You think you’re using “green cleaners”
Geller says to beware of “greenwashed” products that don’t list their ingredients. “‘Natural’ products aren’t necessarily any healthier than conventional cleaners,” she says. In her research, Steinerman has found the same thing: “I have tested a wide variety of fragranced cleaning products, including ones with claims and certifications of being ‘green,’ ‘organic,’ ‘all-natural’ and ‘made with essential oils,’” she says. “All of these fragranced cleaning products emitted potentially hazardous air pollutants. Moreover, the green fragranced products were not significantly different from the regular fragranced products in their emissions of hazardous air pollutants.” Unfortunately, there’s a lack of transparency from manufacturers in terms of their ingredients. EWG gives better options in its guide to healthy cleaning.
You don’t clean the natural way
But perhaps the safest way to clean is to avoid cleaning products altogether. Steinemann advises using “vinegar, baking soda, hot water, a cut lemon or a cut orange, airing things out, sunshine and ventilation.” Maker says that plain soap and water is enough for most jobs. In addition, there are some products you don’t need to use, ever. “Avoid conventional drain cleaners—ingredients in them can be caustic—and use a drain snake instead,” Geller says. In addition, “furniture polishes can leave sticky residues which attract dirt and dust,” she says. “Use your own DIY polish using olive oil and lemon juice.” Just make sure you know the things you should never clean with baking soda.