxic
- Warning
If you see these words you should make sure to read what the label has to say.
If you see danger, toxic, warning, or another strong word like that, be careful about using these cleaners around your children.
Caution doesn’t always mean the product is unsafe, sometimes it just means to use caution to avoid spraying the product into the eyes for example.
If you decide to continue using traditional cleaning products, make sure to take proper precaution.
Cleaners should always be stored out of the reach of children.
You may also want to install child-proof latches on low cabinets. When using one of these cleaning products, use only what you need, and immediately put it back out of grasp from the kids.
If all of that precaution seems tedious to you, you can steer clear of the risks and grab all-natural baby-safe products.
These are just as effective at getting the job done – with less risk.
So what cleaning products are safe for babies?
Below we will list our top picks of baby-safe cleaning products in all categories of cleaners from floor cleaners to laundry detergents and stain removers to all-purpose cleaning.
This list has been compiled through many hours of research so you can feel confident moving ahead with smart purchasing decisions.
Let’s get into it!
The 10 Best Baby-Safe Cleaning Products
Above, we addressed the concerns of traditional home cleaning products and why you should avoid them around children.
So now it’s time to explore the best baby-safe cleaning products.
Below, you’ll find the best baby-safe hand and body soaps, baby-safe stain removers, laundry detergents, floor cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners.
You’ll also find plastic-free alternatives (when possible) underneath each soap. Plastic-free meaning no plastic bottle or other plastic packaging.
First up, here are our favorite baby-safe hand and body soaps.
Baby-Safe Soap for Hand and Body
#1
Dr. Bronner’s plant-based castile is a trendy and effective baby-safe soap that’s good for you and the planet.
Bronner’s uses over 90% organic ingredients for this soap – 70% of which are certified fair trade.
They do not use synthetic preservatives, detergents, or foaming agents.
And yet, it’s still 3x more concentrated than most liquid soaps. You can dilute it in water and stretch one bottle for months.
Dr. Bronner’s castile is versatile too… Use it for dishes, laundry, pets, mopping, and much more.
And last, this brand uses 100% recycled plastic for their bottles. By doing so, they’re diverting plastic from landfills and increasing the demand for recycled materials.
So, buying from Dr. Bronner’s has a direct positive impact on sustainability.
Click here to grab Dr. Bronner’s pure-castile liquid soap today!
Dr. Bronner’s Plastic-Free Alternative
Maybe the recycled plastic isn’t good enough. Perhaps you want to make a more significant positive impact?
Well, good news. This handmade castile soap block from Bestowed Essentials has you covered.
Not only is it plastic-free, but it’s a 100% concentrated block.
So you’re not paying for water – you pay for soap only! This reduces transport costs and carbon emissions.
And better yet, this brand cleans 1lb of beach trash with every purchase!
#2
Puracy’s natural baby shampoo and body wash is another healthy baby-safe cleaner.
This product contains no cocamidopropyl betaine, sulfates, salicylates, parabens, petroleum-based ingredients, animal by-products (cruelty-free), perfumes, or dyes.
Instead, Puracy uses an entirely plant-based formula for this full-body cleanser. It’s gentle enough for all skin types, including those with eczema, cradle cap, and sensitive skin.
This product also won the “Best Baby Skincare Products” award from the BUMP in 2018.
And all products are made in America!
Click here to grab a 2-pack of Puracy baby shampoo and natural body wash today!
Baby-Safe Stain Remover
#3
Babyganics is a trusted company that solely focuses on healthy, child-safe products.
Their baby-safe stain remover spray is free from ammonia, bleach, phthalates, phosphates, fragrances, dyes, and sulfates.
Yet, its powerful (yet gentle) formula quickly eliminates tough baby stains… Some say even better than the synthetic stuff.
And the natural, plant-based ingredients help fight odors, too!
Altogether, you can’t go wrong with Babyganics stain remover.
Click here to grab this Babyganics 3-pack of stain and odor remover spray today!
#4
Dreft laundry stain remover was explicitly made for tough stains on children’s clothing, bedding, and blankets.
The powerful yet hypoallergenic formula contains no synthetic dyes, fragrances, chlorine, or phosphates.
Instead, Dreft uses only USDA-certified plant-based ingredients.
As a result, Dreft safely removes stains and odors caused by formula, spit-up, food, diarrhea, and more.
Overall, you can feel good about this brand. They’re the #1 pediatrician recommended baby laundry detergent.
Click here to grab this 2-pack of Dreft stain removing spray with pen today!
Dreft Plastic-Free Alternative
If you want to avoid plastic, check out this organic vegan stain stick from Butter Me Up Organics!
This solid, concentrated block comes unpackaged. Plus, you’re not wasting money on buying 90% water-based products.
Baby-Friendly Laundry Detergent
#5
When you need baby-friendly laundry detergent and convenience, go with Seventh Generation laundry packs.
Seventh Generation is a solid brand with strong beliefs on people and the planet. Over the past 30 years, they’ve designed products using renewable plant-based ingredients and recycled packaging materials.
These laundry packs are perfect for babies’ sensitive skin – they contain 0% fragrances, dyes, or artificial brighteners.
Instead, this certified Bio-based product uses 94% plant-based ingredients and scored an EPA Safer Choice certification!
Each pack contains 45 laundry pods (filled with powder detergent) – each pod washes one load. So, this 2-pack cleans 90 loads of laundry.
The pods work with both standard and High-Efficiency machines and with hot or cold water.
Click here to get your laundry detergent packs from Seventh Generation now!
Seventh Generation Plastic-Free Alternative
Although the actual pods above dissolve, the main packaging doesn’t. It’s plastic.
So, check out these neat organic soap nuts from Butter Me Up Organics – a true zero-waste alternative!
Now, they’re not actually nuts, but a relative of the Goji berry. So, it’s a 100% natural product.
You simply chuck a few in with your laundry, and the nutshell releases saponins… Natural soap. And the soap nuts come packaged in a biodegradable muslin bag!
#6
Molly’s Suds unscented laundry powder is super concentrated, costing less per load than most leading brands. But unlike leading brands, this stuff is effective and all-natural.
In fact, this powder is so pure that it contains only four natural ingredients!
That’s right. Molly keeps it simple by using safe and effective plant power.
As a result, their natural detergent formula gently and effectively cleans even the dirtiest garments. And it does so without harsh petrochemicals, formaldehyde, animal by-products, dyes, perfumes, phosphates, or brighteners.
So, it’s safe for those with skin and fragrance sensitivities, allergies, and eczema. Plus, fantastic for newborn clothing and bedding.
Now, be warned; the natural ingredients produce minimal suds. But this isn’t a problem… It actually helps prevent blockages in your machine’s sensors.
Overall, this company puts the planet and people’s health before everything when making its products.
Just look at this detergent as proof. It’s certified cruelty-free, vegan, made in the USA, and rated “A” in EWG’s guide to healthy cleaning.
Click here to check out this safe, non-toxic laundry detergent powder from Molly’s Suds today!
Molly’s Suds Plastic-Free Alternative
As good as Molly’s Suds is, we just can’t seem to get away from plastic packaging… Or can we?
Don’t you know Butter Me Up Organics has you covered by now?!
Check out their plastic-free, all-natural laundry soap powder (16oz)! It’s handcrafted from just a few simple ingredients and comes nestled in a biodegradable paper bag.
Want a bulk option?
Go with Meliora’s 35oz tin of all-natural laundry powder. It’s free of all that nasty stuff and comes packaged in plastic-free, recyclable aluminum! Plus, carbon-neutral shipping!
Baby-Friendly Floor Cleaner
#7
You’ll love this baby-friendly floor cleaner! Method cleaning products are born in a certified B Corp company that puts the environment and people’s health first.
Method’s floor cleaner is a vegan, non-toxic, biodegradable, hypoallergenic, compostable, and gluten-free plant-powered formula that safely cleans your floors without dangerous chemicals.
It’s very simple to use. Just squirt and mop! No need to rinse with water.
Method Squirt & Mop is for use on sealed hardwood and laminate floors.
Manufactured using renewable energy and responsible packaging!
Click right here to get this 6-pack of Method squirt and mop today!
#8
Aunt Fannie’s believes housekeeping is a daily act of personal wellness, and that’s why they’ve created this Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Wash Floor Cleaner.
It’s non-toxic, vegan, and healthy for kids and pets who are the ones that are on the floors most often.
It uses the natural power of vinegar to get rid of dirt, muck, and germs.
Vinegar’s acidity is what makes it such a good cleaner.
Its power can easily break down dirt, food, grease, and grime. It’s even great for getting rid of stains!
Plus, this vinegar floor wash is made in the USA, never tested on animals, and awarded the highest health & safety rating for cleaning products by the Environmental Working Group.
This is a fantastic baby-safe floor cleaner!
Click here to get this 32 oz bottle of Aunt Fannie’s vinegar floor cleaner today!
Baby-Safe All-Purpose Cleaner
#9
Mrs. Meyer’s Everyday Cleaner is a fantastic baby-safe all-purpose cleaner for surfaces.
This cruelty-free formula contains only plant-derived ingredients. The garden-fresh scents? All from natural essential oils.
But don’t doubt its effectiveness… Mrs. Meyer’s baby-safe concentrated cleaning formula annihilates kitchen mess and bathroom odors.
And yet, it’s entirely free from all of that unhealthy junk. Plus, it’s biodegradable, protecting marine wildlife.
You can use this spray on all non-porous surfaces. For example, on finished wood and tile floors, countertops, walls, porcelain, bathroom fixtures, stone, and more.
Click here to learn more and order some Mrs. Meyer’s multi-surface natural cleaning spray!
Mrs. Meyer’s Plastic-Free Alternative
Do you want the same versatile, baby-safe cleaning without the plastic packaging?
Meliora has you covered with their Gentle Home Cleaning Soft Scrub.
It’s biodegradable and free of all those same nasty chemicals… The difference? No plastic! This cleaner sits in a recyclable aluminum jar!
#10
Better Life’s natural all-purpose cleaner is your go-to workhorse.
Customers love how it doesn’t leave that annoying chemical residue on surfaces, either.
This stuff will sanitize and disinfect bacteria-laden surfaces. Then, go on to slice through stubborn kitchen grease and grime, leaving nothing but a shiny, smooth surface.
Better Life accomplishes this feat using only 100% plant-derived cleaning agents from coconut, corn, and soap bark (just like those soap nuts earlier).
That’s right. This baby-safe cleaning formula is free from synthetic fragrances, alcohol, petroleum solvents, dyes, parabens, and sulfates.
Use it to clean toilets, countertops, appliances, upholstery, baseboards, walls, floors, tables, showers, boats, cars, sporting equipment, toys, and more.
So, fight filth easily and naturally with Better Life’s cruelty-free all-purpose cleaner!
Better Life Plastic-Free Alternative
Humble Suds makes my favorite all-purpose, baby-safe cleaner out there.
They offer this plastic-free 3-pack consisting of small, 2oz glass bottles of all-natural concentrate.
One 2oz bottle makes a full 32oz of all-purpose cleaning spray.
Simply fill an old 32oz spray bottle with water, dump in the concentrate, and shake it up. Or, fill a 16oz bottle and add 1oz of concentrate.
And best of all, this 3-pack costs the same as Better Life’s 32oz 2-pack!
So, you’ll score 33.3% more cleaner for the same price and reduce plastic pollution, all while enjoying a baby-safe cleaner.
Favorite Overall
Dr. Bronner’s pure-castile soap has won the crown of our overall favorite baby-safe cleaning products.
It is a highly effective and versatile cleaner that is non-toxic and extremely safe.
It can be used as a baby-safe hand and body soap as we mentioned earlier, but that’s not even close to its limit.
Dr. Bronner’s pure-castile soap can also be used for dishes, laundry, floors, removing makeup, for shaving due to its rich lather, face wash, pets, produce rinse, and even for plant care as spraying a water-diluted mix onto the leaves can help deter bugs.
This stuff truly is a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner!
Click here and grab your Dr. Bronner’s liquid castile soap today and get scrubbing, naturally!
And remember, you can get a 100% plastic-free version right here, too.
Conclusion
Woohoo, you made it to the end!
Hopefully, after reading through this article you have more knowledge about the unsafe chemicals present in traditional cleaning products.
You certainly have some great alternatives to choose from now instead!
I encourage you to go ahead and click through the links above to check out what users of the products have said in reviews.
This will give you first-hand family experiences from people just like you who already bought the baby-safe cleaners… What they like, don’t like, etc.
Thanks for stopping by!
P.S. While the baby-safe cleaning products above are safe, they still come packaged in plastic.
So check out our brand new zero waste dish soap guide! In it, we review the top 9 100% plastic-free dish soaps – made from ethical brands with the purest ingredients on earth!
Adam - the author and TGL founder - has a background in product research and design. For years, he's successfully created, produced, and sold eco-friendly, sustainable kitchenware in all fifty states. When he's not reading, cooking, or lifting, he's helping families level up their kitchen and dining gear with relevant blog posts.
Additional Sources:
Enjoyed this post? Share it with your friends!
Related Posts
