Most people use cleaning products every day, on kitchen counters, in the bathroom, to mop floors, or clean windows. But have you ever looked at the labels? Some of the ingredients in traditional cleaners are hard to pronounce, and even harder to understand.
Here’s the truth:
Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that may:
- Harm your health
- Cause breathing or skin problems
- Pollute the air inside your home
- Damage the environment
At EcoTouch Cleaners, we use only eco-friendly, non-toxic products. Why? Because we care about your health, your family, and the planet.
In this post, you’ll learn about 5 harmful chemicals commonly found in traditional cleaning products and what safer, greener options you can use instead.
1. Ammonia
What It Is:
Ammonia is a strong-smelling chemical often used in glass and window cleaners. It gives that shiny, streak-free finish on mirrors and surfaces.
Where You’ll Find It:
- Glass cleaners
- Bathroom sprays
- Floor polishes
- Some multi-surface cleaners
Why It’s Harmful:
- Can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat
- Causes breathing problems, especially for people with asthma
- Burns skin if touched in high amounts
- Dangerous when mixed with bleach, it creates toxic gas
Safer Alternative: White Vinegar + Water
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. It:
- Cleans glass and mirrors perfectly
- Cuts through grease and soap scum
- Doesn’t harm your health
- Is safe for kids and pets
Pro Tip: Add a few drops of essential oil (like lemon or lavender) to reduce the vinegar smell.
2. Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite)
What It Is:
Bleach is a powerful disinfectant that kills germs. It’s often used in bathrooms and kitchens to whiten surfaces or remove mold.
Where You’ll Find It:
- Toilet cleaners
- Tile cleaners
- Mold and mildew removers
- Laundry whiteners
Why It’s Harmful:
- Strong fumes can burn your nose and lungs
- Can cause headaches, dizziness, or nausea
- Harsh on skin, causing rashes or burns
- Dangerous when mixed with ammonia (produces toxic gas)
Safer Alternative: Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a safe, natural disinfectant that:
- Kills bacteria and viruses
- Works on surfaces and even laundry
- Doesn’t produce harmful fumes
- Breaks down into water and oxygen (eco-friendly)
How to Use: Spray 3% hydrogen peroxide directly on surfaces, wait a few minutes, then wipe clean.
3. Phthalates
What They Are:
Phthalates (pronounced thal-ates) are chemicals used to make smells last longer. You’ll find them in air fresheners, scented sprays, and even some soaps.
Where You’ll Find Them:
- Scented cleaning sprays
- Fabric softeners
- Air fresheners and candles
- Dishwashing liquids
Why They’re Harmful:
- Can disrupt hormones, especially in children
- Linked to asthma, allergies, and even reproductive problems
- Usually not listed on labels, hidden under “fragrance”
Safer Alternative: Essential Oils or Baking Soda
Instead of strong artificial scents, use:
- Essential oils like lavender, tea tree, or eucalyptus for a clean, natural smell
- Baking soda to absorb odors in kitchens and bathrooms
- Open windows regularly to keep fresh air flowing
Pro Tip: Make your own air freshener: Mix water, a few drops of essential oil, and a splash of vinegar in a spray bottle.
4. Triclosan
What It Is:
Triclosan is a chemical used to kill bacteria. It’s commonly found in antibacterial soaps, sprays, and some dishwashing liquids.
Where You’ll Find It:
- Antibacterial hand soaps
- Kitchen sprays
- Toothpaste (some brands)
- Dishwashing liquid
Why It’s Harmful:
- Can damage the immune system
- May lead to antibiotic resistance
- Harmful to aquatic life when it washes down the drain
- Banned in many countries for household use
Safer Alternative: Castile Soap or Natural Liquid Soap
Look for unscented or naturally scented soaps that are:
- Free from triclosan or synthetic antibacterials
- Made from plant-based oils like olive or coconut
- Gentle on hands and surfaces
- Safe for the environment
Tip: Brands like Dr. Bronner’s and Bio-D offer great options in eco stores and online.
5. 2-Butoxyethanol
What It Is:
This is a powerful solvent that helps break down grease. It’s found in many multipurpose and window cleaners.
Where You’ll Find It:
- Kitchen degreasers
- All-purpose sprays
- Glass and window cleaners
- Floor cleaners
Why It’s Harmful:
- Can cause eye and skin irritation
- May lead to headaches, sore throat, or nausea when inhaled
- Over time, may affect kidneys and liver (in large amounts)
Safer Alternative: Lemon Juice + Baking Soda or Castile Soap
To clean greasy kitchen surfaces:
- Mix baking soda with lemon juice into a paste
- Scrub, let it sit, then wipe clean
- For general surfaces, use diluted castile soap with water
Bonus Tip: Microfiber cloths do a great job on windows without any cleaner at all!
Summary Table: Quick Guide
| Harmful Chemical | Found In | Safer Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Ammonia | Glass/floor cleaners | Vinegar + water |
| Bleach | Toilet, tile, mold sprays | Hydrogen peroxide |
| Phthalates | Air fresheners, scented cleaners | Essential oils, baking soda |
| Triclosan | Antibacterial soap | Castile or plant-based soap |
| 2-Butoxyethanol | Degreasers, glass cleaners | Lemon + baking soda or castile soap |
Why Eco-Friendly Alternatives Matter
Switching to green cleaning isn’t just about avoiding chemicals, it’s about:
- Creating a safer home for children and pets
- Supporting better health for your family
- Reducing pollution and harm to nature
- Making your air cleaner to breathe
At EcoTouch Cleaners, we’ve made eco-cleaning part of our mission. We don’t just clean, we protect your home and health.
Why Choose EcoTouch Cleaners in Derby?
✅ We only use eco-friendly, non-toxic products
✅ Safe for pets, babies, and people with allergies
✅ Trusted by homeowners, tenants, landlords, and businesses
✅ Our staff are trained, friendly, and reliable
✅ We offer end-of-tenancy, home, office, and Airbnb cleaning
We don’t cut corners, we clean them. Safely.
Real Client Testimonials
“I have asthma and always avoided cleaners because of the smell. EcoTouch came in and used natural products—no strong smells and everything looked perfect.”
— Olivia, Derby
“We have kids and pets, so chemical-free cleaning was important. EcoTouch was the only team we found that really delivered on that.”
— Tom, Airbnb Host
“Other companies used bleach and left the house smelling bad. EcoTouch cleaned with natural products and it felt fresh, not fake.”
— Maria, Homeowner
Simple DIY Green Cleaning Recipes
Want to try green cleaning yourself between professional visits?
All-Purpose Cleaner
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 10 drops lemon essential oil
Mix in a spray bottle for use on counters, tables, and tiles.
Natural Scrub
- 3 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon water or lemon juice
Great for sinks, tubs, and stubborn stains.
Glass Cleaner
- 2 cups water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Few drops of peppermint or lavender oil
Use with microfiber cloth for streak-free windows.
Final Thoughts: A Cleaner Home Starts with Safer Products
You don’t need toxic chemicals to have a clean home. There are safe, effective alternatives that protect your health and the planet.
Whether you’re doing a deep clean, moving out, or just want regular house cleaning, choose a service that puts safety first.
Choose EcoTouch Cleaners, Derby’s trusted name in eco-cleaning.