What’s Lurking in Your Cleaning Products?
March 10, 2025
The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Cleaning Products (And What We Use Instead)
Most people don’t realize how dangerous common household cleaning products can be. Many “everyday” cleaners contain chemicals that cause headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, and even long-term respiratory issues — and they’re often hiding behind friendly labels like “all-purpose” or “fresh scent.”
At EcoPure Cleaners LLC, we’ve taken chemical safety training through IJCSA and know what to avoid — and why it matters. In this post, we’ll share what we’ve learned about chemical exposure, greenwashing, and how to protect your home and health.
What’s Really Inside Conventional Cleaning Products?
A lot of products sold in stores today contain harmful ingredients, including:
Ammonia – Harsh on skin and lungs
Bleach – A strong irritant that releases dangerous fumes, especially when mixed
Formaldehyde – A known carcinogen sometimes used in deodorizers and preservatives
Synthetic fragrances – Often unregulated and linked to allergic reactions
2-butoxyethanol – Found in window and multipurpose cleaners; can affect blood and organs in high concentrations
Even products labeled “natural” or “non-toxic” can include these if they’re not third-party certified.
Why These Ingredients Are Risky
We learned during our IJCSA Chemical Hazards course that repeated exposure to toxic ingredients — even in small amounts — can build up over time. That means a little spray here and there might seem harmless, but can cause real problems later, especially for:
Babies and small children
Pets
People with asthma or allergies
Immunocompromised individuals
Short-term symptoms might include headaches or itchy skin.
Long-term exposure may increase the risk of chronic illness, reproductive issues, or respiratory disease.
Greenwashing vs. Certified Safe Products
Greenwashing is when a company makes a product look eco-friendly without actually changing what's inside. Labels like “plant-based,” “gentle,” or “eco” don’t always mean safe.
That’s why we only use:
EPA Safer Choice–Certified Products
No fumes or harsh residues
Safer for indoor air quality
Biodegradable and safe for waterways
Green Seal–Certified Products
Free from known toxins like ammonia and formaldehyde
Transparent ingredient lists
No synthetic fragrances that hide chemicals
Why EcoPure’s Approach Is Safer
At EcoPure Cleaners LLC, we’ve completed chemical safety training through the IJCSA, which helps guide the decisions I make when choosing safe cleaning products for our clients.
All of our cleaning technicians are also trained in chemical safety and hazard communication through EcoPure Cleaners LLC and ISSA. That means they know how to:
Read and understand product safety labels and SDS sheets
Identify ingredients to avoid and choose safer alternatives
Use stronger products only when necessary, with proper ventilation and protective gear
While almost everything we use is EPA Safer Choice or Green Seal certified, we’re transparent about one exception:
Simple Green Pro Shower, Tub & Tile Cleaner. It’s not third-party certified, but it contains no bleach or ammonia, has low fumes, and is only used when absolutely needed for heavy buildup — always with full safety precautions.
We take your health seriously and believe in honest, informed cleaning practices — so you always know exactly what’s being used in your home.
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