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Introduction

Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthy conditions both in the home and the workplace. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of cleaning, the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. It is important to remember, however, that cleaning products can present several health and environmental concerns. They may contain chemicals associated with eye, skin, or respiratory irritation, or other human health issues. Additionally, the concentrated forms of some commercial cleaning products are classified as hazardous, creating potential handling, storage, and disposal issues for users. Using green cleaning products can help to reduce the human health and environmental concerns that comes along with cleaning.

Ecolabels are a good tool to help purchasers quickly and easily identify products that are "greener". However, it is important for consumers to be careful in interpreting vague or generic claims on products such as "environmentally friendly," "eco safe," or "green" (also known as "greenwashing"). To make it easier for purchasers to identify greener cleaning products, EPA manages the Safer Choice program, which certifies products that contain safer ingredients for human health and the environment. In addition to the Safer Choice label, EPA offers the Design for the Environment (DfE) label on antimicrobial products, such as disinfectants and sanitizers. Whether a product displays the Safer Choice label or the DfE label, the same stringent requirements and high standards must be met for that product to become certified. EPA provides online search tools to help consumers and purchasers find Safer Choice and DfE-certified products.

Additionally, EPA has developed a set of Recommendations in several cleaning product categories, that identify credible and effective private sector standards/ecolabels.

Environmental and Health Concerns

NOTE: The following discussion primarily addresses hazards associated with cleaning product ingredients. The actual risks from these chemicals at typical exposure levels are often uncertain, and in many cases are probably low. Regardless of the expected risk levels, however, reducing the intrinsic hazard of a product is a desirable pollution prevention objective as part of decisions that also take into account other important product attributes.

Cleaning products are released to the environment during normal use through evaporation of volatile components and rinsing down the drain of residual product from cleaned surfaces, sponges, etc. Janitorial staff and others who perform cleaning can be exposed to concentrated cleaning products. However, proper training and use of a Chemical Management System (a set of formal procedures to ensure proper storage, handling, and use) can greatly minimize or prevent exposure to concentrated cleaning product during handling and use.

Certain ingredients in cleaning products can present hazard concerns to exposed populations (e.g., skin and eye irritation in workers) or toxicity to aquatic species in waters receiving inadequately treated wastes (note that standard sewage treatment effectively reduces or removes most cleaning product constituents). For example, alkylphenol ethoxylates, a common surfactant ingredient in cleaners, have been shown in laboratory studies to function as an "endocrine disrupter," causing adverse reproductive effects of the types seen in wildlife exposed to polluted waters.

Many surfactants used in conventional products biodegrade slowly or biodegrade into more toxic, persistent, and bioaccumulative chemicals, threatening aquatic life.

Ingredients containing phosphorus or nitrogen can contribute to nutrient-loading in water bodies, leading to adverse effects on water quality. These contributions, however, are typically small compared to other point and non-point sources.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC) in cleaning products can affect indoor air quality and also contribute to smog formation in outdoor air.

Sustainability Considerations​

Minimal presence of or exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, such as:

Corrosive or strongly irritating substances.

Substances classified as known or likely human carcinogens or reproductive toxicants by authorities such as the National Toxicology Program, the U.S. EPA, the International Agency for Research on Cancer or the State of California. EPA's Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) provides a list of chemicals that are known to cause significant adverse human and environmental health effects.

Ozone-depleting compounds as listed in Clean Air Act regulations.

Regulated hazardous materials (e.g. products classified as hazardous waste; products that trigger OSHA hazard communication requirements).

Chemicals designated on EPA's list of pollutants as HAPs (hazardous air pollutants)

Use of renewable resources, such as biobased solvents from citrus, seed, vegetable, and pine oils.

Low VOC content.

Biodegradable by standard methods and definitions, e.g. ready biodegradability as defined by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).Exit "Ready biodegradability" is a definition meant to ensure that a material degrades relatively quickly in an aquatic aerobic environment.

Low toxicity in aquatic species such as fish or aquatic invertebrates, e.g. LC50 or EC50 > 10 mg/L (chronic) reported on MSDS or other product literature.

Low flammability, e.g. flash point > 200 degrees F.

pH closer to neutral, e.g. greater than or equal to 4 and less than or equal to 9.5.

Fragrance-free or meets EPA's Safer Choice Criteria for Fragrances.

Designed for use in cold water in order to conserve energy.

Limit use of disinfectants to areas where people are likely to come into contact with contaminated surfaces (e.g., bathroom fixtures, doorknobs, other high-touch surfaces). Many general purpose cleaning tasks do not typically require the use of disinfectants (e.g., walls, floors, other surfaces with minimal hand contact).

Conduct training on proper use of products.

Product Packaging and Shipping

Concentrated formulas with appropriate handling safeguards.

Efficient packaging (e.g., light weight, reduced volume).

Recyclable packaging.

Recycled-content packaging.

Packaging materials do not contain heavy metals, BPA, or phthalates.

Refillable bottles.

Pump sprays rather than aerosols.

Packaging and dilution systems designed to reduce exposure to the product.

Packaging is sourced, manufactured, transported, and recycled using renewable energy.

Products shipped in bulk.

Clear labeling and information on use and disposal.

Labeling provides information on environmental, consumer, and worker safety matters.

Additional Resources

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Identifying Greener Cleaning Products | US EPA

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Cleaning products are necessary for maintaining attractive and healthy conditions both in the home and the workplace. In addition to the obvious aesthetic benefits of cleaning, the removal of dust, allergens, and infectious agents is crucial to maintaining a healthy indoor environment. It is important to remember, however, that cleaning products can present several health and environmental concerns.

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Are there toxic chemicals lurking under your kitchen sink? Find out the 7 toxic household cleaners to avoid and the problem with "natural" store-bought cleaners.

Are you cleaning with conventional, store-bought household cleaners? You may want to think twice about using them. Why? They are toxic household cleaners. Check out the labels. There are often warning signs of toxicity and instructions to call Poison Control if ingested or exposed to skin.

Types of Toxic Household Cleaners

Toxic chemicals in conventional household cleaners vary in their severity - from acute (immediate) hazards such as skin or respiratory issues, chemical burns or watery eyes to chronic (long term) hazards such as cancer, fertility issues, ADHD, compromised immune system and more. ¹

Most toxic chemicals found in household cleaners fall into these categories:

Carcinogens - which cause or promote cancer

Endocrine disruptors - which mimic human hormones and cause false signals within the body and lead to issues such as infertility, premature puberty, miscarriage, menstrual issues, ADHD and even cancer.

Neurotoxins - which affect brain activity and cause issues such as headaches and memory loss

7 Household Cleaners to Avoid
1. Air fresheners
The fragrances (even those marked unscented) can trigger asthma and allergies. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reviewed 2,000 household cleaning products in 2012 and found that 53% of cleaning products contain ingredients harmful to the lungs AND 22% of cleaning products contain chemicals known to cause asthma in otherwise healthy people.
2. Fabric softeners and dryer sheets
The fragrances and other ingredients used to make them can cause asthma, allergies or lung irritation.
3. Cleaning products with artificial fragrances
The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has found that one-third of the substances used in the fragrance industry are toxic, yet because the formulas used for these fragrances are trade secrets companies aren't required to disclose the ingredients used.
4. Antibacterial products
The ingredients used to kill bacteria in these soaps can can encourage the development of drug-resistant superbugs.
5. Corrosive drain cleaners, oven cleaners and toilet bowl cleaners
These are the most acutely dangerous cleaning products on the market. The ingredients in these cleaners can cause severe burns on the skin and eyes, or if ingested to the throat and esophagus.
6. Bleach and ammonia
Separately these cleaners produce fumes with high acute toxicity to eyes, nose, throat and lungs and should not be used by people with asthma or lung issues. Used together, these products produce a a toxic gas that can cause serious lung damage.
7. Products that create suds (shampoo, liquid soap, bubble bath, laundry detergent)
Ingredients such as 1,4-dioxane, diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds, etc. are known carcinogens linked to organ toxicity.

In addition to acute and long-term health issues, many of these chemicals pose health hazards to the environment too. When these cleaners are used in sinks, bathtubs or showers, they go down the drain and may threaten water quality or wildlife. Sudsing agents in shampoos, liquid soaps and detergents and phosphates used to soften hard water in detergents pose a huge threat to our water supply. 2,3,4

The Problem with "Natural" Store-Bought Cleaners

Even many "all-natural" cleaners found in grocery and some health food stores have harmful chemicals and may even score worse than conventional cleaning products. Mother Nature Network researched a few common natural cleaning products and found that a leading all-purpose cleaner fared worse in the EWG's Guide to Healthy Cleaning Guide. Check out the results.

The other problem with natural store-bought cleaning products is that they often cost twice as much as conventional store-bought cleaners. In many cases, old-fashioned vinegar, baking soda, essential oils and other inexpensive ingredients found in your pantry can clean just as well or better than conventional or natural store-bought cleaning products.

Make Your Own Household Cleaners

Instead make your own homemade cleaners for less than a dollar AND use natural ingredients you probably already have around your home. I've got 10 homemade household cleaners you can make right now with ingredients in your kitchen and check out my own recipe for an DIY natural household cleaner that can be used for everything from kitchen countertops to bathroom sinks.

Looking for Other Eco-Friendly Cleaners for the Home?

Check out DIY Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes by Heather Dessinger of Mommypotamus. You'll find recipes for cleaning all areas of the home - such as detergents, drain cleaners and hand soap - as well as baby and personal care.

Here's what you'll find inside this book:

Basic ingredients and equipment you'll need

All about essential oils

All-purpose cleaner recipes

Cleaning recipes for the kitchen (fruit and veggie wash, liquid dish soap, rise aid, degreaser and more)

Cleaners for the bath (soft scrub, tub and tile remover and more)

Laundry products (powdered detergent, scented dryer sheets, wool dryer balls and more)

Wood care (furniture wax, hardwood floor wash and more)

Carpet and tile care (stain remover, carpet deodorizer and more)

Leather care (leather conditioner and more)

All about polishing and caring for metals (stainless steal cleaner, brass polish and more)

Air fresheners

Tutorials for how to make soap, washing soda, unpaper towels and more

For instance, this Citrus Splash All-Purpose Spray Cleaner costs just $1.62 to make a 32 oz. bottle. Compare that to $3-4 for store-bought brands. That's more than a 50% savings. Plus, you're using natural ingredients without harmful chemicals - even some all-natural cleaning products have questionable ingredients such as methylisothiazolinone.

Even if you're not ready to replace every cleaner in your home, this e-book is great because you can choose one product to replace (such as an All-Purpose Cleaner), and this e-book will still pay for itself after you go through a few bottles. The easiest thing for me to replace was my Laundry Detergent (another big waste if you buy from the store).

And dryer sheets. We used to spend so much on dryer sheets - for what? The smell and static clean? Conventional dryer sheets are loaded with toxic chemicals that can cause allergies and asthma. These wool dryer balls are cheaper and work better than dryer sheets because they help to speed drying time.

Buy It Now

DIY Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes is just $24.95 and includes more than 50 tested-and-proven cleaning recipes that really work. You can download the PDF instantly and view it on any e-reader, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. Plus, you'll have exclusive access to video tutorials online for e-book buyers only.

Feature image credit: Flickr / Pixel Drip

Sources:

1. How Toxic Are Your Household Cleaning Supplies, Organic Consumers Association, http://www.organicconsumers.org/articles/article_279.cfm.

2. Toxins in Household Cleaning Products, Green Wiki, http://green.wikia.com/wiki/Toxins_in_Household_Cleaning_Products.

3. Household Cleaner Ratings and Ingredinets, Environmental Working Group, http://www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/findings.

4. Environmental Working Group's Updated Cleaning Guide, Mother Nature Network, http://www.mnn.com/family/protection-safety/blogs/environmental-working-groups-updated-cleaning-guide.

Don't Mess with Mama is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

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Are there toxic chemicals lurking under your kitchen sink? Find out the 7 toxic household cleaners to avoid and the problem with "natural" store-bought cleaners. Are you cleaning with conventional, store-bought household cleaners? You may want to think twice about using them. Why? They are toxic household cleaners. Check out the labels.

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Keep It Clean Downstream

Excess irrigation and wash water contributes to pollution at local beaches. This water can carry excessive fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, automobile fluid, paint, trash, animal waste, and other pollutants to the storm drain system that flows untreated into channels, harbors, and the ocean where it can endanger marine life and contaminate beaches.

Causes

Common Household Cleaners

Detergents From Washing Your Car

Fertilizers

Improper Disposal Of Paint, Oil, or Other Chemicals

Insecticides, and Fungicides

Loose Grass Clippings and Leaves

Pet Droppings

Poorly Maintained Septic Systems

Soil From Exposed Areas in the Yard

Weed Killer

Effects

Soil in runoff carries contaminants that smothers and kills aquatic life.

Fertilizers, car exhaust, and detergents cause explosive plant and algae growth, which depletes water of oxygen, killing fish and animals as well as creating a terrible smell.

Loose grass clippings and leaves also add to this and clog drainage systems.

Pet droppings and septic tank overflows can cause diseases like dysentery, hepatitis, and parasite infections by getting into drinking water and recreation areas.

Oil, paint, cleaning supplies, and other toxic materials from cars and batteries contaminate drinking water and kill fish, animals, and plants.

Solutions

Adjust sprinklers to minimize water from entering the gutter. When possible, use drip irrigation. This will also reduce water usage.

Don't use the hose to clean walkways, driveways, or gutters. Whenever possible, use a rake or broom to clean the yard, driveway and gutters. Use leaf blowers responsibly and never blow debris into the gutter or storm drain.

Always use trash cans to dispose trash.

Closely follow manufacture instructions when applying fertilizer, pesticide, or herbicide. Do not apply material onto sidewalks, curbs, streets, or other non-porous surfaces.

Pick up pet waste and place in the trash. Never wash pet waste out into the street or into the storm drain.

Wash vehicles at car washes that have water reclamation systems.

Promptly fix all vehicles that leak fluids.

Place absorbent material such as cat litter on any drips to clean up spills and dispose the material in trash.

Report Pollution

To report water pollution, promptly contact the city's Public Works Field Service Division at 714-593-4600, or the city's water pollution prevention hotline at 714-593-4441 during normal business hours. During non business hours, please call the Police Department at 714-593-4485.

Failure to comply with water pollution regulations can result in significant penalties and cleanup cost. For additional information, call the Public Works Department at 714-593-4441

Thank you for your assistance in preventing water pollution and protecting our environment!

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Excess irrigation and wash water contributes to pollution at local beaches. This water can carry excessive fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide, automobile fluid, paint, trash, animal waste, and other pollutants to the storm drain system that flows untreated into channels, harbors, and the ocean where it can endanger marine life and contaminate beaches.

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