Scarborough-based GLOBEco Maine makes the Durafresh cloth, a reusable alternative to paper towels spun from wood fiber thread. It is highly absorbent, rinses out germ and odor free, and lasts over 300 uses before going in the compost. $9.99 for two, $41.99 for 12 at durafreshcloth.com

This all-purpose cleaner from Maine Island Soap comes in lemongrass, pine, and lavender scents. The simple recipe is just distilled water, white vinegar, and essential oil. $10 at maineislandsoap.com

Therapy Clean is just over the border in Somersworth, New Hampshire. They make plant-based, essential oil scented cleaners formulated for all your home’s surfaces, from stone, wood, and glass to stainless steel and tiles. $4.95 to $9.95 at therapyclean.com

Good Natured Brand laundry soda is free from parabens, sulfates, and petroleum derived ingredients, scented with essential oils, and it is compatible with high efficiency washing machines. $12.99 at goodnaturedbrand.com

Or you can go above and beyond when it comes to sustainable cleaning and make your own mixtures. Follow these simple recipes for making your own basic homecare products. For more information and eco-friendly cleaning tips, visit auracacia.com.

Basic Spray Cleaner

• 2 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon sodium borate
• 1/4 teaspoon liquid soap
• 36 drops of cleansing essential oil, like lemon, tea tree, eucalyptus, or lavender

Mix all in a spray bottle and gently shake each time before use.

Gentle Scouring Cream

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• Liquid soap
• 18 drops of brightening essential oil, like lemongrass or grapefruit

Add essential oils to baking soda and blend. Next, incorporate the liquid soap, several drops at a time, until a creamy paste forms. Store in a jar.

Wooden Furniture Polishing Oil

• 3 tablespoons vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon jojoba oil
• 10 drops of lemon essential oil

Mix in a small jar and apply with a clean, non-abrasive cloth.

Carpet or Mattress Deodorizing Powder

• 1 cup baking soda
• 18 drops of deodorizing essential oil, like bergamot, coriander seed, lavandin

Sprinkle mixture onto the offending area and let it sit for as long as possible. Eight to 10 hours is ideal. Vacuum away and immediately empty canister.