When it comes to keeping your home clean, what you use to clean matters just as much as how often you clean. Many traditional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals, synthetic additives, and unclear labeling. These ingredients can affect the air quality in your home and may not be safe around children or pets.
If you're committed to a more natural, low-tox lifestyle, one of the best places to start is by learning how to read a cleaning product label. Understanding the ingredients in your cleaners helps you make better choices for your health, your home, and the environment.
✅ Start by Reading the Back of the Bottle
Phrases like "eco-friendly," "green," or "natural" may sound trustworthy, but they are often unregulated. Just because a product claims to be plant-based or gentle does not mean it actually is. Many companies use these words for marketing purposes without backing them up with safe, transparent ingredients.
To truly know what you’re bringing into your home, turn the bottle over and look at the full ingredient list.
🚫 Ingredients You Should Avoid
Some cleaning ingredients are well-known for causing irritation, allergies, or worse. Here are a few red flags to watch for:
Fragrance (or “Parfum”)
This is often a vague term used to hide dozens of synthetic chemicals. Fragrance mixes have been linked to allergies, hormone disruption, and poor indoor air quality.
Ammonia
This ingredient cuts through grease, but it is harsh on skin and lungs. It can be dangerous, especially if mixed with other common chemicals.
Chlorine Bleach
A powerful disinfectant, but it can release harmful fumes and damage surfaces over time. It is also very irritating to the eyes and skin.
Phthalates
Often found in scented products, these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors and are especially concerning for households with children or pets.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These ingredients create bubbles and foam, but they are known skin irritants and are often added for visual effect rather than effectiveness.
2-Butoxyethanol
This solvent is found in many window and kitchen cleaners. It can be absorbed through the skin and is linked to respiratory and kidney issues.
🌿 Ingredients to Look For Instead
Choosing a safer product means looking for natural, plant-based alternatives that still offer effective cleaning power.
Plant-Based Enzymes
Enzymes such as protease, amylase, and lipase break down grease, stains, and grime at a molecular level. They provide powerful cleaning results without the need for synthetic chemicals.
Clearly Labeled Essential Oils
When used in small amounts, essential oils like lemon or lavender can add a light, natural scent and help with mild antimicrobial action.
No Synthetic Dyes or Fillers
Look for clear or uncolored cleaners that do not contain unnecessary additives.
🧪 Why Naturally It’s Clean Is a Brand You Can Trust
At Naturally It’s Clean, we believe in total transparency. All of our cleaning products are made using powerful enzyme blends that come from plants, not synthetic labs. We clearly list every ingredient so you know exactly what you are using.
Our products are:
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Made in the USA
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Non-toxic and biodegradable
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Safe to use around pets and children
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Powered by natural enzymes that clean without compromise
💡 Final Thoughts
Learning to read a label helps you protect your family, reduce exposure to harsh chemicals, and support brands that prioritize health and sustainability. Taking a moment to understand the ingredients in your cleaning products can have a lasting impact on your well-being and the environment.
🛒 Want to clean smarter and safer?
Explore our full line of enzyme-powered, plant-based cleaners here.