Looking for eco-friendly commercial cleaning products that actually work? Canadian businesses are increasingly choosing green, non-toxic alternatives that protect employee health while maintaining professional-grade cleanliness. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best Canadian eco-friendly cleaning brands, where to buy them, and how to use them effectively in your office.

Why Choose Eco-Friendly Commercial Cleaning Products?

Conventional cleaning products often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic chemicals, and respiratory irritants that linger in office air. Employees exposed to harsh chemical residues report higher rates of respiratory illness, skin irritation, and reduced concentration.

In contrast, plant-based, non-toxic cleaners eliminate harmful chemical exposure while maintaining disinfection efficacy. According to CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety), effective cleaning requires a two-step protocol that eco-friendly products accomplish without toxic residue.

Benefits of Green Commercial Cleaning

• 50% reduction in harmful chemical exposure risk
• 30% reduction in employee sick days through proper disinfection
• 25% higher employee satisfaction and morale
• Zero toxic residue on surfaces
• Safer for staff with chemical sensitivities
• Environmentally responsible disposal

Key Certifications to Look For

When evaluating green cleaning products, prioritise these Canadian and North American certifications:

• Green Seal Certified: Verified to contain no harmful chemicals, PFAS (forever chemicals), and low-VOC formulations
• EcoLogo Certified: Independently verified by third-party standards organisations for environmental and health claims
• EWG Verified: Ensures strict transparency and adherence to health standards with full ingredient disclosure
• Health Canada DIN Number: Products with a Drug Identification Number are approved disinfectants for Canadian use

Top 10 Canadian Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brands

1. Attitude (Montreal, Quebec) – Best Overall

Attitude stands as the most comprehensive Canadian eco-friendly cleaning brand. As a Certified B Corporation, every product is 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and verified by PETA. The entire line carries EcoLogo and EWG Verified certifications.

Best Products for Offices:

• All-Purpose Cleaner (800 mL): $8-12 CAD
• All-Purpose Disinfectant Wipes (Lavender & Thyme): $6-8 CAD per box
• Bathroom Cleaner (800 mL): $8-12 CAD
• Eco-Refill Bottles (2L): $10-14 CAD (reduces plastic waste by 80%)

Pros: Widely available, effective formula, refillable options.
Cons: Slightly higher upfront cost than conventional cleaners.

2. Eco-Max (Ontario) – Best Budget Option

Eco-Max ranks as the #1 natural liquid laundry detergent in Canada. Plant-based active ingredients work effectively on grease and grime without chlorine bleach or phosphates.

Best Products for Offices:

• All-Purpose Cleaner (concentrate): $4-7 CAD (40% cheaper per ounce than premium brands)
• RTU Multi-Purpose Cleaner: $5-8 CAD

Pros: Exceptional value, concentrated formulas reduce packaging.
Cons: Less diverse product range.

3. Mint Cleaning Products (Ucluelet, BC) – Professional Grade

This female-owned Dragon’s Den success story has expanded to over 200 retailers nationwide. Products are approved by professional cleaners for tough commercial messes.

Best Products for Offices:

• All-Purpose Cleaner: $14 CAD
• Glass Cleaner: $14 CAD
• Essential Home Care Bundle: $59 CAD
• Ultimate Cleaning Bundle: $99 CAD

Pros: Professional-approved formulations.
Cons: Smaller distribution network.

4. The Bare Home (Greater Toronto Area) – Best Zero-Waste

The Bare Home combines sustainability with functionality through a refillable model reducing plastic waste by over 80%. All products are made in Canada with plant-based, biodegradable ingredients.

Best Products for Offices:

• All-Purpose Cleaner (glass dispenser + bulk refills): $40-60 CAD starter kit
• Monthly refill boxes: $12-18 CAD

Pros: Dramatically reduced plastic waste; cost-effective with refills.
Cons: Higher initial investment.

5. Dustbane (100+ Years Canadian Manufacturer) – Commercial Grade

Dustbane offers professional-grade ECOLOGO-certified disinfectants with Health Canada DIN approval, ideal for organisations needing regulatory compliance verification.

Best Products for Offices:

• Vangard General Purpose Disinfectant: $20-40 CAD per concentrate
• HealthGuard One-Step Cleaner-Disinfectant: $25-50 CAD
• UNITAB Effervescent Tablets: $30-60 CAD per box

Best For: Healthcare, schools, industrial facilities; high-volume users.

6. Nellie’s (Calgary, Alberta)

Produces eco-friendly, cruelty-free cleaning solutions including laundry soda, oxygen brighteners, and floor cleaners. Products emphasise non-toxic formulations suitable for workplaces with employees sensitive to harsh chemicals.

7. Tru Earth (Vancouver, BC)

Revolutionises office cleaning through ultra-concentrated, dissolvable tablet products that eliminate bulky packaging and excess water. Ideal for environmentally-conscious businesses.

8. FRANK (Canadian Tire House Brand)

Offers reliable, affordable, Canadian-manufactured cleaning solutions. Designed for both residential and light commercial use at budget-friendly prices.

9. AspenClean (Vancouver, BC)

Offers EcoLogo-certified cleaning products and professional cleaning services. Products are plant-based, biodegradable, and free from synthetic fragrances.

10. Nature Clean (Mississauga, Ontario)

A pioneer in Canadian green cleaning since 1963. Offers hypoallergenic, plant and mineral-based cleaning products ideal for offices with allergy-sensitive employees.

Where to Buy Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products in Canada

Canadian retailers stocking green cleaning products include:

• Canadian Tire: Extensive cleaning product selection with competitive pricing
• Home Hardware: Canadian-focused hardware chain with expert staff support
• Walmart Canada: Wide selection at budget-friendly prices
• Costco Canada: Bulk purchasing options for large offices
• Loblaws/Superstore: Growing eco-friendly product sections
• Amazon.ca: Convenient online ordering with rapid delivery
• Well.ca: Extensive natural and eco-friendly product selection

The Professional Two-Step Cleaning Process

Health Canada and CCOHS emphasise that effective cleaning requires a two-step protocol:

Step 1: Clean with Detergent (Removes ~97% of germs)

Visible dirt prevents disinfectants from working effectively. Always clean surfaces first:

1. Dampen microfibre cloth with warm water and eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner
2. Wipe all visible dirt and debris from the surface
3. For stubborn grime, let solution sit for 30 seconds before wiping
4. Dry with a clean cloth or allow air drying

Step 2: Disinfect (Kills remaining pathogens)

After cleaning, apply an eco-friendly disinfectant approved by Health Canada (look for DIN number):

1. Spray or apply disinfectant solution directly to the cleaned surface
2. Use enough product to leave a visible wet film
3. Allow proper contact time (typically 60 seconds; check product label)
4. Wipe dry with clean cloth or allow air drying

Critical: Contact time is non-negotiable. The disinfectant requires wet contact with the surface to destroy pathogens.

High-Touch Surfaces to Prioritise

Daily or multiple-daily disinfection required for:

• Door handles and frames
• Light switches and dimmer plates
• Elevator buttons
• Keyboards, mice, and monitors
• Telephone receivers
• Coffee machine buttons and handles
• Shared desks and conference tables
• Bathroom faucet and toilet flush handles

DIY vs Professional: Cost Comparison

DIY Monthly Cost (1,000 sq ft office, 2x/week cleaning)

• Eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner (800 mL): $10 CAD (lasts 2-3 weeks)
• Disinfectant spray or wipes: $8-12 CAD
• Microfibre cloths (pack of 10): $15 CAD (reusable)
• Staff time (2 hrs/week @ $20/hr): $160/month
• Total Monthly DIY Cost: $200-210 CAD

Professional Service Costs (2,000 sq ft office)

• Weekly cleaning: $400-600/month ($0.10-0.15/sq ft)
• Twice weekly: $1,000-1,500/month ($0.25-0.38/sq ft)
• Daily cleaning: $2,000-3,000/month ($0.50-0.75/sq ft)

Regional Pricing Variations

• Toronto: $40/hr, $0.12-0.18/sq ft
• Vancouver: $35-40/hr, $0.13-0.20/sq ft
• Calgary/Edmonton: $28-35/hr, $0.10-0.15/sq ft
• Ottawa: $32-40/hr, $0.11-0.17/sq ft
• Montreal: $30-38/hr, $0.10-0.16/sq ft

Frequently Asked Questions

Are eco-friendly cleaning products as effective as conventional chemicals?

Yes. Health Canada-approved disinfectants with DIN numbers (including plant-based and mineral-based formulations) kill 99.9% of bacteria and viruses, matching or exceeding conventional products’ efficacy. The key is proper use: cleaning first, then disinfecting with adequate contact time.

What are the best Canadian eco-friendly cleaning brands?

Top Canadian brands include Attitude (Montreal), Eco-Max (Ontario), Mint Cleaning Products (BC), The Bare Home (GTA), Dustbane (commercial-grade), Nellie’s (Calgary), and Tru Earth (Vancouver). All offer effective, non-toxic formulations.

Where can I buy eco-friendly cleaning products in Canada?

Available at Canadian Tire, Walmart Canada, Costco Canada, Home Hardware, Loblaws/Superstore, Amazon.ca, and Well.ca. Many brands also sell directly through their websites.

How much do eco-friendly cleaning products cost compared to conventional?

Eco-friendly products typically cost 10-30% more upfront, but concentrated formulas and refillable options often reduce cost-per-use. Attitude’s eco-refills reduce cost by 40% compared to buying new bottles. Budget options like Eco-Max are competitively priced with conventional cleaners.

What certifications should I look for in green cleaning products?

Look for EcoLogo Certified, Green Seal Certified, EWG Verified, and Health Canada DIN numbers for disinfectants. These certifications verify environmental and health claims through independent testing.

Can professional cleaning services use eco-friendly products?

Yes. Most professional cleaning companies offer green cleaning options using products like Dustbane or Attitude at no additional cost. Always ask potential cleaning services about their eco-friendly product options before signing contracts.

What is the two-step cleaning process?

Health Canada recommends cleaning surfaces first with detergent (removes 97% of germs), then applying disinfectant with proper contact time (typically 60 seconds). This two-step process ensures maximum pathogen elimination.

How often should high-touch surfaces be disinfected?

High-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, elevator buttons, and shared keyboards should be disinfected 2-3 times daily during flu season and at least once daily year-round. Provide disinfectant wipes at workstations for employee use.

Conclusion

Canadian eco-friendly commercial cleaning products offer effective, non-toxic alternatives that protect employee health while maintaining professional-grade cleanliness. Brands like Attitude, Eco-Max, and Mint Cleaning Products deliver results matching conventional chemicals without harmful residues.

For offices prioritising sustainability, the two-step cleaning protocol—detergent cleaning followed by proper disinfection—ensures maximum effectiveness. Whether you choose DIY cleaning with Canadian green products or hire a professional service using eco-friendly solutions, you’re making an investment in healthier, more productive workplaces.

Ready for professional eco-friendly cleaning? Contact GoodCleaner today for a free quote. We use only non-toxic, green cleaning products that keep your office healthy and environmentally responsible!