Five Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing Safe and Effective Cleaning Products

Cleaning products are supposed to keep your home safe from bacteria, but – get this – some cleaning products aren’t as safe and effective as they first appear to be. So, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. You should choose products that don't contain harsh chemicals

Some industries – such as medicine, agriculture, hospitality, and food service – make it a point to not use harsh chemicals. Indeed, many use Empowered Water® from EAU Technologies (an electrolyzed water that is highly effective against bacteria).

 While you may not need industrial electrolyzed water for everyday cleaning, the same principle applies: to choose safe and effective cleaning products, avoid ones that contain harsh chemicals. You should particularly avoid those products that have labels plastered with warnings over them like a biohazard zone.

 Harsh chemicals can be rough on your surfaces and your lungs; picture that burning sensation when you inhale near an open bottle—yikes! Opt for products flaunting terms like "non-toxic" or "biodegradable." They’re kinder to your home environment and less likely to trigger allergies or sensitivities.

 Plus, if you’ve got curious kiddos roaming around, gentler ingredients won’t set off those parental alarm bells—you can clean without stress creeping up on you.

2. You should understand the ingredients list

It’s all good and well to say "Avoid cleaning products that contain harsh chemicals," but it can often feel like you need a chemistry degree to understand the ingredients listed on those products.

 So, before you toss any old cleaner into your cart at the store, do yourself (and your home) a favor and decode that ingredients list. Look out for words like “ammonia” or “chlorine bleach,” as they can be harsh. Go for products listing plant-based or recognizable compounds instead. 

3. Don’t get duped by “green” jargon: Go for certified labels

Alright, let’s cut through the eco-friendly chatter. Anyone else tired of products screaming “green” and “natural” at you without much to back it up?

 It's time to put on your detective hat and look for legit certifications like Green Seal or EcoLogo. These aren't just stickers slapped on for show—they mean the products have been rigorously tested and meet strict environmental standards.

 Without those badges of honor, “green” could be no more than a marketing stunt. Trustworthy labels help you skip the guesswork and feel good about what you’re using in your sanctuary. 

4. You should perform a sniff test to dodge the perfume avalanche

Ever walked into a room cleaned by what I could only describe as an entire bottle of synthetic “spring meadow” perfume? Overpowering scents can be a red flag for unnecessary additives that offer no cleaning advantage—they’re just there to mask odors, not eliminate them.

 Products shouldn't make you feel like you're in a commercial where everyone's grinning and sniffing the air. Real talk: some fragrances may even irritate your skin or lungs, particularly if you have allergies or asthma.

 So, look out for items marked "fragrance-free" or "unscented." That way, your nose won’t be having its own personal apocalypse every time you wipe down the counters.

5. Effectiveness matters

Finally, let's not beat around the bush – you need a product that talks the talk AND walks the walk. It's all well and good to choose something safe for your family and the environment, but if it leaves you with grimy counters, what's the point?

 Peek at reviews or ask friends what works for them—we're all in this mess together, literally. Look for products that boast enzymes or micro-scrubbers if you're dealing with tough grime; these guys break down dirt on a microscopic level.

 And always check if it’s suitable for your surfaces; granite countertops have different BFFs than stainless steel appliances do. Because at the end of the day, clean should really mean clean.