Cleaning your home typically requires a few different products. You might use something in your kitchen than you would not use in your bathroom. Many of these products are designed to kill harmful bacteria and germs that could get you and your family sick. While cleaning is a necessity, using products that contain harmful chemicals is not. There are a number of toxins that may be lurking in your store-bought cleaning products.

Triclosan

Triclosan is a chemical that is commonly found in dishwashing detergents and antibacterial hand soaps. Triclosan has the potential to disrupt endocrine function because of its carcinogenic properties. There was a lawsuit against Colgate Palmolive for misleading consumers about Triclosan. This ingredient is something you can and should do without. There are natural ingredients that do the same job.

Phthalates

Phthalates are frequently found in dish soaps, air fresheners, and soaps. They function to add to the durability and longevity of a product. If a company makes an air freshener and wants it to last in the air longer, this is where phthalates come into play. They can be extremely harmful to the body, causing organ toxicity and breathing problems.

Perchloroethylene (Perc)

This is a chemical that is used in a number of dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and upholstery cleaners. While it can provide you with clean and crisp clothing, it can also cause a number of health issues, including dizziness and loss of coordination. It’s a very strong chemical because it is designed to provide a powerful cleaning ability.

Ammonia

Ammonia is used as a stand-alone cleaner that can be diluted with water. It can also be found within other store-bought cleaning products. It’s a strong disinfectant that is frequently used in toilet, floor and tub cleaners. People who have lung issues will frequently experience health issues when they are using ammonia or are around this substance. It is used as a very strong disinfectant, but it can cause eye irritation, lung irritation, organ toxicity, headaches, dizziness and much more.

If you are looking for effective cleaning products that you can use in your home, consider using something that is free of harmful chemicals. There are natural and green alternatives that will do just as good of a job getting things clean. You can even make your own products using white vinegar and essential oils. A little bit of research can help you determine what the best product is for your home and family.