The easiest way to create a healthier, low-tox home is by replacing a few everyday cleaning products with reusable, refillable and compostable alternatives. You don't need a cupboard full of chemical cleaners or dozens of specialty products to keep your home sparkling clean.

At Go For Zero, we believe a healthier home doesn't need more products, it needs better ones. That's why we spend countless hours researching ingredients, testing products and helping Australian families make simple swaps that genuinely work. After years of researching ingredients and testing products, we've found that these five swaps deliver the biggest impact with the least effort.

Key Takeaways

1. Plastic-free and natural cleaning reduces household waste and your exposure to unnecessary chemicals.
2. Reusable and refillable products often last much longer than disposable alternatives.
3. Natural cleaning products can clean just as effectively as conventional options for everyday use.
4. You don't need to overhaul your entire cleaning routine. Small swaps add up over time.
5. Every day is a good day to start making small, low-waste swaps.

If you're wondering where to begin, these five swaps are the simplest, most effective changes you can make without overhauling your entire cleaning routine

Why Switch to Plastic-Free Cleaning?

Traditional cleaning products often come with two hidden costs: unnecessary plastic waste and harsh ingredients.

From disposable wipes and plastic sponges to heavily fragranced sprays, many everyday products are designed for convenience rather than longevity. They create waste, need replacing frequently and can introduce volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into your home. Research suggests these compounds can contribute to indoor air pollution and may cause eye, nose and throat irritation, headaches and other health concerns with frequent exposure.

The good news? Creating a cleaner, healthier home doesn't require perfection. It simply means choosing better products as your current ones run out.

Most people think creating a low-tox home means replacing everything at once. We actually recommend the opposite. Use what you already own, then swap each product as it naturally runs out. It's cheaper, less wasteful and far more sustainable.

Why These Five Swaps?

After years of researching ingredients, testing products and helping thousands of Australians make low-waste swaps, we've found these five changes deliver the biggest impact with the least effort. They're practical, affordable, easy to stick with and reduce more plastic than most people realise.

The 5 Best Plastic-Free Cleaning Swaps

1. Replace Paper Towels with Reusable Cleaning Cloths

Why make the switch?

Single-use paper towels disappear quickly. They're often wrapped in plastic, made from virgin materials and thrown away after one use. In the US alone, around 6 million tonnes of paper towels end up in landfill each year.

Instead, choose reusable alternatives like bamboo towels, compostable eco cloths or unpaper towels. If you already have old tea towels sitting in a drawer, even better, you can turn them into cleaning cloths before buying anything new.

Best for:

• Kitchen spills
• Dusting
• Glass and mirrors
• Bathroom cleaning

A single reusable cloth can replace dozens, even hundreds of disposable paper towels over its lifetime, saving both money and waste.

This week, our Go For Zero eco cleaning cloths are 15% off, making it the perfect time to stock up or make the switch and ditch disposable paper towel for good! 

2. Swap Plastic Sponges for Compostable Brushes

Most conventional dish sponges are made from plastic, meaning tiny microplastics are released every time you wash up. Once worn out, they usually end up in landfill.

Instead, choose natural dish brushes made from coconut fibre or home compostable cellulose sponges. They clean just as effectively while being much kinder to the environment.

One of our favourite tips? When they're no longer suitable for the kitchen, give them a second life cleaning grout, outdoor furniture or muddy shoes before composting them.

Best for:

• Washing dishes
• Pots and pans
• Kitchen sinks
• General household scrubbing

Thinking of making the switch? our compostable sponges and natural dish brushes are currently 15% off, so it's never been easier to clean without plastic.

3. Choose Refillable Natural Cleaning Products

One thing I've noticed after years of answering customer questions is that almost everyone worries natural cleaners won't actually clean. I used to wonder the same thing before I started testing them in my own home. The truth is that the good ones work brilliantly. You just don't need the harsh fragrances and endless bottles we've been taught to rely on.

According to the Australian Water Association, between 80,000 and 140,000 chemical contaminants from cleaning products can be found in our wastewater. It's a powerful reminder that what we use to clean our homes doesn't simply disappear down the drains.

Quality plant-based cleaners are more than capable of tackling everyday dirt, grease and grime without relying on harsh synthetic fragrances or unnecessary chemicals.

Refillable cleaning concentrates are one of the easiest ways to reduce plastic. Instead of buying a new bottle every time, simply add a tablet or powder to your existing spray bottle, fill it with water and you're ready to clean. You can learn more here.

We love refill systems because they're:

• Lightweight to ship
• Easy to store
• Better value over time
• A simple way to reduce single-use plastic

Whether you're cleaning your kitchen, bathroom or glass surfaces, refillable sprays help simplify your routine while reducing waste.

If you've been curious about refillable cleaning now's the perfect time to try it, with any E.sup refillable cleaning purchase we're giving you a FREE glass reusable cleaning bottle. 

4. Switch to a Natural Refillable Hand Wash

Hand wash is one of the most frequently used products in any home, yet it's often packaged in single-use plastic and filled with synthetic detergents and artificial fragrances.

If you're washing your hands multiple times every day, choosing a natural and refillable hand wash is one of the easiest sustainable swaps you can make. Look for hand washes made with plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your skin while avoiding unnecessary synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.

It's a simple change that reduces plastic while being kinder to your family.

5. Replace Multiple Cleaners with One Multi-Purpose Product

Here's something we've learnt after helping thousands of Australians make low-tox swaps: the biggest difference usually isn't buying more eco products, it's buying fewer.

The average cleaning cupboard contains five to ten different products, yet most everyday jobs can be handled by just two or three well-designed cleaners. Instead of filling your cupboard with separate cleaners for every surface, choose one versatile product that can do multiple jobs.

Our bestselling Zero Waste Dish & Laundry Block is a perfect example. Made with plant-based ingredients including lemon myrtle, one bar works as a:

• Dishwashing soap
• Surface cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Fruit and vegetable wash

By replacing multiple products with one plastic-free alternative, you simplify your routine, reduce clutter and dramatically cut plastic waste.

Sometimes the most sustainable option is simply owning less. A healthier home doesn't come from buying more products but comes from choosing better ones. That's why we believe the best sustainable swaps simplify your home rather than adding to it.

Better yet, our plastic-free cleaning essentials, including our bestselling Zero Waste Dish and Laundry Block are currently 15% off!

Does Plastic-Free Cleaning Actually Work?

Yes. Modern plastic-free and natural cleaning products are designed to clean everyday homes just as effectively as conventional alternatives. The key is choosing products that are designed for the task rather than assuming "natural" means less effective.

After years of testing products for Go For Zero, we've found that the best sustainable cleaning products don't ask you to compromise, they simply remove the unnecessary plastic, synthetic fragrances and excess packaging.

How We Choose Cleaning Products at Go For Zero

One question we're often asked is: "How do you decide which products to stock?"

The answer is simple. Rather than stocking every eco cleaner on the market, we only choose products that meet four criteria. Every product must:

• Work brilliantly in everyday homes.
• Reduce unnecessary plastic.
• Avoid harsh or unnecessary ingredients.
• Come from Australian or New Zealand brands that genuinely care about people and the planet.

We spend countless hours researching ingredients, reading certifications and testing products ourselves because we know trust has to be earned.

If we wouldn't use it in our own homes, we wouldn't recommend it in yours.

Our Philosophy on Cleaning

Long before Go For Zero existed, I was searching for safer products for my own family.

What I discovered was that creating a healthier home wasn't about throwing everything away overnight. It was about making better choices, one product at a time. That's still how we approach every product we stock today.

We don't believe you need dozens of specialised cleaners or harsh chemicals to maintain a hygienic home. We believe most Australian homes can be cleaned beautifully with fewer products, thoughtful ingredients and less plastic.

That's why we spend countless hours researching ingredients, testing products and partnering with brands that genuinely care about people and the planet.

If your current sponge is still working, use it until it reaches the end of its life. Then choose a better replacement. Small, consistent changes are what create lasting impact.

Every Small Swap Matters

Creating a healthier, low-tox home doesn't happen overnight, and it doesn't have to.

Whether you start with a compostable dish brush, a refillable spray bottle or a versatile cleaning bar, every swap helps reduce waste, limit unnecessary chemicals and move you closer to a home that's healthier for the people you love.

Because at Go For Zero, we believe cleaning shouldn't cost the Earth.

To help get you started, or stock up, this week we're offering up to 20% off natural cleaning and laundry essentials, see the full sale here. 

Lots of love,
Ellie x

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plastic-free cleaning better for the environment?

Yes. Plastic-free cleaning reduces single-use plastic waste and encourages reusable or compostable alternatives that have a much smaller environmental footprint.

Do natural cleaning products work as well as conventional cleaners?

For everyday household cleaning, absolutely. Quality natural cleaners effectively remove dirt, grease and grime without relying on unnecessary harsh chemicals.

What are the easiest plastic-free cleaning swaps?

Start with products you replace regularly:

1. Reusable cleaning cloths
2. Compostable dish brushes
3. Refillable cleaning sprays
4. Natural hand wash
5. Multi-purpose cleaning bars

These simple swaps can prevent hundreds of disposable products from ending up in landfill over time.

What ingredients should I avoid in cleaning products?

Many people choose to avoid products containing synthetic fragrances, chlorine bleach, ammonia and other harsh chemicals, especially if they have sensitive skin or want to reduce unnecessary chemical exposure in their home.

Is it expensive to switch to plastic-free cleaning?

Not necessarily. While some reusable products cost more upfront, they typically last much longer than disposable alternatives, making them more cost-effective over time.