From hand soap to laundry detergent, several products used to dissolve dirt, stain residue, and oils aren’t safe to use around children. Certain solutions feature harmful chemicals that could wreak havoc on children’s health with long-term exposure. Here is a guide to green cleaning products that are safe to use around kids.

5 Green Cleaning Solutions That Won’t Hurt Kids

1. GreenShield Organic™ All-Purpose Cleaner

Designed to remove grime from glass, carpeting, porcelain, and additional surfaces, this multipurpose cleaning solution is USDA-certified organic. The pleasant aroma comes from essential oils instead of phthalates, a chemical compound used to make synthetic fragrances in detergents and shampoos. It can cause early puberty in girls or reproductive concerns later in life.  

2. Molly’s Suds^® All Natural Laundry Powder

Certified cruelty-free, this detergent doesn’t contain borax, a white mineral commonly used in cleaning products that can irritate skin. Instead, the formula includes sodium carbonate, magnesium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, and other earth-friendly ingredients commonly found in the home.

3. Better Life^® Sulfate-Free Dish Soap

When washing dishes by hand, the pungent fragrance of some soaps can be overwhelming to anyone standing nearby. If kids like to help out with chores, the sodium lauryl sulfate contained in some products can also be irritating to the eyes and dry out skin. Better Life dish soap uses plant-based extracts that contain Vitamin E, which removes grime from dishes and helps moisturize skin and keep away free radicals.  

4. Attitude^® Window & Mirror Cleaner

Many products used to remove oily smudges from glass contain ammonia. Although it’s good at dissolving grease and dirt and evaporates quickly to prevent streaking, ammonia also irritates the skin, eyes, and lungs. Mixing the solution with chlorine bleach could create toxic gases, putting anyone nearby in harm’s way. Attitude glass and mirror cleaners are hypoallergenic and don’t contain ammonia, ethoxylated surfactants, and parabens that compromise health.

5. Seventh Generation^® Dishwasher Detergent Packs

If you load up the dishwasher with dirty cups and plates kids use, residue from dyes, artificial brighteners, or synthetic fragrances can get left behind when using chemical-based detergent. Seventh Generation products rely on mineral-based and plant-derived materials to remove stuck-on grime. The pods are placed directly in the dishwasher for easy use. 

If you manage a day care, school, hospital, or another business frequented by children, you can trust the specialists at Marsden Building Maintenance to keep the space clean and organized. The company is known throughout Ramsey County, MN, for its commitment to using green cleaning products and methods to remove dirt and bacteria from surfaces—without causing premature wear. To schedule a commercial cleaning service appointment in St. Paul or the surrounding areas, call (651) 641-1717. Visit the company online to learn more about their green cleaning practices.