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Are Eco-Friendly Cleaners Low-Toxic?

Ingredients you need to know and products you can count on for a legit *clean* sesh

Hello, hello Seasider. You know when you’re having a nice scroll on the gram, and then, bam! You get interrupted by an Ad promoting “eco-friendly” cleaning products.

If you’re into a low-waste and low-tox lifestyle, chances are, you have. But are these products living up to their big promises? And are they even low-toxic? (for you & the environment).

If you tap on that link in bio and check out those ingredients, oftentimes, those listed ingredients tell the dirty story of ‘Cleanwashing.’ More on that in a bit.

So, let’s clear things up, yeah?

In this product guide, you'll get:

— Camila Hernandez

IMPORTANT STUFF

When in doubt, look for these ingredients to ensure you get a legit clean clean.

Bio-Based
Enzymes

Minerals

Naturally-Derived
Surfactant

Amylase,
Cellulase,
Mannanase

Sodium Carbonate,
Sodium Bicarbonate,
Sodium Citrate,
Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salts)

Sodium Coco Sulfate,
Sodium Cocoate,
Sodium Gluconate,
Sorbitan Caprylate,
Coconut Acid,
Cocamidopropylamine Oxide,
Glucosides (Lauryl, Coco, Decyl & Poly)

Preservatives

Chelating Agent

Essential Oils

Phenoxyethanol,
Benzyl Alcohol,
Glyceryl Caprylate,
Glyceryl Undecylenate,
Sodium Benzonate,
Potassium Sorbate,
Alcohol (Denatured),
Alcohol (70% Isopropyl Alcohol)

Tetrasodium Glutamate, Diacetate (water softener),
Glucoheptonate,
Citric Acid,
Gluconolactone

Peppermint (mentha piperita),
Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel,
Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (Lemon Grass),
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil / Organic (Arvensis) Peppermint

Screenshot this section, save it on your phone, whatever it takes! Make it easier on yourself.

In a world where chemicals are not explained or closely regulated, it can be hard to find household cleaners with safe ingredients and low ecotoxicity.

Always research via reliable sources like The Environmental Working Group (EWG) and cert programs like the Cradle to Cradle Platinum Material Health Certificate.

DID YOU KNOW?

Get ready for a jaw-dropper: Out of some 62,000 chemicals approved for use in the US, only about 300 have been tested for safety đŸ¤Ż

The last time the law governing the safety of chemical products was changed, the cost of gas was $.59 a gallon, and the average cost of a new house was $43,400 (et. 1976). 

That means the onus is really on you to do your research.

💫The good news: The EWG has a searchable database of products, it's an excellent resource for researching the health and environmental safety of cleaning products.

So, what cleaners should you add to cart? 

💡 Cleanwashing: A tactic where companies boast ‘safe’ and ‘better for you’ ingredients but fail to mention that their products aren’t actually as effective as they claim.

ADD TO CART

Change starts at home. And if you don't have the time or energy to go down that rabbit hole, here are some brands and products that are actually doing good for you and the environment.

Invest in a high-quality steamer for chemical-free steam cleaning. You can use it to clean carpets, drapes, kitchen appliances, showers, window sills, and glass.

Laundry Essentials

Molly’s Suds | Powder Laundry Detergent
Molly's Suds | Stain Remover Whitener
Blueland | Oxy Booster Powder

Bathroom Essentials

Blueland | Toilet Bowl Tablets
Blueland | Hand Soap + Refill Tablets
Attitude | Shower and Tile Cleaner 
Molly’s Suds | Toilet Bowl Cleaner Gel Formula

Kitchen Essentials

Attitude | Dish Soap Mineral-Based
Blueland | Dishwasher Tablets
Airnext | Coconut Fibers Sponge 
Redercker | Bristle Dish & Pan Scrub

Cleaning Essentials:

Blueland | Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Attitude | Tile and Wood Surface Cleaner
Fuwa3e | Pineapple Enzyme Floor Cleaner

CONSIDER THIS

Education is empowerment. Helping you make better choices. Here are some tips to help you avoid brands that are ‘cleanwashing’ and choose products that are actually better for you:

  1. Eco-Friendly: Eco-friendly cleaning products are free from harsh chemicals, reducing their ecological impact and preventing the release of toxic substances into ecosystems.

  2. Improved Indoor Air Quality: These products release fewer volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, resulting in better indoor air quality and reduced respiratory problems.

  3. Safe for All: They are safe for humans, pets, and wildlife, making them suitable for households with children and animals.

  4. Reduced Water Pollution: Eco-friendly and low-tox cleaning products break down quickly, reducing the risk of contaminating water sources and harming aquatic life.

If it’s good for you, it’s likely good for the environment.

— The Cozy Coastal Motto

THE ART OF NOTICING
Check out this coastal photo of the day.

Tag your photos on Instagram or Threads @cozycoastalofficial for a spotlight.

Bermudian Sunsets 🌅

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*Everything we recommend on Eco Waves is independently researched, and we ask brands to confirm their claims when needed. To avoid waste, we test products on an as-needed basis. This post contains affiliate links. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission.

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