5 Everyday Items You Didn’t Know Were Hiding Toxins (And What to Use Instead)
One of the biggest surprises when we started switching to non-toxic cleaning? Realizing just how many everyday items in our homes were working against our health, quietly, invisibly, and over time.
As natural cleaners, we believe you shouldn’t need a chemistry degree to keep your family safe. But let’s be real: between the marketing buzzwords and the mile-long ingredient lists, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
Today, we’re sharing five everyday household items that might be sneaking toxins into your home, plus our simple, safe swaps.
1. Air Fresheners
Those plug-ins and sprays may smell “clean,” but most contain phthalates and synthetic fragrances linked to hormone disruption and headaches.
Swap it for:
✔️ A stovetop simmer with citrus + cinnamon
✔️ Essential oil diffuser with lavender or eucalyptus
✔️ Baking soda jars with dried herbs or citrus peels
2. Conventional Multi-Surface Cleaners
Most mainstream cleaners rely on ammonia, bleach, and artificial dyes, harsh on your lungs, skin, and surfaces.
Swap it for:
✔️ A DIY mix of white vinegar, water, and lemon essential oil
✔️ Our favorite plant-based brands (we’re always happy to share!)
✔️ Microfiber cloth + warm water for light daily wiping
3. Laundry Detergents
If it’s bright blue and “mountain breeze” scented… it’s probably loaded with synthetic fragrance, sulfates, and optical brighteners.
Swap it for:
✔️ Fragrance-free or essential oil-scented natural detergent
✔️ Soap nuts or laundry strips (yes, they work!)
✔️ Wool dryer balls with a few drops of essential oil
4. Disinfecting Wipes
These can be convenient, but also contain quats (quaternary ammonium compounds) that are linked to respiratory issues and skin irritation.
Swap it for:
✔️ Reusable cloths + a safe disinfecting spray (like hydrogen peroxide)
✔️ Spray + sit method: apply and let it rest 5–10 minutes for true sanitizing
5. Scented Candles
They may set the mood, but most are made with paraffin (a petroleum byproduct) and artificial fragrance.
Swap it for:
✔️ 100% beeswax or coconut wax candles with cotton wicks
✔️ Diffusers or incense made from natural resins
You don’t have to throw everything out overnight. Start small. Swap one item at a time. Progress is better than perfection. And if you ever need help making your home feel fresher, safer, and simpler, we’re just a call (or DM) away.
Because clean should never come at the cost of your health.
With care,
Joanna & Alejandro
