And that’s not to mentionthe hazardsof single-use plastic bottles and the packaging used for many cleaning agents.

Below, we break down the ingredients to avoid in conventional cleaners.

Plus, we share what alternative to look for instead.

Jessica Braun Gervais

Chemicals to avoid in cleaning products

Reading the labels of your typical cleaning product can be overwhelming.

It’s a rundown of unpronounceable ingredients, often with a long index of chemicals.

It’s important to remember not all chemicals are toxic.

After all, water is a chemical compound.

We recommend avoiding thefollowing chemicals:

Are all cleaning products toxic?

Most of us know not to ingest cleaning products because they containpoisonous ingredients1to kill bacteria.

One category of harsh chemicals in cleaning products isvolatile organic compounds2(VOCs).

VOCs can be especially harmful to individuals withasthma or other chronic pulmonary diseases3.

Another category of chemicals commonly found in cleaning products is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances,commonly known as PFAS.

These chemicals are human-made to help make products water- and grease-resistant.

PFAS are commonly found in products like nonstick cookware, raincoats, and food wrappers.

However, some dishwashers and laundry detergents contain PFAS chemicals to help reduce grease.

But it’s not just the chemicals affecting the environment.

The packaging of many cleaning products is also of concern.

Products that contain VOCs put toxic substances into the air, affecting air quality.

Products with phosphorus or nitrogen contribute to nutrient loading in rivers, streams, and lakeswhichthreatens water quality5.

Chronic respiratory issues

VOCs from cleaning supplies are among the biggest contributors to respiratory issues.

These reactions primarily happen from contact with the product.

Something as simple as touching a product can cause a rash or breakout.

However, just because a cleaning product claims to be nontoxic doesn’t automaticallymean it’s free of toxins.

Other quality certifications includeNon-GMO Project,B-Corp, andMADE SAFE certified.

you’re able to also look for certified third-party lab-tested products.

Third-party tested products often have a small icon on their label indicating they’re third-party tested.

Laundry detergent

Nontoxic laundry detergents often have baking soda or washing soda to act as the detergent.

Plant-based ingredients often have a tried-and-true ability to clean.

For example, lemon juice and enzymes are both powerful cleanersandsafe for the planet.

Dish soap

When it comes to nontoxic dish soaps, look for unscented and primarily water-based products.

Compostable containers like cardboard also make sense, especially if you already have a compost pile.

Dish soap tends to contain a lot of phosphates and nitrilotiracetic acids.

Phosphates are natural elements but can betoxic to humans9.

Nitrilotriacetic acids often causeskin and eye irritation10.

Glass cleaner

Natural cleaners use vinegar or lightly acidic ingredients to remove dirt and grime from windows.

If you want your windows to smell amazing, add some drops of essential oils made from plant-based ingredients.

We also recommend using a cotton cloth instead of paper towels.

Glass cleaners contain many solvents, surfactants, and ammonia.

These chemicals are toxic to humans, especially if ingested, causing nausea and vomiting.

Upholstery cleaners

Nontoxic upholstery cleaners use citric acids or vinegar that safely remove stains without harming fabrics.

Many upholstery cleaners contain perchloroethylene (PERC), a neurotoxin similar to mild chloroform that can cause dizziness.

Are nontoxic cleaning products as effective as other supplies?

Natural cleaning products without toxic chemicals can be as effective as other supplies.

Common active ingredients in many nontoxic cleaners include baking soda, vinegar, citric acid, and essential oils.

Baking soda products help eliminate odor and dissolve grease and dirt.

Vinegar and citric acid contain mild acidity that can remove stains and clean surfaces.

Essential oils are primarily used to keep products smelling fresh.