Toxin Free Home: Your Clean Guide to Cleaning

In case you haven’t heard, “organic”, “natural”, “clean” are IN. As society at large seeks to live a more healthy and toxin-free lifestyle, these phrases have become trendy, and do the demise of the unread consumer, marketing experts have used this to their advantage. But that’s not you. You are not the average consumer. You are well informed, educated and ready to spread your wealth of knowledge to anyone willing to listen. 

When it comes to phrases like “clean” or “natural”, the marketing world has few regulations for when one can or cannot use them. Unfortunately, this creates opportunity for deception. These words are typically used to describe products that are “better for the environment” and therefore, are better for you. But what REALLY are “natural flavorings”? Why do these “clean” products still have harmful synthetic preservatives? How can you see through clever branding and get to the heart of what you are actually using? 

Here are some quick tips to help you identify non-harmful products for your clean home. 

Chemicals of Caution 

Isothiazolinones

May Impact development, endocrine system, reproductive system, and skin irritation  

Fragrances

The phrase fragrances can disguise up to 3.163 undisclosed chemical ingredients and is linked to an uprise in allergies and contact dermatitis. 

Phthalates 

Found in fragrances and are notably tied to health problems such as asthma and respiratory problems.  

SLS & and SLES

Sodium Lauryl Sulfates and Sodium Laureth Sulfates create the SUDS that many have began to associate with clean. But this funny SUDS effect is caused by the same chemicals that are linked to skin and eye irritation, organ toxicity, reproductive toxicity, and neurotoxicity. 

Parabens 

Linked to cancer, endocrine disruption, and reproductive toxicity. Need I say more?

BPA & BPS

BPAs have been a known disrupter of the endocrine system. BPS’ were introduced to replace BPAs but have been shown to have the same exact problems.

Brands I love

Dr. Bronners 

Why I love them

Dr. Bronners is a versatile favorite of mine. It is a common backpackers and explorers go-to because their soap can be used in so many different cleaning ways! Their products have organic integrity and are certified by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, USDA Organic, Fair for Life, NSF, Leaping Bunny, Vegan Action, B Corp, Non-GMO Product and OK Kosher.  

What I use

I like to take Dr. Bronners with me when I travel. Especially if we are staying in an Airbnb, I use their liquid soap to clean dishes. I also will use around the house to wash the dog, the dishes and the floor! It’s extremely versatile and that’s because of it’s clean ingredient list. However, if you struggle with asthma, sensitive skin or allergies, you might want to be cautious of the scented oils (like the lavandula hybrida). 

EWG Guide Results to the Lavander liquid soap

Branch Basics

Why I love them 

Branch Basics is perhaps one of the cleanest cleaning companies around. They ship a concentrate that the consumer mixes with waters when they are ready to get cleaning. This saves on shipping expenses and also allows you to determine how concentrated the cleaner is. All of their products are fragrance-free and possess powerful cleaning agents.    

What I use them for 

Everything! I love the Concentrate and use it for cleaning the bathroom, the kitchen...any and every surface. I have not personally used the laundry products but have heard great things about them as well. 

EWG Guide Results to the Concentrate

Bon Ami

Why I love them

Bon Ami is a powder cleanser that is free of harsh chemicals. It has been around since 1886! Their Powder Cleanser is biodegradable, non-toxic and natural soft-abrasives (feldspar and limestone).  

What I use them for 

I love to use the Powder Cleanser for tough stains, deep stove cleaning and anything that I feel needs a good “soak”. I know this might sound ridiculous, but there is something about a powder cleaner that makes it feel like whatever I am cleaning is getting a deep cleansing. Do you feel the same? This is my favorite product for spring cleaning and deep cleaning alike. 

EWG Guide Results to the Original Powder Cleanser 

If you have specific concerns that you want to know about, I recommend looking the product up on EWG or using the think dirty app. 

DIY Recipes

Some of my favorite ingredients for cleaning at home are 

• White vinegar 
• Liquid Castile soap
• Natural soap
• Baking soda
• Borax
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Lemons
• Essential oils
• Apple cider vinegar 
• Salt

Homemade all-purpose cleaner 

1 teaspoon borax

½ teaspoon washing soda

1 teaspoon liquid Castile soap

Essential oils of choice

Glass spray bottle 

Place borax, washing soda and soap in a bottle. Add 2 cups of warm water. Add essential oils of choice (I like tea tree or lemon!). Cover bottle and shake well!

Use for bathroom, countertops, toys and pre-floor treatments. 

Glass Cleaner

2 cups of water

2 tablespoons white vinegar 

Essential oils of choice 

Combine ingredients in a glass spray bottle and use a microfiber towel to clean windows, mirrors and glass surfaces. 

Toilet Cleaner

2 cups baking soda

⅔ cups citric acid

Essential oils of choice 

In a glass bowl, mix together the baking soda and citric acid. I recommend using latex gloves when interacting with citric acid! Slowly mist the dry powder with water, mixing as you go. 1-3 sprays should be enough -- you don’t want to see fizzing until you add the essential oils! Add essential oils (about 10 drops) and continue mixing. Using a 1 teaspoon measure, scoop out spoonfuls and place on parchment paper until dry. Let the fizzies dry overnight and carefully place in an airtight container. Use one sectioned scoop each time you clean your toilet. Let dissolve fully before flushing.