10 Reasons to Switch to All-Natural Cleaning Supplies

Switching to all-natural cleaning supplies can be an excellent way to dip your toes into the world of eco-friendly products, as they are becoming more and more accessible, affordable, and effective.

With reasons including reduced chemical exposure, lessened environmental impact, health benefits, and overall peace of mind for your family and pets, natural cleaning products are an all-around win.

1. Reduced Chemical Exposure

Conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can contribute to respiratory issues, skin irritations, and even cancer in some cases. 

Some of the chemicals in cleaning products known to cause harm to human health include ammonia, chlorine bleach, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), phthalates, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, formaldehyde, 2-butoxyethanol, 1,4-dioxane, quaternary ammonium compounds (Quats), petroleum, PERC, lye, fragrances, NPEs, and ethanolamines. 

These are found in a wide array of cleaning products, including dish soap, laundry detergent, oven cleaner, floor cleaner, glass cleaner, air fresheners, toilet bowl cleaner, tile cleaner, all-purpose cleaner, and much more. 

When you switch to cleaning products with all-natural ingredients, you are reducing your exposure to these potentially hazardous chemicals.

2. Fewer Allergies and Breathing Concerns

Numerous cleaning chemicals can irritate the respiratory tract, cause breathing problems, and exacerbate conditions like asthma. 

Chemicals that negatively affect respiratory health include ammonia, chlorine or chlorine bleach (sodium hypochlorite), VOCs, synthetic fragrances, lye, and formaldehyde.¹ VOCs and aerosol cleaners are known to degrade indoor air quality, taking hours or days to dissipate. 

Other conventional cleaning products can cause allergic reactions or irritate skin or the mucus membranes of the eyes. Natural cleaning supplies usually avoid synthetic fragrances and dyes, which are common allergens.

3. Better for Your Hormones

Many conventional cleaning products contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with normal hormone production, especially estrogen, testosterone, and thyroid hormones. This can lead to reproductive and developmental issues, including infertility and miscarriages.²

The main chemicals in cleaning products that are known to act as endocrine-disrupting agents include phthalates, synthetic fragrances, nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs), triclosan, and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

4. Better for the Environment

Conventional cleaning chemicals harm the environment in many ways, including polluting the air, contaminating water supplies and natural bodies of water, harming animals, and contributing to climate change. 

Detergents, toilet cleaners, and other cleaning products are rinsed down household drains while cleaning, which can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans if the municipal water treatment facilities aren’t able to entirely remove the chemicals from the water. 

When cleaning outdoors (like washing the car or cleaning in the backyard), chemicals can wash down into storm drains, where they flow directly into rivers, lakes, or oceans and contaminate these natural bodies of water. 

Cleaning chemicals also cause air pollution (especially VOCs and aerosols) and degrade soil quality. 

Conversely, natural cleaning supplies are typically made from biodegradable ingredients that can break down naturally, reducing pollution in waterways and minimizing ecological footprint.

5. Better for Marine Life and Wildlife

Through direct exposure to numerous chemicals, habitat contamination, or the disruption of ecosystems from water or air pollution, plants and animals can be harmed by conventional cleaning products.

Aquatic and marine life is particularly impacted, as conventional cleaners contain phosphates, chlorine, and other harmful chemicals that can end up in waterways, harming aquatic life. 

Some chemicals can bioaccumulate in animals, leading to health issues or even death. This is especially true for larger or predatory species that continually consume smaller animals with these chemicals, leading to buildup in their larger bodies over time. 

Plants are also impacted when cleaning products are disposed of on the ground, where the chemicals can leach into the soil and affect plant life. Harsh chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and synthetic surfactants can also alter soil chemistry, making it more difficult for plants to absorb nutrients.

Conversely, non-toxic cleaning products do not use harmful chemicals that end up harming wildlife. 

6. Reduced Plastic Waste

Although it’s not always true, non-toxic cleaning brands tend to also use more sustainable and eco-friendly materials and packaging. The use of recyclable or biodegradable materials can help to reduce plastic waste that accumulates in landfills. 

Plus, many green cleaners come in reusable bottles, further reducing plastic waste.

7. Can Be More Cost-Effective

Some eco-friendly cleaning products can be more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but that’s not always the case.

In the long run, spending a bit more on non-toxic cleaning supplies can save you money, especially if you invest in concentrated natural products that you dilute yourself at home. 

Plus, non-toxic cleaners are much less harsh than most conventional cleaners, which can wear down or damage certain household surfaces over time, especially wood, stone, or delicate fabrics. Natural cleaners are typically gentler, helping to preserve your household items and furniture and save you money. 

If you switch to homemade natural cleaning products, you will certainly save money. You can make most of your household cleaning supplies with simple ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, essential oils, and baking soda.

8. Multi-Use Capabilities

Instead of purchasing a separate spray bottle for your mirror, kitchen counter, bathroom sink, tile, oven, and so on, many eco-friendly cleaning products are more “all in one.” 

While sometimes you need a cleaner that is a bit more specialized, for the most part, a single natural cleaning product can be used for multiple purposes around the home. 

Many natural cleaning brands give you a large concentrated product that you can dilute in various ways to create different types of cleaning products. 

9. Safer for Children and Pets

Many conventional cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can be incredibly dangerous for children and pets. Green cleaning products are generally made with non-toxic ingredients, so you don’t have to worry as much about children or pets coming into contact with them. 

Plus, cleaning products carry warnings due to the risk of mixing chemicals (like bleach and ammonia) because they release toxic fumes. With natural cleaners, you don’t have to worry as much about dangerous chemical interactions with little ones around. 

10. Often Supports Smaller Businesses

Many all-natural or green cleaning products are produced by small businesses or local manufacturers, supporting the local economy and often promoting more ethical production practices.

Plus, shopping for local green cleaning brands can also support the environment further by reducing your carbon footprint of transporting mass-produced products across the globe.

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