Why Non-Toxic Household Cleaners Matter
Let’s talk toxins.
Not in a doomsday, dig-a-bunker kind of way—but in a “hey, this lavender-scented spray might be doing more harm than good” kind of way.
Because your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a science experiment with invisible side effects.
Science Says: Cleaners Can Be Dirtier Than They Look
A 2020 study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal followed over 2,000 infants in the CHILD Cohort Study. Researchers found that frequent use of household cleaning products increased the risk of childhood wheezing and asthma.
(PMID: 32071106)
Why? Young children spend 80–90% of their time indoors. Their lungs are still developing, and they live close to the floor—where everything we spray, mop, and wipe eventually settles.
VOCs: What You Can’t See Can Hurt You
Many conventional cleaning products release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and SVOCs (semi-volatile organic compounds). These are gases that linger in the air, stick to surfaces, and make themselves at home in your body without so much as a warning label.
A 2018 study in Science found that household products like cleaners and perfumes now rival car exhaust in contributing to urban air pollution.
(PMID: 29449485)
A 2015 review of 37 everyday cleaning and personal care products found 156 VOCs, with 42 of them classified as toxic or hazardous under U.S. law.
(DOI: 10.1007/s11869-015-0327-6)
A Spotless House, But at What Cost?
Now, here’s a headline that grabbed attention:
“Houseproud women with spotless bathrooms could be twice as likely to get breast cancer,” reported The Sun.
Yikes.
This came from a 2010 study exploring whether cleaning product use was associated with increased breast cancer risk. And yes—it found a potential link. But it came with a big caveat: recall bias.
The study noted that the connection was only seen in women who already believed chemicals and pollutants could cause cancer. Which raises the question: were they more likely to remember and report cleaning product use because they were more aware of the risk?
So—was it a real risk? Or a case of hindsight 20/20?
The takeaway: more prospective studies are needed before we declare that cleaning your bathroom = breast cancer. But the fact that this kind of study exists—and raised legitimate concerns—is reason enough to pause, read those labels, and consider alternatives.
(Source: Nursing Times – Household Cleaners and Cancer Risk)
But Don’t Panic—Just Pivot
This isn’t about fear. It’s about informed choices. And the good news is—you’ve got options that don’t involve sacrificing your health for a sparkling toilet.
Some of my fave truly non-toxic brands:
Essentially Om – Coming soon! Our own line of cleaning concentrates made with ingredients you can pronounce—and feel good about.
Branch Basics – Safe enough for babies, strong enough for grime.
Molly’s Suds – Especially great for laundry and sensitive skin.
Aunt Fannie’s – Vinegar-based, microbiome-friendly, and not overpowering.
What You Can Do Today
Ditch anything with “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label (code for chemical soup)
Use simple, effective ingredients—think vinegar, baking soda, lemon, castile soap
Ventilate while you clean
Hire non-toxic cleaning professionals (hi there, we do that!)
Your Home. Your Rules.
Whether you have little ones crawling around, pets licking the floor, or just enjoy your morning barefoot tea ritual—what you spray, scrub, and mop with matters.
VOCs don’t just impact people with asthma. They mess with hormones, disrupt your body’s natural rhythms, and contribute to long-term health effects we’re only just beginning to understand. a.k.a. your lungs called and they’d like a word)
Let’s talk toxins.
Not in a doomsday, dig-a-bunker kind of way—but in a “hey, this lavender-scented spray might be doing more harm than good” kind of way.
Because your home should feel like a sanctuary, not a science experiment with invisible side effects.
Want to Learn More?
If you geek out over the nitty-gritty of cleaning chemistry and holistic home health (like we do ), here are two of our favorite go-to trainings.
These are the actual courses our Om Sweet Om Cleaning techs take to stay educated and empowered:
🌿 Toss The Toxins™ – by the wonderful folks at Branch Basics. A great intro if you’re new to detoxing your home and want real, actionable steps.
🌿 Talking Toxins – by Lara Adler, one of the leading voices in environmental health. This course dives deep into ingredient safety, product labels, and the science behind cleaner living.
Because knowledge = power, and a little education goes a long way when you're working to make your home a safer, cleaner sanctuary.
Stay curious. Stay conscious.
Sources
Association of use of cleaning products with respiratory health in a Canadian birth cohort – CMAJ (2020)
Volatile chemical products emerging as largest petrochemical source of urban organic emissions – Science (2018)
Volatile organic compounds emitted from consumer products – Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health (2015)
Household cleaners and cancer risk – Nursing Times (2010)Sources
Association of use of cleaning products with respiratory health in a Canadian birth cohort – CMAJ (2020)
Volatile chemical products emerging as largest petrochemical source of urban organic emissions – Science (2018)
Volatile organic compounds emitted from consumer products – Air Quality, Atmosphere & Health (2015)
Household cleaners and cancer risk – Nursing Times (2010)