Are Your Green Cleaning Products Safe?

For those who care deeply about the environment, using non-toxic products around the home is a priority. But sometimes, the seemingly “green” cleaning products you’re using might also be unsafe for those inside the property!

How can you tell which products are safe and which products shouldn’t be used within the modern home? In this blog, we’ll outline some of the factors to consider when selecting your green cleaning products.

First, Carefully Check the Label

The first step to ensuring that the products you’re using around the home are safe is by checking the product labels.

Now, you may find that the information on the label to be confusing. For example, some products will have a label stating they’re biodegradable. However, this can sometimes mean that the package itself is biodegradable, and not the product.

Dangerous chemicals to look for on cleaning product labels include:

• Dichlorobenzene

This is one of a number of chemicals within the category of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds). It’s a product that can cause nose and throat infection, as well as dizziness for some people.

• Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA)

EDTA is a chemical salt utilized to preserve clothing colour within some cleaning agents. However, the product has been shown to be toxic to humans and pets in high amounts. The product is also not biodegradable.

• Alkylphenolethoxylates (APEs)

APEs are strongly suspected of causing endocrine disruption. They are also considered a bioaccumulative, which means that once they enter the tissue of a living organism, they accumulate in the tissues over time.

What to Look for in Safe Green Cleaning Products?

Fortunately, there are a number of products on the market that have been well-tested and proven to be safe within the home in addition to being effective within the cleaning process.

Look for the following when selecting your future green cleaning products:

• Citric-Acid Based Formulas

Many of the leading brands are now using citric acid as opposed to chemicals as leading cleaning agent within their products. This is a naturally-based product and can be used without fear of side-effects around the home

• Plant-based Cleaning Agents

Products such as compostable cleaning wipes are now being made using plant-based cleaning agents. These products are biodegradable and won’t impact the environment after use.

• Botanical Surfactants

Surfactants lower the surface tension between the liquid cleaning agent and the clothes within washing liquids. Buying products with botanically-based surfactants ensures the products are naturally-based and safe for use within the home.

Finding safe, effective green cleaning products can help protect your family and your home. Remember to review all product labels before purchase and contact manufacturers when you have a question about a specific product ingredient.

To learn more about going green in your home, contact our team today!