Non-Toxic Cleaning Guide
Clean your home effectively without harmful chemicals that poison your air and surfaces
Toxic Cleaning Ingredients
Common household cleaners contain harmful chemicals that accumulate in your body and home
Ammonia
Found in: Glass cleaners, floor polishers
Respiratory irritation, asthma triggers, burns
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
Found in: Disinfectants, toilet cleaners, mold removers
Respiratory damage, skin burns, toxic gas when mixed
Phthalates
Found in: Fragranced products, air fresheners
Hormone disruption, reproductive issues
Triclosan
Found in: Antibacterial soaps, hand sanitizers
Antibiotic resistance, hormone disruption
2-Butoxyethanol
Found in: Window cleaners, kitchen cleaners
Sore throat, narcosis, liver/kidney damage
Quaternary Ammonium (Quats)
Found in: Disinfectant wipes, fabric softeners
Skin irritation, asthma, reproductive toxicity
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye)
Found in: Oven cleaners, drain openers
Severe burns, permanent eye damage
Chlorine
Found in: Scouring powders, toilet cleaners
Thyroid disruption, respiratory issues
Did You Know? Indoor air can be 2-5 times more polluted than outdoor air, largely due to cleaning products. Children and pets are especially vulnerable as they spend more time close to floors and surfaces.
DIY Natural Cleaning Recipes
Simple, effective recipes using safe, natural ingredients
All-Purpose Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 1 cup water
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Best For:
Countertops, sinks, appliances
Instructions:
Mix in spray bottle. Spray and wipe. Safe for most surfaces.
Glass Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp liquid castile soap
Best For:
Windows, mirrors, glass surfaces
Instructions:
Combine in spray bottle. Spray, wipe with microfiber cloth.
Disinfectant Spray
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup vodka or rubbing alcohol
- 20 drops tea tree oil
Best For:
Bathrooms, doorknobs, cutting boards
Instructions:
Mix in spray bottle. Let sit 5-10 minutes, then wipe.
Scouring Powder
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup salt
- 15 drops eucalyptus oil
Best For:
Tubs, sinks, tough stains
Instructions:
Mix in jar. Sprinkle on surface, scrub with damp sponge.
Floor Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 gallon hot water
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops peppermint oil
Best For:
Hardwood, tile, laminate floors
Instructions:
Mix in bucket. Mop as usual. No rinsing needed.
Toilet Bowl Cleaner
Ingredients:
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops tea tree oil
Best For:
Toilet bowls
Instructions:
Pour baking soda in bowl. Add vinegar. Let fizz 15 min. Scrub.
Essential Natural Cleaning Supplies
Basic Ingredients
- • White vinegar
- • Baking soda
- • Castile soap
- • Essential oils
- • Hydrogen peroxide
Tools
- • Microfiber cloths
- • Glass spray bottles
- • Natural bristle brush
- • Reusable scrub pads
- • Spray trigger heads
Optional Additions
- • Vodka (disinfectant)
- • Borax (laundry)
- • Washing soda
- • Lemon juice
- • Olive oil (polish)
Recommended Safe Brands
If you prefer ready-made products, these brands meet our toxin-free standards
Branch Basics
Plant-based concentrate, no fragrances
Seventh Generation
EPA Safer Choice certified, transparent ingredients
Dr. Bronner's
Pure castile soap, organic, versatile
Better Life
Plant-derived, cruelty-free, effective
ECOS
Carbon neutral, hypoallergenic formulas
Aunt Fannie's
Food-based ingredients, vinegar-powered
How to Identify Safe Products:
✓ Look For:
- • EPA Safer Choice certification
- • Full ingredient disclosure
- • Plant-based formulas
- • No synthetic fragrances
- • Biodegradable ingredients
✗ Avoid:
- • "Proprietary blend" or hidden ingredients
- • "Warning" or "Caution" labels
- • "Fragrance" in ingredients
- • Antibacterial claims (unless natural)
- • Aerosol sprays