RETHINKING CLEAN; WHY IT’S TIME TO BREAK UP WITH TOXIC HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS

WORDS BIANCA NICOLE

When we think of cleaning our homes, most of us picture sparkling surfaces, the sharp smell of bleach, and that reassuring feeling of everything being “germ-free.” But behind that familiar routine is a growing concern: many common cleaning products contain chemicals that aren’t just tough on dirt - they can be harmful to our health and the environment too!

Take a look at the labels on your cleaning sprays, floor cleaners, or bathroom disinfectants, and you’ll probably see words like ammonia, chlorine bleach, phthalates, or even formaldehyde. These chemicals are common but that doesn’t mean they’re harmless. Research has linked some of these ingredients to: skin irritation and allergic reactions, breathing problems, especially for people with asthma, hormone disruption, water pollution and harm to aquatic life. And the reality is, these products don’t just sit on surfaces. They linger in the air, get absorbed into our skin, and often end up washed down the drain, where they can cause long-term environmental damage.

The good news is that it’s possible to keep your home clean and healthy without relying on harsh chemicals. More people are exploring alternatives like:

Steam Cleaning: Using heated water to sanitise surfaces, steam cleaning is an effective, chemical-free way to kill bacteria and viruses in the home. Devices like the Kärcher Steam Mop use nothing but water to eliminate up to 99.999% of viruses and bacteria, making them ideal for households looking to reduce their reliance on harsh cleaners. Because it leaves no chemical residue behind, steam cleaning is especially useful for families with young children, pets, or anyone with allergies or respiratory sensitivities. It’s also a safer option for use on surfaces that come into frequent contact with food or hands, like kitchen counters or bathroom tiles. It has advanced flow-heater technology, the steam heats rapidly and is ready for use in just 30 seconds, turning everyday cleaning into a quick, hassle-free task without the chemical cloud.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning Brands: Companies like Bio-D are leading the way in offering safer, more sustainable alternatives to traditional cleaning products by using plant-based, naturally derived ingredients that are tough on dirt but gentle on people, pets, and the planet. Their range covers everyday essentials like laundry liquid, fabric conditioner, washing-up liquid, and surface cleaners, all made without harsh chemicals that can irritate skin, trigger allergies, or harm waterways. What sets Bio-D apart isn’t just what’s inside the bottle - their products come in 100% recycled and recyclable packaging, often made from old plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in landfill or the ocean, giving the packaging a unique, slightly varied appearance that reflects its recycled origins. To cut plastic waste even further, they also offer refill stations in select locations, encouraging customers to reuse their containers rather than buying new ones. With products that are vegan, cruelty-free, and approved by respected organisations like Cruelty Free International, The Vegan Society, and Allergy UK, Bio-D shows that keeping your home clean doesn’t have to come at the expense of your health or the environment.

Switching to safer cleaning options isn’t just a matter of protecting our personal health - it’s part of a much bigger picture. Every product we use, every decision we make, contributes to the world we live in. Choosing non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products helps reduce our environmental footprint, minimises the release of harmful chemicals into our air and waterways, and supports a more sustainable way of life. It also challenges us to rethink what “clean” really means. A fresh-smelling home that’s been scrubbed with harsh chemicals may seem spotless, but it can leave behind invisible residues that affect the air we breathe and the surfaces we touch.

Embracing safer cleaning alternatives is part of a wider cultural shift - one that encourages us to make small, everyday choices that add up to a significant positive impact. These choices not only create healthier living spaces for ourselves and our families but also contribute to the well-being of our communities and the planet as a whole. The good news is, we don’t have to compromise. We don’t need to accept a trade-off between a clean home and a healthy one. With smarter tools and more conscious products, we can have both.