Top 10 Cleaning Toxins And Natural Alternatives 2024

What’s the price of a clean home? You might believe it’s simply the time and effort spent making every room spotless, however, there’s a hidden cost in using certain household cleansers due to their health risks. Toxic cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals such as synthetic fragrance, ammonia, phthalates, triclosan, chlorine, parabens and sodium hydroxide, to name a few. Extended exposure to these can cause anything from eye irritation to cancer. For example, many bleach-based cleansers contain chlorine, which can irritate skin and mucous membranes. Some air fresheners are made with formaldehyde, a carcinogen which has been linked neurodegenerative conditions.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to help you avoid the hidden cleaning hazards that may be lurking in your home. Many green and eco-friendly cleaning products are made with all-natural ingredients that don’t pose the same risks to you or your family’s health. In most instances, you can substitute simpler, safer cleaning products made from items or substances you already have on hand. Using a baking soda paste to clean your oven means you won’t be exposed to the caustic lye found in most oven cleaners, for example. For more tips on avoiding the health risks associated with cleaning products, see the checklist below.