Better Alternatives to Toxic Household Cleaners
There are so many different types of cleaners necessary to ensure you have a spotless home, such as those for the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, mirrors and windows, floors, and more. And there is a good chance you have a cabinet, drawer, or closet somewhere holding a stash of household cleaners that you use regularly.
Here’s a thought to ponder. What if the very household products you are using to keep your home clean from germs and other dangers are actually adding a new type of danger?
Toxic household cleaners can be dangerous for you, your family and children, and your pets. It’s time to find more effective alternatives.
Harmful Household Cleaning Products
Believe it or not, while handling the chores in nearly every room of your home, you will encounter toxic household cleaners. Below are a few of the most commonly used household cleaning products that can be quite toxic.
Bleach. It should be no surprise that inhaling bleach can be dangerous for the respiratory system – especially for those who have asthma, allergies, or other conditions affecting the lungs. Once you are finished using it, it can land in soil or waterways, causing harm to plants, animals, and the environment as a whole.
Glass Cleaner. Cleaning your windows may be a necessity, but most glass cleaners contain butyl cellosolve, amongst other toxins, which are carcinogens that are not safe for humans. Of course, the fragrance is made up of unknown chemicals which are also a potential risk.
Disinfecting Wipes. Many people turn to these wipes because they think they work well, and are convenient. What they don’t realize, is that they often contain harmful ingredients like quaternary ammonium compounds which are dangerous for the skin and the respiratory system. They can also lead to reproductive issues, including birth defects.
Counter Surface Cleaners. Whether for the bathroom, the kitchen, or generally throughout the home, cleaners for your surfaces are well-known endocrine disruptors. They may also have the ability to cause damage on a cellular level.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner. The household cleaners used to clean the throne are some of the most toxic. They can irritate the eyes and the lungs thanks to sulfates and phosphoric acid, but they are also highly toxic to the environment.
Air Fresheners. Looking at the ingredients of your air freshener, you will likely see the word ‘fragrance,’ without anything telling you what is used to create the fragrance. There could be many dangerous chemicals behind that one word which is what puts air fresheners at the top of the list of toxic household cleaners. They are known to be hormone disruptors, dangerous for allergies, harsh on the skin, and so forth.
Kitchen and Bath Cleaners. These products are often used to clean sinks, tubs, and showers. They can contain some very harmful ingredients, hundreds of which may not be disclosed. The ones we do know of, you never want to place around your home – chloroform, benzene, formaldehyde.
Alternatives to Toxins in Cleaning Products
There are many different alternatives to dangerous cleaning products that you could be using in your home. From homemade, DIY solutions to better packaged products, there is something available for you.
If you are curious about the level of toxins in cleaning products you currently have at home, Achieve Beauty’s Ingredient Analysis Tool will be able to tell you whether they include harmful ingredients or not – as well as recommend some alternatives based on your personal concerns and preferences.
Remember, the cleaning products you use impact everyone in your household – including kids and pets. Making the change to better alternatives can be a lifesaver. Literally