Healthy Cleaning: Are Your Cleaning Products Safe For The Environment?

Everyone uses cleaning products to maintain a healthy environment—but what happens when the same formulas meant to keep your space healthy are actually causing harm? 

While standard cleaning supplies work for their intended purpose, many also release toxins into the atmosphere that can negatively affect your health and the environment. And that's not to mention the hazards of single-use plastic bottles and the packaging used for many cleaning agents. 

Swapping your products for an eco-friendly and nontoxic alternative is a great way to ensure you're actually supporting your home's health—but what actually qualifies as nontoxic?

Reading the labels of your typical cleaning product can be overwhelming. It's a rundown of unpronounceable ingredients, often with a long index of chemicals. 

It's important to remember not all chemicals are toxic. After all, water is a chemical compound. However plenty of ingredients have been studied to show adverse effects on humans—and they're often included in many household cleaning products. 

Most of us know not to ingest cleaning products because they contain poisonous ingredients1 to kill bacteria. But what may surprise some is that simple exposure to the harsh chemicals in cleaning products can put you at risk for adverse skin and respiratory effects.

One category of harsh chemicals in cleaning products is volatile organic compounds2 (VOCs). These chemicals vaporize at room temperature and spread through the air, contributing to respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and headaches. VOCs can be especially harmful to individuals with asthma or other chronic pulmonary diseases3.

Another category of chemicals commonly found in cleaning products is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. These chemicals are human-made to help make products water- and grease-resistant. 

PFAS are commonly found in products like nonstick cookware, raincoats, and food wrappers. However, some dishwashers and laundry detergents contain PFAS chemicals to help reduce grease. 

But it's not just the chemicals affecting the environment. The packaging of many cleaning products is also of concern. Many common supplies on store shelves come in durable plastics that, while recyclable, are often slow to biodegrade. 

VOCs from cleaning supplies are among the biggest contributors to respiratory issues. These toxins are released into the air, and then you breathe them into your body, leading to several chronic respiratory issues, like asthma. 

A nontoxic cleaning product is made without harmful chemicals and is often labeled a "natural cleaning product" or eco-friendly. However, just because a cleaning product claims to be nontoxic doesn't automatically mean it's free of toxins.

One way to determine if a product is nontoxic or safe is to look for a product with a Safer Choice7 label. EPA Safer Choice labels mean the brand follows best practices by the Environmental Production Agency to reduce, eliminate, and prevent pollution. Other quality certifications include Non-GMO Project, B-Corp, and MADE SAFE certified.

Nontoxic laundry detergents often have baking soda or washing soda to act as the detergent. You can also find products with vinegar or other natural acids that act as a stain remover on clothes. Plant-based ingredients often have a tried-and-true ability to clean. For example, lemon juice and enzymes are both powerful cleaners and safe for the planet. 

What to avoid

When it comes to nontoxic dish soaps, look for unscented and primarily water-based products. For an even more environmentally responsible choice, look for dish soaps in recycled or reusable packaging, like glass or aluminum bottles. Compostable containers like cardboard also make sense, especially if you already have a compost pile. 

What to avoid

Natural cleaners use vinegar or lightly acidic ingredients to remove dirt and grime from windows. You can even make your glass cleaner in recycled packaging, like glass bottles, from rubbing alcohol, vinegar, and water. If you want your windows to smell amazing, add some drops of essential oils made from plant-based ingredients. We also recommend using a cotton cloth instead of paper towels. 

What to avoid

Nontoxic upholstery cleaners use citric acids or vinegar that safely remove stains without harming fabrics. You can make your own couch cleaner from baking soda and vinegar to remove stains or odors without introducing harmful chemicals into your home. 

What to avoid

Natural cleaning products without toxic chemicals can be as effective as other supplies. It's all about the active ingredients in the product and whether those ingredients are the right combinations to get the desired results.

Using commercial cleaning supplies can have many potential harms, but you can make simple changes to your cleaning routine to reduce the unwanted effects of toxic cleaning supplies.