Choosing non-toxic, natural cleaning products can significantly improve the health and safety of your home. However, with so many options on the market, it can be challenging to know which products are truly non-toxic and effective. Actually, not every “natural cleaning product” is really all that natural. Here’s how to make sure you’re choosing the best products for your home and family.
Look for certified products with a good reputation.
A good starting point is to look for products certified by reputable organizations such as Green Seal, EcoLogo, and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). These organizations have strict standards for what constitutes a non-toxic cleaning product. Choosing certified products ensures that you’re using safe and effective cleaners. Also, before choosing a non-toxic cleaning product, do some research and read reviews from other users. Look for products that have a good reputation for being safe and effective, and avoid products that have a lot of negative feedback.
Verify with an app.
While our products at Lemon Fresh Cleaners are certified non-toxic, not all “natural” products live up to their claims. Use an app like EWG’s Healthy Living or Think Dirty to scan products and get detailed information on their ingredients and safety ratings. This helps ensure you’re truly using safe and effective cleaners.
Look for ingredients you know and can pronounce.
Opt for products made from natural, plant-based ingredients and avoid those containing potentially harmful chemicals like chlorine, ammonia, and synthetic fragrances. We love to see simple, understandable ingredients like citric acid, water, and essential oils. If you can pronounce it and recognize it, that’s usually a good sign.
Choose Products for Specific Cleaning Tasks
Different cleaning tasks require different types of cleaning products. For example, you may need a different product to clean a greasy stovetop than you would use to clean a toilet. Choose products specifically designed for the tasks you need to do and make sure they are non-toxic and effective.
We buy OTC.
To be honest, we buy over-the-counter products because we’re good cleaners but not very good chemists. We trust the experts who formulate these products to ensure they are safe, effective, and easy to use. In your own home, you can experiment with DIY recipes if you enjoy the process, but always prioritize safety and effectiveness.
Don’t stress about it. Water cleans.
We can geek out all day about the different pH levels, why certain products blast mineral build up away while others won’t touch it. However, something we stress in our training is that plain ol’ tap water is an effective cleaner. When you don’t have the right product on hand or are worried about damaging something, it’s okay to just use water! After all, our fancy products and tools are just that, tools. They make our job easier but aren’t required to get it done. (Unless you need to disinfect, though our commercial steamers do that without product, too!)
At Lemon Fresh Cleaners, we’re committed to using the best products to make your home sparkle. Whether you go the DIY route or opt for trusted store-bought options, remember that great cleaning products truly make all the difference. By following these tips, you can choose non-toxic cleaning products that are safe and effective for your home.
