If you’re trying to live more sustainably, cutting down on plastic is a no-brainer. But when it comes to cleaning your home, sprays, sponges, bottles, brushes, it can feel almost impossible to go plastic free.
So, the big question: Is plastic free cleaning really possible in Australia? The short answer is yes, but it takes a bit of planning.
Here’s exactly how to do it, the best Aussie options available, and answers to every question you probably have.
Why Go Plastic Free with Cleaning?
Conventional cleaning products are some of the biggest plastic polluters in Australian households:
- Single-use spray bottles
- Disposable wipes
- Plastic-wrapped sponges
- Overpackaged detergents
Most of this plastic isn’t recyclable, meaning it ends up in landfill or our oceans.
Switching to plastic free cleaning:
- Reduces landfill waste
- Lowers your household’s carbon footprint
- Protects waterways from microplastics
- Supports circular economy businesses in Australia
TL;DR: Plastic free cleaning helps cut waste and pollution where it matters most — in your daily habits.
How to Actually Do Plastic Free Cleaning in Australia
1. Switch to Refill Systems
Australian brands like Resparkle and Pleasant State offer cleaning products in reusable or refillable formats. Instead of tossing plastic, you refill a sturdy, reusable container, cutting out waste completely.
2. Use Concentrated Tablets or Bars
Australian companies like Single Use Ain’t Sexy and Ecyo sell cleaning concentrates in solid bar or tablet form. You just dissolve them in water at home, no new plastic bottles needed.
3. Choose Plastic Free Tools
Swap plastic-heavy cleaning tools for:
- Wooden dish brushes with compostable heads
- Natural fibre scrubbers
- Metal buckets
- Compostable sponges and cloths
Tip: Look for brands that avoid plastic in the packaging too.
4. Make Your Own Cleaning Solutions
DIY cleaners using basic ingredients like vinegar, bicarb soda, and Castile soap work incredibly well, and cut out unnecessary packaging entirely.
Easy DIY Surface Spray:
- 1 part white vinegar
- 1 part water
- A few drops of lemon or eucalyptus oil
Use in a glass spray bottle for a totally plastic free clean.
5. Buy in Bulk When You Can’t Avoid Plastic
Sometimes plastic is unavoidable. When it is, buy the largest size available and refill smaller containers at home. It’s not perfect, but it massively reduces plastic per use.
TL;DR: Refill, reuse, DIY, and choose natural materials, and you can cut out almost all plastic from your cleaning routine in Australia.
The Best Australian Brands for Plastic Free Cleaning
| Brand | What They Offer | Why It’s Great |
|---|---|---|
| Pleasant State | Concentrated cleaning bars | Refillable glass bottles, no plastic |
| Resparkle | Powder-to-liquid cleaners in compostable pods | Plastic free refills |
| Single Use Ain’t Sexy | Cleaning and soap tablets | Glass bottles + water-at-home model |
| Ecyo | Concentrated cleaning pods | Home compostable packaging |
Read: The Best Australian Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brands
FAQs: Plastic Free Cleaning in Australia
Is it really possible to go 100% plastic free when cleaning?
In practice, it’s tough to be 100% plastic free across every single product but you can get very close.
Focus on eliminating single-use plastics first. Reusables, refills, and low-waste options make a massive difference.
What’s the biggest challenge to plastic free cleaning?
The hardest part is the packaging. Even so-called “eco-friendly” products often come in some form of plastic.
Look for companies that offer a circular system: returnable pouches, compostable pods, or zero-waste shipping.
Are plastic free cleaning products as effective as conventional ones?
Yes, and often better. Natural ingredients like vinegar, lemon, and Castile soap have been cleaning homes long before chemical sprays existed.
Australian brands have developed high-performance products that compete with (or outperform) supermarket brands.
Is DIY cleaning really safe and effective?
When done correctly, yes. DIY cleaning sprays, scrubs, and detergents can tackle most everyday household jobs.
Just be careful not to mix ingredients like vinegar and bicarb soda incorrectly (they can neutralize each other if not used properly).
Where can I buy plastic free cleaning products in Australia?
- Direct from eco brands’ websites (often the best range)
- Some health food stores
- Eco-home specialty stores like Biome or Flora & Fauna
- Some larger supermarkets are starting to stock eco ranges too
Plastic Free Cleaning IS Possible and Worth It
You don’t have to do everything perfectly. But every reusable cloth, every refillable bottle, every DIY cleaner you make instead of buying a plastic-wrapped product adds up.
Australian companies are leading the charge on plastic free cleaning and with a little planning, you can easily join them.
Your home stays sparkling. The planet stays cleaner. Everybody wins.
