What’s in my Cleaning Products?

If you’re like most people, you probably take pride in having a clean and tidy home and have an arsenal of products you use to keep it that way. But have you ever considered what exactly is in cleaning products? You may be a bit concerned to find out that a lot of products are packed full of chemicals that are harmful to your home and family.

Phthalates

You know all those cleaning products that you love using because they smell like lavender or an island breeze? They’re probably chocked full of phthalates that can have serious health effects on men’s hormone systems. Rather than choose fragranced cleaning products, opt for fragrance-free or ones that only use natural, essential oils to create their scents.

Triclosan

This is a chemical found, more often than not, in many soaps labeled as “anti-bacterial.” Not only do antimicrobials not do much to keep you healthier, but the more you use those products over time, the more chance you have of building up a tolerance to antibiotics that you actually do need to stay healthy. Try not to use “anti-bacterial” products to avoid these risks.

2-Butoxyethanol

This long-named chemical is found in most window and multipurpose cleaners, but boy, does it have a lot of negative health effects. From sore throats to liver and kidney damage to narcosis, this chemical can do some real damage to you and your family’s health. Instead of using products with this ingredient, using natural products, such as vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Chlorine

This isn’t just a chemical found in swimming pools. Chlorine is also present in a lot of laundry whiteners, scouring powders, and toilet bowl cleaners. Since chlorine can irritate your respiratory system, use baking soda instead of scouring powder and chlorine-free oxygen powder to get your clothes white.

Breathe cleaner, fresher, and healthier air with the help of our Lancaster indoor air quality experts at Lancaster Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We can provide your home with comprehensive indoor air quality testing and recommend effective solutions based on our findings.