Originally published August 8, 2019. Updated September 2026 with a summary, next steps and answers to common questions.
There’s a reason why we’re committed to not using chemicals when we clean your home: They’re dangerous. While the United States only has a handful of chemicals that aren’t allowed to be used indoors, the European Union has thousands. For the most part, the United States lives by its “innocent until proven guilty” mantra, which means that it will allow chemicals, for example, to be used for decades until there is irrefutable evidence that they are dangerous. Unfortunately, with so many chemicals in the world, it’s impossible for our government to fund the extensive research they require for each and every one in order to prove that they really are dangerous, which means so many end up being used when deep cleaning house – and without any idea just how harmful they can be.
Even worse, hundreds of the chemicals we use regularly have never been tested for safety.
At Sandia Green Clean, we rely on green home cleaning products to get your home clean. And the best part is they work.
Discover The Benefits Of Green Cleaning
If you’re looking to keep your home clean (in every sense of the word “clean”), then here are seven chemicals you definitely need to remove from your home today.
1. Found in #3 plastics like PVC and vinyl, phthalates disrupt the endocrines in your body, potentially causing breast cancer. Even more dangerous, phthalates are found in beauty products and laundry detergents, directly exposing your body to the chemical on a daily basis.
2. Another endocrine disrupter, most people have heard of the dangers of BPA by now. To be sure you’re not being exposed, or at least reducing your exposure, toss reusable polycarbonate plastic food and beverage containers (they’ll say #7). Another everyday item filled with BPA? Money – and the receipts you get when you use it.
More chemicals to watch out for when house cleaning
3. Yes, it’s summertime, which means avoiding chlorine altogether is nearly impossible, unless you spend your time in salt water. But, you can reduce your exposure to chlorine (which is shown to increase your risk of heart disease, allergic reactions, and even cancer) by filtering it out of the water in your home with a granular-activated charcoal filter.
4. Technically known as perfluorochemicals, PFCs are organic pollutants that are found in materials labeled as “stain-resistant”. You’ll also find PFCs in your cooking pans and in the wrappers used to package fast food. Too much exposure to PFCs have shown an increased risk for abnormal thyroid levels, liver inflammation and a reduced immune system.
5. Pesticides + Fertilizers. Not only are these chemicals dangerous to wildlife, especially the endangered honeybee, but they are dangerous to you and your family, too. Most of the common pesticides you’ll find on the shelf at stores are actually known carcinogens, and yet they are still allowed to be sold. To avoid the danger, don’t use pesticides or fertilizers at your home – and buy organic fruits and vegetables.
Include these in your cleaning house checklist
6. While you wouldn’t think formaldehyde could make its way into your home, it can – and it does. The most common way is through melamine dishes, pressed-wood (like in cabinets, paneling and furniture), and through cigarette smoke. While getting rid of melamine dishes is easy, detecting formaldehyde in your wood products (and then doing something about it) is more difficult. You can ask the retailer or manufacturer for information about the wood used to determine if there’s potentially formaldehyde in it. And, if you choose to remodel or purchase new items for your home, always do your homework about the wood.
7. Used as a preservative in beauty products and pharmaceuticals, parabens are definitely a buzzword right now – and not in a good way. While there is no definitive study, parabens have been linked to cancer because of the increased amount that shows up in tumors, specifically with breast cancer. To be safe, avoiding products that have parabens is smart. Find out more chemicals to avoid in your home here and how to achieve a clean green home.
About Sandia Green Clean
Sandia Green Clean is locally owned and operated with expert cleaning staff that has been background checked and paid a living wage. For more information about Sandia Green Clean visit https://sandiagreenclean.com