Are Store-Bought Cleaners Really Safe To Use?

I grew up using store-bought cleaners without thinking twice. Then when I started experiencing hormonal imbalances, I cleaned my lifestyle which started with getting rid of toxic cleaners. Read on to find out why.

I have so many household cleaners I want to share on the blog, but I found it most important to explain why I no longer use store-bought cleaners.

1. It can be expensive.
2. They are filled with toxic chemicals.
3. These cleaners keep us reliant on their products.

After the year 2020 and the fiasco that hit the grocery stores, that was a huge eye-opening moment for me. Could I make do with the things I had? Self-sufficiency started becoming more of a priority (but I digress).

The biggest question I get when it comes to cleaners isn’t the concern for the harmful ingredients, but more so if household cleaners are worth the little inconvenience? Believe me, I get it. As a parent, your planner is already filled with items on your to-do list. You don’t want to add another thing to that long list. First, let’s break that statement down.

Which do you think is easier? Getting all the kids dressed well enough to look presentable, lug everyone in the car, drive 10 minutes, wrangle everyone at the store, find your cleaner, drive 10 minutes back home, & clean.

Or…

Add ingredients into a bottle and shake.

That may be a little over-simplified, but for the most part many homemade cleaners only require those 2 steps.

What I love about household cleaners is that most of the time the recipes call for the same ingredients. And even better, they are ingredients you already have in your pantry and they are very inexpensive.

The #1 Thing That Made Me Stop Using Store-Bought Cleaners

We have so many products in the United States that are approved here, yet banned in several other countries. I don’t care if certain products are approved in the US even if I do live here. If other countries are banning commercial cleaners or some of the ingredients, that’s a huge red flag for me and I especially don’t want to expose it to my child.

I have suffered through hormonal imbalances and I can wager a bet that you or someone you know does too.

People have told me I’m worrying too much, but those people that tell me that do not have a clean bill of health. Unfortunately we consider so many health issues just the norm nowadays.

I want better for my children and future generations. If you’re in the same boat as me, read on for more information on whether or not commercial cleaners are really safe to use.

Let’s Talk Endocrine Disruptors

I remember being new to a cleaner lifestyle and the term “endocrine disruptor” being thrown around. It sounds bad, of course, and I knew it was harmful but I didn’t understand it fully.

First, let me define what the endocrine system is. It’s a system that houses a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and secrete hormones. Normally the hormones go from gland or organ to the other organs and fit into specific receptors expressed in cells.

But when endocrine disruptors get into the body, they can mimic the shape of the hormones and can go into the receptor instead. They can trick the body into thinking they’re a hormone or block the hormone from fitting into its receptor.

Fooling a cell in this way can trigger abnormal processes into the body. This can wreak havoc on the entire endocrine system and may lead to severe health issues.

Health Issues From Endocrine Disruptors

• Sperm quality
• Fertility
• Abnormalities in sex organs
• Early Puberty
• Nervous System Function
• Metabolic Issues
• Breathing Problems
• Endometriosis
• Immune Function
• Cancers
• Obesity
• Heart Health
• Growth, Neurological, and Learning Disabilities
• and more…

Hormones regulate nearly every process in the body. What’s worrisome is exposures can come from anywhere. Dose doesn’t make the poison. Even a small amount will cause harm to the body.

Common Products with Endocrine Disruptors

• Industrial chemicals that leach into soil and ground water. Eventually it ends up in the food chain.
• Plastics
• Household chemicals
• Fabrics treated with flame retardants
• Air fresheners
• Cosmetics
• Lotions
• Antibacterials
• Products with fragrance
• Pesticides
• Fungicides
• Industrial chemicals in the workplace

Are Store-Bought Cleaners Really Safe To Use Video

I know that I cannot eliminate all the endocrine disruptors in my life. Obviously you have to go out in public and come across it, but you can control your home environment.

That’s why I’m committed to showing you how I make cleaners around my home. The cleaners I share not only do the job they’re supposed to do, but they’re also free of endocrine disruptors so you can make sure your family is safe.

What If You Don’t Have The Time To Make Your Own Cleaners?

If you are in a season of life where creating your own cleaning concoctions isn’t feasible, then I understand. We’re all at different parts of our journey and I want to do my best to meet people where they’re at. After all, it took me years (and still going) to change my lifestyle and start using less toxic products.

So if you’re motivated to make changes but can’t make your own cleaners, you’re in luck because there are companies who have taken it upon themselves to create their own products with the consumer’s health in mind.

First thing is to download the app, Think Dirty. Simply scan the barcode from product in question and it will tell you it’s clean rating. This is a great way to determine how clean the ingredients in your product is.

Find More Cleaning Recipes

All-Purpose Cleaner

Air Freshener

Window Cleaner

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Let’s Chat!

I’d love to hear in the comments, have you tried making your own household cleaners? As a result, did you notice any big differences?