Toxic Cleaning Products That Risk Damaging Your Home

5 Absorbine Ultra Shield EX Insecticide & Repellant

What is this product used for?

Absorbine is used for insect control. It has a 17 day weatherproof guarantee, making it easy to use if you don’t have time to continually use an insecticide. This product can be sprayed in any area, but there might be some cause for concern pertaining to the chemicals in the product. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Permethrin
• Pyrethrins

Safer Alternative: Safer Brand Neem Oil

With this product, you can create a separate solution to use as an insecticide. It is safe to use on plants, vegetables, and your lawn. It contains Neem oil which is used to eliminate any insect eggs or larvae, as well as adult insects. To use this product, all you have to do is spray it in the desired areas and let it do its work. You can also use it as a delayed treatment to stop the eggs of many different insects. 

6 Ajax All In One, Clean Citrus Blast Liquid Detergent

What is this product used for?

This liquid dish detergent is used to cut through grease, eliminate odors, and remove stains from your dishes. You can use this product when you are cleaning dishes in your sink to get the best result. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Sulfuric Acid
• Formaldehyde 

Safer Alternative: Ecover Zero Washing-Up Liquid

Ecover is great when it comes to washing dishes and keeping your hands soft. This dish soap does not contain any fragrance or dyes that will cause any issues. This soap is also dermatologist-tested, so you can be sure it is safe for your skin. This product is best paired with a sponge to ensure maximum effectiveness. All you have to do is get your sponge wet and use a small amount of soap. If you have sensitive skin, this product is for you!

7 Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent

What is this product used for?

This laundry detergent is used to pre-treat tough stains that are trapped in your fabric. You typically use this product like any other laundry detergent. If you choose to use it as a stain treatment, you can use it directly on stained fabric and then throw it into the washing machine after letting it sit for a while.

Chemicals of concern:

• Subtilisin
• Pancreatic Amalyse

Safer Alternative: Pardo Naturals – Natural Laundry Detergent

This laundry detergent is perfect for those who are worried about unknown chemicals in their products and may have sensitive skin. It only has 3 ingredients: washing soda, baking soda, and Castile soap. If you prefer to have a scented laundry detergent, it also comes in lavender, citrus, and lemon lavender. The scent is created by using essential oils and is made to last through wear. 

8 Tide Laundry Detergent Powder

What is this product used for?

This laundry detergent can treat stains that are up to 7 days old. It works in any washing machine and fights odors while removing dirt from your laundry. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Proteinase
• Pancreatic Amalyse
• Cellulase 

Safer Alternative: Molly’s Suds – Original Unscented Laundry Detergent Powder

This product is great for removing stains and odor from clothing, and it’s safe for the skin! It’s made with only four ingredients: sodium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium sulfate, and unrefined sea salt. It does not have any harmful dyes or fragrances that could harm someone with sensitive skin. This powder is concentrated, meaning that you can use only a small amount and still get powerful results. You can use this product in any washing machine and on most fabrics. Another interesting fact about this product is that it does not produce suds. But it is still able to give your clothes a natural and effective clean!

9 Pledge Multisurface Everyday Cleaner

What is this product used for?

This product is used in addition to microfiber towels when dusting. It helps to remove more than 3x a dry cloth would alone. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Ethanol
• Coumarin 

Safe Alternative: 2 Ingredients DIY

While picking up a can of Pledge spray is convenient, you can also make your own dusting spray from two simple ingredients: Castile soap and water. This process is simple; you just combine the soap and the water in a spray bottle. If you want to add a moisturizing agent to your mixture, you can add olive oil or jojoba oil. This DIY dusting spray can be used on any surface to help remove dust and restore shine. If you like having a scent to your products, you can also add in some drops of essential oils such as lemon or orange.

10 Resolve Heavy Traffic Foam Carpet Cleaner

What is this product used for?

This product conditions your carpet, removes stains, cleans, and freshens. It is best used in heavy-traffic areas of your home. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Butane
• Isobutane
• Ammonium hydroxide
• Diethylene glycol monobutyl ether

Safer Alternative: Common Household Ingredients

You can use items in your pantry to spot clean or clean your entire carpet. This is one of the safest ways of cleaning because you know exactly what you are using. If you choose to use this method, here is what you will need: 

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Water
• Essential oils
• Vegetable soap

With each of these ingredients, you can combine them into a paste and use them to spot treat. If you are using them to treat your entire carpet, sprinkle it all around and vacuum it up after a few minutes. The essential oils will help to keep your carpet smelling fresh.

11 Air Wick Freshmatic Ultra

What is this product used for?

This product has an automatic sensor that will spray fragrance throughout the day. You can use it in your living room, bedroom, bathroom, and any other room that you need to. This is a common product found in households, but people may not be aware of the chemicals that are floating around from this product. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Butane
• Eugenol
• Amyl Cinnamal
• Coumarin 

Safer Alternative: Grow Fragrance – Air And Fabric Spray

This product contains only plant-based ingredients. That means that you can rest easy knowing that no harsh chemicals are floating in the air. With this product, you can use it as a normal air freshener in any room, or spray it on fabrics such as pillows or sofas. It’s a great way to freshen up your rooms with a lasting scent. 

12 Windex Glass Cleaner

What is this product used for?

This product is used to clean your glass surfaces. It fights smudges, treks, smears, dirt, and grime. It leaves a streak-free shine on your surface. Windex works very well to clean any glass surfaces, but you may not know the chemicals that are actually inside of the product itself. 

Chemical of concern:

• Ethanol

Safer Alternative: Greenshield Organic – Organic Glass Cleaner

 This product does not contain any harsh chemicals and is hypoallergenic. It is made with essential oils to leave any room smelling with a fresh and minty scent. The bottle itself is made with sustainable sugar cane, making it 100% recyclable. The ingredients of this product include water, organic acetic acid, organic ethyl alcohol, and essential oils. So, you know exactly what’s in this product and how the ingredients work in your home to clean surfaces. 

13 Magic Eraser

What is this product used for?

This product is notorious for its durability. It can clean tough messes that are on your showers, bathtubs, sinks, and walls. The Magic Eraser is a white sponge that is typically found in most households. 

Chemical of concern:

• Melamine 

Safer Alternative: Tare Market – Eco Sponge

This sponge is durable and made out of only biodegradable materials. These ingredients are fair trade and made from recycled coffee sacks. You can throw this eco sponge in the dishwasher or washing machine whenever you are ready to give it a clean. When you are ready to trade out the sponge for a newer one, you can just toss it in your compost bin! It has a rough side and a soft side, which makes it easy for tough messes. You can use this sponge with the cleaner of your choice, for dishes or other surfaces.

14 Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner

What is this product used for?

This product is used to clean surfaces with no leftover residue and leaves a fresh scent. You can use this on floors, countertops, and many other surfaces. The bottle comes with the product in concentrate, which means you can dilute it with water when using it to clean. It leaves any room filled with the scent that is in the product. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Butylphenyl methylpropional
• Linalool
• Glutaraldehyde 

Safer Alternative: Puracy Natural Multi-Surface Cleaner

This product is organic and derived from plant-based ingredients, making it safe on skin and surfaces. It contains green tea and lime, organic lemongrass, and both ingredients in concentrate. It is used perfectly on counters, any electronics (spray onto a cloth first), furniture, floors, sinks, stainless steel, toys, and basically any other non-porous surfaces. It can clean up to 250 surfaces per bottle and does not contain any sulfates, phosphates, animal by-products, artificial fragrances, ammonia, or dyes. 

15 Weiman Brass Polish

What is this product used for?

This polish works on brass, copper, chrome, bronze, and pewter. It fights to remove tarnish and leave a mirror-like shine when you use it. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Ammonia
• Isopropanol
• Propylene glycol

Safer Alternative: Lemon And Salt

To polish your brass pieces, there are multiple ways to get them clean without harsh chemicals. For example, you can use a lemon! With this method, you cut the lemon in half and sprinkle some salt on it. Then, you will rub the lemon and the salt all over the piece. This will give it a good shine without having to use any chemicals. If your piece is more worn and tarnished, you can use baking soda and lemon juice. If you choose to use this method, you will create a paste with lemon juice and baking soda, then buff the paste all over the piece. You will leave this mixture on your item until it has created the look that you desire. 

16 Pledge Furniture Spray – Revive It, Moisturizing Oil

What is this product used for?

This product helps restore shine to your furniture, leaving it with a glossy look afterward. You can use this product on wood surfaces such as cabinets, windowsills, trims, tables, and chairs. 

Chemicals of concern

• Naphtha (petroleum), light alkylate

Safer Alternative: Common Household Ingredients

Dusting is a chore that some people tend to forget about, but when you actually take the time to do this, you may be using a product with toxic chemicals. You can use ingredients such as water, vinegar, olive oil, and essential oils to use as a dusting spray. This will give you the same effect as any other product would—but it doesn’t come with all the chemicals! To use this method, you simply combine all of your ingredients into a spray bottle. You will use this spray with a microfiber cloth or duster, and it will leave your surface looking shiny and new while giving your room a fresh scent from the essential oils.

17 Method All-Purpose Cleaning Wipes

What is this product used for?

These wipes clean non-porous surfaces such as countertops, tiles, stone, glass, and wood. You can use these wipes to clean up any messes, dust, or dirt. While these wipes, and wipes similar to them, are commonly found in households, you may not be aware of some of the chemicals that they contain. 

Chemicals of concern:

• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Hexyl Cinnamal
• D-Limonene

Safer Alternative: Dreft – Gentle Clean Multi-Surface Wipes

These wipes are perfect for those who may have little ones running around. They can be used on any toys, glass, or other surfaces that may need to be cleaned. It does not contain any harsh fragrances or dyes that could harm you or your little ones. They can be used on skin and won’t irritate the eyes. If you have young children, these wipes are perfect to keep in your home to clean up any unwanted mess!

18 Resolve Professional Carpet Extraction Cleaner

What is this product used for?

This is used to extract deep stains and grease within your carpet. It is best used on wool, nylon, and synthetic carpets. To use this product, you just need to spray it directly onto the surface of your carpet.

Chemicals of concern:

• Isopropanol
• D-Limonene
• Eugenol 

Safer Alternative: Biokleen Bac-Out Stain And Odor Remover

This is a natural product that cleans odors and stains on your carpet. You can use this on anything from laundry, pet stains, urine stains, diapers, wine stains, carpets, and other surfaces. It has no artificial fragrances or colors, making it safe to use around children and pets. Every ingredient within this product is plant-derived. Another reason that this product is a safer alternative is that there is no animal testing during the production process. All production is done within the USA, so you can be sure of its ingredients. 

19 Simple Green Oven And Microwave Foaming Cleaner

What is this product used for?

This product is used to clean your oven and microwave. It eliminates food that has been baked onto the surface and removes grease. It restores the original shine of your oven, leaving it residue-free and spotless. If you need more help to get up hard to remove food, you can leave the product on to sit longer.

Chemical of concern:

• 2-Butoxyethanol

Safer Alternative: Baking Soda And Vinegar

Baking soda is an alkali, and vinegar is an acid. These two ingredients together can help to lift off stubborn grease, baked-on foods, and other grime that may be in your microwave and oven. If you are turned off by the smell of vinegar, you can always add a few drops of essential oil of your choosing. Since there are essentially only 2 ingredients (3 if you decide you use essential oil), you will know exactly what you are using, which will eliminate any cause of concern. 

20 Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner

What is this product used for?

Lysol cleans grease and grime. It kills 99.9% of bacteria and can be used on most surfaces. It’s known for tackling many different messes that may occur in your home. Lysol products are a staple in homes across America. But did you know that some of their products might contain chemicals that could potentially be harmful? 

Chemicals of concern:

• Sodium borate decahydrate
• Hexyl Cinnamal
• Dimethylbenzlammonium chloride

Safer Alternative: Meliora Cleaning Products

This product lists every ingredient on the front of the container. It includes sodium bicarbonate (which is baking soda), vegetable soap, Organic Mentha Piperita (peppermint oil), and Organic Melaleuca (tea tree oil). This product incorporates natural scents that will fill your home with a wonderful fragrance. This product is perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, stainless steel, and any other hard surface in your home.