12 reusable cleaning products that are more sustainable than their traditional counterparts

 

Reusable cleaning products

  • You don't have to sacrifice having a clean, tidy home when you go green — you just need to know what kinds of products are better for the environment.
  • Aside from using eco-friendly cleaning chemicals, investing in reusable products like a laundry egg or microfiber cloths is more sustainable to our over-reliance on disposable products like dryer sheets and paper towels. 
  • Below, you'll find 12 of the best reusable cleaning products to add to your home essentials list. 
  • See more: 17 top-rated products to clean every room in your house

Caring about the environment and caring about a clean home don't have to be mutually exclusive.

When the movement toward "green cleaning" began, there were very few products that approached the benchmark of being both high-quality and good for the earth. Yes, there was the ol' kitchen mop and the bacteria-infested sink rag, but more often than not, reusable meant repulsive.

Today, it's hard to keep up with the number of items that are working to provide a sustainable way to take care of your home, from long-lasting recyclable sponges to reusable dryer sheets. There are tons of ways you can do your part to take care of the environment without going out of your way or sacrificing the quality of the products you've used in the past. 

Here are 12 reusable cleaning products that work well and are good for the environment: 

Smart Sheep Wool Dryer Balls

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These dryer balls might look a little odd, but their outward appearance isn't interfering with their effectiveness or popularity. The Smart Sheep Dryer Balls are made from 100% premium New Zealand wool and offer the same benefits of disposable dryer sheets (like decreased static), but without the waste. They aid in quicker drying times by creating air pockets between clothes, and they can be infused with essential oils to leave your laundry smelling exceptionally fresh. 



Phaewo Silicone Dishwashing Gloves

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Oftentimes, sponges and brushes are difficult to use when trying to get into small crevices of dishes and silverware. With bristles on both sides and anti-slip grips on each finger, you can easily clean your bowls and plates without worrying that they'll slip out of your hands. Silicone is also more ocean-friendly than traditional plastic, and it's BPA-free, too.



Amazon Basics Microfiber Cloths

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I've been using microfiber cloths around my house and in my car for years and cannot even imagine how many paper towels I have saved. These ones are extremely absorbent and are machine washable — meaning they can last you for quite some time, no matter how often you use them. We suggest washing them in this bag that catches tiny bits of microfiber particles to prevent their entry into our waterways. 



E-Cloth Window Cleaning Pack

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Unless you're a commercial-grade window cleaner, you likely use paper towels to wash your windows — leaving tons of waste that can't even be recycled. These cloths work together to clean glass and windows, ensuring a streak-free shine. 



Kitchen + Home Machine Washable Bamboo Towels

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The first thing I noticed about them was how thick and durable they are — more so than traditional paper towels — which is likely why they can hold up to as many as 100 washes. Once you've gotten used to them, it becomes second nature to throw dirty sheets in the top dishwasher rack for cleaning and to keep the clean, ready-to-go sheets under the sink. All in all, it's worth the extra minute or two to feel a bit more responsible. -Mara Leighton, Insider Picks Reporter



Real Clean Microfiber Swiffer Refills

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The Swiffer has swept its way across the country and into the homes, dorms, and apartments of anyone wanting a quick alternative to mopping, but the disposable cleaning cloths can be wasteful. These microfiber cloths fit perfectly on the bottom of the Swiffer to trap dust and dirt and can be machine washed. 



Planet Wise Reusable Trash Liner

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Think about how many trash bags you use on a monthly basis. If that number makes you cringe, this just might be your saving grace. These trash bin liners are washable and waterproof, plus the hidden seams ensure that leaking won't be an issue. 



Amber Glass Spray Bottles

 

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These amber spray bottles are perfect alternatives to buying backups of your favorite household cleaner. By purchasing a bulk supply of cleaning solution, you can save money and cut your single-use plastic usage by simply filling these reusable bottles instead. 



FlexiSnake Hair Clog Tool

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Clogged drains and hair buildup are, let's face it, gross — but worse, they're issues that can cause some serious problems if not tended to properly. The FlexiSnake hair clog tool grabs clogs with ease and is able to swiftly eliminate any ball of hair that is causing a backup of water — plus, it doesn't include the chemicals found in typical drain cleaners. 



Homitt Electric Spin Scrubber

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This spin scrubber comes with three brush heads and 360-degree high rotating speed capabilities to master any amount of bathroom grime or mildew. With more thorough washes and less time spent using water or harsh chemicals, you won't have to worry about wasting resources or constantly purchasing new brushes. 



Reusable Bottle Cleaner Beads

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Product Name: Riedel Bottle Cleaner Pellets (2-pack)
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Nothing is worse than having to clean out a dingy water bottle that has been neglected because of its odd shape or small mouth. Users claim that when you add these stainless steel pellets to water and swish them around, they eliminate dirt and residue, leaving narrow-necked bottles looking like new. 



Kuhn Rikon Silicone Scrubber

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Unlike sponges that tend to break down after a couple of uses, silicone ones can stand up to dirty dishes longer — and you won't need to replace them as often too. This popular pick from Kuhn Rikon comes in seven colors and is sure to outlast most of your kitchen cleaning tools. Silicone can even be recycled if you have a nearby processing facility.


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