ECO CLEANING

Why I Swapped from Toxic Cleaning Products to Eco-Friendly Alternatives

Toxic cleaning product vr happy world

A year ago, I took the plunge and started my own cleaning business, TOUCH OF CLEAN ABERDEEN.

It was a big step, but cleaning has always been a passion of mine there’s something deeply satisfying about transforming a messy space into one that feels fresh, safe, and inviting.

Large cleaning businesses can generate many empty bottles daily :(

But as my business grew and I started using more and more products, something unsettling dawned on me: I was consuming an overwhelming amount of plastic and toxic chemicals. That realisation hit me like a ton of bricks.

I had always assumed that the cleaning products sold in shops, especially the big, well-known brands, were safe. But I started digging deeper, reading labels, researching ingredients, and learning about what I was actually using on a daily basis. What I found was shocking: many of these products posed real risks, not only to the environment, but to my health and the health of my clients. I couldn’t believe that for so many years, I had unknowingly exposed myself and others to harmful substances.

Like many people, I thought that switching from store-bought chemical cleaners to eco-friendly or DIY alternatives would be too difficult, too expensive, or too time-consuming. But the opposite turned out to be true. Not only did I discover many ready-to-use, eco-friendly options on the market, I also found simple, cost-effective DIY recipes that worked just as well... sometimes even better.

In the UK, around 30,000 to 40,000 chemicals are registered for use under the UK REACH regulations. These include substances used across industries like manufacturing, agriculture, and cleaning. But here’s the catch: many of these chemicals, particularly those used in cleaning products, are not individually tested for safety before being sold. This is especially true for ingredients that have been in use for years, or those present in small amounts.

While UK REACH requires manufacturers to register chemicals and submit safety data (SDS), not all ingredients in a cleaning product are tested for long-term impacts on humans or the environment. Some substances are deemed "low concern" simply because they’re used in small amounts or are part of a mixture. That doesn’t mean they’re harmless.

So, is a chemical automatically toxic? No. Everything around us is made of chemicals—even water and oxygen. But some chemicals used in conventional cleaning products are toxic, especially with long-term exposure or at high concentrations. Think bleach, ammonia, formaldehyde, and quaternary ammonium compounds. These substances can pose serious risks.

-Let’s talk about those risks.

There are two categories: acute and chronic. Acute hazards can show up immediately: skin and respiratory irritation, watery eyes, or even chemical burns. Some of the worst offenders include corrosive drain cleaners, acidic toilet bowl cleaners, and oven sprays. Then there are chronic risks, the kind that build over time. Constant exposure to certain cleaning chemicals has been linked to asthma, hormone disruption, organ toxicity, and even cancer.

You might think that simply reading the label helps you avoid the worst. But here’s another shocking truth: cleaning products in the UK are not legally required to list all their ingredients. Full disclosure isn’t mandatory, even for substances linked to serious health concerns. That’s how chemicals like phthalates (known endocrine disruptors), toluene (a neurotoxicant), and 1,4-dioxane (a possible carcinogen banned in the EU) can be hidden in products under vague terms like "fragrance."

Take a look at what’s in your home right now: air fresheners, dish soap, laundry detergent, fabric softeners, deodorants, lotions. Many of these can contain ingredients that would raise red flags if they were actually listed. For example, 1,4-dioxane, often found in ethoxylated alcohols, isn’t even required to appear on labels, yet it’s toxic to organs and likely carcinogenic.

This was a wake-up call for me. As someone who deeply cares about cleanliness, I couldn’t continue using products that might harm the very people I aim to help. That’s when I started making changes. I swapped out the store-bought sprays and detergents for DIY versions made from castile soap, vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils. I also explored eco-friendly brands that are transparent about their ingredients and packaging.

It’s not only healthier for me and my clients, it’s also better for the planet. Less plastic. Fewer toxins down the drain. A smaller carbon footprint. And to my surprise, it’s actually saved me money in the long run.

If you’re thinking about making the switch, I promise: it’s not as hard as it looks. Start small. Replace one product at a time. Learn what’s in the things you use daily. Your lungs, your skin, and your future self will thank you.

-Why clients should choose Touch of Clean Aberdeen.

If you care about the environment and the future, you probably want to avoid harmful chemicals and waste as much as possible. Many cleaning products on the market can trigger allergies, damage indoor air quality, or harm wildlife when washed down the drain. My products are gentle on people and the planet, but strong on dirt, bacteria, and viruses. I never compromise on hygiene or deep sanitisation — I just do it differently. If you value sustainability and health but still want your space truly clean, I’m here to help.

-Reusing Old Cleaner Containers

One of the easiest steps toward a zero waste lifestyle is rethinking what we throw away—especially when it comes to cleaning product containers. Instead of tossing them in the bin or even the recycling, many can be reused in creative, practical ways that save money and reduce plastic waste.

Spray bottles are incredibly versatile. Once rinsed thoroughly, they can be refilled with DIY cleaning solutions made from ingredients like vinegar, lemon juice, and essential oils. You can also use them for plant misters, homemade air fresheners, or even hair detangling sprays.

Pump bottles, such as those from hand soap or dishwashing liquid, are perfect for homemade liquid soap, lotion, or hand sanitizer. A cleaned pump bottle can also be used in the kitchen for dispensing cooking oil or diluted castile soap for dishes.

Toilet bowl cleaner bottles (with their angled neck) are excellent for refilling with natural toilet cleaners like vinegar and baking soda mixes. Just be sure to label them clearly and store safely away from children and pets.

Laundry detergent bottles can be repurposed to store homemade laundry liquid, fabric softener, or even as watering cans for your garden. The built-in handles make them easy to carry and pour.

Dishwasher powder containers—often made with durable plastic or cardboard—can be reused to store bulk ingredients like baking soda, washing soda, or citric acid. They're also great for organizing small tools or screws in your cleaning or utility cupboard.

And beyond these, here are a few more container ideas to reuse:

• Glass cleaner bottles: Ideal for refilling with alcohol-based DIY sanitizers.

• Wet wipe tubs: Great for homemade reusable wipes or cloths.

• Air freshener spray bottles: Refill with essential oil mists.

By reusing these containers, we reduce the demand for new plastic, save money, and keep usable items out of landfills. It’s a small act—but multiplied over time and across many households, it becomes a powerful habit for a cleaner planet.

Start with one bottle today—you’ll be surprised how easy and satisfying it feels to give waste a second life.

When Buying Cleaning Ingredients

That said, reusing is only one part of the solution. When purchasing new products, it's important to shop consciously. Not all eco-friendly options are available everywhere, but it’s always worth checking for products with sustainable or minimal packaging—ideally made from glass, metal, or biodegradable materials. Better still, buy in bulk when possible, or visit local refill shops where you can top up your bottles without generating extra waste. These choices help reduce the demand for single-use plastic and lower your environmental impact.

When trying to reduce packaging waste in your cleaning routine, here are the key steps to follow:

1. Choose Package-Free Options FirstThe best option is to find ingredients without any packaging—like lemons, coffee grounds, or wood ash. Bulk stores are ideal, where you can refill your own jars with items like vinegar, baking soda, or citric acid.

2. Consider DIY AlternativesIf package-free isn’t available, ask yourself if you can make the product at home. For example, make your own vinegar or scrubbers using old materials like socks or food scraps.

3. Prefer Glass ContainersGlass is endlessly recyclable and doesn’t leach harmful substances. If choosing between a plastic or glass container, always go with glass if possible.

4. Opt for Paper/Cardboard PackagingIf glass isn’t available, paper or cardboard is better than plastic. It’s more easily recyclable and biodegradable—though not all paper types are eco-friendly, so choose wisely.

5. If Plastic Is UnavoidableSometimes, plastic is the only option. In that case, buy in the largest quantity available to reduce waste and try to reuse or recycle the container. Look for brands with less harmful products, even if they come in plastic.

6. Be Flexible and ForgivingZero waste living isn’t about perfection. If you can't find the best option, make the most conscious decision you can. Ask local producers to avoid packaging when possible, and always try to reduce plastic wherever you can.

-The Hidden Truth About Plastic Recycling

Recycling plastic seems like a good solution—but it’s far from perfect. While plastic can be recycled, the process uses a lot of energy, water, and chemicals, and it’s not endlessly repeatable. After a few cycles, plastic breaks down and can no longer be reused.

Not all plastics are recyclable either. Many types, especially if they’re dirty or mixed with other materials, end up in landfills anyway. And even when recycling works, it doesn’t solve the real problem: we’re using too much plastic.

So yes, recycle when you can—but the better choice is to reduce plastic use, reuse containers, and choose eco-friendly packaging when possible.

WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW, AND I'M SURE YOU'LL START MALING A CHANGE TODAY!

Do you know how long it takes for a plastic ........... ???

Your health is worth it. And so is the planet.