The Health Benefits Of Going Chemical-Free At Home

For a lot of people for whom chemical sensitivity is not a reality, cleaning products make up a seemingly benign part of their weekly routines. Many contain chemicals that linger in the air, build up on surfaces, and are absorbed into the body over time. But, if there is no strong reaction, no irritations, no headaches or contact dermatitis, there may not be a clear warning sign for a person to stop using these problematic chemical cleaners. Others may experience these problems and not join the dots. Whatever it is you experience, we encourage you to make the chemical-free switch, for the good of your health and wellbeing from the ground up.

A healthier home starts with what you clean it with

Many standard household cleaners contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which evaporate into the air and can cause respiratory irritation, particularly for those with asthma or allergies.

Prolonged exposure to these compounds has even been linked to reduced lung function over time. Improved air quality achieved by removing chemical products such as chemical sprays, bleach-based products and artificial air fresheners will reduce both immediate and long-term respiratory strain. Ongoing research is examining their impact on individuals with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Studies have also associated exposure to cleaning chemicals with occupational asthma and related respiratory illnesses. Household and cleaning products containing VOCs and other harmful substances include, but are not limited to:

• Aerosol sprays used in cleaning, beauty, and personal care

• Air fresheners

• Chlorine bleach

• Detergents and dishwashing liquids

• Dry cleaning solvents

• Rug and upholstery cleaners

• Furniture and floor polishes

• Oven cleaners

Protecting your skin and eyes

The skin is the largest organ in the body and harsh cleaning agents can disrupt the skin barrier, leading to dryness, irritation, or even eczema or dermatitis flare-ups.

Chemical based sprays and wipes can, likewise, irritate the eyes, particularly those containing bleach or ammonia, even in very small amounts of exposure to such chemicals. So, by opting for natural alternatives, you reduce exposure to known irritants, making cleaning a less abrasive experience for your whole body.

Reducing toxic load on the body

Cleaning products don’t just disappear into thin air, as their residues linger on surfaces, in the air, and on your hands. Over time, constant low-level exposure to certain chemicals can add to your body’s toxic load, which has been linked to inflammation and other health concerns. Switching to chemical-free products is an effective way to reduce this daily burden. You can also read more about safe liver detox in our dedicated article.

Your gut microbiome and cleaning products

It’s easy to think of cleaning as a battle against bacteria and a host of other microbes, but research suggests that over-sanitisation can be equally as disruptive, harming the delicate balance of our internal microbes that support human health. Harsh antibacterial agents also strip away beneficial microbes that contribute to immune function and gut health, such as our gut microbiome and skin microbiome.

It is no secret that using non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients helps maintain a healthier internal microbial environment. A study found that children are now significantly exposed to contaminants in indoor environments due to their prolonged time spent indoors. Among these, endocrine-disrupting chemicals like bisphenols and phthalates (commonly found in household products) are major pollutants present in indoor air and dust. Bisphenols and phthalates have been shown in recent research to alter gut microbiome composition, reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing inflammation linked to immune dysfunction, metabolic issues, and impaired gut barrier integrity. You can read more about what defines gut barrier integrity in our dedicated article. 

Reducing exposure without compromise

Many common cleaning products are labelled with warnings advising the use of gloves, masks, or even ventilation during use. The simple fact that these precautions are necessary should raise questions about their safety for everyday use. Chemical-free alternatives usually eliminate this issue, allowing you to clean without worrying about inhaling fumes or protecting your skin from irritants.

Kitchen countertops and many other surfaces in the home come into direct contact with skin on a daily basis. In the case of a kitchen space, it is clear that substances on the surfaces could easily make their way into our food. In this way, it is also quite troubling that many conventional cleaning products leave behind chemical residues that don’t fully rinse away.

Babies, toddlers, and pets are particularly vulnerable to the effects of cleaning chemicals. They are known to absorb a greater proportion of these substances than adults.

A small change with great benefits

While the focus here is health, there’s no ignoring the added benefit of reducing environmental toxins. Many conventional cleaners contribute to water pollution, making their way into rivers and oceans where they drastically harm aquatic life.

Healthier, eco-focused products tend to avoid these harmful ingredients and often come in refillable or concentrated formats, reducing plastic waste in the process.

How to make the switch

1. Start small: Replace your most-used cleaning products with eco-friendly alternatives.

2. Read labels carefully: Look for certifications that verify a product’s sustainability and safety. Go for the ones that hit the eco-mark on being ‘clean’ and sustainable.

3. Try DIY: When eco products aren’t available, you can use simple household ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice to make up effective natural cleaners for the kitchen to the bathroom and beyond.

4. Choose refills: Refillable cleaning products are designed to reduce single-use plastic consumption contributing to ocean pollution and landfill waste.

5. A little goes a long way: You might be surprised by the amount of natural product you have to use if transitioning from conventional brands. 

The takeaways

Switching to chemical-free cleaning should not just be seen simply through the lens of a ‘green choice’. While this is an obvious and very necessary benefit, switching to chemical-free is also a proactive step toward your health on a deep and foundational level. We have covered the benefits for your lungs, liver, even your gut microbiome. We believe the benefits reach far beyond just keeping things neat and tidy.

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This article is for informational purposes only, even if and regardless of whether it features the advice of physicians and medical practitioners. This article is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice. The views expressed in this article are the views of the expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Healf

References

1. https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3125175/

3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4270264/

4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441921/

5. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5736171/

6. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7332307/

7. https://www.petmd.com/poisoning/cleaning-products-that-harm-pets

8. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6982419/

9. https://www.sciencefocus.com/planet-earth/how-do-household-cleaning-products-affect-the-environment

10. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1226086X2100174X