By now, most people are aware of the dangers associated with using commercial household cleaners. Unfortunately, that is not reflected in the products that are on the shelves at your local stores. In fact, eco-friendly cleaners remain to be few and far between, so it is more important than ever to pay close attention to the products that you are purchasing.
So many commercial cleaners contain toxic and corrosive cleaners. While they may eliminate dirt and grease from the surfaces of your home, they do not do much to protect the wellbeing of your family, let alone the environment. The toxic chemicals that these products contain leave behind terrible residues, are harmful to food surfaces and contribute to polluting the air inside your home.
Knowing which eco-friendly cleaners to choose can be difficult with so many distracting options available today. However, if you stick to a few simply buying guidelines, you will be able to easily choose the safest products for you, your family, your home and the world around you.
Check the Ingredients
Begin by looking at the list of ingredient on the product packaging. If the product does not list the ingredients, this should be a major red flag. Do not purchase products that are not willing to tell you what they contain, ever.
Transparency is key when you are looking for eco-friendly cleaners. While there may be some products out there without ingredient lists that are perfectly safe, it is impossible to know for sure. This is not a risk that you should be willing to take.
Most Harmful Toxins to Avoid
While there are more toxins out there than you can effectively list, there are some that you should definitely avoid. One of the most harmful toxins found in popular household cleaners is ammonia. It is toxic if it is touched, swallowed or inhaled. In addition, it can be deadly if mixed with the wrong things.
Disinfectants and antibacterial ingredients, such as triclosan and bleach, are dangerous as well. Overusing these products can led to the buildup of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Not to mention, extreme disinfecting is rarely necessary in the average household. Just a little soap and water is typically all you need to keep your home germ free.
Remember, just because a label may claim that the products are “non-toxic”, “natural” or “eco-friendly” cleaners that is not necessarily the truth. Look at the ingredients and you be the judge.
