August 10, 2023

Beyond the Buzz: How to Read Cleaning Product Labels for a Healthier Home

When it comes to keeping our homes clean and healthy, we often reach for the cleaning products with the most buzzwords on the label, such as "all-natural," "non-toxic," or "eco-friendly." At Happy Human, we understand the importance of transparency and the need for truly eco-friendly cleaning products that prioritize your health and the environment

However, these terms can be misleading and may not tell the whole story about what's inside the bottle. Understanding how to read cleaning product labels is essential for anyone who wants to create a healthier home environment.

In this blog post, we'll explore the important information you should look for on cleaning product labels, including ingredients to avoid and what to look for instead. By the end of this post, you'll have the tools you need to make informed decisions about the cleaning products you bring into your home.

Why it's important to read cleaning product labels

Cleaning products are essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home, but it's important to know what's in the products you use. Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can negatively impact your health and the environment. These chemicals can cause skin and eye irritation, respiratory problems, and even cancer over time.

That's why it's crucial to read cleaning product labels before purchasing them. By reading the label, you can identify harmful ingredients and avoid products that contain them. Additionally, you can choose products that are safe for you, your family, and the environment.

Unfortunately, some cleaning product labels can be confusing or misleading. For example, a product labeled as "natural" or "eco-friendly" may still contain harmful chemicals. Therefore, it's important to know what to look for when reading cleaning product labels. This includes understanding the purpose of each ingredient listed and being aware of any potential health hazards associated with them.

In summary, taking the time to read cleaning product labels can help you make informed decisions about the products you use in your home. By choosing safe and eco-friendly cleaning products, such as Happy Human's range of innovative home and personal care products, you can create a healthier living environment for you and your loved ones.

Understanding the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing products

It's important to understand the difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing products when it comes to maintaining a healthy home. Cleaning refers to the removal of dirt, grime, and other particles from a surface using soap and water. This process is important to remove visible dirt and debris that can harbour bacteria and viruses.

Disinfecting, on the other hand, involves using chemicals to kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces. Disinfectants are designed to kill a high percentage of germs and viruses, but they may not necessarily clean the surface they are applied to.

Sanitising, meanwhile, refers to reducing the number of bacteria and viruses on a surface to a safe level as determined by public health standards. Sanitisers are not as effective as disinfectants, but they can still reduce the risk of illness and contamination.

It's important to note that cleaning alone may not be enough to protect your home from germs and viruses. Disinfecting and sanitising are also important steps to take to ensure that your home is as clean and healthy as possible. When selecting cleaning products, it's important to read the label carefully to determine whether they are designed for cleaning, disinfecting, or sanitising, and to use them accordingly.

How to identify hazardous chemicals on a cleaning product label

When it comes to cleaning products, it's important to know what you're dealing with. Unfortunately, the ingredients in many cleaning products can be harsh and even hazardous to our health. That's why it's essential to know how to identify these potentially harmful chemicals on a cleaning product label.

One of the first things to look for on a cleaning product label are words like "warning", "caution", or "danger". These words indicate that the product contains hazardous chemicals that could cause harm if not used properly.

Next, check for specific chemicals such as ammonia, chlorine bleach and phthalates. These chemicals have been linked to respiratory problems, skin irritations, and other health issues.

Finally, look for any certifications or eco-labels on the product label. These can indicate that the product has been independently tested and verified to be healthier and safer for use in your home.

By following these tips and being mindful of the ingredients in your cleaning products, you can make more informed choices to create a healthier home environment for you and your family.

What to look for in eco-friendly and non-toxic cleaning products

When it comes to choosing cleaning products that are eco-friendly and non-toxic, there are a few things to look for on the label. Firstly, look for products that have been certified by a reputable third-party organization, such as the Environmental Protection Agency's Safer Choice Program or the Green Seal. These certifications indicate that the product has been thoroughly tested and meets strict environmental and health standards.

Next, look for products that use natural or plant-based ingredients, rather than harsh chemicals. Ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils are effective at cleaning and disinfecting surfaces without exposing you or your family to harmful toxins.

Finally, be wary of products that claim to be "all-natural" or "organic" without providing any further information about their ingredients. These terms are not regulated by any governing body, so they may not actually be as eco-friendly or non-toxic as they seem.

By reading cleaning product labels carefully and choosing products that are certified and use natural ingredients, you can create a healthier home for you and your family.

Understanding different certifications and what they mean

When it comes to purchasing cleaning products, it can be overwhelming to know which ones are truly safe and effective. This is where certifications come in. Certifications are labels or seals that indicate the product has met certain standards.

There are many different certifications out there, so it's important to understand what each one means. Here are a few examples:

- EPA Safer Choice: This label means the product has been evaluated by the Environmental Protection Agency and meets their standards for safety and environmental impact.

- Green Seal: This certification indicates that the product has been independently evaluated and meets rigorous environmental standards.

- USDA Certified Biobased: This label means the product contains a certain percentage of renewable, plant-based ingredients.

- Leaping Bunny: This certification indicates that the product was not tested on animals.

It's important to note that not all certifications are created equal. Some are more rigorous than others, and some may be more relevant to your specific needs. For example, if you have allergies or sensitivities, you may want to look for products labeled as hypoallergenic or fragrance-free.

Ultimately, understanding different certifications can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to purchasing cleaning products. By choosing products that have been independently evaluated and meet certain standards, you can feel more confident that you're creating a healthier home for you and your family.

Tips for buying cleaning products online

Buying cleaning products online can be a great way to save time and money, but it's important to be cautious and do your research before making any purchases. Here are some tips to keep in mind when buying cleaning products online:

1. Read reviews: Look for reviews from other customers who have purchased and used the product before. This can give you valuable insight into the effectiveness of the product and whether or not it's worth the investment.

2. Check the ingredients: Make sure to read the ingredient list carefully to ensure that the product doesn't contain any harmful chemicals. Look for products that are made with natural, non-toxic ingredients.

3. Research the brand: Before purchasing from a new brand, do some research to learn more about their mission, values, and commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

4. Look for certifications: Look for certifications from reputable organizations such as the Environmental Working Group or the USDA Organic label to ensure that the product meets certain standards for safety and environmental responsibility.

5. Consider packaging: Look for products that are packaged in eco-friendly or recyclable materials to reduce your environmental impact.

By following these tips, you can make informed decisions when buying cleaning products online and ensure that you are choosing products that are safe, effective, and environmentally responsible.

Cleaning DIYs to skip or be careful with

While DIY cleaning recipes can be a great way to save money and reduce your exposure to harsh chemicals, there are some that you should skip or be careful with.

First and foremost, avoid mixing bleach with other cleaners or ingredients such as vinegar or ammonia. This can create toxic fumes that are harmful to breathe in. Additionally, avoid using bleach on surfaces that could potentially come in contact with other cleaning products, such as countertops or floors.

Another DIY recipe to be cautious with is homemade laundry detergent. While it may seem like a great idea to create your own detergent, many homemade recipes use ingredients such as borax, which can be harmful if ingested or if it comes into contact with skin. If you do choose to make your own laundry detergent, be sure to wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling any harmful particles.

How to safely store and dispose of cleaning products

After you've finished using your cleaning products, it's important to store and dispose of them safely. Storing them safely means keeping them out of reach of children and pets. A locked cabinet or high shelf is a good option. This is especially important for products that contain harmful chemicals that could cause harm if ingested or inhaled.

When it comes to disposing of cleaning products, it's essential to do so responsibly. Do not pour them down the sink or toilet, as they can contaminate the water supply and harm aquatic life. Instead, check with your local waste management authority to see how to properly dispose of the products.

Some communities have drop-off points for hazardous waste, which is where you can take your cleaning products. Others have special collection days, where you can leave your hazardous waste at a designated location for safe disposal. By properly disposing of your cleaning products, you're not only protecting the environment but also ensuring the safety of your family, pets, and community.

Conclusion and final thoughts on reading cleaning product labels

In conclusion, reading cleaning product labels is an essential step towards creating a healthier home. By understanding the ingredients used in cleaning products, you can make informed decisions about what products you bring into your home.

Remember to always check for hazardous chemicals such as ammonia, bleach, and phthalates. If possible, opt for cleaning products with natural ingredients or ones that are labeled as environmentally friendly.

In addition to reading labels, it's important to properly store cleaning products out of reach of children and pets. Make sure to also use cleaning products in well-ventilated areas and to wear gloves if necessary.

Taking these steps may seem small, but they can go a long way in creating a healthier home for you and your loved ones. So the next time you're shopping for cleaning products, remember to read the labels and make informed decisions. Your health and the health of your family is worth it.