Cleaning products are part of the routine for many homeowners. After all, cleaning is essential for keeping a space safe. However, not all cleaning products are safe for you or the environment, even if they are frequently found in households! 

Many cleaners have harmful consequences! Learn how cleaning products damage the environment and avoid it!

How cleaning products damage the environment

When it comes to cleaning products, most environmental harm is hard to notice. However, it is not always the case, as different cleaning products can damage the environment in different ways!

Here are some examples of how cleaning products damage the environment! 

Toxic chemicals

Everyone knows that commercial cleaners are chemical compounds, but that's not bad by itself. However, some of the chemicals used in cleaning products are worse than others. 

Here are some quick mentions.

• Chlorine bleach: This household product is perhaps the harsher cleaner in most homes. Bleach contains chlorine, which is toxic for people and the environment. Although bleach has a small amount of chlorine, it eventually reaches the water supply and air!
• Detergents: Dish or laundry cleaners may not be toxic for you, but they often contain harmful chemicals. For example, surfactants lower water tension, and phosphates (virtually banned in the US) accelerate algae growth. Both can damage wildlife in water bodies.
• Antibacterial products: Nowadays, disinfectant and antibacterial products are crucial for keeping your household safe. However, they can harm the environment too. For example, many antibacterial products contain triclosan, which is toxic to algae.

Plastics

Not only the chemical compounds inside the cleaners are harsh to the environment. Another issue with commercial cleaning products is all the plastic litter they produce. 

Plastic can come as bottles, containers, and plastic wraps. However, it's not always as visible. For example, most disposable wipes (including disinfecting wipes) are made from plastic fibers! 

Identify green cleaning products with these tips

After reading about the harmful effects of cleaning products, it's only natural to look for a safer way to clean your home. However, with all that "greenwashed" products, finding the best green cleaners can be a challenge. 

Here are some tips that can help you find green cleaning products!

Tip #1. Read the label

In most cases, labels disclose the ingredients inside a cleaning product. You don't need to be an expert chemist! If the compounds inside the cleaning products sound like a tongue twister, they are likely not your best option! Here are some of the chemicals you should avoid!

Tip #2. Look out for official programs and certifications

"Greenwashing" means that the manufacturer claims or suggests that their product is good for the environment when it's not entirely true. As mentioned above, "greenwashing" makes it more challenging to look for truly green cleaners!

However, third parties can give you trustworthy information about the cleaners you want to buy! Look for programs and certifications from third parties before buying. Two quick examples are the EPA's Safer Choice and Design for the Environment programs.

Tip #3. Make your own cleaners

Are you not sure if you can trust the cleaning products at the store? Then, you can make your own cleaners! 

There are great alternatives for commercial products that are made from essential oils and other natural ingredients. Here are some useful recipes you can make to keep your cleaning supplies natural and safe!

Are you looking for a home cleaning service? CHRIStal Clean is your best choice!

At CHRIStal Clean, we want to clean your home and make it a healthier place! Our professional cleaners use essential oils and other natural cleaning products to leave your home spotless.

Get your estimate directly from our homepage!