What are “Clean Products” and why does it matter?

What does clean mean? When used as an adjective it is “free from dirt, marks, or stains.”

We clean our houses, our bodies, and our clothes. Interestingly, the things that we use to clean are sometimes considered “not clean”. WHAT?! Let me explain. In order to remove dirt, marks and stains we often need more than just water. This is where things get murky. While some of the compounds that are added to our “cleaning” products do remove dirt, marks and stains very effectively, they may impact us in other ways that are not helpful for our health. Products that are free from harmful and potentially harmful chemicals are considered “clean” products.

As a health coach (and woman, and mom, and wife, and inhabitant of planet earth), I care about clean products for my home and personal care for several reasons. Many of the chemicals used in cleaning and personal care products are highly likely to be endocrine disruptors that affect a range of things from sex hormones, to the thyroid, to stress hormones. There are even some that are potential carcinogens. In addition to that, many chemicals are allergens that can cause skin irritation, headaches and respiratory issues. For most people, small doses of these won’t make a difference (although some people do notice immediate allergic reactions). However, when we think about our cleaning products, personal care products, laundry products in addition to the chemicals used on yards, in the environment, and in our food and food packaging it starts to make sense that the exposure we are having can add up.

I’m not a numbers person, but here is some food for thought – the US bans 11 ingredients from personal care products. The United Kingdom bans 1300 ingredients that are considered potentially harmful. Being informed about what is in our products and making choices based on that can make a difference in our health.

Where to start? Pick one or two things and start there.

1. Taking shoes off at the door is a simple way to start decreasing pollutants and chemicals in our homes.

2. Swap dryer sheets for wool dryer balls. You will miss the scent for a little while but I promise you once you get used to not having it you will realize how much better you feel without those chemicals in your respiratory tract, on your skin, and impacting your hormones.

3. Look at your cleaning products. There are some great, effective cleaning products that don’t require chemicals. Norwex, Seventh Generation, Vinegar and Baking Soda are some of my favorites.

4. Look at your skin care. Skin is our largest organ – what you put on your skin is definitely absorbed in to your body. The Environmental Working Group Healthy Living app can help you look at your personal care products (and cleaning products) to determine if there are chemicals of concern present. I love Beauty Counter for their effective personal care products.

5. Add House Plants. Plants are a gorgeous and powerful way to clean our air and remove contaminants. Find a local garden shop and chat with someone there about the best plants for you.

What sounds doable to you to swap out this month? What are you already doing to decrease your exposure to harmful chemicals? Want to chat more? Reach out! I would love to help you make a plan or answer questions.