Non-Toxic Cleaning Products That Get the Job Done

You likely assume that cleaning your house is a safe undertaking. As with harmful sunscreens, sneaky additives in supplements and vitamins, and pesticides in food, popular cleaning products, though well-intentioned, may contain ingredients that do more harm than good. It’s important that you learn to recognize the products, and perhaps even ingredients that are harmful, so you can clean up safely without exposing you, your family and the environment to toxicity that undermines your efforts to clean and sanitize. There are many harmful toxins in most run-of-the-mill cleaning products, but many consumers opt for them out of concern that non-toxic cleaners won’t clean as effectively. We understand that life is messy and you need products that work. Kids inevitably make spills, and your adorable new puppy is likely to have an accident (or two, or three) on the carpet. Our team’s collective research and testing, combined client feedback, have helped us find brands that are as effective as they are safe. In fact, we’ve found safe cleaning products that are even more effective than conventional products! More on that below…

In line with our ethos, we only carry products that are non-harmful and ethically produced. At Rebecca’s, we’re fans of the brand Unique. We carry many of their top of the line products and have you covered from the carpet to the bathroom. Unique products that we carry include: Degreaser, Super Digest-it, Complete Cleaner, Carpet Shampoo and Spot Remover, Pet Odor and Stain Remover, Skunk Odor Eliminator, Safe Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Wine Stain Eater, and their Septic System Digester (liquid, pods, and puck). In other words, everything and the kitchen sink. 

What makes them effective?

The products we carry are not only safe but highly effective. Unique’s special formula uses bacteria and enzymes to produce a sparkling clean, residue-free effect. “But wait, bacteria,” you may be thinking, “don’t I want to kill the bacteria lurking in my house?!” It turns out that bacteria and enzymes have a potent effect. While many formulas only use enzymes, bacteria creates enzymes when it reproduces. Said “enzymes then break down more complex molecules into something the bacteria can eat and completely eliminate,” explains Unique. The duo easily eliminates stains and odors in a process that is completely natural and serves as an amazing example of biomimicry put to intelligent work. Of course, these products utilize bacteria and enzymes that are non-harmful and healthy. Together, they essentially biodegrade your dirt. Unique’s formulations essentially mimic nature’s natural cleaning techniques. 

What makes a cleaning product safe?

Unique’s cleaning products are formulated with the aim of protecting your family and the environment. Safe cleaning products, in general, should not pollute air or water, harm plants, harm your family and pets, contain caustic or other harsh chemicals, harm your surfaces, or leave a trace or residue. 

If you’re not located near our store, or, god forbid ( ; -) ) unable to shop at Rebecca’s while in Charlottesville, here is a list of chemicals to avoid in cleaning products:

  • Phthalates. Found in many fragranced household products, such as air fresheners, dish soap, even toilet paper.
  • Perchloroethylene or “PERC” 
  • Triclosan
  • Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS” 
  • 2-Butoxyethanol
  • Ammonia
  • Chlorine
  • Sodium Hydroxide

While many of these ingredients “get the job done” quickly, they’re not worth the harm they cause. These toxic additives are linked to many health problems and also pose a threat to the environment, as they often end up in water runoff from drains.

DIY safe cleaning products

 You may opt to experiment with DIY products. There are many different recipes which include products made from baking soda, various types of vinegar, and essential oils. If you’re interested in making your own cleaning products, come see us to discuss the basic ingredients, which we carry in-store.

As always, come see us at Rebecca’s if you have any questions about safe cleaning products!