Our 5 Favorite Non Toxic Glass Cleaners
It can be jarring to find out just how many common household items—like glass cleaners—contain potentially harmful ingredients. Even non-bleach cleaners can have chemicals that occasionally cause adverse health effects.
If you’ve never really paid much attention to the products you polish glass surfaces with, consider this a great opportunity to reset your cleaning arsenal. We’ve compiled a list of five non-toxic glass cleaners we would recommend to anyone. Getting rid of germs while reducing your carbon footprint has never been so easy.
What is a Non Toxic Glass Cleaner?
Many of the most popular glass cleaners are known to contain ammonia, ethanol, ethanolamines, phthalates, BPAs, and also other substances. If you’ve ever accidentally sprayed glass cleaner on your skin and also felt a slight burning sensation, you may have come into contact with a potentially harmful cleaning agent. This doesn’t mean that you will contract an illness, of course, but it might be wise to limit your exposure.
You probably see non-toxic labels on a lot of products. In the context of glass cleaners, non-toxic means the product is free of these potentially harmful substances. Having that label means the cleaner is likely full of natural, organic products instead of synthetic chemicals.
Top 5 Non Toxic Glass Cleaner Picks: How We Chose
Fortunately, we had quite a few cleaners from which to choose. Seeing that a product was made by a certified B Corporation is always a huge plus in our eyes. We also zeroed in on products with readily available ingredient lists. Transparency when it comes to ingredients, sourcing, packaging, and other important product aspects goes a long way toward building consumer trust.
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Seventh Generation All Purpose Cleaner
| Ingredients | Water, sodium bicarbonate, leaf oils, a variety of plant-derived ingredients |
| Certifications | B Corporation, gluten-free, cruelty-free, EPA Safer Choice, USA BioPreferred |
The non toxic glass cleaner from Seventh Generation is technically a dynamic, all-purpose solution that works on many surfaces. However, it leaves a streak-free finish that makes it perfect for bathroom mirrors and windows.
Highlights
Do you have a sensitive nose? No problem; you can get this all-purpose cleaner in Free & Clear or Lemon Chamomile. Although this product comes in a plastic container, it’s made from 100% recycled materials. It’s also perfect for reuse.
Things to Consider
It’s not best for aluminum, untreated wood, upholstery, or brass surfaces. Seventh Generation recommends trying a spray on an inconspicuous area prior to widespread use.
2. EcoMe Glass Cleaner
| Ingredients | Water, food-grade and plant-grade ingredients |
| Certifications | Vegan, PETA cruelty-free, Leaping Bunny certified, gluten-free |
We think this is one of the best non toxic glass cleaners you can find on the internet. The finish emanating from this product is absolutely pristine, and it also works spectacularly on just about any glass surface.
Highlights
The story behind EcoMe is quite touching, as the founder’s sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. The mission to provide non-toxic household products is a personal one for this company, and it also regularly donates to the Breast Cancer Fund and California charities.
Things to Consider
The plastic container used with this product is made of post-consumer material. EcoMe also offers a line of commercial cleaning products if you want to outfit your brick-and-mortar business with non-toxic, sustainable cleaners.
3. ATTITUDE Window and Mirror Cleaner
| Ingredients | Water, fruit extracts, non-ionic surfactants |
| Certifications | EWG verified, vegan, PETA cruelty-free |
The non toxic glass cleaner offered by ATTITUDE consists of 94% naturally derived ingredients. We love the citrus zest scent, which is not overpowering. It really does leave almost zero residue.
Highlights
This product works well on all glass surfaces and also even on stainless steel appliances. The cleaning performance itself is not lacking. Unlike some other glass cleaners, you don’t have to rinse surfaces afterward.
Things to Consider
Despite the subtlety of the citrus zest scent, those with sensitive noses may need a few uses to acclimatize. ATTITUDE offers a wide array of discounts for first-time and also returning customers, including 15% off eco-refills.
4. ECOS Glass Cleaner
| Ingredients | Water, vinegar, plant-derived substances |
| Certifications | Vegan, climate positive, EPA Safer Choice, Leaping Bunny certified, Women-Owned Business Enterprise |
This non toxic glass cleaner is technically scent-free with only a very subtle hint of vinegar odor. ECOS is one of the nation’s most trusted eco-friendly cleaning brands, having been active for nearly 60 years. We were also quite pleased with this product’s cleaning performance.
Highlights
ECOS is one of the few brands to be completely carbon- and also water-neutral. As a result, it has been recognized as 100% climate-positive. Workers at ECOS also earn at least $17 per hour as of 2014.
Things to Consider
Although ECOS’s glass cleaner is scent-free, other products made by the company get their aromas from the lavender fields of Provence, France. We came away impressed by the diverse range of products you can get from ECOS, such as the hypoallergenic pet shampoos.
5. Homemade Non Toxic Glass Cleaner
| Ingredients | Distilled water, rubbing alcohol, white vinegar, cornstarch or arrowroot powder |
| Certifications | Sustainably and cost-effectively made by your own hands! |
Occasionally, if you have the right ingredients lying around your house, this non-toxic glass cleaner recipe might be perfect for your glass surfaces. It only requires four ingredients and is just as effective as many commercial products.
Highlights
There’s just something about homemade products that makes you feel resourceful and intelligent. You can even reuse bottles from other cleaners instead of purchasing a new container for your homemade solution.
Things to Consider
This particular recipe often works best with lint-free or microfiber cloths. You can usually begin wiping as soon as you spray the solution on the glass surface, but you may want to let it soak for a few minutes if you’re dealing with deep stains.
How to Choose a Non-Toxic Glass Cleaner
The first thing to remember is that you can’t really go wrong with any of the non-toxic glass cleaners we covered in this article. Each one is markedly better for the environment than many of the popular brands and equally effective for use in places like your sustainable kitchen. However, you may want to consider the following when choosing the best non toxic glass cleaner:
- Dynamic utility. Many glass cleaners are effective for other surfaces. This may not be important if you already have a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner.
- Certifications. Not all non-toxic glass cleaners go the extra EXTRA mile for certain certifications. Having a seal from every possible green organization does not automatically mean a product is better than a similar one, but certain ones provide good starting points for discerning consumers.
- Ingredients. It must be remembered that products with just a few synthetic ingredients may be just as clean and environmentally friendly as others. Similarly, not every “natural” substance is completely harmless. Pay attention to the ingredient list before purchasing a glass cleaner.
You don’t have to choose between keeping your windows and the environment clean. We hope this list has provided some helpful leads for your next shopping trip!
Featured image via Canva
