Non-Toxic Home Products Could Change Your Health: Here’s Why…

Mar 13

Ever feel a headache coming on as soon as you step into the cleaning aisle? You're not alone—it’s a common issue, and it’s not your fault. The cleaning product industry has let us down by offering solutions that may clean our homes but come with hidden risks, like hormone imbalances, liver damage, and even infertility. We understand how daunting it can be to purge yet another part of your life, but here’s the good news: You don’t have to choose between a spotless home and a safe environment for you and your loved ones. With the right products, you can have both!

Why Are Conventional Cleaning Products So Bad?

A study published in the *American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine* found that women who used conventional cleaning products at home or work experienced accelerated lung function decline and increased asthmatic symptoms. Household products like laundry detergents, kitchen cleaners, and bathroom disinfectants play a significant role in our health. These products come into constant contact with our skin, allowing chemicals to be absorbed into our bodies. In addition, we inhale fumes during and after use, which can travel to our brain. Many popular cleaning brands contain neurotoxins that disrupt our immune system's natural processes. It's important to understand that the immune system does more than just protect us from colds or the flu; it plays a critical role in preventing cancer, autoimmune diseases, and chronic wounds. The more neurotoxins we are exposed to, the more stress is placed on our nervous system. This can lead to a range of issues, including sensory problems, cognitive impairment, tremors, and irregular heartbeats. Neurotoxins can interfere with many vital functions of the body, but by consciously avoiding them, we can regain control of our health.

What Do I Need to Get Rid Of?

EWG’s Healthy Living App will be your best friend for all non-toxic recommendations. You can also search any product you own or want to buy for ratings to see if EWG considers it to be a safe option.

Here is a list of ingredients to remove from your household. If you see any of your current cleaning products contain these it is best to replace them with safer options we will address in the next section:

Formaldehyde
Ethyl Benzene
Chlorine
Benzene
Butyl Cellosolve
Ammonia
Petroleum Distillates
Fragrance
Dichlorobenzene
Dipalmethyl Hydroxyethylammoinum Methosulfate
Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QUATS)
Perchloroethylene
Sodium Hydroxide or Lye
Bleach
Dye
2-Butoxyethanol
Propylparaben
Butylparaben
Methylparaben
Triclosan
P-dichlorobenzene
Formaldehyde

What Do I Use Instead?

For your convenience, we have created a cleaning guide with non-toxic swaps to make your transition easy and effective. All products listed below are completely non-toxic and safe for the whole family.

Laundry:

Detergent: Branch Basics Laundry Detergent (available at Simply)

For white loads, add Branch Basics Oxygen Boost (available at Simply)

Stain Remover: Rowe Casa Stain Remover (available at Simply)

Fabric Softener: Add ¼ cup white vinegar to the fabric softener tray

Dryer Sheets: Wool dryer balls

Add several drops of your favorite essential oil on the dryer ball if you miss that fresh scent!

Kitchen:

Dish Soap: Branch Basics foaming wash (Made from Branch Basics Concentrate available at Simply)

Find dilution instructions and much more in the Branch Basics Guide found here.

Kitchen Counter Spray: Branch Basics all-purpose cleaner (Made from Branch Basics concentrate

Dishwasher Liquid & Tablets: Branch Basics concentrate or Molly’s Suds dishwasher pods

Pots, Pans & Stainless Steel Sinks: Oxygen Boost and Branch Basics all-purpose spray

Disposals & Drains: Pour ½ cup baking soda down your drain and follow with ½ cup vinegar. Immediately cover the drain with a cloth or plug and allow it to sit for 30 minutes. Finish by pouring boiling water down the drain. For extra odorous garbage disposals, drop half a lemon in the disposal and grind before flushing with boiling water.

Produce Wash: Spray produce with branch basics all-purpose spray and allow to sit for 30 seconds, followed by a rinse. You can also fill your sink with water, ⅛ cup baking soda and 1 tsp branch basics concentrate, soak for 10 minutes, and then rinse.

Hand Soap: Everyone Hand Soap (available at Natural Grocers)

Bathroom:

Tub & Tile: Branch Basics Oxygen Boost and Branch Basics Concentrate

Mirrors: Branch Basics Streak Free Cleaner

Toilet: ECOS Toilet Cleaner (available at Market Street)

Disinfectant: Fill a spray bottle with half hydrogen peroxide and half water. Allow to sit for a couple of minutes and wipe off.

The Aftermath

It is important to note that removing the source of toxins is the first step, but it may not undo the damage it contributed to or caused. Implementing equal change in nutrition, movement, supplementation, etc. are the next steps to ensure your body has what it needs to repair itself. However, by removing toxins from your lifestyle you are significantly lowering your risk of developing further complications. This is also going to play a crucial role in your children's health and development.

EWG is a wonderful resource to use when in doubt about what products/ingredients are safe. You can find a link to their website here and their app here.

Incorporating non-toxic home products into your daily life is more than just a trend—it’s a powerful step toward protecting your health and the well-being of your family. It’s time to take control of what you bring into your space, prioritize your health, and create an environment that nurtures both your body and mind. The good news is that you don’t have to sacrifice safety for cleanliness. With the right choices, you can have both—and feel better for it.