Clean Home

The Dirt on Spring Cleaning + Products

The Dirt on Spring Cleaning + Products
WHAT ARE YOU CLEANING WITH?

Ahhh! Open those windows and breathe in that fresh spring air! Spring is here, which means it’s time to start thinking about our spring-cleaning checklists. There’s just something about the nice weather that brings on motivation for a fresh start. So, let’s get to it! But wait, before you reach for those cleaners and get to work, let’s do a little digging into those ingredients, shall we?

Did you know? In 2000, cleaning products were responsible for nearly 10% of all toxic exposures reported to U.S. Poison Control Centers, accounting for 206,636 calls. Of these, 120,434 exposures involved children under six who can swallow, or spill cleaners stored or left open inside the home. With no federal regulations on ingredients in household products, the only way we can protect our families is to learn how to read labels ourselves.

Let’s take a look at the top 4 ingredients to avoid and why.

UP FIRST, AND THE BIG ONE, FRAGRANCE!
This first ingredient is a BIG ONE, but it is in just about every household product that we use daily. Synthetic scents or “fragrances” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients, including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as candles, air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.

Let’s talk about fragrance, or parfum or perfume or a million other names ;) This Article shares the dangers of Fragrance. "Synthetic scents or “fragrance” represent an unidentified mixture of ingredients including carcinogens, allergens, respiratory irritants, endocrine disruptors, neurotoxic chemicals, and environmental toxicants. You can find these artificial scents in all kinds of body care and cosmetic products, as well as air fresheners, cleaning materials, and laundry detergents.

In general, there at least 3,000 ingredients that companies could use to form a product’s scent. According to the online “Transparency List” put out by the International Fragrance Association, an industry trade group. It may seem unbelievable, but the FDA does not even require fragrance and cosmetic makers to disclose exactly what they are using to scent products. If companies are using truly natural ingredients, then why be shy? Many will say that their formulas are proprietary, and they don’t want other companies copying them. The FDA website also states how the agency cannot legally require companies to warn about allergens in cosmetics like they do with food.

Are you wondering why companies would continue to use synthetic scents if they’re so bad for our health? The answer is straightforward — they are cheaper. Synthetic scents can be extremely cheap to give everything from shampoo to lotion to candles a desirable scent. Unfortunately, just because you enjoy a scent doesn’t mean it’s good for you." Source - https://draxe.com/health/dangers-synthetic-scents/

PARABENS/PHTHALATES
Parabens are preservatives that mimic estrogen. Found in many cosmetics & personal care items. When combined with heregulin, a growth-promoting substance normally found in breast tissue, the effects are multiplied by 100x, contributing to breast cancer, tumor growth &"moobs" (man boobs). Phthalates are a low-cost endocrine-disrupting chemical that in lab studies has shown to interfere with hormone production in rats and mimic estrogen in human studies. Found in plastic food packaging, lotions, skin moisturizers, fragrance, cleaners, glues, and nail polish.

SLS - SODIUM LAUREL SULFATE
This chemical is used to de-grease car engines. It is also added to some toothpaste, soaps, detergent, skin products... it's in just about everything. It damages the kidneys/liver, teeth, endocrine system, causes hair loss, cataracts, ulcers, major toxicity, headaches, nausea, coughing, congestion, and more.

TRICLOSAN
An antibacterial agent registered as a pesticide by the EPA. Topical absorption has shown disturbances to the endocrine system and is believed to lead to birth defects and uncontrollable cell growth. Found in soaps, deodorants, cosmetics, shave gel, first aid spray, kitchenware, and toys.

While there are many, many other ingredients that you will want to know about, these are my "TOP OFFENDERS." As you go further on this low tox living journey, you will learn about so many more. Remember, "Rome Wasn't Built in A Day," and your journey of learning is just that, a journey.

I have a FUN Spring-Cleaning Challenge...7 Challenges in 10 Days with FANTASTIC info on why you should do them, all for FREEEE and with accountability! Are you ready to join in??? Let’s DO IT!!!






AFFILIATE DISCLAIMER:
I’m a proud affiliate for some of these tools and products that are suggested on this page and throughout my site. Meaning if you click on a product and make a purchase, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you. My recommendations are based on knowledge and experience and I recommend them because they are genuinely useful and helpful, not because of the small commission that I may receive.








Meet Brandi

 
My Story in a Nutshell ðŸ¥œ

Over a decade ago, I began my journey into natural wellness, driven by a desire to live a cleaner, healthier life. From supporting my dad through his cancer journey to finding solutions for my own fertility struggles, improving gut health, and creating a low-tox home, this lifestyle has transformed how I care for myself and my family.

As a stay-at-home mom turned graphic designer, I discovered my purpose in helping entrepreneurs reduce the overwhelm of creating websites and digital assets. It’s truly an honor to be part of their missions, acting as a bridge to help them share their love, light, and message with the world.

My business is growing as I focus on meeting the unique needs of those I serve. Whether it’s through wellness guidance, design services, or customizable templates, I bring my time, heart, and skills to every project, collaborating with you to create meaningful solutions in a simplified way.



How can I help you today?

If you’re looking to elevate your wellness journey, let’s connect on a wellness call to discuss your goals.

If your focus is on growing your business, check out my design services to see how I can bring your vision to life or explore my template shop for ready-made resources that can be tailored to your needs.

Thank you for being here—I’m excited to connect, collaborate, and support you in nourishing your soul, growing your brand, and blessing your family! - xo, Brandi


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