Non-Toxic Household Swaps
I have been trying to switch a few household items to a cleaner alternative and have found these 5 products to be both effective and less toxic. I have done a lot of research to determine which products are ACTUALLY non-toxic since a lot of products can claim to be “clean” and “natural” without actually delivering those qualities. I usually will use apps like EWG or Yuka to determine how clean a product is and help me make my switches. If you’re looking to reduce toxins in your home and embrace more natural living, switching up your cleaning products is a great place to start. You don’t need to overhaul everything overnight—start with a few simple swaps. Here are five tried-and-true non-toxic household product alternatives that I have found to be effective, affordable, and easy to swap into my routine.
The first product which I have used for at least 3 years now, is the Branch Basics All-Purpose Cleaner. This cleaner is given an “A” on the EWG app which means it has few and/or no known toxic hazards. Their concentrate is plant-based, fragrance-free, and safe for most surfaces in the home - countertops, bathroom, laundry, stains, & floors. All you have to do is order one bottle of their concentrate and then dilute it into reusable bottles that tell you exactly how much to use. This was my first and easiest switch into my routine! Even my mom and sisters love it and have integrated it into their routine.
The next household switch is the Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Cleaner. I have been using this for the last few years to wash all my produce after becoming aware of how many waxes, residues, and pesticides can be on my fruits and vegetables. Trader Joe’s Fruit and Vegetable Wash is an affordable and effective solution made with natural ingredients like purified water, coconut-based surfactants, and grapefruit seed extract. It helps remove wax, dirt, and residue and is super affordable. (Pro tip: It’s also great for washing make-up brushes!)
Molly’s Suds Liquid Laundry Detergent is a more recent switch that I have made and am absolutely loving! It is formulated with only a handful of ingredients and free from dyes, artifical fragrances, and endocrine disruptors that are commonly found in the more conventional laundry detergents. I still wanted my clothes to have a fresh scent, so I decided to get the detergent with the scent “Ocean Mist” and I love, love, love it! But, if you don’t want any scent they have a fragrance-free option as well. I also did a lot of research on laundry detergents to find something that is both effective and clean, and I wanted my detergent to still contain enzymes to break down stains and dirt - Molly’s Suds met this criteria!.
Another recent switch is the Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner. I have pushed off switch some bathroom cleaning supplies because I was nervous about the effectives of more natural alternatives. I finally tried this Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner and although it’s not perfect it’s definitely a step in the right direction. Their cleaner uses plant-based ingredients and essential oils to clean and deodorize without harsh chemicals. It’s effective on tough stains and safe for septic systems - I do find myself cleaning with it more often but it was an easy swap to avoid toxic fumes from bleach and harsh chemicals.
The last cleaner alternative I have found are my dishwasher pods. I started to use the Cascade Complete Dishwasher Pods for both performance and lower levels of harsh chemicals. These are rated a “B” on the EWG app which means they are considered “low hazard.” So, while these pods are not 100% natural, they are free from phosphates and still deliver strong cleaning power, and they’re super convenient!
Making your home less toxic doesn’t require perfection—it’s about progress. Each small swap adds up, benefiting your health and the environment. Start with one or two of these changes and build from there. You’ll be amazed how much cleaner, safer, and more breathable your home can feel.