The Importance of Choosing Safe Home Cleaning Products
Introduction
You might be wondering why it's important to pay attention to the ingredients in your cleaning products. After all, you're not eating or applying them directly to your skin. However, these products can still have a significant impact on both your health and the environment. They can pollute the air you breathe, contaminate your water supply, and harm the wildlife you cherish.
That's why I want to introduce you to some of my favorite safe and effective home cleaning products. These are products that I've personally tested and trust to keep my home clean and healthy. You'll learn why these products are superior to conventional ones, which ingredients to avoid, and where to find them.
Why Conventional Cleaning Products can be Harmful
Many American households are exposed to nearly 62 toxic chemicals each day, which is a significant health and environmental risk. Most of these chemicals are found in household cleaning products, often listed or disguised as "fragrances" or "preservatives." Some common examples include bleach, ammonia, and phthalates.
Daily exposure to these chemicals can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and skin irritation. However, the damage doesn't stop there. These chemicals also contribute to air and water pollution, as well as harm to wildlife. Essentially, we're making our homes clean at the expense of the planet and our health.
That's why it's crucial to know how to avoid these toxic chemicals. There are many resources available, but not all of them are trustworthy. Some resources may be sponsored by brands interested in selling their products.
Luckily, I've done some research and found reliable resources to help you make informed decisions for your home and health. So, stay tuned as I share them in this article.
Common Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Home Cleaning Products
Home cleaning products contain various ingredients that can help clean but also harm us or the planet. Some ingredients are mild, while others can be serious. Here are some ingredients to watch out for and why:
Surfactants:
Surfactants are substances that help water and oil mix. They are often added to cleaning products to remove dirt and grease. However, some surfactants can be harsh on your skin, eyes, and lungs. They can also harm aquatic life if they end up in the waterways. Be mindful of the type and amount of surfactants in your cleaning products.
Fragrances:
Fragrances are added to cleaning products to make them smell nice. However, some fragrances can trigger allergies, asthma, or headaches. They can also contain chemicals that are not disclosed on the label. Fragrances can affect your indoor air quality and your health. Choose cleaning products that are fragrance-free or use natural scents.
Preservatives:
Preservatives are used to prevent bacteria and mold from growing in cleaning products. However, some preservatives can be toxic or irritating to your skin, eyes, and respiratory system. They can also cause allergic reactions or hormonal disruptions. Look for cleaning products that use safer alternatives or make your own.
Dyes:
Dyes are used to give color to cleaning products. However, some dyes can stain your clothes, furniture, or skin. They can also contain chemicals that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, or allergenic. Dyes can pollute the water and soil when they are washed away. Dyes are unnecessary for cleaning purposes. Opt for cleaning products that are dye-free or have natural colors.
Parabens:
Parabens are preservatives that can extend the shelf life of cleaning products. However, some parabens can mimic estrogen and interfere with your hormonal balance. They can also increase the risk of breast cancer and reproductive problems. Parabens can accumulate in your body and the environment. Avoid cleaning products that contain parabens or use natural preservatives.
PFOAS and PFCs:
PFOAS and PFCs can make cleaning products repel water and stains. But beware, some PFOAS and PFCs can stick around your body and the environment for ages. They can also harm your liver, thyroid, and immune system, and cause cancer. PFOAS and PFCs are bad news for you and the planet.
Phthalates:
Phthalates are chemicals that can make cleaning products more flexible and fragrant. However, some phthalates can interfere with your hormones and ruin your love life. They can also harm your kidneys, liver, lungs, and private parts. Phthalates can sneak into your food and water and pollute the environment. Phthalates are harmful to you and the critters. Ditch cleaning products that contain phthalates or use natural scents.
Petroleum:
Petroleum is a fossil fuel that can make cleaning products more powerful and cheaper. But don't be tempted; petroleum can also destroy the planet and our health. When dug up, processed, and burned, it can spew greenhouse gases and toxic chemicals. Petroleum can drain natural resources and damage the environment.
Phenols:
Phenols are used as preservatives and disinfectants in many household products, such as mouthwash and spray cleaners. However, phenols can irritate your skin, eyes, and respiratory tract, and cause organ damage or cancer with long-term exposure. To avoid phenols in your home cleaning products, look for safer, biodegradable, and nontoxic alternatives.
Triclosan:
Triclosan is added to many consumer products to reduce or prevent bacterial contamination. It can be found in antibacterial soaps, body washes, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and cosmetics. However, triclosan can disrupt your hormonal balance, increase your risk of antibiotic resistance, and pollute waterways. If you want to avoid triclosan in your home cleaning products, look for safer alternatives labeled as triclosan-free.
Antibacterial Ingredients:
Antibacterial ingredients are added to many products to kill bacteria. However, they can cause hormone problems, antibiotic resistance, and water pollution. To reduce their use or avoid them altogether, you can use natural cleaners such as vinegar, lemon, or essential oils.
Synthetic Detergents:
Synthetic detergents are chemicals commonly found in many cleaning products, including dish soaps, laundry detergents, and all-purpose cleaners. While they are effective at breaking down dirt and grime, they can also be harsh and potentially harmful to both the environment and our health. It's essential to be mindful of synthetic detergents when selecting cleaning products to minimize their impact on our homes and planet. To reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, look for eco-friendly and natural alternatives
Top Picks for Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Laundry Products
Maintaining a clean and healthy home is essential, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment. There are many eco-friendly cleaning and laundry products available on the market that are both effective and safe for the planet. That’s why I want to share with you my top picks for these products.
1. Homemade Cleaning Products
Homemade cleaning products are a great option if you're looking for an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought cleaners. By using simple ingredients like white vinegar, borax, baking soda, lemon, castile soap, and essential oils, you can create effective cleaning solutions for every room in your home. Wellness Mama has a wealth of DIY cleaning product recipes that you can try out.
However, if you prefer store-bought options or simply don't have the time to make your own cleaning products, don't worry. In the next section, I will share with you some of my top picks for effective and environmentally friendly cleaning and laundry products.
2. Top Picks for General and All-Purpose Cleaners
In this section, I am excited to share with you my top picks for cleaning products that are not only effective but also eco-friendly. I have categorized them into two sections: general and all-purpose cleaners, and specialty cleaning products. So, let's dive in and explore some fantastic options to keep your home sparkling clean.
General and All Purpose
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), two brands consistently have the cleanest ingredients in this category: AspenClean and Attitude. Both brands have earned the EWG VERIFIED™ mark, which means that their products are free from EWG’s chemicals of concern and meet their strictest criteria for transparency and health. I’ve tested both and love these lines for cleaning and personal care products.
AspenClean is a brand that consistently ranks high for cleaning products, including laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, and dish soap. Their products are not only effective but also eco-friendly and have a refreshing scent. Aspen Clean's commitment to sustainability is evident in its use of natural, plant-based ingredients and eco-friendly packaging.
Attitude is another great brand for general and all-purpose cleaning. They have a variety of products for cleaning and personal care, such as laundry detergent, all-purpose cleaner, and dish soap that are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and scented with natural extracts.
Other Safe and Effective Cleaning Brands
In addition to Aspen Clean and Attitude, there are other brands that offer safe and effective cleaning products for different purposes:
a. Dish soap: Sonnett, Aspen, or Attitude. These are all biodegradable and gentle on your skin and the environment.
b. Dishwasher detergent: Aspen. This has a plant-based formula that cleans and degreases your dishes without leaving any residue.
c. Heavy degreaser: Trulyfree Heavy Duty Degreaser. This powerful cleaner removes grease and grime from any surface with natural ingredients and no harsh chemicals.
d. Laundry detergent: Aspen, Attitude, Healthy Baby, or 9 Elements. These are all hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and effective at removing stains and odors.
e. Laundry brightener: Branch Basics Oxygen Boost. This natural alternative to bleach whitens and brightens your clothes with sodium percarbonate and sodium bicarbonate.
f. Stain treatment: The Hate Stains Co. Miss Mouth’s Messy Eater Stain Treater. This plant-based spray removes food and drink stains from clothes, carpets, and upholstery.
g. Floor cleaner: Aspen Floor Cleaner or Aunt Fannie’s Floor Cleaner. These are made with natural ingredients and essential oils that clean and disinfect your floors without leaving any residue or harmful fumes.
h. Sink/tub scrub: Bon Ami or a paste made from baking soda, lemon juice, and water. Bon Ami is a non-scratch powder that cleans porcelain, stainless steel, and tile with natural minerals and biodegradable ingredients. The baking soda, lemon juice, and water paste also removes stains and scum from sinks and tubs with their abrasive and acidic properties.
i. Hand soap: Dr. Bronners, Everyone, or Attitude. These are all gentle on your skin and made with organic and natural ingredients.
Top Picks for Specialty Cleaning
Sometimes, a general-purpose cleaning product just won't cut it. That's where specialty cleaners come in handy. If you're looking for eco-friendly options for specific cleaning tasks, here are two great choices:
Upholstery Fabric Protector: Protect Me
Protect Me is a plant-based solution that shields your upholstery fabric from spills and stains. This product is made without the use of harmful chemicals such as fluorocarbons, phthalates, and formaldehyde, making it safe for your family and the environment.
• Upholstery Fabric Cleaner: Purehaven
Purehaven's upholstery fabric cleaner is an all-natural and organic solution that effectively removes dirt and stains from upholstery. It's free from harmful chemicals like phthalates, synthetic fragrances, and artificial colors, making it safe for use around children and pets.
By choosing these eco-friendly specialty cleaning products, you can keep your home clean and free from harmful chemicals.
Quick Note: Nontoxic Home Building Materials
The products we use in our homes have a significant impact on our health and the environment. This includes not only cleaning products but also the materials used to build and furnish our homes. If you're currently in the process of building or renovating your home, you may be interested in my journey of discovering nontoxic (or less toxic) building materials. I admit, I drove our contractor crazy with all my requests for everything from flooring to insulation, but in the end, it was worth it. If you're curious about what I learned, stay tuned for a future post where I'll share all the details.
Where to Buy Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products
When purchasing eco-friendly cleaning products, there are a few options to consider. While some products may be available at your local grocery store, I prefer to purchase directly from the company websites whenever possible. Not only do these websites often offer sales and discounts, but I also have confidence in the quality of their products.
However, if you prefer to shop in store, many online discount sites, such as Walmart, offer eco-friendly cleaning products at a lower price than most retailers. Remember that not all products are available at every retailer, so it may require some research to find the specific products you're looking for.
My Favorite and Trusted Resources for Safe Cleaning Products
As promised in the article, I want to share some of the best resources I use to find safe cleaning products for myself and my family. These are not sponsored by any brands, but rather by independent organizations that conduct extensive research and advocacy on environmental health issues.
a. EWG.org
This is one of the largest and most comprehensive databases of environmental health information. You can find ratings and reviews for thousands of products, ranging from cosmetics to cleaning supplies, and guides on pesticides, water quality, and renewable energy. EWG also publishes annual lists of the Dirty Dozen™ and Clean Fifteen™ fruits and vegetables based on their pesticide residues.
This is a great website that offers detailed guides on the good, bad, and ugly ingredients in various product categories, such as baby care, personal care, household, and pet products. You can also shop for curated products that meet their strict safety and quality criteria.
c. Mamavation
This is a community of moms who are passionate about healthy living and activism. They provide tips and recommendations on how to avoid toxins and chemicals in food, products, and the environment. They also expose and challenge brands that make false or misleading claims about their products or practices.
This is a Facebook and online community where you can connect with like-minded people interested in green living. You can ask questions, share experiences, and get advice on choosing safe and clean products for your home and family.
This is a blog run by Tamara Rubin, a mother of four who became an expert on lead poisoning after her children were exposed to lead in their homes. She tests various products for lead and other heavy metals using an XRF instrument and shares her findings on her website. She also educates people on how to prevent and treat lead poisoning.
This is a popular blog covering various natural health and wellness topics. You can find recipes, DIY tutorials, podcasts, books, and courses that teach you how to make your own safe and clean products, from toothpaste to laundry detergent. You can also search for specific products or ingredients and see what Wellness Mama says about them.
These are some of the resources that I trust and use regularly to find safe and clean products for myself and my family. I hope you find them helpful too!
Beware of the Greenwashing Trap
Greenwashing is a deceptive practice that some companies use to make their products or services appear more environmentally friendly than they actually are. In contrast, green marketing is a genuine effort to promote products or services that have a positive impact on the environment or reduce environmental harm.
Examples of greenwashing include:
Using vague or misleading claims, such as "natural," "eco-friendly," or "biodegradable," without providing any evidence or certification.
Ignoring or hiding the negative environmental aspects of a product or service, such as its carbon footprint, water consumption, or toxic ingredients.
Exaggerating the environmental benefits of a product or service, such as claiming that it saves more energy or water than it actually does.
Creating a false impression of environmental responsibility, such as using green colors, logos, or images that imply a connection to nature or sustainability.
One brand that has been accused of greenwashing is Seventh Generation, which sells household and personal care products. For example, their laundry detergent contains sodium laureth sulfate (SLES), a synthetic surfactant that can cause skin irritation and environmental damage.
According to Gimme the Good Stuff, a website that reviews and rates products for safety and sustainability, Seventh Generation’s laundry detergent is “sneaky stuff” that does not live up to its green reputation.
To avoid falling for greenwashing and choose truly green products, here are some tips:
a. Do your research. Check the ingredients list, label, and company website for information or certification that supports their claims. Look for third-party verification from reputable organizations such as the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Green Seal, or EcoLogo.
b. Compare products. Don't rely solely on one brand or product. Shop around and compare options based on their environmental impact, performance, and price. You might find a better alternative that meets your needs and values.
c. Ask questions. If you are unsure about a product or service, ask the company for more details. How do they source their materials? How do they measure their environmental impact? How do they dispose of their waste? A transparent and honest company should be able to answer your questions and provide evidence.
Final Thoughts
Thank you for reading this article and staying with me until the end. I hope you found it helpful and informative. As a mother and homeowner, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to find safe and effective cleaning products. I have spent countless hours researching and trying different products before creating my go-to list of brands and resources.
It is important to be mindful of the products we use in our homes, as they can significantly impact our health and the environment. By choosing clean and safe products, we can create a healthier home for ourselves and our families, and do our part to protect the planet.
The next time you find yourself in the cleaning aisle, take a moment to read the labels and make an informed decision. And if you ever need help, refer back to this article or my recommended resources. Together, let's make our homes a safe and healthy place for everyone.