There’s strict laws in the UK preventing animal testing on cosmetic products and ingredients. But unfortunately there are no rules when it comes to cruelty-free cleaning products.

A huge amount of mainstream brands still test their products on animals. Others add ingredients that have been tested on animals.

Many packs feature the phrases “never tested on animals” or “our brand is against animal testing”. But this may only relate to the finished product. It doesn’t necessarily mean that the product’s ingredients haven’t been tested on animals by suppliers further up the chain.

This makes it hard to tell which products are truly cruelty-free, as so many claim to be.

What Makes a Product Cruelty-Free?

Completely cruelty-free cleaning products only come from companies that have conducted no animal testing of any kind along the whole supply chain. This type of manufacture is ethical.

And it also helps prevent animal testing by encouraging suppliers to stop the practice through the buying power of these brands.

Certifications such as the Leaping Bunny ensures products are cruelty-free. Brands with the very best policies against animal testing feature on the PETA database. If you’re ever unsure about a company and their policies, check the PETA index before buying.

The following brands are ideal if you want cruelty-free cleaning products in your home.

Astonish – Cruelty-Free Cleaning and Astonishingly Affordable

With a huge range of cleaning products for the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, carpet and even the car, Astonish products are cleaning products with a conscience. They’re also more affordable than many unethical cleaning products.

Astonish cleaners are cruelty-free, use no animal products, and ensure any suppliers they use do not test on animals.

This British brand proves that ethical products don’t always have to be pricey. Find their products in discount stores and pound shops, as well as online.

Protect the Planet and Animals with Ecover

Plant-based brand Ecover is one of the best known ethical cleaning companies. They’re on a mission to create a “clean world revolution”.

Their packaging is made from recycled plastics and cardboard and they promote sustainable palm oil, recycled ocean plastics and phosphate-free formulas that don’t damage the world’s water supplies.

Ecover have it all: cruelty-free and eco-friendly, clean business values, clean manufacturing practices and clean ingredients. Ecover’s cleaning and laundry products are good for you, your home, and the environment. Their products are widely available in supermarkets and online.

Editor’s Note: Ecover has now been bought by SC Johnson and while Ecover continues to to state that they do not test on animals this is not true of SC Johnson. If you don’t want your money to go to a parent company that does test on animals, we’d recommend finding another brand to support.

Back to Basics with Method

Method prioritise using natural ingredients in their formulas. They have a transparent policy on ingredients so customers can see there are no dodgy chemicals hiding in their products.

The company is completely cruelty-free and uses no animal by-products in their goods. Their extensive range includes home cleaning, hand washing, washing up and laundry products.

What’s different about Method products is the unique range of scents. You’ll find delightful fragrances including Pink Grapefruit, Ylang Ylang and Ginger Yuzu. They definitely make cleaning a little more fun!

Method’s bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic. And their company offices and factories around the world are powered by wind energy. It may come as no surprise that the co-founders were named as PETA’s people of the year in 2006.

Find Method’s cruelty-free cleaning products in most supermarkets and online.

Editor’s Note: Along with Ecover, Method has also been bought by SC Johnson. The same argument as above stands. If you don’t want your money to go to a parent company that tests on animals, we’d recommend finding another brand to support.

Dr. Bronner’s

Sometimes it’s easier to have one product for all jobs. Dr. Bronner’s make a few products that are perfect for this, such as their Sal Suds All Purpose Cleaner. Or their Pure Castille Soap, which can also be used on the body – bonus!

Their effective cleaners are made from ethically sourced, Fairtrade ingredients. They’re all biodegradable, 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan.

Dr. Bronner’s cleaners and soaps go a long way, as just a small amount mixed with water is effective. Use their cleaners on a variety of surfaces and dishes and for laundry without needing a cupboard full of cleaning products.

Their products contain essential oils and coconut oil. This makes them gentle on skin and safe to use around pets and children as well as having a powerful clean. Buy online at Amazon, Tesco, Holland & Barrett and natural health stores.

Mrs. Meyer’s

The Mrs. Meyer’s range is a collection of multi purpose household cleaners, laundry detergents and washing up liquids.

As a certified cruelty-free brand, no animal-derived ingredients are used in their products. Nor are their ingredients tested on animals.

The products are made with ethically sourced essential oils and natural ingredients. They’re soft on the skin and have gorgeous scents such as geranium, honeysuckle and sunflower. The Mrs. Meyer’s all purpose cleaners are extremely cost effective and a large bottle can last months.

Find their products online at Amazon and in natural health stores.

There is a growing range of cruelty-free cleaning products available on the market. The challenge is being sure of what you’re buying. As products like these become more popular, there is more chance the practice of testing products on animals may finally be abolished.

Until then, at least we can choose to keep our homes clean with a clear conscience.