7 Vegan, Cruelty Free Cleaning Products for Spring

At last: melting snow is finally giving way to visible street curbs and park benches, temperatures are warming up (well, in the 30s, but it feels warm comparatively), and birds are chirping outside my window as I type. This year especially, I’m welcoming spring and everything it brings with open arms. One of the most exciting byproducts of this season is the feeling that everything is somehow new; the novelty of no longer bundling in five layers before leaving your apartment, lighter, brighter meals, and–almost inevitably–the desire to clean, reorganize, or otherwise minimize your space.

In previous years, I never put much thought or effort into this yearly routine, mostly because I haven’t lived in a place long enough to warrant a ceremonial cleanse. However, now that I’m living in a cozy apartment in my favorite neighborhood in Boston, I don’t foresee leaving anytime soon. As such, I’m excited about this year’s inaugural spring cleaning season.

Given that I work for an anti-vivisection organization, it’s extremely important that my cleaning products are not tested on animals or contain animal ingredients. I don’t want animals to suffer for my clean floors! Almost as important, I want my cleaning supplies to be eco-friendly, contributing the least harm to our Earth. Below I’ve listed my favorite vegan, cruelty free cleaning products that I’ll be using this spring.

For the Kitchen

Twist sponges: Many standard sponges contain dyes and gross chemicals, none of which you want lurking around your countertops and sink. However, Twist sponges offer a great line of vegan, eco-friendly sponges that will do the job just as well–if not better!

Simply Floored!: Recyclable bottle, naturally scented using essential oils, not tested on animals, safe for waterways and marine life. Bonus: it’s mint scented!

For the Bathroom

Eco-Me Toilet Bowl Cleaner: This cleaner is BPA-free, was not tested on animals and contains no animal by-products, and is free of dyes and colorants. Skip the gross neon blue stuff and clean with a product that has ingredients you can trust.

Herbal Choice Mari Room Spray: Nothing says “new” like a fresh-scented room, but it’s important to invest in a room deodorizer that’s free of harmful toxic chemicals and vegan. These sprays are made with essential oils and come in lavender, citrus, floral, mint, and sugar & spice.

For the Bedroom

Rockin’ Green: Whether you’re washing your summer clothes after months in storage or simply washing your sheets and pillowcases, having a laundry detergent that’s eco-friendly and vegan is a must. This product is paraben-free, vegan, biodegradable, made from recycled materials, and more.

Mrs. Meyer’s All Purpose Spray: As the name suggests, this biodegradable product can be used for a variety of purposes, but it can especially useful to clean mirrors, surfaces, and all those errant nooks and crannies that are always neglected. Plus, I love that this brand offers so many creative scents like basil, radish, and sunflower!

For Anywhere

Branch Basics: This extremely versatile product is perfect for any spring cleaning venture. This product is unique in that it is sold as a concentrate. Simply fill a spray bottle with water, add the specified amount of plant and mineral-based concentrate, shake, and use wherever necessary: in the kitchen, bathroom, on laundry, on wood, as hand soap, etc.