By Reducing Chemical Cleaners for Your Family’s Safety

SUSTAINABLE LIVING GUIDE 112

Table of Contents 

1. The Hidden Health Risks of Common Cleaning Chemicals
   

2. Toxic Ingredients to Watch Out For
   

3.  Building Safer Cleaning Habits (and Breaking Bad Ones)
   

4. How Sustainable Living Life  Can Make a Difference

THE FACTS:

The Hidden Health Risks of Common Cleaning Chemicals

Cleaning your house shouldn’t make our family sick. Yet many household cleaners contain substances linked to health problems ( EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning | Cleaning Supplies and Your Health ). The effects can range from immediate irritation to long-term health issues. Children are especially vulnerable – their organs and immune systems are still developing, and they spend more time on the floor (right where cleaning residues settle) ( Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products May Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma | Environmental Working Group ). Here are some of the key health risks associated with everyday cleaning products:

• Respiratory Problems and Asthma: Fumes from cleaning supplies can irritate airways and even trigger asthma. Research shows that frequent use of household cleaners is associated with higher rates of wheezing and asthma in young children – in one study, 11% of kids in high-cleaner-use homes had chronic wheeze by age 3 vs. 8% in low-use homes (and asthma diagnoses were similarly higher) ( Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products May Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma | Environmental Working Group ). Many cleaners release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to chronic respiratory irritation, allergic reactions, and headaches ( Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association ). Over time, regular exposure to these fumes can sensitize airways; in fact, otherwise healthy people have developed asthma from frequent cleaner inhalation.
• · Skin Irritation and Allergies: Ever felt your eyes water or your skin itch after using a strong cleaner? Chemical ingredients in cleaners can irritate the skin and eyes , causing redness, itching or even burns on contact ( Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research ). For example, certain surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) – common in soaps and detergents – can strip away natural oils and lead to dryness or dermatitis ( Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe. org ). If you use too much detergent , it can leave residue that causes rashes or allergic reactions, especially on sensitive skin .
  
• · Hormone Disruption: Some cleaning ingredients don’t just cause surface irritation – they can mess with your body’s internal signals. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals in cleaners (like certain synthetic fragrances and anti-bacterials) may interfere with hormones ( Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research ). Phthalates, for instance, are chemicals often used in artificial fragrances; studies link them to hormonal imbalances and developmental issues in children ( Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe. org ). Another example is triclosan , a now-banned antibacterial agent that still appears in some older cleaning products – it has been shown to disrupt thyroid and estrogen hormones. Over time, these disruptions might contribute to issues like reproductive problems or delayed development. It’s telling that experts warn about “fragrance” mixtures in products – a single generic term can hide dozens of chemicals, some tied to hormone disruption and even cancer ( 7 ways to detox your home (and keep it clean) year ‘round | Environmental Working Group ).
  
• · Other Hidden Dangers: Strong cleaners can pose other hazards if misused. Mixing bleach with ammonia (found in some glass cleaners) creates a toxic gas that can be deadly ( Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association ). Some cleaners contain undisclosed impurities; for example, certain detergents can contain 1,4-dioxane (a probable carcinogen) as a manufacturing byproduct.  There’s also concern about long-term effects: one study found that children born to women with cleaning jobs (and high chemical exposure) had a higher risk of birth defects ( EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning | Cleaning Supplies and Your Health ). While more research is needed on many of these links, the consensus is that reducing everyday exposure to cleaning toxins is a smart precaution .
  
• Children are especially at risk. Babies and young kids breathe faster and spend lots of time on floors and carpets, so they inhale and ingest more residue relative to their size. Infants’ immune and respiratory systems are still developing, making them more susceptible to chemical harms than adults ( Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products May Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma | Environmental Working Group ). It’s no surprise that health experts recommend using gentler cleaning methods in homes with kids ( Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe. org ). By understanding these risks, we can take steps to protect our families from unnecessary chemical exposure.

Toxic Ingredients to Watch Out For

How do you know if a cleaning product might be harmful? Start by reading labels and look out for these common toxic ingredients found in household cleaners below. Remember the saying " Once we see it we can't unsee it" . By forming a habit checking label, you are already achieve 50% win toward sustainable living.  

·       Phthalates (in Fragrances): Used to make scents last longer, phthalates are linked to hormone disruption and developmental problems in children (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org). 

·       Chlorine Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite): A powerful disinfectant, bleach is also a respiratory irritant. Its fumes can irritate the lungs, throat, and eyes – especially in kids or pets in close proximity (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org). Never mix bleach with ammonia or acidic cleaners, as this produces poisonous gases (Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association). Use bleach sparingly and only in well-ventilated areas, or choose safer alternatives for disinfecting when possible.

·       Ammonia: Found in some window, bathroom, and all-purpose cleaners. Inhaling ammonia can trigger coughing and worsen asthma or sinus problems (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org). Children with asthma or allergies are particularly sensitive to ammonia vapors. For glass and surface cleaning, vinegar-based solutions or alcohol can often replace ammonia without the harsh effects.

·       Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and SLES: These foaming agents help cleaners cut grease, but they can also strip natural moisture and irritate skin. SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) is a related ingredient that may be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen, due to how it’s made (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org). Look for sulfate-free labels or gentle soap-based cleaners, especially for tasks involving a lot of skin contact (like hand-washing dishes).

·       Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (“Quats”): Common in disinfectant sprays and wipes (e.g. benzalkonium chloride), quats are effective germ-killers – but they’ve been linked to skin irritation and occupational asthma in cleaning workers (EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning | Cleaning Supplies and Your Health). They also contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria overuse (Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research). Unless you need hospital-level disinfection, it’s wise to minimize frequent use of quat-based cleaners at home.

·       Formaldehyde Releasers: Some air fresheners, deodorizers, and even cleaning agents use chemicals that release formaldehyde to kill germs or preserve formula stability. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and can cause respiratory issues and headaches (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org). If you see ingredients like “DMDM hydantoin” or “quaternium-15” (common formaldehyde releasers) – or experience a strong “clean” odor that irritates your nose – steer clear. Natural air purifiers (plants, open windows) and essential-oil-based fresheners are safer alternatives.

·       Triclosan and Antibacterial Additives: Triclosan, once common in antibacterial soaps and cleaners, was shown to interfere with thyroid hormones and contribute to antibiotic-resistant germs (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org). It’s been largely phased out of hand soaps, but may still be found in some cleaning products (or older supplies in your cabinet). Generally, antibacterial cleaners aren’t necessary for everyday cleaning, according to pediatric health experts (Chemical Exposure from Personal Care Products - AAP). Plain soap and water can remove germs effectively, and overusing antibacterials can do more harm than good (Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research).

Tip: When evaluating a cleaner, also consider any strong artificial scents or dyes – these often signal unnecessary chemicals. Even “natural” citrus or pine scents can produce irritant pollutants indoors when they react in the air (Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association). Your safest bet is choosing products with transparent ingredient lists and certifications (like EPA Safer Choice or Made Safe) or making simple DIY cleaners. Next, Let's explore how to swap out toxic products by forming healthy cleaning habits.

THE STRATEGIES:

Building Safer Cleaning Habits (and Breaking Bad Ones)

Changing your cleaning habits is one of the most powerful ways to keep a healthy home. By adjusting how (and how often) you clean, you can maintain a spotless home with far fewer chemicals. Here are expert-backed habits and tips to help you clean effectively while minimizing toxin exposure:

• 1. Simplify Your Cleaning Arsenal: You actually don’t need a different specialized cleaner for every surface. Professional cleaners say you can clean almost anything with a mild all-purpose solution – even something as basic as a few drops of dish soap in warm water . Try using a general multi-surface cleaner (or DIY mix) for most jobs, plus targeted products only when necessary. Fewer products means fewer chemical fumes and a simpler routine.
• 2. Clean Regularly to Prevent Buildup: It sounds obvious, but a consistent cleaning schedule is your best defense against needing harsh chemicals. Dust and dirt, if allowed to accumulate, often require stronger scrubbing agents later to remove. By tackling small chores on a daily and weekly basis, you avoid those intense “deep clean” days where you might reach for bleach or heavy-duty degreasers out of desperation. For example, wiping your shower walls with a squeegee or microfiber cloth after each use prevents soap scum (so you won’t need corrosive tile cleaners later).  By scheduling 10-15 minutes a day family clean-up time, our kids can help pick up chores like quick vacuum or dust the counter, we can keep our home consistently clean, reducing the temptation to douse everything in chemicals. In my personal experience, this is the key habit to adapt to create a healthier and more sustainable home.
• 3. Ventilate and Use Safe Techniques: When you do use cleaning products, a few simple habits greatly reduce your exposure to any chemicals in them. Always ventilate by opening windows or running exhaust fans while cleaning (Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research) – fresh air helps carry away VOCs and fumes. Avoid spraying cleaners directly in the air or on surfaces in a fine mist; instead, spray onto a cloth or sponge first and then wipe (9 Cleaning Habits You Should Break, According to Pros). This prevents you from inhaling as much of the product (and actually wastes less). Also, never mix different cleaners unless the label explicitly says it’s safe. Mixing products (like bleach with anything acidic or ammoniated) can create toxic gases without you realizing it. By following instructions and using one product at a time, you’ll clean just as effectively with a much lower health risk.
• 4. Embrace DIY and Natural Alternatives: One way to break the habit of grabbing commercial chemical cleaners is to replace the routine with DIY solutions. You’d be surprised how far a few kitchen staples will go. Vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and castile soap can tackle most household cleaning tasks cheaply and safely (The Best Natural Cleaning Solutions for a Safe Home) (What You Can Do: 7 Simple Steps to Reduce Your Exposure). For instance: use white vinegar and water in a spray bottle for glass and countertops, baking soda as a gentle abrasive for sinks and tubs, and a bit of diluted castile soap or dish soap for floors and general cleaning. These ingredients have been used for generations and still work: vinegar can dissolve mineral deposits and cut grease (without the eye-burning fumes of ammonia) ( Cleaning habits I cannot live without as a cleaning editor | Homes & Gardens), and baking soda naturally deodorizes and scrubs. You can even add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender or tea tree) for a pleasant scent that won’t overwhelm. By making your own cleaners, you not only avoid mystery chemicals – you also save money and reduce plastic waste. Start by replacing one product at a time (for example, try a DIY glass cleaner when your current one runs out) and see that the natural method works just as well.
• 5. Use Protective Measures for Heavy Jobs: Sometimes, you might still choose a stronger commercial cleaner – for instance, disinfecting during flu season or tackling a really tough stain. In those cases, take precautions so an occasional use doesn’t turn into a health hazard. Keep kids and pets out of the area while using any strong cleaner (and for a while after, to let fumes clear) (Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research). Wear gloves to protect your skin, and even goggles if you’re spraying overhead or in a confined space with chemicals. After cleaning, rinse surfaces with plain water if possible, to remove chemical residues – especially on food prep areas or anywhere children might touch. And of course, store all cleaners securely out of reach of children. By treating powerful cleaners with respect and care, you minimize any risks when you do need to use them.
• 6. Ditch “Air Fresheners” and Scented Sprays: A clean home shouldn’t have to “smell clean.” Often that strong lemon or pine scent from cleaning products is a sign of chemicals in the air. Many air-freshening sprays and plugins simply mask odors with perfumes while adding potentially harmful VOCs to your home. For instance, that innocent-sounding “fresh linen” fragrance could be a cocktail of 50+ chemicals you’re misting into your air (7 ways to detox your home (and keep it clean) year ‘round | Environmental Working Group). Instead, adopt habits that truly freshen your space: open windows regularly to air out rooms, use baking soda to absorb odors in carpets or refrigerators, and take out trash frequently. If you enjoy scents, use natural methods like simmering citrus peels and cloves on the stove, or an essential oil diffuser (in moderation). By removing the source of bad odors (through cleaning and ventilating) and using natural fragrances, your home will smell clean without a haze of unknown chemicals. The American Lung Association even recommends avoiding commercial air fresheners altogether for a healthier indoor environment (Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association).

By building these habits, you’ll find that a healthy cleaning routine becomes second nature. Over time, you won’t miss the harsh chemical cleaners at all. In fact, you might notice your home’s air feels fresher – no more heavy bleach or artificial pine smells lingering and no more headaches after cleaning sessions. As one cleaning expert observed after switching to green methods: “my house no longer smells like strong chemicals after cleaning, and I finish with far fewer headaches… I breathe in less contaminants now” ( Cleaning habits I cannot live without as a cleaning editor | Homes & Gardens). That’s the kind of clean everyone can feel good about.

How Sustainable Living Life Can Make a Difference

Given the landscape above, what can Sustainable Living Life offer that truly adds value? Here are a few key opportunities for differentiation, ensuring our guide is authoritative, engaging, and practical:

·       Science-Backed Guidance for Trust: Many competitors rely on green branding or personal anecdotes; we will ground all advice in reputable research and expert input. By citing pediatric health organizations, environmental agencies, and scientific studies throughout (as we’ve done in this guide), we build trust with readers. When we say a certain chemical may harm children, we show the study (Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products May Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma | Environmental Working Group) or expert quote to back it up. This evidence-based approach will reassure readers that our recommendations aren’t just trends or opinions – they’re proven to protect health. In a field rife with misinformation (and even “all-natural” myths), being a myth-busting source of truth is a major differentiator. You don't need another sustainable living advice, you need a trustable approach and science back guide to sustainable living. To us, knowledge is power, the more fact we know and trust, the more our brain will push us to act. 

·       Holistic Focus on Habits Over Products: Unlike a brand that ultimately wants you to buy their cleaner, Sustainable Living Life puts the spotlight on behavior change and routine-building. We recognize that a healthy home is as much about how you clean as what you clean with. Our content provides clear, step-by-step habit formation tips – for example, establishing a daily cleaning routine, or habit-stacking (like wiping down the shower right after you bathe, as automatically as brushing your teeth). This focus on habit formation helps readers make lasting changes rather than just swapping one product for another. It’s a practical coaching element that many product-focused competitors lack.

·       Comprehensive Definition of “Non-Toxic Living”: We understand that “non-toxic” isn’t just about chemicals – it’s also about mental well-being and reducing stress in your living environment. A chaotic, dirty home can cause stress, and overusing harsh cleaners out of frustration can make things worse. Our approach ties together mindset, organization, routine, appreciation, and minimalism as part of sustainable living. By covering topics like decluttering to reduce dust, or involving the whole family in chores (to lighten the load and teach kids responsibility), we address the root causes that often lead people to grab heavy chemicals (e.g. panic-cleaning a very messy house with bleach). This well-rounded content strategy means a reader can come to us for everything from a DIY cleaner recipe to a checklist for a kid-friendly weekly cleaning schedule – a one-stop, well-organized resource.

In conclusion, a healthier, low-tox home is entirely within reach. By recognizing the hidden risks in common cleaning chemicals and making conscious changes to our habits and product choices, we can protect our families without sacrificing a clean living space. The research is clear that reducing toxic exposure – especially for children – can lower risks of asthma, skin problems, and hormonal effects (Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products May Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma | Environmental Working Group) (Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research). And as we’ve shown, practical alternatives exist for every household cleaning task, from green products to grandma’s tried-and-true formulas.

At Sustainable Living Life, our mission is to bring all of this together for you in a friendly, realistic way. We hope this guide has shed light on how you can keep your home sparkling while keeping your loved ones safe. The journey to a non-toxic home is a marathon, not a sprint – but every small step (or habit) you adopt will make a lasting difference. Here’s to a cleaner home and a healthier life, one routine at a time!

Sources:

1. American Lung Association – Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals (Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association) (Cleaning Supplies and Household Chemicals | American Lung Association)
2. Environmental Working Group – Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products & Childhood Asthma (Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products May Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma | Environmental Working Group) (Study: Frequent Use of Cleaning Products May Increase Risk of Childhood Asthma | Environmental Working Group)
3. Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Exposomics Institute – Household Cleaning Products & Harmful Chemicals (Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research) (Household Cleaning Products: Keeping your Family Safe from Harmful Chemicals - Institute for Exposomic Research)
4. StaySafe.org – Baby-Safe Cleaning Products (Non-Toxic Options) (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org) (Baby-Safe Cleaning Products: Choosing Non-Toxic Options for Your Home - StaySafe.org)
5. Southern Living (Cleaning Pros Advice) – “9 Cleaning Habits You Should Break” (9 Cleaning Habits You Should Break, According to Pros) (9 Cleaning Habits You Should Break, According to Pros)
6. Washington State Dept. of Health – Safe Cleaning and Disinfecting in Child Care (Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting for Child Cares)
7. MADE SAFE® – Branch Basics Mission and Product Profile ( Branch Basics ~ MADE SAFE® Certified Products – MADE SAFE a program of Nontoxic Certified)
8. Blueland (Brand Website) – Mission Statement and Features (Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products | Refillable | Blueland) (Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products | Refillable | Blueland)
9. Seventh Generation (Brand Site) – Mission and Company History (Our Company | Seventh Generation)
10. Environmental Working Group – “7 Ways to Detox Your Home Year-Round” (7 ways to detox your home (and keep it clean) year ‘round | Environmental Working Group)

Jane Ho is the founder of Sustainable Living Life, who set her life goals to helping families create toxin-free, eco-conscious and healthier homes. Follow along for weekly tips and sustainable swaps that make green & healthy living effortless!

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