Last edited 2024-09-24 (In progress)
Finding safe products for my healthy home services means research and field-testing.
The goal: find the least-toxic and most cost-effective products that work, involving the least waste.
I continually reevaluate my specs, and the products I use. Ready to change course as I learn more, and as more options become available. Always a moving target!
Some key elements I look for are the following.
Complete ingredient lists
These are not legally required for cleaning products. But are becoming more important to informed consumers.
Look for complete ingredient lists. Complete lists use specific chemical names, vs generic words like “surfactant” or “preservative”.
Least-toxic
When I say least-toxic, I mean that accidental exposure is least likely to cause human health effects, in the short or long term.
From Day One, I’ve strived to use the least-toxic cleaners that work. Not only for my own health and safety. But for my customers and their loved ones too. And to reduce sources of air and water pollution.
Acute (immediate) health effects
I steer clear of products with hazard signals like “DANGER” or “POISON” on the label. Such signals are legally required on products that can cause immediate and severe health effects.
That said, I sometimes disinfect with 3% hydrogen peroxide. Peroxide can be very irritating to the skin and respiratory tract. And you don’t want to swallow it. But it’s less of a respiratory hazard than some conventional disinfectants.
Long-term health effects
These can include organ damage, cancer, or endocrine disruption.
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are on my no list. Products that contain EDCs include some brands among the following.
- Antibacterial products containing triclosan or triclocarban.
- Synthetic fragrances. Please note: I use essential oils, except when a customer requests otherwise.
- Pesticides.
- Toxic disinfectants (disinfectants are pesticides!)
- And most detergents.
Please note: Borax contains two EDCs, according to Environmental Working Group. I’ve occasionally used borax for disinfecting, after cleaning up small areas of mold. But will now look into safer alternatives.
Free of synthetic fragrances
I’m not sensitive to fragrance. But many others are, especially those with environmental allergies or asthma.
I generally avoid synthetic fragrances in my work. Also in my personal life— meaning my laundry, personal care products, etc.
I do use essential oils, when they happen to be in the products I buy. Mostly almond or peppermint. But essential oils are completely optional in my services. Just ask!
Mostly plant-based
For routine wet cleaning, plant-based products are generally an easy choice. From day one of my healthy home services, they’re what’s worked. Naturally-occuring minerals, too— e.g., baking soda and washing soda.
Organically-grown ingredients are not yet easy to find yet, at least in commercial formulas. Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap and Green Shield Organic Laundry Detergent are two exceptions. I use both regularly, though looking for similar products with less plastic.
And good old vinegar. Namely, Spectrum Organic White Distilled Vinegar.
Fair Trade when possible
Certified Fair Trade brands aren’t easy to find either. But Dr. Bronner’s Pure Castile Soap is one exception. A great multi-surface cleaner, except for the worst-case grease.
Cruelty-free
All the products I use are free of animal testing. The commercially formulated products are certified by the Leaping Bunny, PETA, or both. If you can have a safe product without cruelty, why go any other way?
Field-testing least-toxic cleaners
Check out some products I field-tested onsite in my healthy home services. I’ve long specialized in environmental allergies and asthma, but these products passed muster with non-suffering skeptics too.