Grove Collaborative
mrs meyers probiotic floor cleaner on wood floor by a mop and bucket

Everything You Need to Know About Probiotic Cleaners

Last Updated: August 19, 2022

Probiotics are the new darling of the cleaning industry, but do they actually work and should you make the switch to probiotic cleaners? We dive into the science behind them.

You love nomming on probiotic-packed Greek yogurt or supporting gut health with probiotic supplements, and maybe you’re even a die-hard kombucha lover (same). But there’s a new probiotic craze in town, and we think this one just might become your favorite.


Probiotic cleaners are an innovative new way to get your house clean and keep it that way, even after you’re done wiping things down. These products are made with powerful ingredients that dig deep into dirt and grime to do the hard work so you don’t have to — but how do they work, and why should you make the switch? Keep reading for more info on the green cleaning industry’s latest sweetheart.

What exactly is a probiotic cleaner?

Probiotic cleaners use “good” bacteria — the same kind you find in the kombucha you can’t stop drinking or your favorite probiotic supplement. These friendly microorganisms team up with plant-based essential oils to create a turbocharged cleaning product that removes muck and mud.


How are probiotic cleaners made?

Probiotic cleaners are made with fermented bacteria – a living organism that creates enzymes and compounds called bio-detergents. Natural home probiotic cleaners work hard to break down dirt, grime, soap scum, and mildew – and because the good bacteria can live on surfaces long after you’re done cleaning, they’re able to continue producing enzymes that keep your kitchen counter clean for hours.


What makes probiotic cleaners different from traditional cleaners?

Traditional cleaners use potentially problematic ingredients like chemical surfactants, chlorine bleach, and ammonia to clean surfaces — not to mention the thousands of chemicals used in conventional cleaners that haven’t been evaluated for safety. These products are non-biodegradable, irritating to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system, and they have a detrimental effect on the environment.


Probiotic cleaners use natural bacteria and essential oils to thoroughly purify your countertops, the inside of your fridge, your drains, and even your hands. Because they’re natural, the enzymes probiotics create are able to snuggle inside tiny nooks and crannies to deeply clean surfaces without harming you, your pets, or the environment.

More probiotic household cleaner basics

Do probiotic cleaners disinfect?

Probiotic cleaners were shown to be more effective than chemical disinfectants when removing bacterial growth and pathogens from a dental clinic. What’s more, the probiotic cleaners helped slow down recontamination for nearly 24 hours, while chemical disinfectants only slowed down recontamination for seven hours. Unlike chemical disinfectants, probiotic cleaners don’t run the risk of creating antibiotic resistant virus strains. More studies need to be done on the disinfectant powers of probiotic cleaners, but the initial evidence is promising.


Are probiotic cleaners safe?

Because of our strict buying standards, any of the probiotic cleaners you find on Grove are safe to use. The brands we offer don’t contain bleach or artificial fragrances, and they only contain “friendly” bacteria to create long-lasting cleaning activity on the surfaces in your home.

Probiotic cleaner easy swaps

Ready to make the jump and give probiotic cleaners a try? Here are three easy ways to swap out your traditional cleaners for a green cleaning alternative powered by probiotics.


1. Multi-surface cleaner

Instead of multi-surface cleaners that use chlorine bleach or harsh solvents to get your countertops and appliances grime-free, try Mrs. Meyer’s Probiotic Multi-Surface Cleaner. It’s chock-full of probiotic micro helpers that provide a continuous clean without harsh chemicals.


2. Shower cleaner

Nix your old shower spray, and replace it with Mrs. Meyer’s Probiotic Daily Shower Spray. This spray cleans mold and mildew stains while removing soap scum with a little help from powerful probiotics. The best part? No rinsing or wiping required! Just spray it on and let those helpful microorganisms do their thing.


3. Hand soap

Give your conventional hand soap the boot with Aunt Fannie’s Probiotic Hand Soap. It uses a blend of skin-friendly probiotics and plant oils that gently wash and moisturize your hands for a natural clean that feels oh-so good.


4. Drain cleaner

We all know how bad traditional drain cleaners are for the environment, but it’s hard to find a natural product that actually cleans efficiently — until now. Mrs. Meyer’s Probiotic Drain Cleaner has a potent concentration of probiotics that are formulated to prevent build-ups, freshen the disposal, and keep your drains flowing flawlessly.

Explore the benefits of probiotics (and unexpected products where you can find them) with our guide to prebiotics and probiotics.

Read more from Grove