Cleaners with Concentrated Tablet Refills

Instead of purchasing bottles of liquid cleaner, try concentrated tablets - then you simply add water. You can buy the bottle once or use one you already have, and then order concentrated, liquid-free refills. There are companies offering a variety of cleaners, soaps and other products such as foaming hand soap, laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner for counters, tub and tile, and glass.

By using products that ship without water, we cut down on waste from the bottles. But we also save resources. It takes less energy to ship a load of small packets to a retailer (or your home) than a heavy bottle of liquid. That also cuts down on greenhouse gases. Less water is used when making the product as well.

Concentrated tablets also make it easier to stock up on your cleaning supplies if you live in a small space or have limited storage - you won’t have to find room for all those bottles! Tablets are small and compact.

As with any product that’s marketed as Zero Waste, there are better and worse options. Some concentrated refills are sold as liquid concentrates, and those will still ship in bottles. Although you will reduce bottle waste somewhat with using liquid concentrates, the tablets will have a bigger impact on waste!

Remember to choose cleaners that also reduce toxics. Brands that avoid ingredients like anti-bacterial agents, parabens, phosphates, ammonia, chlorine bleach, phthalates, or VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are better for your home, and our water supply.