Spring Cleaning: How to Choose Safer Cleaning Products for Your Home

Spring cleaning is a popular ritual for many households as the weather warms up and people seek to refresh their living spaces. However, one key aspect that often goes unnoticed is the potential harm that cleaning products can cause. Many conventional cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pose risks to your health and the environment.

One organization stepping in to address this issue is the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which is highlighting some of the worst cleaning chemicals to avoid. Among them are ethylene glycol ethers, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, quaternary ammonium compounds, and sodium hypochlorite. These chemicals have been linked to a variety of health issues, from respiratory damage to reproductive harm and birth defects.

To help consumers make safer choices, EWG recommends looking for products with the EWG VERIFIED mark, which indicates that the product meets strict safety standards and is free from hazardous chemicals. Additionally, they suggest consulting EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning, which rates over 2,500 cleaning products based on their hazard profile and manufacturing transparency.

In addition to choosing safer cleaning products, EWG offers tips for healthier cleaning practices, such as wearing gloves and protective equipment, following instructions and warnings on product labels, and avoiding combining different cleaning products. By taking these precautions and choosing safer alternatives, you can make your spring cleaning routine both effective and eco-friendly.