7 Non-Toxic Cleaning Alternatives For A Healthier Home

Creating a healthy and safe home environment is a priority, especially when you have babies and toddlers. Often, we focus on baby-proofing and childproofing our homes, but what about the cleaning products we use daily? Many traditional household cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pose risks to the health of your family. In this guide, we'll explore the potential dangers associated with conventional products and introduce you to non-toxic cleaning alternatives for a healthier home.

One Step At a Time

Learning about harsh chemicals in products we’ve been using daily for years - or our entire lives - can feel overwhelming. So can the idea of having to switch every household cleaning product in your home. The goal of this guide is not to overwhelm you, but to provide you with a starting point if you want to switch to non-toxic cleaning alternatives. Each change will make a difference, and you certainly don’t need to attack the entire household product list in a single day. Take it one product at a time, test each product, and decide what works for your home and your family!

Risks of Using Toxic Household Products

Before delving into specific non-toxic cleaning alternatives, let's understand the risks associated with using traditional products. Many popular brands contain harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances that can contribute to indoor air pollution. Long-term exposure to these substances has been linked to respiratory issues, skin irritations, and other health concerns, especially for infants and young children whose bodies and immune systems are still developing.

Children are more vulnerable to the effects of these chemicals due to their smaller size and faster metabolic rates. The residues left on surfaces or clothes can be ingested or absorbed through their skin, potentially leading to adverse health effects. As parents, it's important to be aware of these risks and make informed choices to protect the well-being of our kiddos. 

Laundry Detergent

In the laundry room, conventional detergents like Tide often contain a cocktail of chemicals, including synthetic fragrances and optical brighteners. These additives may cause skin irritations and allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with sensitive skin. 

Just like understanding food labels, it’s important to get to know product ingredients so that we don’t fall for misleading marketing claims! Dreft Newborn detergent, for example, is positioned as the #1 pediatrician recommended brand. However, a third party test found that this product contains one of the highest amounts of 1,4 dioxane in all laundry products (a carcinogenic byproduct from ethoxylated surfactants). 

Opt for Truly Free Home's Signature Scent Laundry Wash, a non-toxic alternative that cleans effectively without the use of harmful chemicals. This is the detergent we use in my house and it does a great job at washing even our sweaty workout clothes. Other great non-toxic options include Molly’s Suds Baby Laundry Powder, Branch Basics Laundry Kit, and Attitude Laundry Detergent. 

[Source: trulyfreehome.com]

Laundry Dryer Sheets

Traditional dryer sheets release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals into the air when heated. VOCs are chemicals that can easily vaporize into the air at room temperature. They contribute to air pollution and can have adverse effects on both human health and the environment. These VOCs can then be inhaled, leading to irritation of the respiratory system. This can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma or cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. 

Make the switch to Truly Free Home's Dryer Angel for a non-toxic way to achieve soft and static-free laundry without the harmful side effects. Scented using plant-based and essential oils, Truly Free Dryer Angels provide a fresh scent without harmful ingredients or exposure to you and your family’s skin. 

All-Purpose Cleaner

Conventional all-purpose cleaners often contain harsh chemicals like ammonia, chlorine, and formaldehyde. These chemicals can be harmful when inhaled or come into contact with the skin. 

Branch Basics' Concentrate stands out as a safer alternative. It is a plant-based and non-toxic solution that can be diluted for various cleaning needs.Branch Basics also offers high quality non-toxic cleaning alternatives for every area of your home.

Disinfectant Wipes

In today's hygiene-conscious world, disinfectant wipes have become a staple. However, many conventional wipes contain chemicals like quaternary ammonium compounds that may contribute to antibiotic resistance and have been linked to respiratory issues. 

Choose Seventh Generation's Disinfecting Wipes for a non-toxic option that effectively kills germs without compromising your family's health. Another great option is Aunt Fannie's Cleaning Vinegar Wipes, which utilizes the natural cleaning power of vinegar. 

Hand Soap

Handwashing is important, of course, but conventional hand soaps may contain triclosan and other antibacterial agents that contribute to antibiotic resistance. 

Opt for Dr. Bronner's Organic Sugar Soap, a gentle and organic alternative that keeps hands clean without the risks associated with harsh chemicals. Another option is Branch Basics Gel Hand Soap. This new Branch Basics release is formulated with chamomile, aloe vera, meadowfoam oil, and no toxic fragrance.

Dish Soap

Common dish soaps often contain synthetic fragrances and dyes that can leave residues on dishes and utensils. That’s why switching to a cleaner soap is one of the best non-toxic cleaning alternatives. 

Attitude Living's Nature Dish Soap offers a non-toxic solution made from natural and plant based ingredients, ensuring your dishes are clean without exposing your family to unnecessary chemicals.

[Source: attitudeliving.com]

Dishwasher Tablets

Puracy's Natural Dishwasher Detergent Packs are made without harsh chemicals. They are free from phosphates, parabens, chlorine bleach, petrochemicals, animal by-products, dyes, perfumes, and other potentially dangerous toxins.

These dishwasher pods are safe to use on all dishwasher-safe items, including ceramic, baby bottles, toys, casserole dishes, glass, silicone, crystal, porcelain, metals, and any other surface safe to be cleaned in the dishwasher.

Choosing Non-Toxic Cleaning Alternatives

Creating a healthy home environment involves making thoughtful choices about the products we use daily. It starts with learning about ingredients and being able to spot harsh chemicals in product labels - just like with food . By understanding the risks associated with conventional products and making the switch to non-toxic cleaning alternatives, you can create a safer and healthier space for your family. From laundry to dishwashing, each small change makes a difference.