7 Astoundingly Simple Ways to Make Your Holistic Home Clean and Healthy
Warnings
Have you ever wondered why there are warning labels on your conventional household cleaning products? Shouldn’t the products that clean your home should also keep you safe and healthy?
It seems like it’s not the case. Conventional household cleaning products are loaded with chemicals and toxins. These toxins can cause allergies, respiratory problems, and skin reactions. Used regularly, they can increase chronic inflammation and contribute to the increased risk of various health issues, including cancer, autoimmune disease, hormonal problems, infertility, respiratory and lung conditions, ADHD, brain health issues, and more. There are already so many toxins in our environment. You want to reduce your toxic load by choosing natural household cleaning products free from toxins and chemicals.
In this article, I will discuss the issues with conventional household cleaning products. You will learn how chemicals and toxins in conventional household products can harm your health. I will offer some tips on how to choose better cleaning products and share my favorite natural household cleaning products that clean well while protecting your health.
Household Cleaners
The Problem with Conventional Household Cleaning Products
Keeping your home clean is very important. It will not only make your home look pleasant and inviting, but it will help to remove germs, stains, dust, and dirt, and reduce the risk of infections and health issues.
Unfortunately, if you are using conventional household cleaning products, you may end up removing germs and dust, but you are exposing yourself to other health risks. Conventional household cleaning products are full of chemicals and toxins that can seriously harm your health.
Some chemicals and toxins in conventional household cleaning products may lead to mild and acute health issues, such as mild allergies or skin issues. Other toxic chemicals can pose severe acute hazards, causing chemical burns, lung and respiratory issues, or serious skin reactions. Ongoing exposure to toxins and chemicals in household cleaning products can lead to chronic symptoms and chronic or serious health issues, including fertility and reproductive issues, cancer, immune health problems, brain fog, mental health issues, and more (1).
Most chemicals and toxins in conventional household cleaning products fall into one or more of these three categories:
Carcinogens: Carcinogens increase your risk or lead to cancer (2, 3).
Endocrine disruptors: Endocrine disruptors mimic your hormones and can increase the risk of hormonal issues, menstrual problems, infertility, miscarriage, ADHD, and cancer (2, 4).
Neurotoxins: Neurotoxins affect your brain and can increase the risk of headaches, migraine, memory issues, brain fog, concentration difficulties, and mental health issues (5, 6).
Symptoms and Health Issues Related to Chemicals in Household Cleaning Products
Toxins and chemicals in conventional household cleaning products can lead to a variety of acute and chronic symptoms and serious health issues.
Symptoms caused by chemicals and toxins in household cleaning products may include (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12):
Allergic reactions, including respiratory issues, redness, watery eyes, wheezing, swelling, skin reactions, or anaphylaxis
Respiratory issues, such as congestion, runny nose, sneezing, and coughing
Lung issues
Asthma attacks
Headaches or migraines
Brain fog
Digestive symptoms
Chronic pain
Chemicals and toxins in household cleaning products may also increase the risk of the following health issues:
Asthma: According to a 2020 article published in CMAJ, household cleaning products may increase the risk of asthma and asthma attacks (13).
ADHD: A 2010 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives and a 2020 review published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health have both found that household chemicals may increase the risk of ADHD (14, 15).
Brain problems: A 2020 study published in Clinical Pediatrics has linked household chemicals to language delays in children and a 2014 study published in Neurology has linked toxin exposure to cognitive issues (16, 17).
Autoimmunity: A 2010 research published in Chemical Research in Toxicology and a 2014 review published in Autoimmune Diseases have both found that certain chemicals may contribute to the risk of autoimmune diseases (18, 19).
Cancer: According to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG), many household chemicals are carcinogens and may contribute to cancer. According to a 2010 study published in Environmental Health, household chemicals may increase the risk of breast cancer (20, 21, 22).
Infertility: According to a 2010 article published in Integrative Medicine, toxin exposure may increase the risk of infertility (23).
Most Common Toxic Household Cleaning Products
Conventional household cleaning products that are commonly filled with chemicals and toxins may include, but are not limited to (7, 24):
Air fresheners
Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
Laundry detergents
All-purpose cleaners
Corrosive drain cleaners
Toilet bowl cleaners
Drain cleaners
Over cleaners
Bleach and products with bleach
Dishwashing detergent
Glass and window cleaner
Products that create sud, including liquid detergent, liquid soap, and shampoo
Any cleaning products with artificial fragrances
Antibacterial products
Rug, carpet, and upholstery cleaners
Furniture polish
Mold and mildew removers
Mothballs
Bait trap for insects and bugs
Insecticides and pet flea and tick treatments
Antifreeze
Latex paint
Oil-based paint
Most Common Toxins in Household Cleaning Products
Top chemicals and toxins found in conventional household cleaning products may include, but are not limited to (7):
Ammonia
Bleach
Butyl cellosolve
2-Butoxyethanol
Chlorine
Didecyldimethylammonium Chloride
Diethanolamine
Dioctyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride
Distearyldimonium Chloride
DMDM Hydantoin
Ethanolamines (mono-, di- and triethanolamine)
Formaldehyde
Glutaral
Hydrochloric acid
Naphtha
Perchloroethylene
Petroleum distillates
Phenols
Phthalates
Propylene glycol
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”
Sodium hydroxide
Sodium lauryl sulfate
Sulfuric acid
Triclosan
Trichloroethane
Top Tips for Avoiding Chemicals and Toxins in Household Cleaning Products
Don’t let fancy advertisements trick you. Get smart about your household cleaning products. Follow these tips to avoid chemicals and toxins in household cleaning products:
Always read the labels carefully.
Check for any warning signs and messages of toxicity or adverse health effects or any recommendations to call Poison Control if the product was ingested, inhaled, or exposed to the skin.
Don’t just trust the labels. Read the ingredients. Many household cleaning products are labeled “unscented”, “fragrance-free”, or “natural”, but once you look at the ingredients, you will realize it’s not true.
Instead of relying on store-bought air fresheners, open the windows regularly and air out your home. Use an indoor air purifier. For natural scents, try diffusing some essential oils.
Avoid cheap products as those are usually the most toxic.
Try your own household cleaning products. Mix 2 cups of distilled water and 2 cups of distilled vinegar, and add 12 to 15 drops of your chosen essential oils (lavender, lemon, lemongrass, and peppermint are great options!) for a simple DIY all-purpose cleaner.
Buy organic, natural household cleaning products from trusted brands.
Best Natural Household Cleaning Products
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Choosing your natural household cleaning products can be difficult. They are not created equal. Though all natural household cleaning products are chemical and toxin-free and may even be organic, some of them don’t work well. You want to live a toxin-free life, but you still want to keep your home clean.
Lucky you, over the years, I’ve tried many natural household cleaning products until I’ve found the ones that work the best and I trust the most. I’ve personally found that Young Living and Branch Basics are the best natural household cleaning products that keep my home, dishes, clothes, and household items clean without toxins and chemicals.
Spring All-In Collection
Young Living
I love using Young Living products for my household cleaning needs. Washing dishes may not be your favorite activity, but you will love this Thieves Dish Soap. It is gentle on your hands and has a nice citrus scent. It cleans your dishes with the help of natural cleansing agents and premium essential oils. If you are using a dishwasher, I recommend the Thieves Automatic Dishwasher Powder. It is my favorite natural dishwasher powder made with natural enzymes, botanicals, and essential oils.
The Thieves Kitchen and Bath Scrub makes cleaning your kitchen and bathroom easy. It removes all dirt, grease, residue, and germs easily with the help of a natural mineral-based formula without chlorine or other harsh chemicals. The Thieves Household Cleaner is a versatile natural cleaning mix that you can use for your kitchen counters, mirrors, hardwood floors, furniture, and moor. For your laundry, I recommend the Thieves Laundry Soap with plant-based ingredients, natural enzymes, and essential oils.
If you need to clean something quickly, I recommend the Thieves Spray in your home and on the go. The Thieves Wipes also offer a quick, convenient, and natural way to wipe surfaces. I recommend keeping them in your purse or car and taking them on your travels. For cleaning your fruits and veggies, I recommend the Thieves Fruit & Veggie Soak or Spray. Last but not least, I recommend the Thieves Home Cleaning Kit with premium essential oils and blends for all your natural cleaning needs.
Branch Basics Premium Starter Kit
Branch Basics
Another natural household cleaning product brand I love is Branch Basics. These products are completely natural supporting a toxin-free life. They gently remove dirt, grime, grease, and germs from surfaces without harming your health.
If you are new to natural cleaning and looking to replace your toxic conventional cleaning products, I recommend this Premium Starter Kit for all your holistic household cleaning needs. It includes a non-toxic all-purpose cleaner concentrate with all-purpose, streak-free, bathroom, foaming soap, and laundry bottles. To clean your windows, mirrors, and glass surfaces, try this Glass Starter Kit.
If you have a dishwasher, I highly recommend these Dishwasher Tablets that will leave your dishes sparkling clean without chemicals. For washing your dishes or your hands, you will love this Foaming Wash Bottle. For deep cleaning and scrubbing, try this Natural Scrub Brush to remove all grease and grime. For stains, grout, and laundry, try this Oxygen Boost. For washing your clothes, I recommend their Laundry Kit and Wool Dryer Balls that will leave your clothes clean and fresh.
This Travel Kit includes a mini all-purpose cleaner, mini foaming wash, and mini concentrate. It is perfect for travels but also handy to keep around in your car or office just in case you need to clean something. If you are still hesitant, try this Trial Kit risk-free.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your environmental toxin exposure low is essential for your health. Unfortunately, conventional household cleaning products are loaded with chemicals and toxins. They can increase your risk of allergies, skin issues, inflammation, and all kinds of chronic and serious health issues. Choosing natural household cleaning products is an important first step towards a toxin-free, natural, and holistic lifestyle and better health. For your natural household cleaning needs, I recommend Young Living and Branch Basics.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are based on personal experiences, opinions, and my own research. Information on this website is for educational purposes and is not meant to diagnose, replace, treat, or cure any medical or mental health condition. Please see your doctor with any health-related questions. Statements on this website have not been approved or evaluated by the FDA. While perusing this site, please use your best judgment in conjunction with your Naturopath or other health care provider.
