Blueland Clean Essentials Kit Review
Quick Take
Overall Score: 8.6/10
Blueland brilliantly solves the "I want to switch to non-toxic but don't want to spend a fortune" problem. The tablet system eliminates the mixing guesswork of concentrates, the reusable bottles look good enough to leave on your counter, and refill tablets cost under $2 each. For families transitioning from conventional cleaners, this is my go-to recommendation.
The Verdict: Excellent for anyone new to non-toxic cleaning who wants simplicity and value. The EWG-A rated tablets dissolve in seconds, the cleaning power handles everyday messes, and the system eliminates single-use plastic. Not quite as potent as Branch Basics on heavy grease, but the convenience factor makes it the practical winner for most households.
What We Tested
I purchased the Clean Essentials Kit ($39) including Forever Bottles for Multi-Surface, Glass + Mirror, and Bathroom, plus tablets for each. Over 6 months, I tested:
- Tablet dissolution and consistency
- Cleaning effectiveness across surfaces
- Long-term bottle durability
- Refill tablet value compared to alternatives
The Tablet System: Surprisingly Elegant
How It Works
- Fill the Forever Bottle with warm water
- Drop in a tablet
- Wait 10 minutes (or shake to speed up)
- Use like any spray cleaner
That's it. No measuring, no dilution ratios, no wasted product. The tablets fizz like Alka-Seltzer and dissolve completely.
Why It's Brilliant
For non-toxic newbies: No learning curve. If you can fill a bottle with water, you can use Blueland.
For sustainability: The tablets ship in compostable paper packaging. You're not shipping water across the country in plastic bottles.
For skeptics: The "normal" spray bottle experience makes the transition from conventional cleaners seamless.
Safety Analysis
Blueland earns EWG-A ratings across their product line. The Multi-Surface Cleaner tablet ingredients:
- Sodium bicarbonate: Baking soda, natural deodorizer and mild abrasive
- Sodium carbonate: Washing soda, water softener and grease cutter
- Citric acid: Natural acid for cleaning and pH balance
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (coconut-derived): Plant-based surfactant
- Methylglycine diacetic acid, trisodium salt: Biodegradable chelating agent
- Protease and amylase enzymes: Natural stain fighters
What's NOT in Blueland:
- Synthetic fragrances (uses essential oils for scented versions)
- Dyes
- Chlorine bleach
- Ammonia
- VOCs
- Parabens
- Phthalates
The formula is EPA Safer Choice certified, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Cleaning Performance
Multi-Surface Cleaner (8/10)
Daily cleaning: Handles countertops, tables, appliances, and light messes excellently. The citrus scent is pleasant without being overpowering.
Kitchen grease: This is where Blueland shows its limitations. Light grease wipes up fine; heavy stovetop splatter requires more scrubbing or multiple applications. Not as powerful as Branch Basics concentrate for tough jobs.
Residue: None. Dries clean without streaks or film.
Glass + Mirror Cleaner (9/10)
Streak-free: Genuinely impressive. Better than the generic "green" cleaners I've tried, comparable to Windex on most surfaces.
Mirrors and windows: Crystal clear results with microfiber cloth.
Stainless steel: Works surprisingly well on appliances, though dedicated stainless cleaners might edge it out.
Bathroom Cleaner (7.5/10)
Soap scum: Requires more dwell time than conventional bathroom cleaners. Spray, wait 5 minutes, then scrub. Works, but not instant.
Toilet cleaning: Adequate for maintenance. For deep cleaning, I supplement with baking soda paste.
Hard water: The biggest limitation. Heavy mineral buildup needs something stronger. Blueland recommends their Toilet Bowl tablets (separate purchase) for tough bowl stains.
Value Assessment: The Math Is Excellent
Upfront cost:
- Clean Essentials Kit: $39 (3 Forever Bottles + tablets)
- Individual Forever Bottles: $12-14 each
- Refill tablets: $2 each (multi-packs drop to $1.60/tablet)
Cost comparison per bottle of cleaner:
- Blueland refill: $1.60-2.00
- Method refill: $3-4
- Mrs. Meyer's: $4-5
- Seventh Generation: $3-4
Annual cost (assuming 24 bottles/year):
- Blueland: $39 (kit) + $24 (12 refills) = $63 first year, $38/year after
- Conventional "green" cleaners: $80-120/year
The kicker: You're not paying for water. Conventional cleaners are 90%+ water—you're essentially shipping water in plastic bottles. Blueland ships concentrated ingredients in paper.
The Forever Bottles: Form and Function
The bottles are genuinely attractive—muted colors, clean design, triangular silicone sleeves for grip. I leave them on my counter without embarrassment.
Durability: After 6 months of daily use, no cracks, no fading, spray mechanism working perfectly.
The trigger: Adjustable spray pattern (mist to stream). Better than typical spray bottles.
Who Should Buy This
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Non-toxic cleaning beginners: The tablet system removes all friction from switching. No learning curve, no measuring, no mistakes.
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Budget-conscious families: The long-term value is excellent, and the $39 entry point is lower than Branch Basics ($59) or Force of Nature ($80).
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Sustainability-focused households: Eliminating plastic bottles and shipping water is a significant environmental win.
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Apartment dwellers: The compact tablets are easy to store, and you can make cleaner on demand rather than storing multiple bottles.
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Gift-givers: The attractive bottles and low cost make this an excellent housewarming or new-parent gift.
Who Should Skip
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Heavy-duty cleaning needs: If you regularly battle serious grease, soap scum, or grime, Branch Basics concentrate will serve you better.
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Those who need disinfection: Blueland cleans but doesn't disinfect. For germ-killing, use Force of Nature.
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Fragrance-free requirements: The unscented options work well, but some users report a mild "cleaning product" smell from the citric acid.
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Impatient cleaners: The tablets need 10 minutes to fully dissolve (or vigorous shaking). If that annoys you, ready-to-use products might suit you better.
The Bottom Line
Blueland is the practical choice for families wanting to make the switch to non-toxic cleaning without complexity or premium pricing. The tablet system is genuinely clever, the bottles look good, and the EWG-A safety profile delivers peace of mind. Cleaning power is solid for everyday messes—just don't expect it to match industrial-strength cleaners on tough jobs.
My usage: Blueland handles our daily cleaning (counters, tables, mirrors, light bathroom maintenance). I reach for Branch Basics when tackling the stovetop or stubborn messes. The combination covers all bases.
Sources
- Environmental Working Group (EWG). Guide to Healthy Cleaning. Blueland Product Ratings. Accessed January 2026.
- EPA. Safer Choice Program. Blueland Certification. Accessed January 2026.
- Blueland. Full Ingredient Disclosure. Accessed January 2026.
