Why I Ditched Conventional Cleaners (and What I Use Instead)
Hey love,
Your low-tox life just got a major glow-up.
If you’ve been following my low-tox living journey, you already know: we don’t gatekeep the good stuff here. We’re talking radiant skin, balanced hormones, and homes that smell like lemon and lavender (not lab chemicals).
So today, we’re getting real about something that touches every corner of our home and health: cleaning products. Yup—your laundry detergent, your dishwasher pods, and those so-called “fresh” sprays might be doing more harm than good.
Let’s talk science, swaps, and what’s trending in the world of clean girl, low-tox energy.
🚨 The Problem with Traditional Cleaning Products
(It’s giving hormone disruption + hidden toxicity…)
Most mainstream cleaners are filled with:
VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds): Linked to respiratory issues, headaches, and indoor air pollution.
→ EWG study confirms VOC exposure risksPhthalates & Synthetic Fragrances: Found in “scented” sprays + detergents. These are known endocrine disruptors that can mess with your hormones, fertility, and skin.
→ ScienceDirect backs this upCarcinogenic Chemicals: Harsh surfactants + preservatives that may be linked to cancer and chronic inflammation.
Translation: These “cleaners” are making your home—and your body—anything but clean. 🧪🚫
🫧 3 Household Swaps That Changed My Low-Tox Life
1. Conventional Laundry Detergent → Branch Basics Laundry Detergent
Mainstream laundry detergents = petrochemicals + preservatives + “fresh linen” fragrance (aka code for phthalates 🙅♀️).
👕 What I use instead: I’ve switched to Branch Basics Laundry Detergent. It's plant and mineral-based, fragrance-free, and free from harmful chemicals like sulfates, chlorine, and phthalates. Plus, it's biodegradable and safe for sensitive skin.
2. Dishwasher Pods → Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets
Dishwasher pods might look clean, but most are wrapped in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)—a plastic polymer that doesn’t fully break down in water.
💧 My swap: I use Branch Basics Dishwasher Tablets. They're PVA-free, biodegradable, and made without plastic film, ensuring no microplastics are left in our water supply.
3. All-Purpose Sprays → DIY Low-Tox Cleaning Spray
Store-bought “fresh scent” sprays are usually filled with synthetic fragrances that disrupt hormones and inflame skin.
🌸 My glow-up: I’ve made my own cleaner with:
White vinegar
Filtered water
A few drops of essential oil (like lemon, thyme, or tea tree)
It’s ✨clean girl meets cottagecore✨ and your lungs will thank you.
🌿 Why Low-Tox Living Is Trending (and Why It's Here to Stay)
More women are waking up to what’s in their cabinets—and choosing low-tox living as a lifestyle, not a trend.
We’re talking:
Skin that glows from reduced toxic load
Balanced hormones
Better sleep
Happier microbiomes
And that ✨clean, cozy, peace-of-mind feeling✨ of knowing your home isn’t secretly stressing your body out
If you’re into the “clean girl aesthetic,” know that it starts at home—not just your skincare shelf.
🌱 Start Your Own Gentle Detox
You don’t have to overhaul your whole house overnight. Start with the next thing you run out of. When your detergent is empty—replace it with a better one. When your all-purpose spray goes dry—try mixing your own.
And if no one’s told you lately: you don’t need to be perfect to be radiant. 💫
📌 Pin This for Later (or send to your clean girl bestie):
The ultimate low-tox cleaning swap list:
Low-tox laundry detergent
Microplastic-free dishwasher pods
Essential oil-based DIY spray
No-VOC surface cleaners
PVA-free dish tablets
Refillable glass cleaner bottles
Keep your glow sacred,
Ema ✨
if you want to further detox that kitchen, check out → my Low-Tox Kitchen Reset
And if you’re ready to take detoxing to the next level → check out my Digital Detox Post
