Are popular cleaning products secretly hurting your health?

Do you know what is in your cleaning products? No? That’s okay. Most people don’t think to look at ingredient lists, and those who do are met with vague descriptions like “cleaning agent,” as if James Bond is hiding in the bottle waiting to take down germs.

Unfortunately, major brands don’t make it easy to educate yourself about what you’re using in your home. That’s because if you knew what was really in there, you would think twice before spraying it all over your kitchen or bathroom.

My Wake Up Call

I used to believe that a clean home was a healthy home, but after I began working as a professional cleaner, I realized that was not the case. I started noticing changes in my well-being; I was tired, always seemed to have a headache, and my mood was permanently off balance.

When I looked closer at the products I was using, it suddenly made sense — and I was horrified. The ones I relied on for their effectiveness were full of chemicals that have been scientifically proven to have long-term health effects, from respiratory issues and skin irritation to hormone disruption and even cancer.

And I was being exposed to them all day, every day. I was using them in my home, where my children play. I was using them in the homes of my clients who trusted me to provide them with cleaning services that would improve their lives, not jeopardize them.

So, what’s really in traditional cleaners?

Without naming names, let’s take a look at some of the most popular household cleaning products and the toxins they contain. The ingredient lists below come directly from the manufacturers.

  • Multi-Surface Cleaner: Water, C10-12 alcohol ethoxylates, sodium secondary C13-18 alkyl sulfonate, fragrance, citric acid, colorant, xanthan gum and preservative. Contains fragrance allergen(s).
  • Floor Cleaner: Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate, Fragrance, C9-11 Alketh-8, Deceth-8, Sodium C10-16 Alketh Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Citric Acid, Colorants
  • All-Purpose Cleaner: Alkyl (67% C12, 25% C14, 7% C16, 1% C8-C10-C18) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, Alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C16) dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, Water, Phenoxyisopropanol, Lauramine Oxide, Ethanolamine (Ethanol, 2-Amino-), Fragrance, Trisodium Dicarboxymethyl Alaninate, Acid Yellow 23, Colorant

Not all of those ingredients are dangerous, but the ones that are pack a mean punch. For example:

  • 2-Hexoxyethanol: Solvent and surfactant. Effective at dissolving grease but linked to respiratory irritation and potential nervous system effects with prolonged exposure.
  • Isopropanolamine: pH adjuster and solvent; can irritate skin and eyes.
  • Ammonium Hydroxide (ammonia): Strong cleaner for glass, but can cause respiratory irritation, burns, and worsen asthma.
  • Sodium Dodecylbenzenesulfonate: Anionic surfactant, common in detergents; can be irritating and toxic to aquatic life.
  • Synthetic fragrances: Frequently listed simply as “fragrance” on labels, these often contain phthalates, which are hormone disruptors linked to endocrine system interference. They also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution and respiratory problems.

These hidden toxins don’t just vanish after use; they linger in your home’s air and surfaces, quietly impacting your family’s health. Some research has likened the long-term exposure to cleaning chemicals, especially in occupational settings, to smoking a pack of cigarettes daily for years.

What is in Cleaning Mama’s natural products?

Our ingredient lists look quite different. No synthetic fragrances, harsh chemical compounds, or formulas that are harmful to the planet. 

  • Cleaning Mama’s Marble and Granite Cleaner: Distilled water, Vegetable Glycerin, Castile Soap, Sweet Orange essential oil, Rose Geranium essential oil, Vanilla Absolute oil, Propylene Glycol
  • Cleaning Mama’s All Purpose Cleaner: Distilled water, Aloe Vera Extract, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Grapefruit essential oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Cedarwood Essential Oil, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Carbonate
  • Cleaning Mama’s All Floor Cleaner: Distilled Water, Glycerin, Castile Soap, Coco Glucoside, Tea Tree Essential oil, Lemon Grass Essential oil and Vetiver essential oil

Cleaning Mama’s products are plant-based, biodegradable, gentle and effective. My non-toxic formulas also minimize environmental pollution by avoiding persistent substances that harm water and air quality. And yes, they do work just as well as traditional products, only without the toxins. Read more about that here.

Which would you rather use in your home?

Next time you restock on your cleaning products, I encourage you to take a look at what they contain. If you see any of the hazardous chemicals I mentioned, consider putting the bottle back on the shelf and trying a safe, natural alternative instead. Your home, your health, and your family will thank you.