How to Read a Label: Spotting Truly Non-Toxic Cleaners

Walk down any cleaning aisle and you’ll see words like “natural,” “eco-friendly,” and “green” plastered across bottles. But don’t be fooled — many of these products still contain harsh chemicals that can harm your health, pets, and the environment. If you want a truly safe, non-toxic cleaner, you need to know how to read the label.

In this post, we’ll show you what to look for, what to avoid, and how to spot greenwashing so you can make smart, informed choices for your home.

1. Beware of Greenwashing

Terms like “natural,” “plant-based,” or “biodegradable” aren't regulated by the FDA or EPA, so companies can use them freely — even if their products contain harmful ingredients. This deceptive marketing tactic is known as greenwashing.

✅ Look for certifications like:

• EPA Safer Choice

• EWG Verified

• Leaping Bunny (cruelty-free)These third-party labels help verify that a product meets actual non-toxic and environmental standards.

2. Ingredients You Want to Avoid

Some red flags on a label include:

• Fragrance / Parfum (can hide dozens of undisclosed chemicals)

• Ammonia

• Chlorine bleach

• Formaldehyde

• Phthalates

• Triclosan

• 2-butoxyethanol

These ingredients are commonly linked to skin irritation, hormone disruption, respiratory issues, and environmental harm.

3. What to Look for Instead

Look for clear, transparent ingredient lists that include:

• Essential oils (e.g. lavender, lemon, eucalyptus)

• Vinegar

• Baking soda

• Castile soap

• Plant-based surfactants like decyl glucoside or coco-glucoside

If you can pronounce it and recognize it, you’re off to a good start.

4. Skip the “Proprietary Blend” Excuse

If a product doesn’t disclose its full ingredients — or hides behind “proprietary blend” language — it’s a red flag. Truly safe products are proud to list every ingredient, in full.

5. Use Online Tools to Verify

Still unsure? Use trusted resources like:

• EWG’s Guide to Healthy Cleaning

• Think Dirty App

• Made Safe Certification Directory

These tools help you quickly check toxicity ratings and get detailed insights about specific cleaning products.

Choose Transparency, Choose Safety

At Clean and Green, we only use fully transparent, non-toxic, organic cleaning products — because your health and peace of mind matter. Every ingredient we use is safe for humans, pets, and the planet.

Want a clean home without the chemicals?Book your first organic cleaning today and breathe easy knowing exactly what’s in our bottles.