More Australians are switching to natural cleaning products to reduce exposure to harsh chemicals and cut down on plastic waste. A solid cleaning block is a powerful zero-waste alternative that replaces dish soap, laundry detergent, surface spray, and veggie wash, making it one of the simplest low-tox swaps for a healthier home.

Natural cleaning products are non-toxic alternatives to conventional cleaners, designed to reduce chemical exposure and minimise environmental impact.

Key Takeaways

• Conventional cleaners can impact your health and indoor air quality
• Plastic-heavy cleaning products rarely get properly recycled
• Natural alternatives reduce both toxins and waste
• One simple swap can replace multiple products in your home

Why Are Australians Switching to Natural Cleaning Products?

A 2024 survey showed that 38% of Australians have already switched to low-tox products...and honestly, we’re not surprised. Once you start looking into conventional cleaning products, it’s hard to unsee what’s actually in them.

Some of the research is pretty eye-opening:

• Frequent use of mainstream spray cleaners can impact lung function similar to smoking 20 cigarettes a day
• Babies exposed to certain cleaning chemicals have a 37% higher risk of developing asthma
• Only 19% of plastic packaging is recovered in Australia
  

And beyond that, many of these chemicals don’t just disappear. They end up in our waterways and linger in our homes.

So yes… the cleaning industry is a little dirty. While cleaning feels like a small daily habit, it’s actually one of the easiest places to make a meaningful change.

What’s the Problem with Traditional Cleaning Products?

Most traditional cleaners are built for convenience, but not necessarily for long-term health or sustainability.

They often contain harsh ingredients that stay in your home long after you’ve finished cleaning. On top of that, they’re usually packaged in plastic and made up largely of water, which means we’re using more resources than we need for something that could be much simpler.

So What Is the Best Natural Cleaning Alternative?

The best natural cleaning alternative is a multi-purpose, non-toxic product that replaces multiple cleaners while reducing plastic waste. Solid cleaning blocks are one of the most effective options for zero-waste, non-toxic cleaning at home because they are concentrated, versatile, and plastic-free.

This is where natural cleaning alternatives really start to make sense.

Instead of having a different product for every task (and a cupboard full of plastic bottles), you can simplify everything with one multi-purpose solution.

What Is a Natural Dish & Laundry Cleaning Block?

The Go For Zero Cleaning Block is a solid, concentrated bar designed to replace multiple cleaning products in your home. You can use it for:

• dishes
• laundry
• surfaces
• fruit and veggies

No plastic bottles, no unnecessary fillers. Just a simple, effective product that does more with less. It’s one of those swaps that quietly simplifies your routine without adding extra steps.

Does It Actually Work Like Regular Cleaners?

Yes, and if you read our 200+ cleaning block reviews here.

All you need to do is wet your brush or sponge, rub it on the block, and you’ll get a nice foam that cuts through grease and grime just like a liquid cleaner would.

There’s no complicated transition. It just feels… normal, but better.

Can You Use It for Laundry Too?

You can, and it’s easier than most people expect.

You simply turn the block into flakes (by grating or blending small pieces) and use a small amount in your wash. Because it’s so concentrated, you only need about a teaspoon per load.

A quick tip: If you’re washing in cold water, dissolving the flakes in a bit of warm water first helps them break down faster.

Can You Make a Surface Spray with It?

This is where it really clicks.

Most surface sprays are up to 90% water, which means you’re mostly paying for something you already have at home.

With the cleaning block, you can make your own in seconds:

• Dissolve a small amount of flakes in warm water
• Pour into a reusable spray bottle
• Give it a shake

Same result, without constantly buying new plastic bottles.

What About Washing Fruit and Veg?

Yes, you can use it for that too.

A small pinch of flakes in water is enough to clean your produce before rinsing. It won’t leave any taste or residue. Just a simple way to wash what you eat without unnecessary extras.

Is It Vegan and Cruelty-Free?

Yes and yes!

• No animal-derived ingredients
• No animal testing
• No selling into markets that require it

Because clean should feel good in every sense.

Why This Swap Matters More Than You Think

At Go For Zero, we’ve never believed that the responsibility should sit entirely with the customer. But while bigger systems take time to change, there are small swaps that genuinely make a difference right now. 

This is one of them. It replaces multiple products, reduces waste, and simplifies your routine, all without making life harder.

And that’s really the goal: making low-tox living feel easy, not overwhelming.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to change everything overnight. Most of the time, it’s just one simple swap that shifts things, and this is one of those. If you’re looking for one simple place to start, this is one of the easiest swaps you can make.

Lots of love,

Ellie x

Dish and Laundry Block FAQ: Your Ultimate Zero Waste Cleaning Solution

What are the safest natural cleaning products in Australia?

The safest options are made with simple, non-toxic ingredients and minimal packaging. Solid cleaning products are a great example because they reduce both chemical exposure and plastic waste.

Do natural cleaning products actually work?

Yes. When formulated well, natural cleaners are just as effective as conventional ones without the harsh ingredients.

Is solid dish soap better than liquid?

Solid dish soap is more concentrated, longer-lasting, and doesn’t require plastic packaging, making it a more sustainable option.

How do you use a cleaning block for laundry?

You can grate or blend the block into flakes and use a small amount per wash. It’s simple and effective.

Are zero-waste cleaning products worth it?

They are. Over time, they reduce waste, lower your exposure to chemicals, and often save you money too.