Clean Swap: A Step-by-Step Guide for Switching to Non-Toxic Cleaning Products
Are you looking to begin swapping your cleaning products for safer options for your family? Great! I’m here to help! I hope I can save you countless hours of doom scrolling natural cleaning products just to feel overwhelmed and buy the same old products you’ve always bought. It can be confusing trying to sift through all the information out there, so I’ve broken it down into four steps for you.
Step 1: Assess Your Current Cleaning Products
Making the swap to non-toxic products can be not only overwhelming, but also expensive! My number tip to begin your low-tox journey is to gradually replace products with a better alternative when you run out of what you have. Purging your cleaning cabinet all at once can cost a lot of money up front. And the reality is, even just one swap is better than none! Taking it slow also gives you time to properly research each product you bring into your home and can help you avoid the overwhelm that comes with purging. If you're insistent on swapping something right away, start with something you use often, like an all-purpose spray.
Step 2: Keep It Simple
Speaking as a professional cleaner, please know that you don’t need a different cleaning product for every cleaning task! The best products are those that can be used in a variety of different ways. Look for products that can effectively handle different cleaning tasks!
Step 3: Begin the Product Vetting Process.
As you begin the hunt for non-toxic products, there are a couple important things to keep in mind:
Terms like “non-toxic,” “natural,” “eco-friendly,” “green,” etc. are not regulated terms. That means anyone can place that on a label with no promise that it means anything!
Read ingredient labels. Become familiar with terms and research ingredients. Know that in many places, companies do not have to disclose their full ingredients list and must only disclose ingredients that are deemed “hazardous.”
See through tricky marketing. “Non-toxic” cleaning products often list “non-toxic cleaner” or “plant-based cleaner” as an ingredient in the product. They do not disclose what the ingredients of that “cleaner” is. If they aren’t transparent with their ingredients, they likely aren’t great so I stay away!
Step 4: You're ready to make an informed purchase!
Products We Love
I am not sponsored in any way by these brands. I use and love them in my non-toxic cleaning service and in my own home!
Branch Basics - Don’t let their simple and clean ingredients list fool you, this stuff works at cutting grease and grime! BB is a concentrate that you dilute in different proportions depending on the task. You can use it as an all-purpose cleaner, bathroom cleaner, hand soap, laundry detergent, and more!
Force of Nature - This disinfectant is as strong as bleach but gentle to the touch. Formulated by water, salt, vinegar, and electricity, (yes, electricity!) this solution forms a bubbly concoction that will kill 99.9% of germs. It is registered with the EPA as a disinfectant and truly works so well! I love disinfecting toilets, kitchen counters, and doorknobs with Force of Nature. Plus you feel like a scientist while you’re doing it!
Conclusion:
As you begin to transition to non-toxic cleaning products, remember that every small step you take contributes to creating a safer and healthier environment for yourself and your loved ones.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you're taking proactive steps towards a truly cleaner home! Don't be discouraged by the overwhelming amount of information or the occasional setbacks along the way. Transitioning to non-toxic products is a process, and every positive change you make helps.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure towards cleaner living. Here's to a brighter, healthier future – one non-toxic cleaning product at a time!
Happy cleaning!
xoxo
Amy