Cleaning our household surfaces, whether that be in the kitchen, bathroom, hardwood flooring, or other areas that get dirty, is important to prevent the spread of germs and viruses (and keep our general areas clean). Unfortunately, many household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can lead to endocrine disruption, respiratory issues, cancer, and even antibiotic resistance. Common products we see on the shelves at the grocery store like Pine Sol, Comet, and Fabuloso are some of the most toxic, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG) scores them C-F according to their ingredient makeups; some of the most concerning things about these products include skin/contact allergies, respiratory issues, reproductive toxicity, and even environmental concerns.
This goes to show how the importance of looking at the labels of our cleaning products. There's also something brands do called 'green-washing,' where brands have a certain aesthetic to look like they are cleaner and all natural, but when you look at the labels, they're just as bad as other products; it's a trick to make you think you're making a better choice and to get you to buy the product. I have fallen victim to this in the past, but now I try to be diligent when it comes to choosing the right products.
Ingredients to look out for include:
Fragrance: A blanket term that hides what ingredients are making the scent of the product. Synthetic fragrances can cause asthma attacks, neurological problems, contact dermatitis, endocrine disruption, and cancer.
Triclosan: This is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that can contribute to antibiotic resistance and endocrine disruption.
Ammonia: This is found in lots of cleaning products, like window and oven cleaners, and it produces lots of fumes that can be dangerous when inhaled and cause respiratory distress, nose and throat irritation, and even skin irritation if you make contact with it. Make sure ammonia doesn't come in contact with bleach either, or else it will create more dangerous gasses when combined.
2-butoxyethanol: Another common ingredient in household cleaners is 2-butoxyethanol. It is a known to cause skin and eye irritation, can damage the liver and kidneys, and can be found in the bloodstream depending on how long your exposure to it is, as it gets absorbed through the skin.
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds: QACs are a chemical that kill mold, viruses, and bacteria, but they can cause skin irritation/burns, asthma and other respiratory-related issues, and damage to the eyes.
These are just some of the many ingredients to look out for when choosing the right cleaning products. Luckily, I've compiled a list of non toxic alternatives that you can use to keep your household and yourself free from harmful chemicals.
Here's the 7 Best Non Toxic All-Purpose Cleaners:
Attitude
This all-purpose cleaner by Attitude has all the things going for it! It's EWG-certified, plant and mineral-based, and cruelty-free. You can use this spray on just about any surface you can think of, and it doesn't leave any streaks when you wipe. The scents are also great and don't throw you into coughing fits like other strong, toxic products do. It's also a great price-point for what you get at only $7.99 for 27 ounces, which is less than most non toxic cleaning options. Get it here!
Blueland
Blueland is an amazing option if you want a non toxic all-purpose cleaner that also cuts down on plastic usage. It's free from parabens, phosphates, ammonia, VOCs, chlorine bleach, and phthalates. You simply add the tablets into a spray bottle of choice (they offer a kit that comes with a reusable bottle and 4 tablets), fill with water, and you're good to go! The tablets even come in compostable packaging to reduce single-use plastics. And just because it's eco-friendly, doesn't mean it isn't effective. It cuts through dirt and grime as well as any cleaner.
Meliora
Another great refillable option is Meliora. Like Blueland, you simply add the tablets to your refillable spray bottle, fill it with water and clean away! It's fragrance-free, dye-free, and only contains 4 ingredients. If you're a fan of using scrub powders to cut through grime, Meliora also has a great option that is perfect for scrubbing shower doors, tiles, tubs, sinks, and more. Similar to their spray, it also contains 4 ingredients and is unscented.
Puracy
If you want bang for your buck, Puracy's Natural Surface Cleaner Concentrate is the way to go. The concentrate can make 1 gallon's worth of cleaner and it's only $17.99! It's non toxic, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, and biodegradable. It tackles just about any surface and material in your household, so it truly is an amazing all-purpose cleaner that you can feel good about using.
Aunt Fannie's
Vinegar is a noteworthy cleaning agent, and it's non toxic as well. Aunt Fannie's All-Purpose Cleaning Vinegar contains just vinegar, essential oils, and plant-based cleaners to cut through your day-to-day messes. It's also got an A-rating on EWG, so you know it's a safe option. The essential oils also help lessen that pungent vinegar smell; it comes in lemon, eucalyptus, and lavender scents. If you prefer to use wipes on your counters or surfaces, they also have a wipe-option that is equally effective as the spray!
Dr. Bronner's
If you haven't figured it out already, I'm a big fan of Dr. Bronner's products. They have so many uses, and their Sal Suds all-purpose cleaner is no different. It's non toxic, and doesn't contain fragrance, ammonium compounds, phthalates, or dyes; it's only made with plant-based surfactants and spruce and fir essential oils. It's not only great for floors and countertops, but you can use it for the dishes, laundry, and more! And since it's a concentrate, it'll last you a very long time since you dilute it before use.
Molly's Suds
Molly's Suds is known for their non toxic products, especially with their laundry detergent (see 5 best non toxic laundry detergents), so it makes sense that they also have a non toxic all purpose cleaner option as well. It's free from synthetic fragrance, dyes, and other harsh chemicals and made specifically in mind for those sensitive to fragrances or who have allergies. It comes in a lemon and lavender scent, and they smell great and aren't overpowering. As long as the surface is hard and sealed, you can use the spray; you can't use it on cast iron, brass, unsealed wood, untreated porous stone, and clothing.
See more Non Toxic Household Swaps
*Disclosure: The links in the article above are affiliate links, so if you are inclined to make a purchase based on the recommendations, the author will make a small commission. Thank you for your support if you so choose.*
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