Household Cleaners I Avoid
It’s no surprise that the modern household is full of toxic chemicals. From laundry detergent to all-purpose cleaners, many of the products we rely on to clean our homes are filled with things like parabens, phthalates, and endocrine disruptors that can be damaging to our health and the environment. While it’s not always possible to avoid these types of chemicals altogether, it’s important to be aware of which products contain them—so you can make an informed decision about what you bring into your home. To help you out, here are 10 household cleaners you should avoid if at all possible.
Air Fresheners
Many commercial air fresheners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as formaldehyde and benzene that can cause serious respiratory problems. Instead opt for natural alternatives like essential oils or a homemade mixture of baking soda and water.
All-Purpose Cleaner
These types of products often contain chlorine bleach, which can irritate your skin and eyes, as well as VOCs like benzene and formaldehyde that can trigger asthma attacks in some people. Choose a non-toxic alternative instead.
Glass Cleaner
Many store-bought glass cleaners include ammonia, which can irritate your skin and eyes and even cause lung damage if inhaled in large quantities. Make your own glass cleaner with white vinegar or try out a natural option from the store instead.
Laundry Detergent
Most conventional laundry detergents contain artificial fragrances, dyes, phosphates, formaldehyde, petroleum distillates and other hazardous chemicals that can be harmful when exposed over long periods of time or when ingested orally by small children or pets who come into contact with our clothing after washing it with these harsh detergents. Look for a more natural version instead!
Dish Soap
Dish soap is often full of harsh ingredients such as sulfates (which may cause eye irritation) and triclosan (which is linked to hormone disruption). Opt for an eco-friendly version without added fragrances or synthetic dyes whenever possible!
Carpet & Upholstery Spot Remover
Many spot removers contain hazardous ingredients such as butyl cellosolve (which is linked to birth defects), naphthalene (a carcinogen), phenol (a neurotoxin) and chloroform (a carcinogen). Seek out a safer solution when dealing with carpets and upholstery spots!
Drain Cleaner
Conventional drain cleaners are often loaded with dangerous chemicals such as lye (also known as sodium hydroxide), chlorine bleach, phosphoric acid (which is corrosive) and sulfuric acid (which is also extremely corrosive). Reach for an enzyme cleaner or boiling water instead!
Oven Cleaner
Most oven cleaners contain lye or sodium hydroxide—both powerful caustic agents—as well as other hazardous ingredients such as ethylene glycol monobutyl ether acetate (a solvent) and 2-butoxyethanol acetate (an irritant). Skip the oven cleaner altogether if possible; baking soda mixed with water works just as well!
Disinfectants/Sanitizers/Bleach
Disinfectants/sanitizers/bleaches typically contain active ingredients such as quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), which have been linked to cancer; chlorine bleach; ethyl alcohol; hydrogen peroxide; isopropyl alcohol; phenolics; pine oil; sodium hypochlorite; triclosan; etc., all of which are potentially harmful if ingested in large amounts or over long periods of time . Seek out an environmentally friendly alternative whenever possible!
Furniture Polish & Dusting Sprays
Furniture polishes often include petroleum distillates—known carcinogens—as well as other hazardous ingredients like xylene methylene chloride , naphtha , silica gel , mineral spirits , turpentine , terpene . These substances may cause skin irritation upon direct contact so read labels carefully before purchasing any furniture polish product!
Toxic chemicals lurk in many household cleaning products without us knowing it – but there are ways we can make sure our homes stay safe while still staying tidy! Pay attention to labels when shopping for cleaning supplies so you know exactly what’s going into your home - then pick something natural where possible If nothing else – exercise caution when using these products around little ones – they're much more susceptible to the potential negative effects than adults are! With a little bit of research & awareness you'll make sure your home stays clean & healthy without compromising on its safety.
