One out of every three chemical cleaning products contains ingredients that are known to cause environmental or human health problems. Additionally, the chemicals found in most household cleaners are up to three times more likely to cause cancer than the air outside.
Those statistics alone are compelling enough to encourage many people to make the switch to green cleaning products. It’s clearly is a safer way to clean your home.
However, when making a switch, you may wonder what green cleaners are best for you. If that’s the case, keep reading. We’re about to give you some great tips on how to choose the best of the best green cleaning products.
Ingredients Matter
A great place to begin is with the ingredient list. If the product you’re thinking about using doesn’t clearly indicate what is in it, stop right there.
Send the company a message and don’t purchase their product until you know for sure.
Transparency is a must when you are trying to find safe and effective green cleaning products. While there may be some safe products that don’t disclose their ingredients, you have no way to know that.
If there is no ingredient list on a product, then it’s a big red flag and simply not worth the risk.
Know What to Watch For
It’s important to make sure the green cleaning products you are considering buying don’t have any of the following toxic chemicals.
Phthalates/Fragrance
Be on the lookout for this on the ingredient list. These are hormone disruptive and are toxic. It’s best to avoid artificial scents completely.
Look for cleaners that are labeled “phthalate-free” or that state they use essential oils for fragrance.
Ammonia
This ingredient is toxic when touched, swallowed, or inhaled. It can also be deadly if it is mixed with certain types of products. It’s best to avoid it.
Phosphates
These are very dangerous to aquatic life. They are typically found in dish and laundry detergents.
Petroleum Solvents
Ingredients that are derived from petroleum are found in a wide array of cleaning products and called surfactants. Some of the other derivatives, including formaldehyde, are found in an array of household cleaners.
Get to Know the Common Labeling Tricks
Just because the product’s label reads “eco-friendly,” “non-toxic,” or “natural,” it doesn’t mean it really is. While this can be a good thing to look for at first before you buy, be sure to verify the claim.
You don’t want to purchase a product only to find out it contains the ingredients you are trying to avoid.
Green Cleaning Products are Worth the Investment
Just like any other cleaning product available on the market, you are going to find higher-end and lower-end green cleaning products. The good thing about this is that it makes it possible for anyone to use these healthy cleaning alternatives.
The fact of the matter is, using green cleaners is better for you, your family, your pets, and the environment. If you want to learn even more about green cleaning products, such as some of the best natural options out there, be sure to read our recent blog.
