From cleaning products to appliances and the foods you eat, living a greener life is appealing. In most cases, going green can help you live a better lifestyle, especially when it comes to cleaning supplies you use around the home.
According to a 2021 study from Business Wire, 85% of people across the globe have started purchasing more sustainable products in the last five years. In 2022, another report said 92% of people plan to do their spring cleaning with environmentally friendly products.
You should be just as mindful of the products you use in the home as you are of what you put into your body. This is especially the case when it comes to cleaning products.
Discover some of the most common harmful aspects of traditional cleaning products and why they pose a threat around your home. Plus, find out what green alternatives you can use instead to maintain a clean home without the health risks associated with certain household cleaners.
Air freshener
Everyone wants their home to smell good. But some types of household air fresheners such as aerosol sprays that people commonly use to eliminate unpleasant odors and create a pleasant ambiance contain harmful chemicals that may negatively impact your health, particularly with long-term and excessive exposure to them.
Air fresheners can release harmful volatile organic compound (VOC) chemicals like benzene, toluene and formaldehyde when burned. According to the EPA, these chemicals can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, nausea and even dizziness.
Similarly, wall plugs, which can last for weeks, might smell good but many contain chemicals like phthalates. These endocrine disruptors can interfere with the body’s hormone systems and lead to health problems like developmental delays, reproductive issues and cancer.
According to Made Safe, many room sprays contain chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene and acetaldehyde that can cause irritation and inflammation in the respiratory system. Overexposure to these chemicals can lead to headaches, dizziness and even nausea. Some room sprays also contain propellants, such as propane and butane, which can contribute to indoor air pollution.
Overuse and long-term exposure to some of the most common types of air fresheners may lead to health complications. It is important to choose air fresheners that are free of harmful chemicals, such as those made from natural ingredients like essential oils, or to simply air out the space by opening windows or using air purifiers.
All-purpose cleaner
All-purpose cleaners seem like a simple, safe cleaning solution because of their versatility for wiping down countertops, cleaning appliances and removing stains. But unfortunately, many all-purpose cleaners contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your health and the environment.
According to the American Cleaning Institute, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is one of the commonly found ingredients in all-purpose cleaners. SLS is a surfactant that can irritate the eyes and skin as well as the respiratory system. Bleach is another common chemical in all-purpose cleaners that can kill germs, but is harmful to the body if ingested or inhaled too frequently, like all of the aforementioned chemicals.
What’s more, those all-purpose cleaning products might smell nice, but those fragrances are often synthetic and contain hundreds of chemicals like phthalates. According to Made Safe, these endocrine disruptors can interfere with the body’s reproductive system.
Instead of traditional all-purpose cleaners, try making your own all-purpose cleaner with vinegar, baking soda and essential oils. You’ll get just as deep a clean without the harmful chemicals.
Hydrogen peroxide is another natural disinfectant you can use in place of all-purpose cleaners around the home. Simply mix equal parts hydrogen peroxide with water and place it in a spray bottle to be used on surfaces around your home. Steam is another eco-friendly cleaning solution that can break down dirt and grime on surfaces while also disinfecting with heat.
Bathroom cleaner
There are several different types of bathroom cleaners on the market that may contain harmful chemicals including toilet, shower, sink and tile cleaners. Many of these contain chemicals like hydrochloric acid, sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide and ammonia, all of which can lead to potential health concerns, according to the American Lung Association.
Fortunately, there are alternative eco-friendly options for bathroom cleaning products that are safer for both the environment and your health. From white vinegar to baking soda, castile soap and hydrogen peroxide, there are several common household items you can use for effective cleaning in your bathroom.
Dish soap
Grease-fighting dish soap may work like a charm, but many of these products contain harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on your health and the environment. According to Gasa Nature, ingredients like phosphates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and synthetic fragrances make grease-fighting dish soap a less-than-ideal option to have in your kitchen.
For one, these chemicals may pollute the water by promoting algae growth. They may also irritate the natural habitats of aquatic wildlife. Moreover, antibacterial agents in dish soap may contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, disrupt hormone function and cause allergies or asthma to develop in some cases.
Instead of using grease-fighting dish soap, look for eco-friendly options that are free of chemicals and biodegradable. You can also make your own dish soap with environmentally friendly ingredients like castile soap, baking soda and essential oils. If you find yourself wanting traditional dish soap, opt for one that’s scented with natural fragrances and essential oils.
Drain cleaner
Drain cleaners are powerful chemicals used to dissolve or dislodge blockages in pipes and drains, but according to Poison Control, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that may be extremely hazardous to your health and the environment. Drain cleaner ingredients like sulfuric acid, sodium hydroxide and chlorine bleach can be irritating to the skin and eyes. What’s more, if you mix chlorine bleach with other cleaning products, it can create toxic fumes.
Avoid all of these issues by combatting drain blockages in a more natural way. Try using a plunger to remove whatever is blocking your drain. You can also use a drain snake and twist it until it reaches whatever is blocking the pipe, then gently pull back to remove the disruption. There are also natural drain cleaners available that use enzymes and bacteria to break down organic matter in pipes instead of harmful chemicals.
Dust repellent
Dust repellent is a type of cleaning product designed to prevent the buildup of dust and other particles around the house. It typically comes in an air-compressed can that sprays out a fine mist of chemicals on household surfaces like televisions, computers and other electronics that tend to attract a lot of dust. Using dust repellent on these devices can improve their performance and longevity, but they’re not the best for your health or the environment.
Many cleaners in air-compressed cans are made with hazardous chemicals like the aforementioned VOCs the EPA advises against. Instead, try more natural solutions like wiping surfaces regularly with a microfiber cloth designed to trap and eliminate dust.
Opening your windows is another great way to circulate air in your home and prevent dust from settling onto surfaces. Additionally, use a HEPA filter in your vacuum to trap and remove dust particles when you clean.
Laundry detergent and fabric softener
Laundry detergent contains many of the same chemicals as dish soap, which we’ve already established are harmful to your health. Chlorine bleach and fabric softeners up the ante when it comes to dangerous chemicals in laundry detergent, as they can cause skin irritation and respiratory problems.
Instead, use natural laundry detergents made with plant-based ingredients that are free from synthetic fragrances, phosphates and other harmful chemicals. To soften fabrics naturally, add vinegar to the rinse cycle or use wool dryer balls.
How to treat overexposure to cleaning product chemicals
If you use a home cleaning supply and experience any of the health concerns mentioned above, you should seek medical attention right away. Call your doctor or visit an urgent care center, ensuring you provide the staff with the household cleaner you were using so your concerns can be met with ease.