Cleaning products were one of the first things I started to switch over when I decided to pursue a healthier, safer lifestyle. And OH.EM.GEE. it felt like the never ending journey. I have tried so many different cleaning products it makes my head spin. The cleaning industry is just as misleading as the beauty industry in terms of labeling and green washing. I would try something thinking it was safe because it said natural or eco-friendly, only to find out after months of using it that it was not, in fact, safe.
Talk about frustrating!
That is why I am so excited to share my Guide to Safer Cleaning! You can skip the trial and error and head straight for the good stuff.
First though, a brief explanation on WHY you should switch your cleaning products to safer options. There are hundreds of chemicals used in cleaning products that we have scientific evidence to show are linked to issues such as:
- Asthma
- Cancer
- Reproductive and developmental toxicity
- Allergies and irritations
- Burns and poison
I’m not too interested in getting anything on that list.
To add insult to injury, many of the so-called disinfectants on the market, aren’t that good at disinfecting!
The Environmental Working Group is a wealth of information on this stuff. Click here for more details on the hazards of cleaning products.
They also have an AMAZING database that gives meaning products a rating of A-F. You can check what you’re currently using and see how it rates!
Here are my favorites! I love them because they work, they are safe and they aren’t crazy expensive!
P.S. Some of these are affiliate links where I get a small commission if you purchase through that link. I’d very much appreciate it if you would!
P.P.S. I added a PDF version of this guide to the bottom of the blog post. Print it out for your convenience!
WINDOWS:
Norwex Window Cloth
Cleans windows beautifully with just water
SURFACES:
Force of Nature Non-toxic all purpose disinfecting spray! Amazing and the safest spray I’ve seen. Has replaced all my other sprays and even toilet bowl cleaner. It’s so safe, I even let my little man help me clean with it.
Norwex EnviroCloth – Cleans ALL surfaces with just water
FLOORS:
Norwex Mop System- it’s so much easier to mop my floors with this mop. No dealing with buckets of cleaning solution or filling the sink. Just add water to the mop pad and get to it!
LAUNDRY
Detergent- Molly’s Suds Laundry Powder (Amazon $0.16/load) Works great with a fresh peppermint scent!
Whitener- Molly’s Suds Oxygen Whitener (Amazon $12.99)
Stain Remover- Beautycounter’s Charcoal Cleansing Bar (for real! It works better than Oxyclean on my stains)
DISH SOAP
Ecover Zero Dish Soap, Fragrance Free (Amazon, $0.16/fl oz) It’s basic, but it gets the grease off really well. It’s lasted us a LONG time too.
DISHWASHER
Seventh Generation Free and Clear Auto Dish Packs (Amazon $0.41/pack) or Powder (Amazon $0.17/oz)
*Powder is cheaper, but my hubby likes the packs. Both get the job done, but I want to try a few more before I commit
WANT TO TRY: Ecover Zero Dishwasher Tablets (Amazon $0.23/tablet)
Get the PDF Version here! BBM Guide to Safer Cleaning