Best Sustainable Products to Have at Home

Living in a city like New York or Chicago often means embracing compact spaces, fast-paced routines, and minimal time for chores. With so many of us living in studio apartments, lofts, or student housing, it’s essential to find cleaning solutions that work efficiently without adding unnecessary clutter—or harming the environment. That’s where sustainable products to have home come into play. Not only do they protect your indoor air quality and health, but they also help you maintain a spotless home without compromising on performance or convenience.

What Makes a Cleaning Product Truly Sustainable?

Not all products labeled “eco” are created equal. A truly sustainable cleaner is one that delivers results without toxic chemicals, harsh scents, or excessive packaging. We’re talking about formulas that use plant-based or biodegradable ingredients and containers that are recyclable or refillable.

For people living in smaller urban apartments, these factors matter more than ever. You breathe the same air that your products release. And with less storage, every product must earn its space. A sustainable cleaner should be effective, compact, and safe for daily use—even in tiny kitchens or shared bathrooms.

How We Picked Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Products

We understand that choosing cleaning supplies shouldn’t require a chemistry degree. So, we focused on sustainable products to have home that are easy to find, simple to use, and trusted by independent testers. The list below is based on research from Good Housekeeping and real-world feedback. We prioritized products that:

• Work well in small living spaces
• Are tough on grime but gentle on you
• Offer good value per use
• Are readily available in stores or online
• Can be used across multiple surfaces

Whether you’re wiping down a stovetop in a micro-kitchen or scrubbing a shared dorm sink, these picks deliver.

Best Laundry Detergents for Small Loads

When laundry space is limited, you need a detergent that performs well with cold water and doesn’t require large doses. That’s why ARM & HAMMER Deep Clean Stain Formula, Liquid Laundry Detergent tops our list. This compact powerhouse was praised for its stain-fighting ability without relying on harsh ingredients. It’s also great for those who wash clothes in smaller loads or use shared machines in a building basement or campus laundromat.

Close behind is Purex Natural Elements, a budget-friendly alternative that still manages to lift everyday stains. You’ll pay about half per load compared to similar eco-friendly detergents, making it ideal for students or young professionals watching their expenses.

Image Credit: https://www.armandhammer.com/ and https://www.purex.com/

Best Dish Soap That Gets the Job Done

Handwashing dishes is a reality in many city apartments, especially those without built-in dishwashers. Enter Planet Ultra Dishwashing Liquid—a low-foam, high-performance soap that removes dried-on food without stripping your hands. It cleaned more plates per use than any other product in its category, making it not just sustainable, but also efficient.

Since it doesn’t rely on artificial fragrances or dyes, it’s gentle on the skin and safe for those with allergies or sensitive roommates. One bottle goes a long way, so it also saves space in those narrow under-sink cabinets.

Image Credit: http://www.planetinc.com/

All-Purpose Cleaners for Kitchens and Bathrooms

Every apartment needs a reliable all-purpose cleaner—something you can grab for countertops, mirrors, bathroom tiles, or a quick microwave wipe-down. Sun & Earth All Purpose fits that role perfectly. It cuts through grease without leaving residue, and its scent is light enough not to overwhelm tight quarters.

Another strong contender is Clorox Green Works Natural All-Purpose Cleaner. Despite the name, it’s free from bleach and ammonia, and it impressed us with both its affordability and surface compatibility. Whether you’re cleaning marble countertops, chrome fixtures, or ceramic tiles, this product gets the job done without a second thought.

Image Credit: https://www.amazon.com/ and https://www.cloroxpro.com/

Heavy-Duty Option for Tougher Jobs

For city dwellers who occasionally need serious power—think post-party cleanups, grimy grills, or muddy bike tires—Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a must-have. This concentrated formula can be diluted depending on the job, so it lasts longer and reduces packaging waste.

It’s ideal for those who don’t have space for multiple heavy-duty products. Instead of using separate sprays for bathroom tiles, floor stains, and patio furniture, this one cleaner handles it all. Pro tip: spray it onto a reusable microfiber cloth instead of directly on the surface to reduce the amount used and avoid wasteful paper towels.

Image Credit: https://simplegreen.com/

Smart Usage Tips for Eco Cleaning

Many of the same strategies we shared in our Apartment Cleaning and Organization Hacks post apply here too. Whether it’s streamlining your routine or using tools that save time and space, sustainable cleaning works best when paired with smart habits tailored for small urban homes. Here are some quick, practical tips to get the most out of your eco-friendly routine:

• Create a quick-clean caddy: Keep your most-used sustainable products to have home in a single portable container. That way, cleaning doesn’t feel like a chore—just grab and go.
• Ditch disposable paper towels: Invest in washable microfiber cloths. They’re more effective at lifting dirt and leave no lint behind.
• Dilute when needed: Many concentrated products don’t need to be used full-strength. Check the label and save product (and money).
• Label refillable bottles: If you’re transferring cleaner to a smaller spray bottle for convenience, make sure it’s clearly labeled to avoid confusion.
• Store vertically: In tiny apartments, vertical storage helps. Stack your cleaning products on tiered shelves to keep them organized and accessible.

Conclusion

Choosing sustainable products to have home isn’t just about saving the planet—it’s about living better in the spaces we have. These products make your apartment easier to clean, safer to breathe in, and more pleasant to live in overall. When we’re juggling school, work, or social life, knowing that we’ve made responsible choices—even in something as everyday as cleaning—brings peace of mind.

At MyClean, we believe that quality cleaning services should bring comfort, not complication. That’s why we make booking seamless, payments hassle-free, and results consistent—every time. Whether you’re in a studio in Brooklyn or a dorm in Lincoln Park, we show up on time, follow your preferences, and leave your space spotless without disrupting your routine.

Let us handle the dirty work while you enjoy the perks of a clean, healthy home. It’s not just cleaning—it’s a smarter way to live.