Cleaning Green: 7 Toxic Household Products and Discovering Natural Alternatives with Detailed Ingredients
Using natural cleaning alternatives can have numerous benefits for both your health and the environment. Unlike chemical-laden cleaning products, natural alternatives are free from harsh toxins and pollutants that can pose risks to your respiratory system and overall well-being. Natural ingredients such as vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda not only effectively clean surfaces but also offer antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, ensuring a safe and clean environment. Additionally, opting for natural cleaning alternatives helps reduce your carbon footprint, as many conventional cleaning products come in non-recyclable or excessive packaging. By making the switch to natural options, you contribute to a healthier living space and a greener planet.
1.Pine-Sol
Ingredients:
Water (Agua), PEG/PPG Propylheptyl Ether (Éter de propilheptilo PEG/PPG), C10-12 Alcohol Ethoxylates (Alcoholes etoxilados C10-12), Glycolic Acid (Ácido Glicólico), Sodium Secondary C13-18 Alkyl Sulfonate (Sulfonato de alquilo C13-18 secundario de sodio), Xanthan Gum (Goma xantana), Caramel (Caramelo), Sodium Sulfate (Sulfato de Sodio)DL, Methoxyacetic Acid (Ácido metoxiacético)DL, Formic Acid (Ácido fórmico),
Fragrance (Fragancia)
Fragrance Ingredient (Ingrediente de fragancia)
Hexyl Cinnamal (Hexyl de cinamal)DL
d-Limonene (d-limoneno)DL
Acetophenone (Acetofenona)DL
Myrcene (Mirceno)
Health & Environment Concerns:
Contain chemicals that are known to cause hormone disruption, pregnancy complications, birth defects, and cancer, and can aggravate allergies
EYE IRRITANT. Do not get in eyes. For sensitive skin or prolonged use, wear rubber gloves.
Overall Product Rating:
In my search for a more natural alternative for a floor cleaner, I found Aunt Fannie’s. You could DIY your own floor cleaner… but I will still provide information about Aunt Fannie’s for those who don’t have as much time or the energy to make your own!
Aunt Fannie’s
(Alternative)
Ingredients:
Distilled White Vinegar, Sugar Surfactant (Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucoside), Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Peppermint Oil, Lemon Peel Oil, Orange Peel Oil, Spearmint Oil
Health Concerns & Benefits:
The blend of oils for this particular scent includes lemon, litsea cubeba, orange, peppermint, and spearmint. Note, these are fragrant essential oils and extracts, these can cause respiratory effects and skin irritations. Since this product is a concentrate, be sure to follow the instructions for dilution and make sure the room is well ventilated when using.
Litsea Cubeba has known health benefits, while orange and peppermint have antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Spearmint has been shown to kill bacteria that cause foodborne illnesses, including E. coli and Listeria.
There are no preservatives, the surfactants are gentle, the vinegar helps preserve the good bacteria while the oils and vinegar have proven antibacterial and antiseptic properties.
Overall Product Rating:
2. Clorox
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Ingredients:
Water (Agua), Sodium Hypochlorite (Hipoclorito de Sodio), Sodium Chloride (Cloruro de Sodio), Myristamine Oxide (Óxido de miristamina), Sodium Hydroxide (Hidróxido de sodio)DL, Sodium Laurate (Laurato de sodio), Lauramine Oxide (Óxido de lauramina), Sodium Carbonate (Carbonato de Sodio), Sodium Myristate (Miristato de sodio), Sodium Palmitate (Palmitato de sodio), Sodium Caprate (Caprato de sodio), Sodium Caprylate (Capilato de sodio), Sodium Chlorate (Clorato de sodio), Sodium Stearate (Estearato de sodio), Potassium Iodide (Yoduro de potasio), Pigment Green 7 (Pigmento Verde 7)DL,
Fragrance (Fragancia)
2-t-Butylcyclohexyl Acetate (Acetato de 2-terc-butilciclohexilo)
Fragrance Ingredient (Ingrediente de fragancia)
Isododecane (Isododecano)
Tetrahydromyrcenol (Tetrahidromircenol)
Health & Environment Concerns:
HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS!
DANGER: CORROSIVE. Causes irreversible eye damage. Causes skin irritation. Prolonged or frequently repeated skin contact may cause allergic reactions in some individuals. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing. For prolonged use, wear gloves. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling and before eating, drinking, chewing gum, using tobacco or using the toilet. Remove and wash contaminated clothing before reuse. Use only in well-ventilated areas.
PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS: This product contains bleach. Do not use or mix with other household chemicals such as other toilet bowl cleaners, rust removers, acids or products containing ammonia. To do so will release hazardous, irritating gases. Avoid contact with clothes, fabric, carpet, wood, painted and paper surfaces.
Those are pretty harsh ingredients but hey, at least water is the least of our “concerns” 😉
Overall Product Rating:
ECOS
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
(Alternative)
Ingredients:
Water, citric acid (plant-derived ph adjuster), gluconic acid (plant-derived ph adjuster), decyl glucoside (plant-derived surfactant), xanthan gum (plant-derived, food grade thickener), potassium sorbate (food grade preservative), juniperus mexicana (cedarwood) oil.
Health Concerns & Benefits:
Can cause serious eye irritation so if it comes in contact with your eyes make sure you rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses if present.
Septic Safe, Plant-Powered, Cling to the Bowl!, Cleans, Fights Odors and Removes Build-Up, Earth Friendly Products, Safer Choice. Made without Dyes, Parabens, Phosphates, and Phthalates., Readily Biodegradable, Fights Scale and Hard-Water Buildup, Majority Women Owned, Not Tested on Animals, Leaping Bunny Certified, No Animal Ingredients
Overall Product Rating:
I found this product on CO-OP Market’s website, it appears to be cheaper than other stores!
3. Dawn Ultra Platinum Powerwash Dish Spray, Fresh Scent
Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, C10-16 Alkyldimethylamine Oxide, Dipropylene Glycol Butyl Ether, Hexyl Ethoxylate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Ethanolamine. Alcohol, Denat. Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance, PPG-26, Sodium Citrate
Health & Environment Concerns:
acute aquatic toxicity
skin irritation/allergies/damage
eye irritant
Contains one or more ingredients that are potential groundwater contaminants. They can pollute the water system and can harm fish or marine life.
These are the ingredients (chemicals) that we all most likely can’t pronounce and yet they continue to keep making & selling these harmful products.. That’s Capitalism for you!
Overall Product Rating:
9 Elements Liquid Dish Soap, Eucalyptus Scent
(Alternative)
Ingredients:
Water, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside, Lauramidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Citrate, Fragrances, Essential Oils, Sodium Acetate, Acetic Acid/ Vinegar, Citric Acid
Health Concerns & Benefits:
May irritate eyes
Harmful to aquatic life
DISSOLVES GREASE & HARD WATER SPOTS: Cut through grease, tough beverage stains, and chalky hard water residues
VINEGAR-POWERED: Removes grease and hard water spots with the purifying power of vinegar without leaving behind vinegar odors
LIGHT & REFRESHING SCENT EUCALYPTUS SCENT: Made with 100% Essential Oil for a refreshing scent
MADE WITHOUT: Artificial preservatives, dyes, thickeners, and synthetic fragrances
Overall Product Rating-
4. Cascade ActionPacs Dishwasher Detergent
Ingredients:
Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Sulfate, Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, Copolymer Of Acrylic And Sulphonic Acids, Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer, Isotridecanol Ethoxylated, Copolymer Of Acrylic Maleic And Sulphonic Acids, PEG/PPG/Propylheptyl Ether, Dipropylene Glycol, Water, Sodium Silicate, Fragrances, Subtilisin, Glycerin, Amylase Enzyme, Transitional Metal Catalyst, Reactive Blue 116, Reactive Green 12, Acid Blue 182
Health & Environment Concerns:
Loading your dishwasher with this detergent means you’ll clean your dishes with chlorine bleach, phosphates, fragrance and other unknown chemicals. From cancer concerns to nervous system effects and ecotoxicity.
Detergent pods are extremely harmful to the environment. Phosphates – These are particularly damaging to the marine environment when dispersed in wastewater from your wash. They create algae blooms that starve marine flora and fauna of oxygen.
Overall Product Rating:
Better Life
Dishwasher Gel
(Alternative)
Ingredients:
Potassium cocoate (natural castile soap), purified water, sodium citrate (mineral derived), coco-glucoside (plant derived), sodium silicate (mineral derived), decyl glucoside (plant derived), quillaja saponaria bark (soap bark) extract, glycerin (vegetable), sodium carbonate (mineral derived), xanthan gum (vegetable), sorbitan oleate (plant derived), natural enzyme blend (less than 5%), citric acid (for pH adjustment, plant derived).
Health Concerns & Benefits:
Make sure not to touch your eyes if the gel gets on your hands!
Ultra Concentrated
Spot Free
Safer for the Mess Makers (Not the Mess)
Cruelty Free
I did my research regarding the alternative to Cascade Pods and I wasn’t able to find another all-natural pod pack without some minor risks of cancer and I don’t condone anything that can contribute to cancer. I chose Better Life’s Dishwashing liquid because the harm is basically minimum to none! I hope this one helped!
Overall Product Rating:
5. Tide Pods, Original
Ingredients:
MEA-LAS, MEA C12-15 Alkyl Ether Sulfate, Propylene Glycol, Water, MEA Salts Of C12 - 18 Fatty Acids, Glycerin, C10-16 Pareth, Polyethyleneimine Alkoxylated, PEG-136 Polyvinyl Alcohol, MEA-Citrate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Methyl Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Bisulfite, Disodium Distyrylbiphenyl Disulfonate, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Calcium Formate, Phenylpropyl Ethyl Methicone, Simethicone, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Subtilisin, Amylase Enzyme, Mannanase Enzyme, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Denatonium Benzoate, Polyvinyl Alcohol Polymer, Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Violet), Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Cyan), Polyoxyalkylene Substituted Chromophore (Yellow), Fragrances
Health & Environment Concerns:
They leave residue on your clothing, towels, and bedding – causing rashes and other skin reactions. One woman reported “My husband’s face broke out this week in some kind of rash right after I washed the sheets.” - I can attest that every time I’ve used tide pods on my towels or sheets, I developed rashes on my body and broke out on my face!
What makes them harmful to the environment is that they contain a very damaging chemical cocktail. The impact of the chemicals last well beyond your wash cycle and are therefore detrimental to the environment, you and your family. Brands such as Tide use a high number of these chemicals, some of which they do not disclose.
They are not recyclable and can only be used and disposed of through the plumbing system. This means that they will not be okay for the environment in the long run.
I love to talk about Tide Pods because everyone was so fascinated when they first came out, they’re super easy! Unfortunately, not only are they detrimental to the environment but they’re made with even MORE harmful chemicals than Tide’s laundry liquid. I bring this topic up to my family & friends (I usually only give warranted advice) but when it comes to products in their homes; I want to protect them!
Overall Product Rating:
Attitude Nature + Laundry Detergent 40 Loads, Unscented
(Alternative)
Ingredients:
5 - 15% anionic surfactants / agents de surface anioniques (sodium coco sulfate), 5 - 15% non-ionic surfactants / agents de surface non-ioniques (lauryl glucoside, caprylyl glucoside, myristyl glucoside). Contains also / Contient aussi : Aqua / water / eau, sodium chloride, citric acid, sodium gluconate, sodium benzoate, glycerin, camellia sinensis leaf (green tea/thé vert) extract, ethylene brassylate (sweet floral)*, ethyl linalool (floral)*, methyldihydrojasmonate (jasmin)*, benzyl acetate (sweet floral)*, dimethyl heptenal (fruit)*, *fragrance (parfum).
Health Concerns & Benefits:
May irritate eyes
Laundry detergent made with surfactants that have excellent detergent power allowing good emulsification of dirt to facilitate their removal.
Formulated with advanced deodorizing properties for cold water wash.
ECOLOGO Certified: sustainable and biodegradable product with low impact on health and the environment.
PETA Certified: 100% vegan and cruelty-free.
Designed to work in High Efficiency (HE) and standard washing machines.
Free of Enzymes, Phosphate, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES).
Overall Product Rating:
Shop Attitude: $18.99/2L-67.6 fl.oz
They also sell biodegradable and sustainable refills!
6. Bounce Dryer Sheets, Outdoor Fresh
Ingredients:
Polyester Sheet, Dialkylester Dimethyl Ammonium Methosulfate, Fatty Acids, C16-18 And C18-Unsatd., Bentonite, Fragrances
Health & Environment Concerns:
linked to respiratory illnesses, including asthma, and cancer
Dryer sheets can leave a residue on your clothes, towels or sheets and create a perfume cloud where your dryer vents outside. Some people love the scent, but unfortunately, dryer sheets can contain harmful chemicals that adhere to clothes, vent into the air, and rub off on your skin.
Many dryer sheets contain fragrance and other chemicals that can trigger asthma and disrupt hormones. In one study, researchers tested five name brand dryer sheets. The findings showed that the dryer sheets emitted 15 endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) and chemicals associated with asthma. Evidence from studies suggests that EDCs can affect developing reproductive and nervous systems, metabolism, and cancer.
They are not compostable (generally) and can't be recycled, making them destined for the landfill site.
I know what some of you may be thinking “These ingredients aren’t as bad as the other products you listed”; I’m here to tell you that everything that we put on or inside our body accumulates. What if I also told you that the next product I listed is 100% more natural AND re-usable so you can save that $ you’ve been spending on dryer sheets?
Overall Product Rating:
Trader Joe's Wool Dryer Balls, 4 per package
(Alternative)
Ingredients:
100% New Zealand Wool. Yep that’s it!
They can be thrown in the dryer with a load of clothes to help reduce static, soften fabric, and dry faster. They can also be sprinkled with essential oils if desired (Not recommended for super sensitive skin)
Health Concerns & Benefits:
Wool dryer balls are an environmentally responsible alternative to a traditional dryer sheet.
A natural and non-static solution for reducing energy and lowering CO2 emissions by reducing drying time.
Non-Toxic
I bought these from the actual store for about $6! Which is such a steal! Unfortunately, it seems this product is only sold in Trader Joe’s physical store. Other retailers do sell it but at a higher price so if you don’t mind that then click the link below!
Overall Product Rating:
7. Clorox Bleach, Regular
Ingredients:
Water (Agua), Sodium Hypochlorite (Hipoclorito de Sodio), Sodium Chloride (Cloruro de Sodio), Sodium Chlorate (Clorato de sodio), Poly(Diallyldimethylammonium Chloride) (Poli (cloruro de dialildimetilamonio))DL, Sodium Hydroxide (Hidróxido de sodio)DL, Polyacrylic Acid, Sodium Bisulfite Terminated (Ácido poliacrílico, terminado de bisulfito de sodio ), Sodium Carbonate (Carbonato de Sodio)
Health & Environment Concerns:
HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS!
DANGER: CORROSIVE. Causes irreversible eye damage and skin burns.
Harmful if swallowed. Do not get in eyes, on skin or on clothing.
Wear protective eyewear and rubber gloves when handling this product.
Respiratory: Chlorine bleach inhalation can cause discomfort, coughing, and can lead to acute, or long-term chronic chemical pneumonitis. The inflammation that stems from pneumonitis can progress into stiffness of the lungs. If untreated, effects can result in respiratory failure.
Skin: When your skin comes into direct contact with bleach you may experience burning, itchiness, and general discomfort. Long exposure can lead to hyperpigmentation.
Interactions of bleach with other chemicals:
When bleach is mixed with other chemicals, harmful reactions can occur. Specific combinations can create completely toxic, hazardous chemicals, extremely LETHAL.
Bleach + vinegar = toxic chlorine gas
Bleach + ammonia = toxic chloramine vapors
Bleach + rubbing alcohol = chloroform
Bleach + certain cleaning products = toxic chloramine vapors
Overall Product Rating:
Ecover Non-Chlorine Bleach Liquid
(Alternative)
Ingredients:
Water (aqua), Hydrogen peroxide, Phosphoric acid
Health Concerns & Benefits:
Can cause skin irritation
Can cause eye irritation
Overall Product Rating:
Another Bleach Alternative: AspenClean Oxygen Bleach Stain Remover Zero Plastic
Ingredients:
Sodium Carbonate, Sodium Carbonate Peroxide, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Silicate
Health Concerns & Benefits:
Minor Concerns: skin irritation/allergies/damage, damage to vision
Aspen’s bleach removes odors, revives white & colors, lifts stains naturally, hypoallergenic & is plastic-free! This seems to be the most natural & sustainable bleach product on the market! I highly recommend!
