Are popular cleaning products making you sick?
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. Many of the “effective” cleaners I trusted were filled with chemicals linked to respiratory irritation, skin sensitivity, hormone disruption, and long-term health concerns.
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 chemicals do not simply disappear after you clean. They can linger in the air and settle on surfaces. Some studies have even compared long-term exposure, especially for professional cleaners, to the respiratory impact of smoking over time.
Comparing Popular Cleaning Products to Natural Ones
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.
| Popular All-Purpose Cleaner | Our Non-Toxic 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 | Distilled water, Aloe Vera Extract, Glycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Grapefruit essential oil, Lavender Essential Oil, Cedarwood Essential Oil, Alkyl Polyglucoside, Sodium Carbonate |
| Popular Floor Cleaner | Our Non-Toxic All 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 | Distilled Water, Glycerin, Castile Soap, Coco Glucoside, Tea Tree Essential oil, Lemon Grass Essential oil and Vetiver essential oil |
| Multi-Surface Cleaner | Our Non-Toxic Marble and Granite Cleaner |
| Water, C10-12 alcohol ethoxylates, sodium secondary C13-18 alkyl sulfonate, fragrance, citric acid, colorant, xanthan gum and preservative. Contains fragrance allergen(s). | Distilled water, Vegetable Glycerin, Castile Soap, Sweet Orange essential oil, Rose Geranium essential oil, Vanilla Absolute oil, Propylene Glycol |
How to Choose Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
If you are beginning your journey toward safer cleaning, here are a few simple things to look for:
- Clear, transparent ingredient lists
- No synthetic fragrance or undisclosed “parfum”
- Plant-based, biodegradable ingredients
- pH-balanced formulas for delicate surfaces
- Products designed for both effectiveness and safety
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 turn the bottle around and you don’t like what you see, don’t settle. You deserve to feel good in a home that looks good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cleaning products bad for your health?
Some conventional cleaning products can negatively affect your health, especially with frequent exposure. Ingredients like ammonia, synthetic fragrances, and certain surfactants have been linked to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and hormone disruption.
What are the most toxic ingredients in household cleaners?
Common harmful ingredients include ammonia, phthalates (often hidden in fragrance), sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, and solvents like 2-hexoxyethanol.
What are the safest cleaning products for families?
The safest options are non-toxic, plant-based cleaners with transparent ingredient lists and no synthetic fragrances. Products like Cleaning Mama’s All Purpose Cleaner and All Floor Cleaner are designed with both safety and performance in mind.
Do natural cleaning products actually work?
Yes, high-quality natural cleaners can be just as effective as conventional ones. Plant-based surfactants and essential oils can break down grease, lift dirt, and leave surfaces clean without chemical residue.
How can I reduce toxins in my home cleaning routine?
Start by replacing one product at a time with a safer alternative. Focus on high-use items like all-purpose sprays and floor cleaners, and look for formulas that are free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.