The Hidden Nasties in Your Everyday Cleaners

We all want a fresh and healthy home.
But some cleaning products have chemical nasties that can do more harm than good.
These ingredients can upset your skin, your respiratory system, and even your body's natural balance.
They can also end up in rivers and oceans, harming plants and animals.

These chemicals are in many household items like laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, toilet cleaners, fabric softeners and many more.
Even small amounts can build up and cause issues like allergic reactions, dry skin, and breathing troubles.
Some can even mess with how your body works by changing your hormones.

It's good to know what’s really in these commonly used products.
In this post, we'll share what to watch for and how to avoid them so you’re not exposed to the hidden nasties.

Laundry Detergent

Laundry detergent might seem safe. But it can have harsh ingredients that are commonly found in care products:

• Methylisothiazolinone and parabens can cause skin reactions and upset your body’s balance.
  These chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and are not ideal for sensitive skin.

• Optical brighteners make clothes look whiter but can irritate skin and harm water life.

• Phosphates can wash down the drain and feed algae that take oxygen from rivers and lakes.

• Foaming agents like SLS and SLES can make skin dry and itchy.

Dishwashing Detergent

Dishwashing detergent can have hidden chemicals too:

• Benzisothiazolinone and phenoxyethanol are preservatives that can irritate your skin and may be harmful to your nervous system.

• Chlorine and ammonia are sometimes added to tough dishwashing liquids. They can hurt your lungs and skin.

• Foaming agents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) can dry out your skin.

• Phosphates can wash down the drain and feed algae that take oxygen from rivers and lakes.

Fabric Softeners

Fabric softeners can make clothes feel nice and soft. But some of the ingredients can be hard on you and the planet:

• Preservatives like methylisothiazolinone and parabens help keep the liquid fresh. But they can cause skin rashes and mess with your body’s natural balance.

• Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (also called quats) are added to soften fabrics. These can bother your skin and make asthma worse.

• Phthalates can be in fragrance to make it last longer. They can upset your hormones and even harm how your body works.

Toilet Cleaners

Toilet cleaners often have strong chemicals to tackle stains. But these can be tough on you too. They can also release volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are gases that can make it hard to breathe and can cause headaches or dizziness.

• Chlorine bleach is very common. It can burn your skin and irritate your lungs. It can also leave behind fumes that are hard on your body.

• Ammonia is also used to clean. If it gets mixed with bleach, it can make toxic gases. Breathing in these fumes can make you feel unwell.

• Preservatives like parabens and formaldehyde releasers keep cleaners fresh longer. But they can cause skin rashes and make it harder to breathe.

Tips for Safer Choices

Using Lucent Globe cleaning sheets can help you avoid harsh chemicals in your home.
These sheets keep cleaning simple and gentle.
They leave out the nasties and work with a short list of safe ingredients.