Experts Recommend Non-Toxic Cleaning Product Swaps for Healthier Homes
A guide to effective and safer cleaning alternatives highlights key ingredient considerations for consumers.
Consumers increasingly seeking to reduce their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals are turning to non-toxic cleaning products. Experts suggest a gradual approach to transitioning, starting with frequently used items like all-purpose sprays and air fresheners.
Jamie Koll, founder and CEO of Girls Who Eat, a platform focused on informed consumer choices, advises prioritizing products that are fragrance-free or made with non-toxic ingredients. “It’s an easy first step that can make your home feel cleaner, reduce the toxins in your air and be a safer option for kids and pets,” Koll stated.
The market offers a range of alternatives for various household needs, from kitchen and bath cleaning to laundry and dishwashing.
Kitchen and Bath Cleaning Solutions
For general household cleaning, Hypristine Natural Multi-Purpose Cleaner is recommended for its versatility, working on surfaces like granite, carpet, leather, and glass, utilizing Hypochlorous acid as its primary disinfectant. In the bathroom, Attitude Bathroom Cleaner Spray uses plant-derived surfactants and citric acid to combat soap scum and grime.
Maintaining the shine on stainless steel appliances can be achieved with Koala Eco Stainless Cleaner, which incorporates peppermint oil for mild disinfection. For glass and mirrors, Rosey by Thrive Market offers an unscented option made with plant-derived cleaning agents and sodium citrate.
Dishwashing and Hand Hygiene
Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lemon Verbana Dish Soap is noted for its grease-cutting ability, employing surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate and lauryl glucoside, though it contains fragrance. For hand washing, Koala Eco Lemon Eucalyptus & Rosemary Hand Wash offers a plant-based formula with a botanical scent.
Laundry and Stain Removal
When tackling stains, Branch Basics Stain Remover is suggested for its plant-derived surfactants, decyl glucoside and coco-glucoside. For everyday laundry, Molly’s Suds Laundry Pods offer a concentrated, pre-measured option using ingredients like sodium carbonate and magnesium sulfate. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent provides a liquid alternative with enzymes such as protease and amylase to break down different types of stains.
Disinfection and Toilet Care
As an alternative to conventional disinfectants, Seventh Generation Disinfectant Spray uses thymol, a plant-derived ingredient from thyme oil, to kill germs. Blueland Toilet Bowl Cleaner Tablets offer a plastic-free option, dissolving to clean with citric acid and baking soda.
Sponges and Dishwasher Pods
For scrubbing tasks, Grove Co. Gentle Walnut Scrubber Sponges utilize ground walnut shells for abrasion. For dishwasher cleaning, Dropps Unscented Dishwasher Pods contain enzymes and mineral-based ingredients to tackle food residue.
Ingredient Transparency and Safety
Experts emphasize that terms like “natural,” “plant-derived,” and “eco-friendly” are not strictly regulated and consumers should read ingredient labels carefully. “Getting familiar with a few key ingredients can help you quickly scan a label so you’re able to see past those marketing terms,” Koll said. Common red-flag ingredients to avoid include chlorine bleach, ammonia, triclosan, phthalates, and certain preservatives like formaldehyde releasers.
While disinfectants are useful in specific situations, such as after handling raw meat or when someone is ill, Koll notes that most everyday cleaning tasks can be effectively handled by non-toxic cleaners that remove dirt and grime without harsh chemicals or strong synthetic fragrances. The absence of a strong scent does not necessarily indicate less cleaning power, but may instead suggest the absence of synthetic fragrances, which can impact indoor air quality and respiratory health, particularly for children and pets.