Welcome back to our newest contributor, Dr. Taylor Bean.
Dr. Taylor Bean is a Canadian Naturopathic Doctor and the owner of Taylor Made Wellness in Salmon Arm, BC. Read more about her at the bottom of this post.
In Part 1, we explored why infants and young children are more vulnerable to chemicals found in everyday cleaning products and looked at four common ingredients that may affect their health.
In Part 2, we'll cover four more ingredients commonly found in conventional cleaning products, where they're typically found, why they may be a concern, and practical ways to choose safer cleaning products for your family.
Now, let's get into it.
When it comes to keeping our homes clean, most of us reach for the products that promise the most power — the ones that cut through grease, banish germs, and leave surfaces sparkling. But when infants and young children are in the picture, the very products designed to protect their environment can quietly work against them.
Babies mouth everything they touch. Toddlers crawl across freshly mopped floors. Children breathe closer to surfaces than adults do. Their developing bodies are not just smaller versions of ours — their immune systems, respiratory tracts, and neurological pathways are still forming, making them far more vulnerable to the chemical residues conventional cleaning products leave behind.
The good news is that a growing movement toward clean, non-toxic cleaning supplies is making it easier than ever for parents to protect what matters most — without sacrificing a truly clean home.
Chemicals of Concern in Cleaning Products
Many commonly used cleaning products contain ingredients that have been linked to harmful health effects, especially in infants and young children.
In Part 1, we spoke about phthalates, quats, bleach, and ammonia. Four that we haven’t spoken about are VOCs, SLS, 1,4-dioxane, and triclosan.
Where do you find them, and why do you want to avoid them?
How These Chemicals Cause Harm
Hormonal Disruption
Phthalates and some synthetic fragrances have been linked in research to disruption of hormonal systems, which is particularly concerning during sensitive periods of child development.
Skin and Eye Irritation
Detergents and surfactants, such as SLS, can irritate sensitive skin and eyes, leading to rashes and discomfort — especially in toddlers who have more frequent skin contact with surfaces.
Choosing Safer Cleaning Products for Your Family
Here’s how to minimize potential harm while keeping your home clean:
- Read Labels Carefully: Avoid products with ambiguous “fragrance” wording, as this can hide phthalates and other chemicals.
- Use Basic Ingredients Where Possible: Often, soap and warm water, vinegar solutions, or steam cleaning are adequate for everyday cleaning without harsh chemicals.
- Avoid Aerosols: Sprays and aerosols can distribute chemicals into the air, where they may linger and contribute to exposure. Use liquid or wipe forms instead.
- Ventilate During Cleaning: Open windows and increase airflow to reduce inhalation of any fumes that might still be present.
Conclusion
Choosing clean cleaning supplies isn’t about perfection or fear — it’s about being informed. Every product you swap for a safer alternative is one less source of unnecessary chemical exposure for your child during the years their body needs protection the most.
The shift doesn’t have to happen overnight. Start with the surfaces your child touches most: floors, high chairs, bath toys, and countertops. Read labels, look for fragrance-free and plant-based formulas, and trust that small changes add up to meaningful ones.
Because a clean home should mean safe for the whole family — especially the littlest members of it.
A Simple Safer Cleaning Option
As you run out of your current cleaning supplies, consider replacing them with products from a company such as Mint Cleaning Products, which focuses on creating cleaner and safer cleaning products.
References & Citations
- Landrigan, P.J., et al. Children’s health and the environment: A global perspective. Acta Paediatrica (2004).
- U.S. EPA. Exposure Factors Handbook. (2018).
- Jones, A.P. Indoor air quality and health. Atmospheric Environment (1999).
- Bearer, C.F. Hand-to-mouth behavior and chemical exposure in children. Environmental Health Perspectives (1995).
- Rumchev, K., et al. Domestic use of chemical disinfectants and asthma prevalence. American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2009).
- Swan, S.H. Environmental phthalate exposure in relation to reproductive outcomes. Journal of Reproductive Toxicology (2008).
- Basketter, D., et al. Allergic contact dermatitis and detergent irritants. Contact Dermatitis (2017).
- Wolkoff, P. Indoor air pollutants: VOCs and health effects. International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health (2013).
- Bernstein, J.A., et al. Health effects of indoor air pollutants: Ventilation and cleaning. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (2002).
- Mendell, M.J., et al. Indoor residential chemical emissions and asthma. Environmental Health Perspectives (2011).
- Grandjean, P. & Landrigan, P.J. Neurodevelopmental effects of environmental chemical exposures. The Lancet (2006).
