The Best Baby-Safe Cleaning Products for a Healthier Home
These household cleaners are gentle on sensitive skin but tough on dirt and grime.
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When you bring a new baby into your home, every surface can suddenly seem more…suspect. From spit-up and drool on the upholstery to toys that've been dragged everywhere (and then put in baby’s mouth!) to everyday dirt and grime, the desire to keep things clean—and safe—goes into overdrive. But with so many cleaning products packed with harsh chemicals, new parents may struggle to find options that are both effective and safe to use around a baby.
With expert guidance from emergency physician Dr. Seran Kim and testimonials from real parents, we've gathered a list of household cleaning products that are guaranteed to be non-toxic while actually doing what they’re supposed to: clean all kinds of gunk on all kinds of surfaces. Whether you're doing your daily wipe down of kitchen counters, washing bottles, tackling laundry or disinfecting toys, these cleansers can help you keep things tidy without sacrificing peace of mind.
Why Trust Babylist?
Babylist is the expert in baby; we know baby gear inside and out. We talk with parents face-to-face in our showroom and on our user panels and hear from thousands annually via our Best Baby Products online survey. We know what items millions of expecting parents are adding to their baby registries.
First-hand professional and personal experience. As a mom of two messy boys—including one with eczema—I’ve tested lots of household cleaners over the years that needed to fight tough grime while also protecting sensitive skin. And with over six years of experience as a Babylist editor, I know how to put products like all-purpose cleaners and disinfectants through some pretty thorough testing.
Expert POV. In researching and writing this guide, I spoke with Dr. Seran Kim, an emergency physician, for an expert perspective on what cleaning ingredients are safe to use around babies (and to use on the things they stick in their mouths) and what’s not.
Real parent feedback and reviews. I reviewed customer feedback from thousands of parents across the internet, including Babylist users who submitted responses to our newsletter poll about their experience using nontoxic, baby-safe cleaning products in their own households.
The Best Baby-Safe All-Purpose Cleaners
As the name implies, all-purpose cleaners are the jack of all trades on this list. One high-quality all-purpose concentrate can tackle kitchens, bathrooms, windows, floors and more. Instead of buying a different product for every room in your house, these all-in-ones simplify your cleaning routine. And they often end up being more budget-friendly over time, since concentrates can be purchased in large jugs and then diluted based on your cleaning needs.
One major thing to note: While all-purpose cleaners work well for most baby items, you can’t use any cleaning products (not even natural, plant-based ones) to clean car seats.
Distilled White Vinegar
Yep, that’s right—we’re starting off this list with good ol’ vinegar. Distilled white vinegar is a natural powerhouse cleaner that can cut grease and break down mineral buildup. And while it does have a fairly strong smell at first, it’s actually really great for neutralizing odors (like that diaper pail stink you can’t seem to get rid of). You can use it for just about any baby product, including high chair trays, humidifiers and toys. It's affordable, effective and safe when used properly—you just need to dilute it with water (a one-to-one ratio works great) and keep it away from marble or granite surfaces, since it can damage the sealant.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is another affordable option that you probably already have in your cupboards. Besides being a kitchen ingredient, it doubles as a gentle yet effective abrasive for tougher grime. Use it with vinegar to create a drain-cleaning foam, or mix it with water as a paste for sinks, tubs and even stained clothes. But since it’s abrasive, keep it away from wood, glass and painted surfaces so it doesn’t scratch.
Castile Soap
This organic, plant-based soap concentrate is beloved for its versatile and gentle formula. It can be diluted for use as an all-purpose spray, a mild floor cleaner or even baby-safe shampoo and body wash. Free from synthetic preservatives, detergents and foaming agents, it’s a go-to for ingredient-conscious households.
Branch Basics
Branch Basics is a concentrated plant-and-mineral-based cleaner that can be customized to clean nearly every surface in your home. Just adjust the water-to-concentrate ratio for whatever task you’re tackling—it can even be used as laundry detergent, and it won’t leave streaks on glass like many other all-purpose cleaners. Jen L., a mom of two, said she loves this brand because "I wanted something 'cleaner' for my countertops/table/high chair etc. I tried a TON and hated them all except Branch Basics. It actually cleans and doesn’t leave streaks!"
Grove Co.
Grove Co. products have been popular for a long time with households looking to “go green.” Their plant-based concentrate is a big hit, and not just because it’s effective. It's available in a wide variety of light, natural scents (as well as a “free and clear” unscented option), and eco-conscious parents love that it comes with reusable glass bottles.
The Best Baby-Safe Dish Detergents and Dish Soaps
Baby bottles and dishes go straight into little mouths, so safe, residue-free cleaning products are a must. These picks are free of harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances but still get the job done—even for dried, stuck-on baby purees.
Blueland
Unlike most dishwasher pods, these tablets come without any plastic encasing, which can provide peace of mind for parents worried about plastic usage and how they break down. They’re also free of parabens, phosphates, fragrances and dyes while still being tough on food grime. And parents can know for sure that they’re safe to use on baby’s bottles and dishware, since they’re made with hypoallergenic ingredients as well as being EWG-verified and an EPA Safer Choice product, meaning the entire product has been screened by both the US government and a private non-profit for all the most harmful chemicals.
Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is another favorite cleaning brand among eco-conscious parents. These packs are free from all the harsh stuff, and since they’re widely available at Target and most grocery stores, they’re a good option if don’t want to wait for online delivery.
Dr. Brown's
This dish soap is specifically designed to clean baby bottles and pacifiers by the same company that makes them, so you know it’s safe to use on your baby’s things. It’s made with plant-based enzymes to help break down breast milk and formula residue, so it’s also good to use on breast pump parts. And it rinses clean, so you’re not left with spotty bottles and attachments.
Dapple
Dapple Bottle & Dish Soap (3 Pack) - Pink, Fragrance-Free, 16.9 Oz
From $17.91One of the biggest names in baby cleaning brands, Dapple has been well-loved by parents for over 15 years, and for good reason. All of Dapple’s products are designed specifically for cleaning baby items, so it’s hypoallergenic and has been tested by pediatricians and dermatologists, and it’s specially formulated to remove breast milk, formula and any lingering odors.
The Best Baby-Safe Disinfectants
With a new baby, you may be more conscious of fully decontaminating your living space in an effort to keep as many germs away as possible. And while that’s certainly a good intention, experts say daily disinfecting isn’t usually necessary in most cases. “If there is illness going around, then bring out the tough cleaners,” Dr. Kim says. “But for everyday cleaning, it’s overkill."
For when you do need to bust out the heavy hitters, these disinfectants use natural ingredients (and some pretty cool science) to safely kill 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, mold and mildew, even on your baby’s most-used items.
Force of Nature
Force of Nature Multi-Purpose Cleaner, Disinfectant & Deodorizer Starter Kit
From $77.40Battery-powered disinfectant? Absolutely. This small but mighty cleaner uses electricity to transform water, salt and vinegar into hypochlorous acid, a non-toxic, EPA-registered disinfectant that’s just as powerful as bleach (but without the harshness and smell). It’s even effective against norovirus, flu viruses and food-borne bacterias. Juliana H., a mom of a seven-month-old, says she uses it for even the most high-touch areas: “I feel confident cleaning baby toys and countertops." This bundle is on the pricier side, but it comes with 15 refills of the 12-ounce bottle, so it’ll last you a long time.
CleanSmart
Just like the above, CleanSmart uses hypochlorous acid to gently yet thoroughly disinfect surfaces. It’s free from all the harsh chemicals, and parents love that it doesn’t require rinsing, so it’s easy to use on the go. If you’re on a budget, it’s more affordable than Force of Nature (and cheaper per ounce, too) with the same powerful disinfecting ability—the key difference being that CleanSmart uses ionized water instead of an electrical current built into the bottle.
Biom
These biodegradable wipes clean sticky hands without harsh chemicals. Made with ethyl alcohol (and moisturizing aloe to combat any dry skin that ethyl alcohol can cause), they come in a stylish dispenser that’s easy to toss into a diaper bag or cup holder for safe, convenient cleaning wherever you are.
The Best Baby-Safe Laundry Products
Laundry is one of those never-ending tasks of new parenthood—there’s always another burp cloth, bodysuit, cloth diaper or sleep sack in the hamper. And since your baby’s clothes spend so much time against their sensitive skin, using only the most gentle and effective products is essential. These parent-approved picks prioritize safety without skimping on stain-fighting power.
Tide
Tide is already a well-loved household name in laundry brands, and this one is a parent favorite for its gentle, eczema-safe formula. It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist-recommended for even the most sensitive skin, and it’s got great stain-fighting abilities.
ECOS
This plant-based formula is an EPA-certified Safer Choice detergent, meaning it’s totally free of any harsh chemicals, so it’s good for both the environment and sensitive skin. And at three cents per load cheaper than Tide, it’s also a great budget-friendly option.
Tru Earth
Looking to save space and reduce your plastic use? These laundry strips dissolve completely in water without any plastic coating but still clean your clothes just as well as liquid detergent. There are options for both unscented and scented, and the strips work best in tandem with a baby-safe stain treatment (like the ones below).
Puracy
This plant-and-mineral-based stain remover uses enzymes to break down tough stains like grease and bodily fluids, so it works great on blowouts and milk stains.
Miss Mouth's
This parent-favorite stain treatment is formulated specifically for food stains, so it’s a great option if your little one is new to solid foods or has been experimenting with self-feeding. The spray is fast-acting and free from bleach and harsh solvents—a lifesaver for cloth bibs especially.
Meliora
If you need stain treatment on the go, this no-frills soap stick works wonders on all types of messes without any harsh ingredients and while being small enough to toss into a diaper bag or purse. Alainna W., a mom of two kids under four, loves that "it works on blowouts and food stains without adding irritants to baby clothes."
Handy Laundry
These reusable dryer balls help soften fabrics and reduce drying time and wrinkles without the need for dryer sheets. They’re made from 100% New Zealand wool, so they’re a great sustainable option with zero added chemicals. They’re also much more budget-friendly than traditional dryer sheets, since they last for about five years per ball. Alainna says that wool dryer balls are a go-to for her family “because they are effective at drying and fluffing clothing without adding any chemicals."
Friendsheep
These handmade, chemical-free dryer balls come in fun shapes and colors for an extra cute surprise in every load of laundry.
Why Baby-Safe Cleaning Matters
Babies aren’t just smaller versions of adults—their skin is more sensitive, their immune systems are still developing and they’re more susceptible to illness and injury from things like harsh chemicals. Add in the fact that they roll and crawl around on the floor and are constantly putting their hands in their mouths, and it’s clear why product safety matters.
Many conventional cleaners contain ingredients that can cause respiratory, skin and eye irritation, digestive issues and even hormone disruptions. And while these may be minor risks for healthy adults, they can have a more significant impact on a baby's extra-sensitive system.
Opting for safer cleaning products isn't about being perfect with your choices or your cleaning routine—it's about minimizing exposure wherever possible in ways that make sense for your family. Even small swaps (like a gentler dish soap or fragrance-free detergent) can make a difference.
How to Read Cleaning Product Labels
Ingredients to Avoid
The ingredients lists on cleaning products can be long and complicated, and all the scientific names for chemicals can truly feel like a foreign language. Through all that jargon, Dr. Kim says to keep an eye out for these ingredients, which are among the most hazardous for babies and those with weakened immune systems:
2‑Butoxyethanol (glycol ether), which has been shown to be toxic to reproductive and developmental systems
Phthalates and parabens, known endocrine disruptors and can increase risk of metabolic disease
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds ("Quats" or QACs), which can cause respiratory inflammation and trigger asthma. The list of chemicals in this classification is very long, but in general, the doctors at Mount Sinai Hospital and NYU School of Medicine say to watch out for these words on cleaning product labels:
Benzalkonium chlorides
Names that end in “ammonium chloride”
Antibacterial
Antimicrobial
Formaldehyde, which can cause respiratory irritation and increased risk of cancer
Triclosan / Triclocarban, which can cause endocrine disruption and have potential links to allergies and cancer
Additionally, it’s a good idea to avoid bleach (may be listed as sodium hypochlorite), added fragrances (including essential oils) and dyes, since they can all irritate sensitive skin, especially in babies with eczema.
Ingredients to Choose
Cleaning products can come with all sorts of labels and seals and certifications on them, but which ones actually point to truly baby-safe ingredients?
General terms like "natural" and "green" aren't regulated, so take those with a grain of salt. “Even if a product is marked as 'natural' or 'green,' there is no guarantee of any of that,” Dr. Kim says. “It’s mostly a marketing ploy.”
Instead, look for ingredient lists that are relatively short and mostly have ingredient names you can pronounce (or are at least followed by a well-known substance, like a plant name, in parentheses). And pay attention to the main ingredient, Dr. Kim says. "If looking for safer alternatives in general, prioritize hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners, citric cleaners and vinegar.”
As far as those special seals that are often slapped onto cleanser bottles, Dr. Kim recommends looking for any of these three certifications:
Green Seal (GS-37): Indicates the product is made without harmful chemicals, has low VOCs and is free of substances like PFAS.
UL ECOLOGO: Focuses on safer ingredients and environmentally responsible manufacturing.
EPA Safer Choice: Screens for carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity and VOC levels.
It can take some extra effort, but reading labels is the most sure-fire way to choose safer household cleaners to use around your baby without any guesswork.
