What Are the Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products for Your MI Home?

If you’re trying to keep your home clean while being mindful of your health and the environment, you’re not alone. Many Michigan homeowners are realizing that the products they use affect more than just surfaces—they impact their families and the local ecosystem. That’s why finding the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your Michigan home is becoming less of a trend and more of a thoughtful lifestyle choice.
It’s a smart move. In this guide by D.O.L.L.S. Cleaning®, we’ll help you figure out which products are worth trying, how to make the transition without overcomplicating things, and where to find the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your Michigan home.
Why Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Matter
Traditional cleaners often come loaded with strong chemicals, things like bleach, ammonia, and synthetic scents. They get the job done, sure, but they can also cause skin irritation, mess with allergies, and even pollute Michigan’s waterways.
Here’s what makes eco-cleaners different:
- They’re made with plant-based, non-toxic ingredients
- They often come in packaging that’s refillable or recyclable
- They’re safer to use around kids, pets, and anyone with sensitivities
Switching to the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your Michigan home is honestly a solid place to begin if you’re trying to cut back on harsh chemicals.
Types of Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Eco-friendly cleaners aren’t all the same, and honestly, that’s a good thing. Depending on what you’re cleaning (and how tough the mess is), some products work better than others. Here’s a more down-to-earth look at the common types:
Natural Cleaners
These are the simple ones you probably already have in your kitchen, think vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda.
They’re great for wiping down surfaces, quick cleanups, or making your own sprays.
Biodegradable Cleaners
This type is designed to break down safely after use.
They’re a smart choice if you live near lakes or use a septic system; basically, you’re not sending anything nasty into the water.
Plant-Based Cleaners
Made from things like coconut oil, soy, or corn-derived ingredients. They get the job done without relying on harsh synthetic chemicals.
You’ll find these in a lot of all-purpose green products.
Enzyme-Based Cleaners
These go after tougher stuff, grease, old food stains, and pet messes. The enzymes in them actually help break down the grime on a molecular level.
Perfect for laundry rooms, bathrooms, or if you’ve got pets running around.
Understanding these options makes it easier to choose the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your Michigan home based on what you actually need.
Best Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
Here are some of the top eco-conscious brands that Michigan homeowners trust. You can find many of these online or at local stores like Meijer, Whole Foods, and community co-ops.
1. Blueland
Best For: Reducing waste with refillable cleaning tablets
Blueland makes cleaning simple and sustainable. Their system works like this: you get a reusable bottle and just drop in a tablet to make a full bottle of cleaner.
They offer:
- All-purpose
- Bathroom
- Glass cleaners
- Dish soap
- Laundry tablets
Why it works for Michigan homes: With long winters keeping people indoors, air quality becomes more important. Blueland skips artificial scents, so you’re not left with chemical smells lingering in closed-up rooms.
2. Branch Basics
Best For: A one-bottle-does-it-all solution
Branch Basics sells a concentrate that you dilute to make different cleaners. One bottle can turn into a spray for glass, a degreaser for the kitchen, or even hand soap.
What stands out:
- Free of artificial scents
- Kid- and pet-safe
- Reduces the number of bottles you need under your sink
Local note: Works especially well for bigger Michigan homes where versatility and safety are priorities.
3. Seventh Generation
Best For: Budget-conscious eco cleaning
This brand has been around for years and is one of the easiest to find at stores across Michigan. Whether you’re in Detroit or up north, you’ll likely spot it on shelves.
They make:
- Plant-based dish soap
- Disinfecting wipes (Free & Clear)
- Laundry detergent
- Toilet bowl cleaner
Why people love it: It’s affordable, easy to find, and does the job well without unnecessary chemicals.
4. Method + Ecover
Best For: Cleaners that look good and work great
These two brands are owned by the same company but offer slightly different benefits. Method is all about fresh scents and colorful packaging made from recycled plastic. Ecover leans into refillable systems and biodegradable ingredients.
Michigan-friendly tip: Ecover has refill stations in some local co-ops—check Ann Arbor’s People’s Food Co-op or Detroit natural markets.
5. Green Llama™
Best For: Plastic-free cleaning with compostable refills
Green Llama is a newer name, but it’s catching on fast. Their system uses:
- Reusable glass spray bottles
- Compostable refill packs
- Natural formulas for bathrooms, kitchens, and general use
Why it’s a good pick: Perfect for homes trying to reduce single-use plastic and simplify their cleaning setup.
These trusted brands make it easier to choose the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your Michigan home, without compromising on quality or safety
How to Transition Your Home to Greener Cleaning
Don’t feel like you have to throw everything out. Start small and go at your own pace.
- Replace one product at a time: Start with whatever you use most, like an all-purpose spray or dish soap.
- Use up what you have: No need to waste your current supplies. Once they’re gone, swap them out.
- Pick refillable or concentrated options: They save space and reduce how much plastic you toss.
- Check for real certifications: Look for things like EPA Safer Choice or USDA BioPreferred.
- Make your own cleaners when it makes sense: Vinegar and baking soda go a long way for basic cleaning.
- Shop local when possible: Many co-ops in Michigan carry eco-cleaners and refill stations.
Eco-Cleaning Tips for Michigan Homes
With our shifting seasons, different cleaning strategies work better at different times of year.
- Winter (salt and slush):
Mop entry areas with vinegar and warm water to clean up salt without damaging floors. - Summer (humidity and mold):
Spray vinegar mixed with tea tree oil in bathrooms or basements to fight mildew. - Spring (mud and pets):
Wipe muddy paws with diluted apple cider vinegar. Use floor cleaners that are safe for pets right after mopping.
Where to Buy Eco Cleaners in Michigan
Whether you like to shop in person or online, you’ve got options.
Local Co-ops and Natural Stores
- People’s Food Co-op – Ann Arbor
- Harvest Health Foods – Grand Rapids
- Oryana Community Co-op – Traverse City
- Better Health Stores – Various cities
Online Stores
- Blueland.com – Great for starter kits and refills
- Thrive Market – Good prices on bundled eco products
- Amazon – Search for products labeled “Climate Pledge Friendly”
Cost Comparison: Eco-Friendly vs Conventional Cleaners
Going green might look a little pricier at first glance, but it can actually cost less once you break it down.
Upfront Cost:
- Eco starter kits (reusable bottles + tablets/refills): usually $15–$25
- Standard store cleaners (plastic bottles): around $3–$6
Per Use Cost:
- Refillable cleaners: $0.40–$0.60 each time
- Regular sprays: roughly $0.80–$1.20
- DIY options (baking soda, vinegar, etc.): $0.10–$0.30
Why You Save in the Long Run:
- You’re buying fewer bottles overall
- Cutting down on single-use plastic
- Avoiding the hidden costs of skin irritation or allergy flare-ups from harsh chemicals
Conclusion
Choosing the best eco-friendly cleaning products for your Michigan home doesn’t have to be overwhelming or expensive. Whether you go with refillable sprays, plant-based concentrates, or homemade options, each step helps create a cleaner, safer space for your family and protects the environment we all share.
Start small. Swap out one item. Try something new. You’ll likely notice the difference, not just in your home, but in how you feel about what you’re bringing into it.
Contact us at D.O.L.L.S. Cleaning® if you’d rather let the pros handle the cleaning—we’re here to make your home shine the eco-friendly way.
Not Sure What You Need? We Can Help
Need Help deciding which service is right for your space? Contact our team today for expert guidance or to schedule your next clean.