Green Up Your Cleaning Supplies
You've ditched the toxic beauty routine, but what about the chemicals lurking in your cleaning closet? Is swapping out harsh cleaners for greener options really worth the effort and more importantly, do they work? Let's spill the tea on toxic cleaners and why a non-toxic home is the ultimate self-care.
Do our cleaning products really matter all that much? Just like the skincare/makeup world, home products are a largely unregulated industry, and there can be any number of hormone disruptors, chemicals, and airway irritants in the products you’re using in your home every day. While a single exposure might seem harmless, the cumulative effect of these toxins over time can significantly impact our health.
Like anything else, when we know better, we do better. So, we stopped using endocrine-disrupting cosmetics and have switched to sulfate free haircare. As we learn more about conventional cleaning products, we simply begin to investigate friendlier products for the surfaces of our home. Our friends at L’AVANT Collective share their four reasons for switching to clean, non-toxic cleaning supplies.
- Asthma and allergy aggravators: Harsh chemicals and strong fumes such as ammonia in conventional cleaning products can trigger asthma and aggravate allergies. These compounds called QACs—are found in conventional disinfectant wipes, window cleaners, hand soaps, baby products and more.
- Skin irritants: Antibacterial sprays and soaps have long contained triclosan (also known as TSC) and triclocarban (TCC), antibacterial and antimicrobial agents—but they’re also popular in toothpaste, detergents, on toys and in some cosmetics. Triclosan has come under fire in recent years for its effects on the skin and causing increased allergen sensitivity.
- Environmentally toxic: While we’ve been conditioned to believe that chlorine bleach is a necessary part of our cleaning and laundry routine, the long-term effects of chlorine bleach on the environment are staggering. Manufacturers release chlorine-infused waste into the environment in mass amounts; once in the water, it can create dioxins, highly toxic compounds that endanger not only our health, but that of wildlife—including our fish supply. Because bleach takes years to break down, it continues to linger and damage the environment, including the air and water we—and our wildlife friends—breathe and drink.
- Harmful to family and pets: Parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances: We’re so accustomed to purchasing glittery products that promise extra bubbles or brightly colored bottles promising the eradication of the last germ in our house that we can forget that bodies like the ones toddling or pawing around our homes are especially vulnerable to toxic chemicals used in everyday household products.
These are just a few of the reasons L’AVANT Collective was created. They proudly believe that just because someone you used in the past worked to kill germs and eliminate stains, something non-harming won’t work just as well or even better, like their High Performing Laundry Detergent in Fresh Linen.
Courtney Cox, founder of Homecourt says, “As a self-proclaimed neat freak, I could never find products that smelled or looked as good as they worked, nor anything that truly elevated homecare to what I’ve always felt it should be: an investment in yourself and your loved ones, and a daily act of self-care.”
Homecourt uses sustainable, plant-derived, and upcycled ingredients across its collection. Through its work with perfumers and cosmetic chemists, it developed formulas with responsibly sourced raw materials and skincare-grade ingredients that meet strict industry standards for clean beauty. Put simply, everything it makes is safe for people and pets when used as directed. All of its products are vegan, cruelty-free, and made in the USA.
Truly, these are the best-smelling cleaning supplies you will find. Once you light one of their clean-burning, lushly fragranced candles, everyone will comment on the smell of your home.
But do they work? Homecourt’s Surface Cleaner gets 5 stars on hundreds of reviews, and their Deodorant Room Spray won Best of Beauty at the 2024 Allure Beauty Awards. Finally, we can throw out those awful room deodorizers full of “fragrance” and formaldehyde—yuk!
Earth Ahead aims to make everyday green living easier without sacrificing quality or style. Add their aesthetically pleasing kitchen tools to your new non-toxic dish soap, and you will have a modern kitchen that is as chic as you.
Ready to give your cleaning routine a green glow-up? Start small, like a mini makeover for your cleaning cabinet. Use the 80/20 rule: focus on the top 20% of products you use most.And remember, we're here to answer any questions you have about switching to natural, plant-powered cleaners that'll make your counters look fabulous.