Guide to Choosing Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Want a safer home? Here’s what you need to know about non-toxic cleaning:
Quick Facts:
- The average home contains 62 toxic cleaning chemicals
- Indoor air is often 2x more polluted than outdoor air due to cleaning products
- Only 29 cleaning products meet EWG’s safety standards
- Using toxic cleaners can damage lungs like smoking a pack of cigarettes daily
What to Look For:
| Safe Ingredients | Unsafe Ingredients | Trusted Certifications |
|---|---|---|
| White vinegar | Ammonia | EPA Safer Choice |
| Baking soda | Phthalates | Green Seal |
| Plant-based surfactants | Triclosan | ECOLOGO |
| Hydrogen peroxide | Chlorine | Ecocert |
DIY Cleaning Solution: Mix in a spray bottle:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 15-20 drops essential oil
Top Safe Brands:
Warning Signs of Toxic Products:
- Chemical smells that burn your nose
- Skin irritation
- Breathing difficulties
- Eye stinging
- Headaches while cleaning
Skip anything labeled "Danger" or "Poison" – and remember, terms like "natural" and "eco-friendly" mean nothing without certification.
Want the safest option? Make your own cleaners with basic ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. Can’t DIY? Look for products with EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal certification that list all ingredients clearly.
Related video from YouTube
How to Spot Harmful Ingredients
The typical home has 62 toxic chemicals hiding in cleaning products. Here’s how to find them before they find you.
Chemicals to Watch For
| Chemical | Where It’s Found | Health Risks |
|---|---|---|
| 2-Butoxyethanol (2-BE) | Glass cleaners, stain removers | Liver/kidney damage, throat pain |
| Phthalates | Air fresheners, scented products | Reduced sperm count, hormone disruption |
| Triclosan | Antibacterial cleaners | Cancer risk, drug-resistant bacteria |
| Ammonia | All-purpose cleaners | Bronchitis, asthma |
| Chlorine | Bleach products | Thyroid disruption, breathing problems |
| Sodium Hydroxide | Oven/drain cleaners | Severe burns, tissue damage |
| Coal Tar Dyes | Soaps, detergents | Cancer risk, indoor air pollution |
Here’s the thing about product labels: Companies don’t have to tell you everything that’s in their products. But you can still protect yourself.
1. Check the Warning Signs
The label tells you more than you think. Look for:
- "Danger" or "Poison"
- "Corrosive" or "Irritant"
- Anything about flammability
2. Decode the Ingredient List
The word "fragrance" looks innocent. But it’s not. It can hide over 3,000 different chemicals. And that’s just the start.
Want to know what’s scary? Here’s what Rebecca Sutton, PhD, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group (EWG) says:
"In terms of household cleaners, neither ingredients nor products must meet any sort of safety standard, nor is any testing data or notification required before bringing a product to market."
What You Can Do:
- Scan SmartLabel QR codes
- Skip products with mystery ingredients
- Don’t buy the "natural" hype without proof
- Email companies about their ingredients
- Buy EWG-verified products
Bottom line: If they won’t tell you what’s in it, don’t buy it. Period.
How to Pick Safe Cleaners
Most cleaning products claim they’re "safe." Here’s how to spot the ones that actually are.
What Labels Really Mean
Those "natural" and "eco-friendly" words on the front? They’re just marketing. Here’s what actually counts:
| Term on Label | What It Actually Means | Should You Trust It? |
|---|---|---|
| "All-Natural" | Nothing – no rules behind it | No |
| "Non-Toxic" | Nothing – no rules behind it | No |
| "Eco-Friendly" | Nothing – no rules behind it | No |
| "Green" | Nothing – no rules behind it | No |
| EPA Safer Choice | EPA checked every ingredient | Yes |
| Green Seal | Meets strict science standards | Yes |
| ECOLOGO | Passed real testing | Yes |
| Ecocert | Meets set standards | Yes |
Want the truth? Flip the bottle around and check:
1. Full Ingredient List
Good products show EVERYTHING that’s in them. No hidden stuff. No mystery "fragrances."
2. Real Certification Marks
These marks mean someone actually tested the product.
Safety Certifications
Here’s what each mark means:
| Certification | What They Check | Why It Counts |
|---|---|---|
| EPA Safer Choice | Every ingredient | Most complete check |
| Green Seal GS-37 | VOCs, packaging | Best for cleaners |
| ECOLOGO | How it affects environment | Checks full impact |
| Cradle to Cradle | Making to disposal | Total safety check |
| Leaping Bunny | No animal tests | Shows ethics |
Brands That Pass These Tests:
- Seventh Generation
- ECOS
- Better Life
- Attitude
- Nature Clean (Canada only)
- Eco Me
"No cleaning product has to meet safety standards. They don’t need testing before hitting store shelves." – Rebecca Sutton, PhD, Environmental Working Group (EWG)
5-Second Safety Test:
- No scary words ("Danger", "Poison")
- Has certification mark
- Shows all ingredients
- Has SmartLabel QR code
- Company answers questions
If it fails these checks, leave it on the shelf. Your health matters more than saving a few bucks.
Natural Cleaning Options
Want to ditch chemical cleaners? Here’s what actually works:
All-Purpose Cleaners
Mix these simple solutions that work on most surfaces:
| Basic Mix | Medium Mix | Strong Mix |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup water + 1 cup vinegar | ½ cup vinegar + 2 tbsp baking soda + water | 1 cup vinegar + ¼ cup castile soap + water |
| 15-20 drops essential oil | 10 drops tea tree oil | 30 drops lemon oil |
| Perfect for daily wipe-downs | Handles stuck-on dirt | Cuts through heavy grease |
Pro Tips:
- Use glass bottles (plastic can break down)
- Give it a shake before spraying
- Do a spot test first
- No vinegar on stone surfaces
Kitchen and Bathroom Solutions
Here’s what works better than store brands:
| Spot | What to Use | How to Do It |
|---|---|---|
| Toilet | Lemonade Kool-Aid | Pour in, wait 5 min, brush |
| Shower | ¼ cup borax + 1 cup hot vinegar | Spray, wait 10 min, wipe |
| Sink | Baking soda + vinegar paste | Scrub and rinse |
| Counters | Castile soap + water | Wipe and dry |
DIY Cleaning Kit
Must-Have Items:
- White vinegar
- Baking soda
- Castile soap
- Essential oils
- Spray bottles
- Microfiber cloths
Top 3 Mixes:
1. Daily Spray
In a spray bottle, combine:
- 1 cup vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 30 drops lemon oil
- 10 drops lavender oil
2. Bathroom Mix
Make a paste with:
- ½ cup baking soda
- 1 tsp castile soap
- 20 drops tea tree oil
- Water as needed
3. Floor Solution
In a bucket, mix:
- 1 gallon water
- ½ cup vinegar
"White vinegar and baking soda clean Just. About. Everything." – Keeper of the Home
Store Brands That Work:
- Seventh Generation
- ECOS ($5.05/22 oz)
- Attitude ($13.59/27.1 oz)
- Blueland ($28.99/starter kit)
Switching to Non-Toxic Products
Want to make your home safer? Here’s how to switch to non-toxic cleaning products without getting overwhelmed.
Start with Daily Items
Focus on the products you use MOST. These are the ones that matter:
| Product Type | Non-Toxic Option | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-Purpose Spray | Branch Basics Concentrate | $125/starter kit | Makes multiple cleaners, EWG Verified |
| Disinfectant | Force of Nature | $65/starter kit | Kills 99.9% germs, uses water + salt |
| Multi-Surface | Aunt Fannie’s Vinegar Cleaner | $14.71/bottle | Leaping Bunny certified, EWG A-rated |
Here’s what to do:
- Switch products when they’re empty
- Check EWG ratings first
- Use THINK DIRTY app to scan items
- Pick products with clear labels
Buy or DIY?
It depends on what you need:
| Situation | Best Choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Cleaners | Buy Ready-Made | Quick and consistent |
| Basic Solutions | DIY | Costs less, you control what’s in it |
| Specialty Items | Buy Ready-Made | Better for tough cleaning jobs |
| Bulk Needs | DIY | Saves money on large amounts |
Where to Shop:
- Thrive Market ($60/year)
- Grove Collaborative (free shipping at $49+)
- Your local health store
"Switch to clean products by tackling one category at a time." – Jess Massey, Hustle Sanely®
Save Money By:
- Getting concentrates
- Buying refills
- Using wholesale clubs
- Shopping sales
Here’s where to buy what:
| Store | Best For | Min. Order |
|---|---|---|
| Thrive Market | Bulk buying | $49 |
| Grove Co. | Monthly refills | None |
| Public Goods | Basic cleaners | None |
| Blueland | Zero waste | $46 kit |
"Look for companies that tell you EXACTLY what’s in their products – especially ones claiming to be ‘green’ or ‘natural.’" – FULLforLife
Using and Storing Products Safely
Here’s what you need to know about handling cleaning products – even the non-toxic ones.
Safety First
You wouldn’t mix random ingredients when cooking. The same goes for cleaning products. Here’s what works:
| Action | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Keep windows open | Stops fumes from building up |
| Put on gloves | Keeps your skin safe |
| Use one product at a time | Prevents dangerous mix-ups |
| Keep original bottles | Makes products last longer |
| Watch those dates | Products work better when fresh |
How Long Products Last:
| Product | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Laundry soap | 6-12 months opened |
| Bleach | 6 months opened |
| All-purpose cleaners | 2 years max |
| Dish soap | 12-18 months |
Smart Storage
Keep your cleaning supplies organized and safe with these tips:
| Where | What Goes There | Makes Sense Because |
|---|---|---|
| Under sink | Daily cleaners | Quick to grab |
| High shelves | Strong stuff | Kids and pets can’t reach |
| Garage | Extra supplies | More room to store |
| By laundry | Washing products | Right where you need them |
Must-Do Storage Steps:
- Lock up those cabinets
- Pick cool, dry spots
- Keep away from heat
- Mark DIY cleaners clearly
- Look for leaks once a month
Watch Out For:
| Sign | Next Step |
|---|---|
| Leaks | Get a new container |
| Strong odors | Check if sealed, replace |
| Color changes | Time for new product |
| Past expiration | Throw it out properly |
"Pick cleaners that show all ingredients and skip the dyes and fragrances." – Environmental Working Group (EWG)
Making Your Own Cleaners?
| Yes | No |
|---|---|
| Add labels | Mix products randomly |
| Write the date | Use food containers |
| Choose clear bottles | Keep for months |
| List what’s inside | Make too much |
Extra Safety Tips
Here’s what you need to know about keeping your home clean AND safe:
Safe for Pets and Allergies
Got pets or allergies? Here’s the deal:
| Safety Issue | What to Do | Try These |
|---|---|---|
| Pets | Keep them out while cleaning | Seventh Generation All Purpose |
| Skin | Go fragrance-free | Aunt Fannie’s Bathroom |
| Breathing | No bleach/ammonia | EcoMe Floor |
| Pet Messes | Use enzyme cleaners | Biokleen Bac-Out |
Pet Owner Must-Knows:
- Save this number: ASPCA Poison Control 888-426-4435
- Let surfaces dry before pets return
- Skip essential oils (they’re bad for pets)
- Watch those toilet cleaners (pets drink there!)
"Don’t let your pets ingest anything you wouldn’t eat!" – Anthea Schick, veterinary dermatologist
Got Allergies? Check These:
- Look for "hypoallergenic" labels
-
Stay away from:
- Fake fragrances
- SLS
- Formaldehyde
- Phosphates
- Parabens
Earth-Friendly Picks
| Check This | Why | Better Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Package | Less plastic | Glass bottles |
| What’s In It | Water safety | Plant-based stuff |
| How Strong | Ships better | Concentrates |
| Breakdown | Better for earth | Enzyme cleaners |
Watch Out For:
| See This? | Do This |
|---|---|
| Rash shows up | Stop using |
| Pet starts sneezing | Check what’s in it |
| Smells too strong | Open up windows |
| Eyes getting red | Switch products |
By the Numbers:
- 71% store laundry pods right
- 43% put safety first
- 30% spot bad storage on social media
"Spring cleaning means more cleaning products at home. That’s when kid poisoning risks go up if you’re not careful with storage." – Torine Creppy, Safe Kids Worldwide President
Keep These Ready:
- Poison control: 1-800-222-1222
- Pet-safe cleaners
- Skin-safe gloves
- Working vent fan
Next Steps
Here’s how to make your home safer, step by step:
| Step | Action | Quick Win |
|---|---|---|
| Check Products | Find ammonia, phthalates, chlorine | Toss the worst ones |
| Pick One Space | Focus on kitchen or bathroom | Switch daily items |
| Buy Better | Look for Green Seal, EcoCert | Try natural brands |
| Mix Your Own | Basic vinegar + water solution | Cut costs, know what’s in it |
Simple Swaps:
| Current | Switch To | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Glass Cleaner | Mix equal parts vinegar/water | No harsh fumes |
| Multi-Surface | Castile soap solution | Safe on most surfaces |
| Bathroom | Baking soda + water | Non-abrasive cleaning |
| Room Spray | Water + essential oils | No fake scents |
The Facts:
- The average US home has 63 chemical cleaners
- Cleaning companies use 5 billion pounds of chemicals yearly
- Cleaning workers face 50% higher asthma rates
- 70% of home chemicals lack safety testing
Basic DIY Mix: In a spray bottle, combine:
- 2 cups warm water
- 1 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tbsp castile soap
- 30 drops tea tree oil
Stay Safe:
- Save this number: 1-800-222-1222 (Poison Control)
- Do patch tests
- Keep products locked up
- Mark all DIY bottles
Here’s something most people don’t know: Your indoor air can be TWICE as polluted as outside air. Each natural swap helps fix that.
"We see more kids getting into cleaning products during spring cleaning season. Safe storage is KEY." – Torine Creppy, Safe Kids Worldwide President
4-Week Plan:
| Week | Do This | Target |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Read product labels | Spot bad ingredients |
| 2 | Get natural options | Switch 2-3 items |
| 3 | Make DIY cleaner | Test your first mix |
| 4 | Fix storage | Split safe from toxic |
Start with one change. See what works. Build from there.
FAQs
What to look for in eco-friendly cleaning products?
Let’s break down what matters when picking cleaning products that won’t harm you or the planet:
| Look For | Why It Matters | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Low VOC Content | Keeps your indoor air clean | Plant-based solvents |
| Natural Solvents | Better for your health | Citrus, seed, pine oils |
| No Synthetic Scents | Stops allergy triggers | Pure essential oils |
| Clear Ingredient Lists | Shows exactly what’s inside | Full disclosure labels |
"With this knowledge, you can make informed choices about what and how to clean your home." – Kristin, Author of the source article
What natural stuff can you clean with?
Here’s what’s probably sitting in your kitchen right now that can clean your whole house:
| Basic Items | Uses | Mix With |
|---|---|---|
| White Vinegar | Gets rid of smells, cuts grease | Water, lemon |
| Baking Soda | Scrubs surfaces, kills odors | Water, vinegar |
| Borax | Kills germs | Hot water |
| Castile Soap | Cleans pretty much everything | Water, oils |
| Tea Tree Oil | Stops mold, kills germs | Water, vinegar |
Here’s what works:
- Mix equal parts vinegar and water for spotless windows
- Throw some baking soda on your carpets
- Add 30 drops of tea tree oil to your mop water
- Skip paper towels – grab old cotton shirts instead
"We can assure you that using our recipes, as directed, will not lead to toxic fumes, skin burns or other particularly dangerous situations in the kitchen." – Women’s Voices for the Earth