It is no surprise that house hold cleaners have questionable chemicals in them . I have found that finding non toxic house cleaners has been a little difficult and definitely requires a lot of research. When I made the switch to a non toxic house cleaner, I wanted to make sure it was still going to get the job done and disinfect like I needed it too. And, above all I wanted to make sure my house actually felt clean when using them.
From my research I have done, I have found multiple chemicals that should be avoided in house cleaners.
Sulfates
Sulfates are used in cleaning products to create a foaming effect and it is used to help break down grease. Sulfates are known allergens and can cause irritation of the skin and eyes. Also, sometimes companies will try to convert sulfates into gentler sulfates to reduce allergens, and in the manufacturing process they run the risk of turning into a carcinogen. Sulfates are not the only chemical that can help break down grease and is not necessary in cleaning products.
Triclosan
Triclosan is a chemical used in antibacterial cleaning products. The problem with triclosan is that there is no evidence that antibacterial soaps are more effective than regular soaps. Triclosan has been known to cause hormone disruption which links it to breast cancer, infertility in men, and has been known to lessen the effects of antibiotics .
Phosphates
Phosphates are used to cut through soap scum, oil, and grease easily. Phosphates can cause people to have allergy like symptoms when over used. The real problem with phosphates occurs in the environment. Phosphates collect in water supplies and promote the growth of algae and reduces the amount of oxygen for fish and other wildlife.
Ammonia
Ammonia evaporates into the air and is used in many glass cleaners because it prevents streaking. This chemical is typically inhaled and will effect people the fastest. It effects the lungs and effects people with asthma the most. People who clean regularly with ammonia are more prone to bronchitis. Also, people who clean with ammonia need to be careful not to mix it with bleach as this creates mustard gas.
What Should You Use Instead?
Now that I have rattled off chemicals you should stay away from, what is it that you should use to clean your house. I did not have plans to switch over my cleaning products. I still had a lot left of all of my products and I just kept telling myself it could wait until I ran out.
When I was out doing my grocery shopping, I found one of my favorite brands now selling cleaning products (at least new to me!). I did a whole blog post on Simple Truth Organic and how I am loving their snacks for my kids! I have been trying more and more of their products and they are great! I love that they are making clean and affordable products!
When I saw these products, I immediately grabbed all of them! They only have about four products that I saw. There is a glass cleaner, all purpose cleaner, wipes, and a toilet cleaner. I have been using them for a couple of weeks and I am seeing no difference between my typical products and these non toxic products. I actually like the way the non toxic cleaners smell better!
These Simple Truth Organic cleaning products have been cutting through grease on my stove, shining my mirrors and leaving a clean feeling! These products use acetic acid (vinegar) to clean and disinfect. In general vinegar is a great disinfected to use to clean household items!
I highly recommend these products if you have a Kroger store near you! I plan to continue to use these products and also try some other ones as well. Since Simple Truth Organic doesn’t have a full line of cleaning products (maybe they will make more?) I will look at a couple other brands and compare in the future!