Doubles for Life
Issue No. 31
image via Pinterest
The Dirt on Conventional Cleaning Products
As I write this, it’s Thursday, which, in the summer means the cleaning crew is arriving imminently. When I’m home in LA, I celebrate this day. But, while I’m staying with family over the summer, I haven’t had particular say over how the cleaning team gets the job done. As a new mom, my stress levels peak when I sense something toxic lurking around Elsie (and the rest of my family, for that matter!). So, the overwhelming “aroma” of bleach, Lysol, and Fabuloso in the house on Thursdays sends me. Of course, I’m grateful to have a clean space taken care of but it stresses me out knowing it comes with a decent dose of dangerous indoor pollutants. I actually thought this topic was something everyone already knew but this experience made me think: maybe not! The good news is: with a few simple swaps, it's easy to create a clean living space without the harsh chemicals that we now know compromise our health. You’ll be happy to know I just implemented these swaps for our summer cleaning routine!
The issue with conventional household cleaning products is simple: they emit Volatile Organic Compounds, otherwise known as VOCs. A recent 2023 study found that, thanks to these hazardous VOCs, exposure to conventional cleaning products was associated with “harm to the respiratory system, neurotoxicity, harm to the reproductive system, and elevated risk of cancer.” A few other interesting takeaways from the study:
VOCs in conventional cleaning products affect the air quality both indoors and outdoors, but they contaminate indoor air 2-5x more than outdoor air.
Some products emit VOCs for days, weeks, or even months.
On the positive side, household products that were “green” emitted fewer VOCs than conventional products – almost half the number, on average.
Similarly, the “fragrance free” products produced the fewest VOC emissions of all – nearly 8x fewer than their conventional counterparts.
The findings underscore the need for us, as consumers, to make smarter, more informed choices – like choosing products that are “green” and “fragrance free.” Experts recommend choosing products that have a third-party seal, like “A Safer Choice,” a “UL ECOLOGO,” or “Green Seal.” When you see the Safer Choice seal, for instance, it means a product has passed rigorous U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards for performance, safety, and innovation.
Common Culprits
The most common household products emitting harmful VOCs include:
Aerosol sprays
Air fresheners
Chlorine bleach
Dishwashing liquid
Rug and upholstery cleaners
Furniture and floor polish
Oven cleaners
Kitchen cleaners
Bathroom products
Laundry detergents
Dry-cleaned clothing
If you’re curious how your home cleaning products stack up, you can search on EWG’s Healthy Living app. Fabuloso, if you’re wondering, gets an F by their standards.
You might practice particular caution if you or anyone in your family falls into the below groups:
The Safer Swaps
The good news, as mentioned, is safe, effective alternatives exist! The below companies are doing incredible work to make thoughtful formulations that work beautifully and are better for you and our planet.
The Starter Kit by Branch Basics
Branch Basics (EWG Verified) makes overhauling your cleaning supplies insanely easy. Their Starter Kit (I just ordered the glass) will replace essentially every product you’ll need. It comes with one concentrate, which you mix with water at different ratios to make each of the products you need.
Blueland (also EWG Verified) offers a similar starter kit called The Clean Suite (might even be slightly nicer looking than Branch, but aesthetics is not what we’re after). Haven’t tried this yet but have heard great things about the brand!
Koala Eco is a brand I just learned about and am so excited to try. The Best Seller Collection is the one I have my eye on and comes with multi purpose kitchen cleaner, floor cleaner, hand wash, dish soap, and fruit and veggie wash. Apparently the scent (made with essential oils) is bright, citrus-y, and refreshing,
Other trusted brands include:
If you have the time, you can also take the DIY route and make your own with natural ingredients (vinegar! baking soda! castille soap!). I’m a little more pressed for time than usual so will not be going this route but… let me know if you do and have success?!
Tips for Reducing VOCs
As mentioned, look for products that don’t contain fragrances, perfumes, dyes, or flammable ingredients.
Ventilate your space by using a fan and opening windows and doors to circulate the air and allow fresh air in. Air purifiers (this is a great one from Blue Air) are great for clearing the air of VOCs and other environmental pollutants.
If you’re doing the cleaning, wear proper cleaning gloves and other protective equipment to avoid direct contact with the cleaning agents.
Avoid using cleaning products when children or other vulnerable, high-risk individuals are around.
Make your own cleaning products at home (per the DIY link)
Links I Loved This Week
I was introduced this week to Z Biotics through a friend and former colleague and can I just say: wow! - it’s genius. My brother and I both downed one before a night out with drinking involved (it is Labor Day Weekend, after all) and both felt way better than we should have the next day.
Goop is having their annual Beauty and Wellness sale now (ends today!!!) offering 25% off the entire collection with code SUMMERBEAUTY. I have my eye on this Goop Glow serum (Vitamin C! Hyaluronic Acid!) and this Dark Spot Exfoliated Sleep Milk. :)
Turns out, early bird dinners are better for us than we might realize.
And with that — thank you for reading. Happy Labor Day to all!!
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